Band Reunions and Tours

I have noticed lately that a lot of formerly broken up bands are reuniting this year. They are either doing a reunion tour, a new album, or both. The question remains whether these bands will stay together or if this is only a short term deal. Reunions make me a bit skeptical about a band's future and the reasons why they are getting back together. Bands usually break up for good reasons and I wonder if they will survive a second go and resist wanting to wring each others throats. These bands are also at a disadvantage since they have been out of the limelight for so long. Luckily, many reunited bands have a loyal following with fans that have continued to listen to their old music and the music of the members who went on to solo endeavors and other bands. Here are some notable band reunions happening now:

1) No Doubt - No Doubt has been in the studio off and on throughout 2008 and are currently touring the U.S. with special guest Paramore while finishing up their new album. The group hasn't performed together in over four years and hasn’t had a new studio album since 2001’s Rock Steady. They broke up due to arguments and strain between the members of the band, especially lead singer Gwen Stefani and bassist Tony Kanal who dated then broke up. I always liked No Doubt much better that Gwen Stefani's solo music so I am looking forward to what the band has in store for fans in the upcoming months.

2) Blink 182 - Punk/rock band Blink 182 announced their reunion February 8th with plans to record a new album. Their North American summer tour runs from July 24th to October 3rd and is already creating huge buzz and ticket sales with the added value of popular supporting acts like The All-American Rejects, Fall Out Boy, Weezer, and Taking Back Sunday. All three members of Blink 182 went on to perform with popular alternative bands, such as singer/guitarist Tom DeLonge's Angels and Airwaves and Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker's band +44 so I have high hopes for the success of their reunion tour but wonder about the long-run status of the band considering the fact that all three members are not abandoning their post-Blink bands.

3) Creed - On April 27, after a six-year hiatus, rock band Creed announced that all four of the original band members are back together for a summer tour and new album. But how permanent is this reunion? That all depends on how popular the new album and tour will be and, ultimately, on the decisions of the band members themselves.


What do you think about these band reunions? Excited for their new albums and tours or wondering why and how long they will stay together this time? Post your comments below.