5 Classic Rock Bands That Reunited Today But Shouldn’t Have

Reuniting after years apart can be challenging for classic rock bands. While fans often hope for a return to former glory, some reunions don’t live up to expectations. Here are five bands whose recent comebacks have faced criticism.

1. Jane’s Addiction

Jane’s Addiction, known for their influential role in alternative rock, attempted a reunion that quickly unraveled. Tensions between lead singer Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro escalated into an onstage altercation, leading to the abrupt cancellation of their tour. Farrell later apologized, attributing the incident to his mental health struggles. This turmoil highlighted the challenges bands face when trying to recapture past dynamics.

Despite releasing a new song titled “True Love,” the band’s internal conflicts overshadowed their musical efforts. The incident served as a reminder that unresolved issues can hinder even the most anticipated reunions.

2. REO Speedwagon

After a remarkable 50-year career, REO Speedwagon’s recent reunion was marred by internal disputes. The band announced their retirement, citing irreconcilable differences among members. This sudden end disappointed fans who had hoped for a celebratory farewell tour.

The band’s decision to retire rather than continue amidst conflict underscores the difficulties of maintaining harmony over decades. Their story illustrates how personal and creative differences can ultimately outweigh the desire to perform together.

3. Sugar Ray

Sugar Ray, famous for their 90s hits like “Fly” and “Every Morning,” made a comeback after a long hiatus. They performed at the Lido Theater in Newport Beach, California, marking one of their first major appearances in years. However, the performance received mixed reactions. Some fans were excited to see them return, while others criticized the band’s musical abilities, suggesting they had declined over time.

The band’s attempt to reconnect with their audience faced challenges, highlighting the difficulties artists can encounter when trying to revive past success. The mixed reception serves as a reminder that time away from the spotlight can impact a band’s cohesion and performance quality.

4. Blue Murder

Blue Murder, formed by guitarist John Sykes after his tenure with Whitesnake, attempted multiple reunions over the years. Despite several efforts, including rehearsals and discussions about touring, the band couldn’t agree on terms. Drummer Carmine Appice mentioned that Sykes wanted to tour under the name “John Sykes & Blue Murder,” which Appice opposed. These disagreements prevented a successful reunion, and Sykes’ passing in 2024 closed the chapter on potential future collaborations.

The band’s inability to reconcile differences and align on a shared vision underscores the complexities involved in reuniting after years apart. Their story serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of reviving past projects without mutual agreement.

5. Diamond Head

Diamond Head, a British heavy metal band, experienced a series of reunions and lineup changes over the years. In the early 2000s, founding members Brian Tatler and Sean Harris reunited for acoustic gigs and began recording new material. However, internal disagreements, particularly over the band’s direction and name, led to another split. Harris proposed changing the band’s name to “Host,” a move that was not well-received and contributed to the project’s collapse.

The band’s struggles to maintain a consistent lineup and cohesive vision during their reunions highlight the difficulties of rekindling past successes. Their experience illustrates how differing aspirations and unresolved conflicts can hinder a band’s ability to move forward together.