Reunions: five bands we want to reform and five we don’t
Nothing lasts forever. A sad truth that none of us want to accept, especially when it comes to the music we love. Music is arguably unlike any other art form, possessing that uncanny ability to embody an entire nation’s state of mind, a cultural uprising and perhaps most significantly an individual’s emotional identity.
When we discover an act that speaks to us we latch on like there’s no tomorrow only to be crushed by that inevitable day when they disband and the members go their separate ways. But that’s not always the end of the story.
If history serves as a precedent you will often see bands reform at the allure of big money pay-offs. Simon and Garfunkel, Black Sabbath and, most impressively, Take That are just some of the acts that made strides in making a comeback selling out arenas worldwide.
Unfortunately not every band reunion can gain the same level of success, perhaps best epitomised through the woefully desperate ITV show The Big Reunion, which featured acts like Atomic Kitten, Blue and 911.
Still, there’s always a chance that one of our favourite acts from our youth will someday reform and take the world by storm. With that said, here’s a breakdown of the five top acts we’d like to see reform and the five acts we’d otherwise like to stay away forever.
Bands we’d love to see together again:
N.W.A
One of the most influential groups of the past 25 years and the godfathers of gangsta rap, a reunion of this magnitude would wipe the floor with the current hip-hop scene. With the group’s movie set for release in 2015, the chances of a reunion are looking good; an exciting time for young audiences yet to witness the power of street knowledge.
Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Okay, so they’ve not technically split up, but the band has seriously lost their stride with the departure of long time guitarist John Frusciante back in 2009. Their most recent effort I’m with You failed to turn the heads of even die-hard fans when compared to the critically acclaimed Stadium Arcadium. With all the members still on good terms, the likelihood of a full band reunion is still on the table for what may be the bands last run.
Led Zeppelin
A name that often tops lists such as this and understandably so. We’re all aware of the groups thievery when it comes to writing music but not many of us would pass on an opportunity to see one of the staples of rock in action one last time. The bands last performance in 2007 was a roaring success, however difficulties amongst certain members indicate it may have been the last.
Rage Against the Machine
A top-billing act that quit before their time was up. Not much is known as to why these politically charged rockers are no longer going but fan interest remains intact and hungrier than ever. Perhaps another anti-corporate No.1 campaign will see the four regroup some time in the future?
Guns ‘N’ Roses
We were so close. 2012 saw GNR inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame where many believed the World’s Most Dangerous Band would find some common ground and rekindle the magic of 1987. But it just wasn’t meant to be with the bands own civil war pretty much cementing the death of one of music’s most iconic acts. Still, we can dream.
Bands we’d hate to see reform:
The Police
When your butler is bringing you out cups of tea during your set you know it’s time to hang up the guitars. The only positive concept even thinkable to come from a reunion would be the end of Sting’s dreadfully pompous ukulele sets.
The White Stripes
This one isn’t so much not wanting Jack and Meg to reunite but more why bother? Both seem at peace with their current situations with Jack especially making waves as a solo artist fronting the blues/rock revival. Not to say they will never perform again but why rock the boat any time soon?
Queen
Obviously a full reunion is impossible but Brian May and Roger Taylor have taken the Queen legacy as far as it can go and then royally buggered it by indiscriminately casting it off to any flash-in-the-pan act or corporate event. Both need to take a page from John Deacon’s book and know when to bow out.
The Smiths
For all of Morrisey’s pathetic attempts to appear controversial in the media, his only real achievement is establishing himself as a truly arrogant and self-righteous individual. His arguments against the big record labels only to then sign with Universal just goes to show what a desperately needy and attention-seeking man he is. Any form of positive attention (i.e. a Smiths reunion) would be criminal.
Oasis
Oasis are a smear on the industry and nothing more than an embarrassment to music as an entire art form. With zero class or humility, they stole from the greats and had the gall to call them “has-beens”. Fortunately the hatred between the group has essentially shattered any chance of a full-scale reunion. Good.
Jack Hill
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