Rock Band Reunions

ROCK BAND REUNIONS WE WANT TO SEE

We covered our favorite TV show reunions last, so in keeping with  entertainment-themed reunions (being we are so close to the genre here in Los Angeles and Hollywood), it seemed appropriate to discuss well-known rock bands that have recently reunited.  The reason behind many band-reunions is to begin touring, to cut a new album, recreate their charisma or a combination of all of the above.  But, it isn’t as easy as we (the audience) may think.  Bands break up for many reasons as artistic differences, wanting solo careers, internal strife or performance directions among the band members.  For some groups, burying the hatchet may not work, but for others, the reasons to reunite over weigh the negatives and the desire to demonstrate that they still have the “jive.”

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1983 by vocalist Anthony Kiedis, Michael “Flea” Balzary (bass), guitarist Hillel Slovak and drummer Jack Irons.  Over the years since, there have been band members who joined and left, experienced successes and failures, but have continued on with a basic core group including  Chad Smith, Cliff Martinez and Josh Klinghoffer who are part of the band today.  This group made Forbes’ World’s 25 Highest-Paid Musicians for 2012 list placing at number 19 and taking in $39 million for I’m with You and the tour that supported it.  The band also performed in the 2013 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio on April 14th and April 21st (attendee’s cell phone picture is above). For more tour information: http://redhotchilipeppers.com/tour.

The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys reunited to play at the 2012 Grammys and spurred on their reunion concert tours.  With their first album of all-new material since 1992, That’s Why God Made the Radio, they topped the Charts. This is their first major outing that includes Brian Wilson in more than two decades and made headlines around the world as one of the year’s top entertainment stories.  They survived scandals, drug abuse and mental illness to bring about this reunion. Check their website for their performances and upcoming tours:  www.thebeachboys.com.

The Grateful Dead

It began in 1965 with Jerry Garcia until his death in 1995 at age 53.  Original and later members of the band have continued to perform or have reunited.  Bruce Hornsby and Bob Weir have performed together onstage through the years and the remaining members have reunited for several performances and tours.  For details on their performances and tours, visit: www.dead.net.

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones formed in 1962.  The founding members, Mike Jagger, Keith Richards and Bill Jones were later joined by Charlie Watts, Ian Stewart and Bill Wyman.  Although Brian Jones had started the band, Jagger and Richards became the leadership when they became the strong songwriting team.  In 1985, Mike Jagger went with his first solo album.  In the late 80s, realizing they were stronger together, the Rolling Stones reunited and announced a new album.  While band members are now in their sixties and seventies, they still perform, tour, and record.  Their next tour begins in Los Angeles at the Staples Center on May 2, 2013. www.rollingstones.com.

The Monkees

The Monkees were an American rock band that were an made-up band just for the television show called “The Monkees” that ran in 1966 and 1968.  The actor-musicians soon became a real band.  They even had reunion albums and tours in the decades that followed.  The musical acting quartet consisted of Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and Davy Jones.  In 1986, the television show experienced a revival, which led to a series of reunion tours and new records. Up until 2011, the group has reunited and toured several times, to varying degrees of success and despite the death of Davy Jones in February 2012, the three surviving members reunited for a short tour in November–December 2012.  www.monkees.net