2007 Wrap-Up: Best Reunions

December 27th, 2007

2007 was very much focused on the future. Questions arose as to what was to become of the war, how do we stop global warming, what will I be when I grow up. Then who would have guessed that in the world of music, 2007 was all about the past?! It was reunions galore as one musically blast from the past after another proclaimed they would be getting back together! And so of course we must countdown the 10 best.

10. Genesis

Now this is kind of cheating since the Phil Collins fronted band actually announced their reunion at the end of 2006, but they are sort of what started what would be the “reunion trend” of 2007. Plus their concerts brought in a cool $47.6 million. Not too shabby. Then match that with a bizarre Cadbury Dairy Milk ad in which a gorilla drums along to “In The Air Tonight”, the last 12 months have been Phil Collins overload.

9. Aqua

It’s been 10 years since Aqua’s Ken doll suggested, “Come on, Barbie. Let’s go party.” I know. 10 years. But I guess it’s time to get the party started again! In October, Aqua held a press conference to state they are coming back for a tour (that may include Canada!!!). Oh, to hear the dance-able duet Dr. Jones live…. candy-coated bliss to my ears. Unfortunately they have gotten off to a slow start – the tour won’t be until the summer of 2008. That is why, Aqua, you land at number 9. Now get organized!

8. Ace of Base

Even though they recently lost Malin Berggren from the group (and she has subsequently been taken off all promotional material on the band’s official website), Ace of Base announced that they are back in the studio working on a new album, and they also performed a few European shows in November of this year as a warm-up for a planned world (!) tour in 2008. Count me in!

7. Crowded House

This one is for those from the Land Down Unda’. Early in the year, Aussie band Crowded House announced they would record a new album, however they needed a new drummer and after weeks of auditions, they recruited Beck drummer Matt Sherrod. This new band formation worked in their favour, resulting in a low-key album that rivals anything they released 20 years ago.

6. The Eagles

And this one is purely for my parents. Hi, Mom and Dad!

5. Rage Against the Machine

Politically-charged rock band, Rage Against the Machine, made their return by headlining the final day of Coachella 2007. And of course, in true RATM style, they weren’t there just to play music – they had a message as well. Guitarist Tom Morello told NME at the time that the reunion was politically motivated: “Is it a coincidence that in the seven years that Rage Against The Machine has been away that the country has slid into right-wing purgatory? I think not… It occurred to all of us that the times were right to see if we can knock the Bush administration out in one fell swoop, and we hope to do that job well.” So for stickin’ to your guns, RATM, you land in the Top 5.

4. Van Halen

The Van Halen reunion was as tumultuous and full of drama as the band’s past. During all of 2006, there were rumours of a reunion, then in early 2007, Van Halen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which shone the spotlight on them once again. After this induction and after many more on-again-off-again rumours, Van Halen (with David Lee Roth) confirmed what everyone already knew: they will be getting back together. Yay! Jump! This news was followed by a sold-out show in North Carolina in September which garnered positive reviews. Their tour will rock on into 2008.

3. The Police

Ok, I’m going to say it: I’m not a huge Police fan (but before you all jump down my throat, I appreciate what they’ve accomplished). My mom loves Sting, so I’ve heard my share growing up. And it seems a lot of others love Sting as well since The Police 2007 reunion tour took in upwards of $131.9 million over 54 shows with an average ticket price of $114.32. Woah! So overall, they may have taken the top spot on tickets sales, but my apathy towards them knocks them down to number 3 on this lil’ list o’ mine.

2. Led Zeppelin

Having two older rock n’ rollin’ brothers, Led Zeppelin has been blasting through my ear drums for as long as I can remember. They are what all bands aspire to be. I mean, without Jimmy Page there would be no Slash, no? So if this band is so important to music, why are they only number 2? Well I’m happy you asked and the reason is this: they just can’t seem to get their act together. Their highly-anticipated one-off reunion concert earlier this month in London was over 2 hours, full of hits, and the reviews of both fans and critics could not have been better. But are they actually doing an extended tour? No one will confirm one way or the other, and this is what confirms them a spot at number 2.

1. Spice Girls

If one group has their act together, it’s definitely the Spice Girls. The amount of time it took for them to announce their reunion, rehearse, star in reality TV shows, and get their butts on stage for their opening show in Vancouver, is mind boggling. But it seems that 10 years after their split, “Girl Power” is still all the rage, as these shows are selling out in mere minutes, dates just continue to get added, and Toronto has been deemed the ultimate Spice City due to its dedicated fans. So for showing us some Canada lovin’, I give it right back by putting these cheeky Brits at number 1. Holla!

So there you have it, folks. Who will reunite in 2008? Honestly, are there any bands even left?

PS: Although they are great, Smashing Pumpkins did NOT make this list simply because they announced their reunion back in 2005. Tsk tsk tsk. Reunions that take over 2 years will not be praised. (This is me exercising power that I don’t actually have and making decisions just because I can).

Happy New Year!

Posted on Thursday, December 27th, 2007 at 2:35 pm by Protest The Hero and is filed under Celebrities & Pop Culture.