Entertainment For Lively Minds
The comebacks that worked (and those that didn't)
I may be wrong, but I suspect the general consensus around these here parts is that - all things being equal - bands reforming and touring (and/or recording) years after splitting up is generally a bad thing.
So are there any reformations that have worked?
Oh, I think so.
Firstly I give you Magazine. Not seen or heard of for many years, then suddenly back on the circuit in 2009. I saw them twice, at Manchester Academy and at Latitude, and I think they got it just right.
Original band members - as many as they could get together from the 'classic' lineup with the obvious exception of John McGeoch.
Replacement band members - Noko proving to be an excellent replacement for the irreplaceable.
Setlist - included plenty of the familiar, with some notable obscurities for the diehards. Safe, but not too safe. Oh, and no tracks from our 'new' album either.
Finally band members pretty much acting their age, not pretending to be twenty-five again. Some self-deprecating humour from Howard Devoto - not a failed attempt at recreating the 'angry' Devoto of 1979.
So - Magazine - a successful (and artistically worthwhile) comeback as far as I am concerned.
Any others? And which comebacks should just never have happened?
I throw the floor open to the Massive.
- More from Paul Waring.
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The Go Betweens
came back with three of their best albums
one comeback that shouldn't happen ? Spandau Ballet
isn't Gold all the Spandau you ever needed ?
Dunno
I've no intention of going & seeing Spandau when they hit Belfast, but the free download on their website of the re-recording of "Only When You Leave" is genuinely lovely.
Gang of Four
Witnessed the reformed Gang Of Four a few years back in Bristol. A band i'd not been priveliged to see "first time around" Absolutely spellbinding. Even the F.P.O. enjoyed the gig, which is a rarity.
I was at that one as well - it was brilliant!
That microwave took some stick
I thought The Magic Band were amazing as well around the same time at the fleece.
Take That's second coming has been both successful and well regarded. Ditto My Bloody Valentine - although that has permanently damaged my hearing.
I thought that the Blur gig I went to in Hyde Park was strangely unmoving. Maybe because this was the first occasion that it was my generations nostalgia and I'd seen them first time around.
Absolutely
Their subsequent appearance on Later seemed a bit tame by comparison - that's the value of actually being there, I guess.
New York Dolls, and The Stooges
I saw the New York Dolls in Glasgow twice in recent years : two of the most joyous, life-affirming, great rock and roll shows I have ever been at.
I also saw The Stooges at Hammersmith playing Fun House. Another fantastic gig, full of fire and joy.
So that's a couple that work : I was too young to see either band first time around, so I have no way of comparing if they were better then than now, but having been at many gigs I would put the Stooges show and the second Dolls show in my Top Ten.
Blondie
When they first returned (98?) and delivered that superb single "Maria". Debbie Harry could still move and sing, Clem Burke still the best drummer this side of Keith Moon and Chris Stein on top form enjoying themselves. The live shows were tighter than a gnats behind and boy, were they having fun!
However, they're still going. To ever diminishing crowds, going through the motions and look like its all a chore....sad really.
The Go' Go's were similar when they came back with the tour and "Whole World's Lost It's Head". Really exhilarating. Carlisle in top form before going bonkers and knowing when to get out.
Take That
What a success story. And show no signs of going away. Robbie is a different matter.
Boyzone and Kajagoogoo reunions have been roundly ignored, but the Spandau Ballet powerhouse has taken everyone by surprise.
the comebacks
went to see Mott The Hoople the other night and they went down astorm.
I dont think ive ever sat in a more affectionate audience..they were obviously missed a great deal..they were still agreat band too..Hunter was excellent with his voice very much intact..Mick Ralphs was a bit stiff and with the weakest vocals imaginable,but really enjoyed them..oh and Buffin didnt play,hes not very well..hopefully tho this was a one off as it would be hard to imagine them sustaining it
would love to see a one off with Gabriel and Genesis
just Suppers Ready would do me!!
Gabriel and Genesis
have already done the one-off reformation. It rained but they did do Supper's Ready.
I suspect if it ever happened again, Gabriel would want to do The Lamb or nothing.
Gabriel & Genesis
It was a staggering 27 years ago plus 1 week. I was there.
Rehearsal tapes are now available if you look around on the web; quality is apparently better than those from the gig, although that isn't saying much.
Oooo I have a couple of versions of the gig
but I'll definitely get the rehearsal tapes. Thanks :-)
I feel soooo old now
I was there as well, transfixed and oblivious to the rain (and poor sound).
