Reunion Tours in the Music Industry: Ten Cautionary Tales of Bands Who Tried and Failed
Reunion tours in the music industry can be a tricky business, as many bands have experienced. Oasis, The Verve, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Cocteau Twins, and others have faced challenges when attempting to reunite. While Oasis has successfully embarked on their Live ’25 tour in North America, inspiring other bands to consider reuniting, not all reunions have been smooth sailing. Bands should be cautious, as returning to old dynamics and conflicts can lead to disastrous outcomes. Here are ten reunions that did not go as planned.
Led Zeppelin's reunion at a tribute concert in 2007 aimed to erase the memory of their disastrous Live Aid performance in 1985. However, internal conflicts and blame-shifting led to a shambolic appearance that left a stain on their legacy.
Rage Against the Machine's 2020 comeback was marred by setbacks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and frontman Zach de la Rocha's injury during a show. The band's subsequent cancellation of tours signaled the end of their reunion, leaving fans disappointed.
Creed's attempt to reunite in 2013 faltered due to unresolved issues within the band. Frontman Scott Stapp cited personal struggles as a hindrance to their reunion, but the band eventually regrouped successfully in 2024.
The Verve's 2009 reunion, marked by tension and disagreements, ended abruptly despite a new record and tour. Richard Ashcroft's strained relationship with his bandmates highlighted the challenges of reuniting after a split.
Pink Floyd's reunion at Live 8 in 2005 was a brief but memorable moment for fans. However, the band members realized that their differences were insurmountable, leading to a definitive end to their collaboration.
Jane's Addiction's 2024 reunion took a dark turn when Perry Farrell's erratic behavior culminated in a physical altercation with guitarist Dave Navarro, abruptly ending their comeback.
The Cocteau Twins' planned reunion for Coachella in 2005 was canceled due to unresolved tensions between band members Elizabeth Fraser and Robin Guthrie, showcasing their decision to avoid a potentially tumultuous reunion.
The Farm's disastrous performance at a 2005 event in Clapham Common, marred by guitarist Joe Maher's mistakes and subsequent health issues, highlighted the challenges of reuniting after a tumultuous past.
At The Drive-In's 2012 reunion and subsequent comeback tour lacked the spark of their earlier success, leading to a sense of pointlessness and division within the band, ultimately resulting in their second disbandment.
Van Halen's 2004 tour with Sammy Hagar was plagued by internal conflicts and Eddie Van Halen's struggles with alcoholism, leading to a premature end to their reunion. The band's inability to recapture their former glory signaled the end of their tour.
In conclusion, while reunion tours can hold promise for fans and bands alike, navigating past conflicts and egos can prove challenging. These ten examples serve as cautionary tales for bands considering a reunion, highlighting the importance of addressing underlying issues before embarking on a comeback tour.