Daniel KohnLast week, we discussed ten bands who ruined their legacy by reuniting. Don't get the wrong idea, though — we're not complete haters. And so, here are the groups we'd like to see put together one last reunion tour. Note: We're only talking about bands with all of their living members, so please don't bitch in the comments section about Joy Division, Nirvana, and the like.
10. Goodie Mob
Don't mess
Although the group plays shows together now and then, it would be amazing for the kids to see where Cee-Lo came from before Gnarls Barkley and The Voice. This Atlanta-based outfit helped shape '90s southern hip-hop, and they're rumored to be back in the studio. We hope so; for them to put out another album would be amazing.
9. Smashing Pumpkins
Despite all his rage, Billy Corgan's new cover band is just a rat in a cage
It would be nice, therefore, to see Corgan patch things up with James Iha (the Asian dude) and D'Arcy (assuming she's recuperated). Jimmy Chamberlain — the on-again, off-again, drummer — I'm sure would be game; what else does he have to do? Iha has kept busy since his acrimonious departure from the outfit, but, still, it would be nice if Corgan and his trusted guitarist put aside their differences and reunited one of the formative bands of the '90s.
8. Oasis
In better times.
Yes, the argument could be made that this a bit too soon, but for comedic purposes the two Gallaghers are more entertaining that anyone with that name (the guy who smashes watermelons doesn't count). Just because you may be sick of them now doesn't that this reunion wouldn't be killer later.
7. Blondie
In happier times
The New Wave stars of the early '80s never quite buried the hatchet after their acrimonious breakup. Though the band toured, it wasn't the same as the lineup they'd had originally. Things boiled over when singer/super hottie/rap pioneer Deborah Harry and her partner Chris Stein snubbed ex-band mates Nigel Harrison and Frank Infante's request to join her and Stein onstage at the 2006 Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame induction. Guess we won't be seeing this for a while.
6. Prince & The Revolution
C'mon, call up that shrink in Beverly Hills, you know the one!
Yes, The Purple One just graced the stage of The Forum for 21 memorable nights, but imagine if it was with his formative band? The vastly underrated duo of Wendy & Lisa were the perfect ying to Prince's yang, providing a tough chick foundation to Prince's outrageousness. This isn't to hate on The New Power Generation, but The Revolution defined Prince. Though the band has played a few songs here and there, a full-fledged reunion would bridge the most creative and commercially-successful periods of Prince's career with a modern twist.
5. Talking Heads
Psycho Killers
Man this would be awesome, assuming David Byrne sticks to the old Heads material. The band wisely called it quits for good in 1991 (their 1996 album doesn't count, sorry) but with one of the greatest concert films (Stop Making Sense) under their belt, it would be nice to see the New York legends get together for one last hurrah.
4. Van Halen
Now this is what I'm talking about.
The REAL Van Halen, obviously, which includes ALL original members of the band. Though some may argue that this current touring outfit is exactly that because of David Lee Roth's inclusion — this is not the case. When the group brings back bassist/backing vocalist extraordinaire Michael Anthony, then we'll have a reunion that could finally be the proper band, not one that includes a bassist who should be getting ready for his freshman year of college.
3. The Smiths
The Smiths in happier (depending on your definition of the word) times.
We all know what happened here. But if Morrissey, Marr and company could get it together and kiss and make up, wouldn't this be a reunion for the ages? Mods and mopes would unite in harmony and the world would be a happy place.
2. Outkast
Don't be so distant, fella. Please get back together, I beg.
To see Andre 3000 and Big Boi do their thing again would be…WOW. Having seen them on their ascension at a private Emory University student concert in 1999, I can honestly say I've never been as blown away by a band. Though Dre and Big Boi have done their own thing for the past decade (outside of the forgettable Idlewild soundtrack), seeing these two geniuses get back together would be perfect.
1. Guns N Roses
The world would be a better place if GNR reunited
No, not Axl and his band of semi-unknowns, the original Guns N' Motherfucking Roses. Yes, that means Slash on lead, Izzy on rhythm, Duff on bass and Adler behind the kit. Though the final four have played once over the past 20 years (to mark the 20th anniversary of Appetite), the last time the original outfit performed live was at Farm Aid 1990. Seeing them together, rather than slogging through another one of their side projects (yes Axl, this new GNR isn't really GNR), would be the most legendary of all reunions.
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