Musical groups coming back after a breakup and/or long hiatus has been quite common in recent years. Pixies, My Bloody Valentine, The Spice Girls, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Blondie… and the list goes on.After four long years the punk world is abuzz as rockers Blink 182 confirmed rumors of a reunion tour at the 2009 Grammy Award Show. Blink, was originally composed of Tom DeLonge (vocals, guitar), Mark Hoppus (vocals, bass) and Scott Raynor (drums). In 1998, midway through a U.S. tour, drummer Travis Barker replaced Raynor. DeLonge left the group in early 2005, initiating an indefinite hiatus. DeLonge went on to form Angels & Airwaves, while Hoppus and Barker continued playing music with +44. On February 8, 2009, Blink-182 announced that they had reunited and they’re back to play music again.
It’s understandable that devoted fans are undoubtedly overjoyed when they get word that “the band’s getting back together.” One Ubyssey editor actually cried tears of happiness upon learning of Blink’s reunion. But perhaps we should be wary of getting our hopes up.
In many cases, bands fail when they try to return. Van Halen’s reunion in 2003 was marred by Eddie’s alcohol issues, and viewed by some as largely a money grab. Guns N’Roses ten years in production Chinese Democracy was a commercial flop, being outsold by Taylor Swift’s Fearless.
On the other hand, the return of The Spice Girls reunion tour was quite successful; the majority of their shows completely sold out. However, concertgoers at their Vancouver show reported that the majority of the audience was only interested in hearing their old songs, taking bathroom breaks when newer material was performed. In many cases, “comeback” bands operate primarily on the strength of nostalgia.
No band lasts forever. The life of touring takes a toll, what with all the sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Members get old and burnt out. Interpersonal conflicts and in-fighting break up groups. And when bands try to get back together while still harbouring unresolved issues, the result can be disastrous. Comeback tours are often disappointing failures instead of the triumphant returns they are supposed to be.
That said, some of us are still hoping that Blink 182, at least, will “stay together for the kids,” and that fans will be earnestly chanting for their shows to last “forever, and ever/let’s make this last forever.”
BLINK 182 Grammy 2009
This was the Blink 182 Grammys video
