8 Classic Rock Bands We Wish Would Reunite

There’s something undeniably special about classic rock bands; they’ve provided the soundtrack to countless lives and left an indelible mark on music history. While many of these iconic groups have gone their separate ways, the possibility of a reunion, no matter how slim, sparks excitement and nostalgia among fans worldwide. Here, we explore eight legendary bands that, if the stars aligned, we’d love to see reunite and grace the stage once more, captivating audiences with the timeless tunes that made them famous.

Pink Floyd

The fleeting union of Pink Floyd’s classic 1970s lineup at the Live 8 concert in 2005 offered a rare glimpse into what could have been if the band had decided to reunite permanently. Alas, with Richard Wright’s passing in 2008, the final chord was struck on the possibility of their reunion. Singer and guitarist David Gilmour’s stance seems unwavering; he has moved on, and no amount of nostalgia can bring back what once was. Roger Waters, who’s known for his straightforward, occasionally bristly responses to questions about a reunion, clearly finds the topic exhausted and prefers to leave Pink Floyd’s legacy untouched.

Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin’s one-off reunion concert at London’s O2 Arena in 2007 left fans yearning for more, yet it quickly became apparent this would be their final bow. Band members deliberated over carrying on without frontman Robert Plant, who found solo success with Alison Krauss during this period. Despite jam sessions with other singers such as Steven Tyler and Myles Kennedy, nothing materialized. Robert Plant’s departure to pursue other interests seemed to finalize the conclusion that the magic of Led Zeppelin as a unit was to be confined to the past, leaving their 2007 performance as a rare treasure.

Black Sabbath

The pioneers of metal, Black Sabbath, ended their touring career in 2017, yet a spark of hope flared when Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi reunited on stage in 2022. With Ozzy’s health battles in recent years, seeing these icons perform together was a potent reminder of the band’s enduring legacy. While a full-fledged reunion might be off the table, the occasional surprise appearance gives die-hard fans reason to dream that the original Sabbath might once again unite, even if for a fleeting moment.

The Police

The Police left a void when they disbanded that a 2007 reunion tour only temporarily filled. Even though their return was massively successful, monetarily and critically, the members haven’t shown much desire to make this a permanent arrangement. Fans continue to hold out hope, clinging to the possibility that Sting and the gang might overcome their differences to revitalize the band’s energetic spirit on a new tour, or perhaps even with fresh music.

Grand Funk Railroad

The hard-hitting American band Grand Funk Railroad, renowned for their robust ’70s sound, has fans dreaming of a day when the original members will share the stage once more. Currently, the band’s core rhythm section tours without lead vocalist and guitarist Mark Farner. The hope endures that one day, perhaps through a serendipitous turn of events, they will reunite and revive the music that once defined a generation of rock enthusiasts.

The Kinks

One of the key players in the British Invasion, The Kinks, captivated fans with their distinctive sound and monumental riffs. Although tensions have been high between the Davies brothers, akin to the infamous Gallagher brother rivalry, recent moves suggest that a reunion isn’t entirely out of the question. The band, which disbanded in the mid-1990s after significant success across multiple decades, still has a dedicated fan base holding on to the possibility of one more encore.

Dire Straits

Dire Straits’ distinct style and chart-topping hits of the 1980s still resonate today, though without Mark Knopfler, any attempt at a reunion feels incomplete. While some members tour and play the band’s hits, fans agree that without Knopfler’s voice and guitar leading the charge, it lacks the essence that made Dire Straits a household name. A reunion seems to hinge on Knopfler’s change of heart, a prospect to which fans around the world cling with hope.

Journey with Steve Perry

The iconic voice behind Journey’s biggest hits, Steve Perry, parted ways with the band in the late 1980s, though the band continued with new members. Despite Steve Perry reemerging for solo projects and occasional performances, a full reunion with Journey seems to be a remote hope. While the remaining members are still active, a reconciliation that would bring Perry back to the fold appears distant, but fans can’t help but wish for the day they hear the group’s classic sound complete once again.