10 of the scene’s greatest comebacks
The pain that comes with your favorite band splitting up or going on hiatus is pretty unique. There’s something about learning that your idols may never make music together again that just really hurts, but when a beloved band announces they’re getting back together or putting out new music for the first time in ages, the euphoria that evokes is pretty awesome. With a return for Smashing Pumpkins edging ever closer and A Perfect Circle getting set to release their first album in 14 years, we figured it was about time we had a look back over the best comebacks our scene has witnessed. Prepare for pop punk, Pete Wentz and the return of rock’s finest party-starter…
ANDREW W.K.
The self-proclaimed King Of Partying drops his comeback album, You’re Not Alone, March 2, and the quality of the singles released so far point to this being an epic return. “Music Is Worth Living For,” is an irresistible carpe diem anthem, while “Ever Again” channels the no-fucks-given attitude of the classic AWK LP I Get Wet in joyous fashion. It’s good to have you back, Andrew.
ASKING ALEXANDRIA
It never felt quite right without Danny Worsnop in Asking Alexandria, and despite the problems of the past, the U.K. metallers are undoubtedly better for their original vocalist’s return. Last December’s self-titled album is easily the quintet’s most mature and assured effort to date. Now, hurry up with that new solo material you’ve been promising us, Mr. Worsnop!
BLINK-182
The return of the original Mark, Tom and Travis lineup for Neighborhoods and Dogs Eating Dogs may have been short-lived, but it’s all looking pretty great now that Matt Skiba has jumped aboard the good ship Blink. Neighborhoods and California demonstrated a more measured side to the pop-punk legends, but if you’re longing for the days of the dog-shagging jokes, cuts such as “Brohemian Rhapsody” prove that while the members of Blink-182 have grown up since their reunion, they haven’t lost their sense of humor.
THE DANGEROUS SUMMER
When things fell apart for The Dangerous Summer back in 2013, no one ever considered a return for the emo heroes was possible, least of all frontman AJ Perdomo. However, the incarceration of former member Cody Payne and some time out of the spotlight gave Perdomo and his bandmates an opportunity to heal. With a comeback album out and a plethora of tour dates scheduled, the future looks bright for the Dangerous Summer.
FALL OUT BOY
Reuniting to “Save Rock And Roll” in 2013, Fall Out Boy have gone from strength to strength post-hiatus. Yes, their pop-punk and emo stylings have been traded for a more progressive alt-pop sound, but it hasn’t shaken our belief that FOB remain one of the most important bands to our scene. Fuck knows where they’re going to go next, but we bet it’ll be exciting.
GOOD CHARLOTTE
Another band of classic pop punkers to return from hiatus in recent years, Good Charlotte continue to evolve from the trademark sound that made us fall in love with them all those years ago. And, not content with simply making music, the Madden brothers are now fostering the next generation of rock stars, managing the likes of Waterparks through their MDDN company.
GUNS N’ ROSES
The 2016 reunion of classic Guns N’ Roses members Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan should’ve been a car crash, but as anyone who’s been to a recent GNR show can attest, the classic-rock legends have been on fire since burying the hatchet. Their headline slot at this summer’s Download Festival in the U.K. should cap off what have been a wild few years for the band. So, fellas, what about some new music? Pretty please?
JAWBREAKER
Punk legends Jawbreaker’s return at last year’s Riot Fest was a triumphant occasion, and proved the timeless nature of the charismatic New York natives’ tunes. With a string of dates announced for later this month and early March, 2018 promises to be another exciting year for fans of Blake Schwarzenbach and co.
MISFITS
Also kick-starting a reunion with a Riot Fest appearance (this time at 2016’s event), the return of the classic Misfits lineup was a cause for celebration for horror-punk fans all over the world. An influence on some of our scene’s most idolized contemporary bands (including My Chemical Romance and Creeper), Misfits continue to spar with the very best in the punk-rock game.
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE
If it wasn’t for the grassroots campaign in the U.K. against the X-Factor’s domination of the charts, the Rage Against The Machine reunion could have turned out very differently. Getting “Killing In The Name” to the No. 1 spot was a fantastic achievement for the alternative scene, and spurred the foursome on to perform a series of massive shows, including a free gig at London’s Finsbury Park. The band’s legacy continues to live on in the form of supergroup Prophets Of Rage, comprising RATM members Tom Morello, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk alongside Chuck D and B-Real.
