Is it just me or does it seem as though a lot of bands/artists from the 70's and 80's are once again hitting the comeback trail? This is a double-edged sword in my book. Certainly there are several bands that I would give my right arm to see live [i]just one more time. [/i] And the list of bands who I would love to see release just one additional CD is indeed long as well. However, the fact is that, in my experience, these reunions never live up to the expectations set forth by fans and/or critics. As evidence of this trend towards retro reunions here are some much hyped comebacks that you'll be sure to want to pencil in on your calendars:
Yes... that's right, former [url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/en...]Abba blonde bomshell[/url] Agnetha Faltskog (say that three times fast) is clawing her way out of obscurity and back into the limelight with her first release in 17 years.
One of indie-music's most influential bands, [url=http://www.nme.com/news/10807...]The Pixies[/url] are back together for a series of albums and a comeback tour. The press surrounding both is massive.
Former Smith's frontman [url=http://www.nme.com/news/10827...]Morrissey[/url] has begun a series of comeback shows and is working on a new album -- although I don't think a release date has been issued yet. However, all you carnivores out there will have to leave your[url=http://www.nme.com/news/10795...] sides of beef [/url] at the door, as Morrissey has apparently decided to ban the sale of meat at all venues at which he will appear.
[url=http://www.billboard.com/bb/d...]Simon and Garfunkle[/url] are apparently hitting the road together for 15 shows that are sure to sell out in record time. However, I wouldn't get too excited. You won't be able to afford the tickets.
After a rather sour (har!) split in 1997, it looks like [url=http://www.nme.com/news/10822...]The Lemonheads[/url] may be getting back together for a series of concert dates in the near future.
And in a comeback of a different color, it looks like George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley are planning to reunite in order to produce (I swear I am not making this up) [url=http://www.nme.com/news/10795...]"WHAM ~ The Musical."[/url] Did these boys learn nothing from [url=http://www.tabootheshow.com/]Boy George??[/url] All I can do is shake my head.
Personally, I blame VH-1 for all of this. Their new show [url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/...]"Bands Reunited"[/url] is giving some bands the wrong impression that, even after many, many years away from the music scene, they can relive their former success. Don't get me wrong... I love watching these bands come together to laugh, cry and lament their former hairdo's, but the idea that bands like A Flock of Seagulls, The Edge or Frankie Goes to Hollywood can get back together and (re)conquer the world is just plain silly.
I think this speaks to the fact that there is an element that goes along with musical success that few people speak of, that element being timing. It takes more than just a talented group of musicians getting together and making good music. Timing is a key factor in a band/artist making it big. Not only must the players involved possess the ability to create world ready music, but the world must in fact be ready to embrace their creations. Would the Beatles have been as successful if they'd been born just a decade or two earlier? It's hard to say. But I think it's pretty clear that while talent may be crucial for longevity, timing is an essential ingredient in the recipe for initial success.
Anyhow, it looks like quite a few bands are going to tempt fate in search of another 15 minutes of fame. I wish them all the best of luck. And I'll keep my eyes peeled for Guns and Roses ~ The Musical! :)
Wow...::thinking back on the 80's:: I know what you mean about the timing aspect...but wouldn't it be so cool to see some of those bands back together? I can't imagine what the new music would sound like, but I'd love to see some of those bands perform some of their greatest hits live...like say, Siouxsie And The Banshees or The Cure.
Reply to: juniperflux
Hell yeah. I'd pay big dollars to see them back together. I imagine it would suck if they flopped but it'd still be fun. I can't wait to hear the new Cure album. Wow...Robert Smith is pure fucken unadulterated genius. The Disentegration tour was the best ever!
