With the return of Rage Against the Machine, The Police, Genesis, Dispatch and Billy Corgan putting the Smashing Pumpkins back together, it gets me thinking of bands that I wish would also bury the hatchet and get back together. Here are a list of ten bands (in no particular order), that I would most certainly welcome a reunion of sorts, of course all of these reunions are feasible, due to the fact that all of members are still alive and well (ex, as much as I would love to see The Beatles, The Ramones or The Clash it will obviously never happen with deceased band members). Moving along....here is my list (as always in short and long form):
-At the Drive-In
-Bear Vs. Shark
-Stone Temple Pilots
-Far
-Gratitude
-The Verve
-Filter
-Blur
-Soundgarden
-Bush
Now in Long Form:
At the Drive-In
The San Antonio art rock outfit that took to the scene in the late 90's reinvented what we know as "college alternative." Much like REM did in the 80's these guys came and conquered and created a sound so unique and intense it landed them the opening slot of RATM final tour. With the release of three full lengths and a number of E.P.'s ATDI left there mark are still making fans want more.
Where are they now: See November Post "2006-The Albums Honorable Mentions"
Bear vs Shark
The only act to come out of Michigan since the MC5 and Iggy and the Stooges, to have the most chaotic live set in the states history. They played WQAQ's Spring Concert in April 2004 and rocked so hard the clocks on the venue walls shook off and hit the floor. With the release of two albums, 2004's Right Now You Are In The Best Of Hands...And If Something Isn't Quite Right Your Doctor Will Let You Know In A Hurry and 2005's Terrorhawk, the band parted ways in December of 05 after years of on the road and making ears bleed.
Where are they now: ???
Stone Temple Pilots
Undoubtedly one of my favorite bands growing up and one of the best live acts I have ever seen. Fronted by the flamboyant and unfortunate Scott Wieland and backed by the Deleo Brothers and Drummer Eric Krietz, STP was a band that will always hold a special place in the world of rock music. With Wieland and his many battles of drug addiction to famous feuds the band called in quits in 2002, ending their career with the disappointing 2001 release Shang-Ri-La-De-Da.
Where are they Now: Scott Wieland is enduring much success and acclaim again fronting Velvet Revolver with ex GNR members. As far as the brothers Deleo they teamed up with former Filter singer Richard Patrick and formed Army of Anyone. Drummer Eric Krietz lives in LA and owns a studio and produces "The Henry Rollins Show," on IFC.
Far/Gratitude
Both bands fronted by a friend of WQAQ and all around nicest guy you will ever meet, Jonah Matranga. Far was the band that brought Matranga much success in the late 90's/early 00's that caught the attention of Incubus, Linkin Park and System of a Down and garnered opening slots for those acts. Far split in 2002 so Matranga could pursue a solo career. Gratitude was the studio creation from Atlantic records in 2004 that was supposed to be Matrangas comeback to radio, unfortunately the band fell on def ears and split.
Where are they Now: Jonah still writes, produces and creates in his home in San Fransisco.
The Verve
The most respected one hit wonder in music history. The Verve known for "Bittersweet Symphony," helped pave the way for acts like Coldplay, James Blunt and even in many ways Blur to be British acts that could write music from the heart. The Verve to many, like myself, were more than a one hit wonder, tracks like "So Sister," "The Drugs Don't Work," and "Lucky Man," proved these guys could write great music. The band split in 2000 after failing to repeat the success of "Bittersweet Symphony."
Where are they Now: Singer Richard Ashcroft is holding his own as a solo artist and bassist Siomon Tong has joined forces with Damion Alburn and is the bassist for The Gorrilaz and The Good, The Band and The Queen.
Filter
Loud, electric and ear pounding. Formed in the early 90's by former Nine Inch Nails members Richard Patrick and Geno Lenardo, they busted on in 1994 with the critically acclaimed debut Shortbus, which featured the track "Hey Man, Nice Shot." Filter would then go on hiatus for almost five years before returning with the success of 1999's Title of Record, which brought the band to new heights and acclaim. After 2002's The Amalgamut, Filter decided to go back on hiatus and pursue other option and with time are willing to get back together.
Where are they Now: Patrick sings for Army of Anyone with former STP members.
Blur
"WHAHOO!!" remember that Fraze and song from 1997, yes, the opening lines to the track "Song 2," off of the British exports self titled sophomore disc. This would be the shape of nothing to come from the band. Like many British acts, they began experimenting with noise and ambiance and really began perfecting the art form. But before you knew if, front man and music genius Damion Alburn left to form The Gorillaz, which is proving to be his most successful venture to date.
Where are the Now: Alburn has created a new side project for himself, The Good, The Bad and The Queen.
Soundgarden
From the fall out of Temple of the Dog came the most vicious band out of the Seattle scene in the early 90's. Featuring the thundering vocals of Chris Cornell and the heavy drumming of Matt Cameron. Soundgarden whaled onto the radio and MTV and even had critics comparing them to Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. The band toured and created music for almost a decade before splitting up to pursue other options.
Where are they Now: Cornell is currently recording the follow up to his 1999 solo disc Euphoria Morning and sings in the band Audioslave, which features Tom, Tim and Brad from RATM. Matt Cameron is banging the skins for Pearl Jam and other members are producing for other artists.
Bush
Fronted by the charismatic and good looking lead singer Gavin Rossdale, and backed by the great guitar work of Nigal Pulsford, Bush became the answer to a post grunge world and helped usher in "alternative." The band never received much critical acclaim, but I always loved what they had put out. Gavin appealed to many people and proved he was just more than a pretty face. With the release of four records the band broke up in 2002 after the release of their final and most controversial effort Golden State.
Where are they Now: Gavin of course is now better known as Mr. Gwen Stefani, but as also formed a new band with the former members of Helmet, Orange 9mm and Rival Schools called Institue and also is working on solo material. Rossdale is also pursuing a career in acting. Nigal Pulsford is now creating classical music, and drummer Robin Goodrich joined the group Elyss.