’90s bands reunite for the new decade

Longevity is not easy in the music world. Oftentimes bands are torn apart by incessant touring schedules, pressure from the industry and living in close quarters with each other. Although break-ups are difficult for fans to handle, they also tend to be hard on the band members themselves.

Consequently, the power, emotion and thrill of playing music compels certain bands to give it another shot, a second go-around. The following bands now stand before their fans humbled by the break-up experience, ready to pick up where they left off.

Something Corporate

Formed in 1998 in Orange County, Calif., the band made a name for themselves by playing rock music supplemented by precise piano arrangements. Andrew McMahon (vocals/piano), Josh Partington (guitar), Kevin Page (bass) and Brian Ireland (drums) found success in their early years and reached a peak in 2002 when they released their major label debut, Leaving Through the Window.

Exhausted by touring and feeling like the members had lost their individual identities, the members of Something Corporate went on hiatus in 2005. Now, Something Corporate is ready to head out on its official reunion tour this August, which will stop in Anaheim at The Grove on Aug. 27 and at Club Nokia down the street on Aug. 28.

Face to Face

This punk rock band from Victorville, Calif. began its career in 1991. By 1994, it broke into the mainstream with the release of their second album, Big Choice, which featured the hit song, “Disconnected.”

Citing musical differences, the band announced its break-up in 2004 and followed it up with a full tour to say goodbye. Face to Face officially reunited in April of 2008 and spent this summer on the Vans Warped Tour. The band’s first album since the break-up will be released this fall and is called Laugh Now, Laugh Later.

Bush

Gavin Rossdale and Nigel Pulsford formed this alternative rock band in London circa 1992. They achieved platinum status in 1994 but in 2001 they released Golden State, which sold less than 400,000 copies. Pulsford left the band soon after and was replaced by Chris Traynor. Bush officially disbanded in 2002, citing lack of record label support and declining sales as the major reasons.

Bush is slated to perform its first show in eight years at the Epicenter Festival on Sept. 25 in Fontana, Calif. The band will soon begin work on a new album, although founding member Nigel Pulsford will not be a part of the reunion.

Stone Temple Pilots

After five years of going their separate ways and starting their own lives, Scott Weiland (vocals), Robert DeLeo (bass), Dan Deleo (guitar) and Erik Kretz (drums) are back at it again.

Their self-titled album was produced separately, with the instrumentalists recording the music before sending it to Weiland to add lyrics. In full tour mode, the quartet will take the United States by force from August to October.

Sublime with Rome

In 1988, Sublime came to life, taking over the radio waves of KROQ and establishing a solid reputation with its infusion of ska and reggae. The legacy of Sublime came to an end with the death of 27-year-old frontman Bradley Nowell 14 years ago.

Now, Bud Gaugh (bass) and Eric Wilson (drums) decided to add singer and guitarist Rome Ramirez into the mix. Their tour kicked off in July with one stop in Costa Mesa, Calif. and will end in Brazil Oct. 10.

Soundgarden

Sept. 28 will mark the much-anticipated release of Soundgarden’s new album Telephantasm. As far back as January, lead singer Chris Cornell Tweeted that the band would get together again after a long 12 years of separation.

With a Lollapalooza performance under their belts, Cornell and company are ready to pick up where they left off.

Bands break up or go on “hiatus” every day, but the resurgence of the six aforementioned bands and other recent reunions of bands like Taking Back Sunday (its original lineup is now together again for the first time since 2003) and blink-182 gives many music fans hope.

To add to the growing trend, Twitter is recently abuzz with hints that Los Angeles-based band Yellowcard could be getting back together after a two-year hiatus.

Some bands find it hard to survive in the  music industry and often times need to re-evaluate themselves both personally and professionally, making break-ups somewhat common.

Fortunately for fans, though, artists who truly have a passion for music can never give it up, and in due time, most musical appetites are satisfied through much anticipated reunions or brand new endeavors.