Most of the time, when a band member quits an extremely popular band, we usually don't hear much about them after that. Only a small fraction of those who decide to start a solo career after manage to make it big. Here's some exceptions to the rule. Some of these artists made solo careers that are as big, if not even bigger, then the famous bands they played in:

Don Henley (Eagles)

Known for: 'The Boys of Summer' (1984)

Don Henley was perhaps the most successful of his band mates in his endeavors with a solo project, though Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh also did well on their own. His most popular song 'The Boys of Summer' is a summer soundtrack classic. It's upbeat and California-tinged sound makes it timeless, as it is still being enjoyed today. When the Eagles reunited in 1994, they began playing Don's song together at their shows. It is a staple in their recent setlists making appearances in almost every setlist of 2012.

Paul McCartney (The Beatles)

Known for: 'Maybe I'm Amazed' (1970)

McCartney began his solo career after The Beatles disbanded in 1970 and has been working non-stop since. Along with Phil Collins and Michael Jackson, McCartney is is one of the three people to sell over 100 million albums in his solo career and in a band in which he was a principle member of. His debut album, McCartney, was successful and contained standout track 'Maybe I'm Amazed' which he wrote for his wife Linda. On the album aside from a vocal contributions from Linda, Paul performed everything else.

John Lennon (The Beatles)

Known for: 'Imagine' (1971)

Considered by an staggering amount of critics to be one of the best songs of all time, John Lennon's 'Imagine' was inspired by a poem that his wife, Yoko Ono, wrote for her book. Sales for the album of the same name topped charts all over the world and the album re-entered the charts when it's sales surged after John Lennon had died. Paul McCartney spoke positively of the album, and George Harrison actually performed some of the instrumental work on the album. The album is his second release after the 'John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band' release, and he continued to release albums until 1986, including the critically acclaimed 'Double Fantasy' which he made with Yoko and released in 1980.

Phil Collins (Genesis)

Known for: 'In the Air Tonight' (1981)

One of the two member of Genesis to prosper from a successful solo career, drummer Phil Collins released many solo albums during his time in Genesis. Originally only the drummer, Collins took over lead vocal duty as well after Peter Gabriel's departure in 1975. Collins is one of only 3 artists who have sold 100 million albums as a solo artist and as a principle member of a band, the other two being Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson.

Peter Gabriel (Genesis)

Known for: 'Solsbury Hill' (1977)

Peter Gabriel departed from Genesis in 1975 and hasn't looked back, likely because his solo career has proved successful. He is the second member of Genesis to have an extremely successful solo career, Gabriel has released many albums and is still performing today.

Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac)

Known for: 'Edge of Seventeen' (1982)

Like Phil Collins, Stevie Nicks maintained a solo career while spending time in a successful band. She released her first album 'Bella Donna' six years after the landmark release of Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours'. She managed to produce many hits in both bands. Stevie is still working on her solo career and singing in Fleetwood Mac.

Sting (The Police)

Known for: 'If You Love Somebody Set Them Free' (1985)

After The Police went on hiatus in 1983, Sting began working on his solo career and released his first solo album 'The Dream of the Blue Turtles' in 1985. The Police briefly reunited to begin work on another album, but it was clear at that point that the band was no longer something they could pursue. Sting's solo career has been ongoing from the end of The Police until today. It's also spawned many successful singles. Sting also reunited for a world tour with his bandmates in The Police for a world tour in 2007, but as of 2008, the band has disbanded once more.