Went to the first WOMAD too, which was the most amazing musical experience I'd ever had and luckily for us, was the cause of the one-off reformed gig (to avoid Gabriel being declared bankrupt, I believe).
Led Zeppelin...
got it absolutely spot on. One show, plenty of rehearsal time, stunning success. The fact that Robert Plant didn't want to tour made it even more perfect.
I bet
did they ever release a DVD of the show?
No, but...
No, but IIRC perfectly watchable versions made up from different phone footage are available.
Three Friends
Early Gentle Giant members and friends have reformed as Three Friends and are going down a storm in progressive rock circles.
New Order
Despite some naysayers, and the lack of Gillian, this is still one of the best things they ever did.
Good call
I'd go for the Pixies. Saw one of the Brixton shows when they did their first comeback tours and they were fantastic. One song straight into another. All the tunes you'd want to hear.
On the not working side. An obvious one but I'd have to say the Velvet Underground. Saw them at Glastonbury in 92, Lou in a generally shite mood, buggering around with the phrasing of all the lyrics and generally being an arse.
Brief highlights. Moe's rendition if After Hours, and John Cale doing a great version of All Tomorrows Parties. Unfortunately the positive reaction from the crowd seemed to wind up Lou even more...
BLUR
Always a welcome addition. Shame they aren't doing anything else for a while. Oh well. At least its a possibility for the future.
The Verve
comeback seemed to fizzle away to nothing fairly quickly...
Throbbing Gristle
Better live now than any of their records originally. In fact I'd go as far as to say it was the best gig I've ever seen.
Buzzcocks
and Wire both original '76/'77 Roxy era punk bands managed to get back without any shame, releasing some excellent new material.
I was going to say The Stranglers have finally got a decent singer and released one of their best albums since The Raven - but not sure if they have really ever split up though. Madness too, did they ever split up as such?
New York Dolls and Stooges worked for me but the Velvets didn't.
Psychedelic Furs were pretty poor but mainly as they insisted on having this godawful keyboard player smothering everything in 80's style synths.
Agree about the Go-Go's, I saw them live at a comeback gig at the Shepherds Bush Empire and it was just amazing - they've also released a pretty decent album since getting back together.
Pixies were probably the best though - I saw them at some of their earliest gigs in the UK and must say that their first comeback shows were just awesome (can I say that?). The power and energy, a whole audience transfixed.
The Eagles & Fleetwood Mac
might be tarred with the "west coast easy listening" brush (wrongly, in my book) but both have been excellent since coming back. Both bands seem to have realised that however good some of their solo work is, and I bow to no one in my appreciation of Don Henley and Lindsey Buckingham, the back catalogue + the best of the solo bits + the chemistry that made them so good in the first place is a pretty unbeatable combination.
The Bangles etc
I enjoyed The Police gig a couple of years ago in Hyde Park. Yeah, the Bangles were there and I spent most of the gig ogling Suzanna Hoffs' legs. That's what I call a comeback.
Saw Deep Purple Mk II when they "came back" in the 1980s. I used to think Ritchie Blackmore was The Messiah in those days.
Iggy and the Stooges - so glad I saw them before poor Ron Asheton passed way.
I heard recently that Les McEwan and the Bay City Rollers will be part of some mid 70s pop comeback tour next summer with The Osmonds and David Essex. Another indication that the country really is going to the dogs!
The subject of a whole other thread perhaps - were pretty pop boy bands better or worse in the 70s than they are now?
The Chams
all this way and now a mention for the mighty Chameleons who went away then came back with the album Why Call It Anything?, as strong as anything they'd ever done.
Good to see the bass player/lead singer and drummer are doing the rounds with a Chams set, support on the Comsat Angels winter tour.
a dreadfully underrated band, why weren't they feckin' stars!?
Funnily enough
I've only just discovered The Chameleons, I can't believe I missed out on them first time round.
Good Man!
should you need any gaps in your Chameleon collection filling, I know a man who could...
Pink Floyd
at that G thing. Distinguished elder gentlemen not trying to hide the embarrassment of getting old.
Of course, their music lends itself better to being played by 60 somethings than the Stones.
the body language
at the end was cringe worthy but fair play to them and thanks for a wonderful set
The Electric Prunes
Reformed and toured after a brief hiatus of about 40 years. I saw them at the RFH; it was excellent.
The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band
Saw them on the 40th anniversary tour a couple of years back, and it is far and away my favourite gig.
Retired men, old enough to know better doing a selection of intensely silly things to music. More like a psychedelic panto than a concert, and such a genuinely good atmosphere from the audience.
My perfect night out