1998: Black Sabbath
1998 marked the year when the original lineup of Black Sabbath — Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — reunited for a series of live performances. Their reunion tour, which kicked off with two shows in Birmingham, was a historic moment for heavy metal fans. Black Sabbath’s return was a testament to the enduring power of their music, and it set the stage for further reunions and recordings, including the critically acclaimed album “13” released in 2013.
1999: Rage Against the Machine
After a brief hiatus, Rage Against the Machine reunited in 1999 for a performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The politically charged band, known for their explosive live shows and hard-hitting lyrics, electrified the crowd with their return. This reunion not only reignited their fan base but also set the stage for subsequent tours, ensuring their message continued to resonate with a new generation of listeners.
2000: The Eagles
While The Eagles had reunited briefly in the 1990s, their 2000 reunion tour, “The Millennium Concert,” was a significant event that showcased the band at their best. This reunion saw Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, and Don Felder come together to perform their classic hits. The tour was a massive success, proving that their harmonious blend of rock and country still captivated audiences worldwide.
2001: The Police
Rumors of a reunion had circulated for years, but it wasn’t until 2001 that The Police, featuring Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland, came together for a special performance at Sting’s wedding. While this wasn’t a full tour, it marked the beginning of discussions that eventually led to their full-fledged reunion tour in 2007, which became one of the highest-grossing tours of all time.
2002: Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses had been through numerous lineup changes, but in 2002, Axl Rose brought the band back to life with a new ensemble. This version of the band performed at the MTV Video Music Awards, marking their first live performance in nearly a decade. While it wasn’t the classic lineup fans hoped for, it signaled the band’s return to the music scene and set the stage for future reunions.
2003: Duran Duran
The original five members of Duran Duran reunited in 2003 for a world tour and the release of their album “Astronaut” in 2004. This reunion was particularly significant as it was the first time in 18 years that Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Andy Taylor played together. Their return was met with critical acclaim and reinvigorated their standing as new wave pioneers.
2004: Pixies
After more than a decade apart, the Pixies reunited in 2004, much to the delight of their fans. Known for their influential sound that blended punk, indie rock, and surf music, the band’s reunion tour was met with sold-out shows and critical praise. The Pixies’ return not only celebrated their legacy but also introduced their music to a new generation of listeners.
2005: Cream
In 2005, the legendary rock trio Cream reunited for a series of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, these performances marked the first time the band played together since their 1968 farewell tour. The reunion was a historic moment for rock fans, showcasing the band’s enduring influence and musicianship.
2006: Genesis
Genesis, one of the most successful rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s, reunited in 2006 for the “Turn It On Again” tour. Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks came together to perform their greatest hits, delighting fans with their dynamic live performances. The tour was a major success, highlighting the band’s timeless appeal and musical innovation.
2007: Van Halen
In 2007, Van Halen embarked on a highly anticipated reunion tour with original lead singer David Lee Roth. This marked the first time Roth had performed with the band since 1984. The tour was a massive success, drawing in fans eager to see the classic lineup back together. Van Halen’s reunion reaffirmed their status as one of rock’s most iconic bands.
2008: Led Zeppelin
Although Led Zeppelin’s 2008 reunion was a one-off event, it was arguably one of the most significant reunions in rock history. The band, featuring surviving members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones, along with Jason Bonham on drums, performed at the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert in London. The performance was hailed as a triumph, sparking rumors of a full tour that, unfortunately, never materialized.
2009: Faith No More
After an 11-year hiatus, Faith No More reunited in 2009 for a world tour. Known for their eclectic sound that spanned rock, metal, and funk, the band’s return was met with enthusiastic support from fans. Their reunion tour not only celebrated their legacy but also paved the way for new music, culminating in the release of their album “Sol Invictus” in 2015.
2010: Soundgarden
Soundgarden’s reunion in 2010 was a momentous occasion for grunge fans. The band, fronted by Chris Cornell, had been inactive since 1997, making their return highly anticipated. Their reunion tour was a massive success, and in 2012, they released “King Animal,” their first album in 16 years, further solidifying their place in rock history.
2011: System of a Down
System of a Down, known for their unique blend of metal and Armenian folk music, reunited in 2011 after a five-year hiatus. Their reunion tour was a significant event for fans who had long awaited their return. The band’s energetic performances and politically charged lyrics resonated with audiences, reaffirming their status as one of the most innovative bands in metal.
2012: Black Sabbath (Again)
Black Sabbath made headlines once more in 2012 with another reunion featuring original members Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler. This time, they announced a new album, “13,” their first in 35 years with Osbourne on vocals. The album was a critical and commercial success, and the accompanying world tour solidified their legendary status.
2013: The Replacements
In 2013, The Replacements reunited for a series of festival appearances after more than two decades apart. The band’s return was met with enthusiasm from fans who had long cherished their influential punk and alternative rock sound. Their reunion was a celebration of their legacy and introduced their music to a new generation.
2014: OutKast
While primarily known as a hip-hop duo, OutKast’s influence on the music industry transcends genres, including rock. In 2014, Andre 3000 and Big Boi reunited for a series of festival performances, including Coachella. Their return was a major event, drawing massive crowds and celebrating their groundbreaking contributions to music.
2015: Misfits
In 2015, the Misfits announced a reunion featuring original members Glenn Danzig, Jerry Only, and Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein. This marked the first time in over 30 years that the original lineup performed together. Their reunion shows were highly anticipated, and they delivered electrifying performances that celebrated their horror punk legacy.
2016: Guns N’ Roses (Classic Lineup)
In 2016, fans’ dreams came true when Guns N’ Roses announced a reunion featuring classic lineup members Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan. The “Not in This Lifetime” tour was a massive success, grossing over $500 million and reaffirming the band’s status as rock legends. The reunion was a historic moment, celebrating their iconic music and turbulent history.
2017: The Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins, led by Billy Corgan, reunited in 2017 with original members James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin. Their “Shiny and Oh So Bright” tour was a celebration of their influential alternative rock sound. The reunion was a significant event for fans, highlighting the band’s enduring impact on the music scene.
2018: My Chemical Romance
In 2019, My Chemical Romance announced their reunion, much to the delight of their devoted fan base. Known for their emo and punk-rock sound, the band’s return was one of the most anticipated events of the year. Their reunion tour sold out quickly, proving that their music still resonated deeply with fans worldwide.
2019: The Black Crowes
The Black Crowes, led by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, announced their reunion in 2019 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album “Shake Your Money Maker.” Their return was met with excitement from fans eager to hear their bluesy rock sound live once again. The reunion tour was a testament to their enduring appeal and musical prowess.
2020: Rage Against the Machine (Again)
In 2020, Rage Against the Machine announced their reunion for a world tour, sparking excitement among fans who had long awaited their return. The band’s politically charged music remained relevant, and their reunion was a significant event that highlighted their continued influence on the music industry.
2021: ABBA
While not a rock or metal band, ABBA’s influence on pop music is undeniable. Their 2021 reunion, which included a new album “Voyage” and a virtual concert experience, was a major event in the music world. The reunion celebrated their timeless hits and introduced their music to a new generation of fans.
2022: Pantera
In 2022, surviving members of Pantera, Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown, announced a reunion tour to honor the legacy of the late Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul. The tour featured guest musicians and was a tribute to the band’s influential role in the development of groove metal. Fans were thrilled to see Pantera’s music celebrated once again.
2023: Motley Crue
Motley Crue’s 2023 reunion tour, featuring all original members, was a highlight of the year for rock fans. After previously announcing their retirement, the band decided to hit the road once more, much to the delight of their loyal fan base. The tour was a celebration of their glam metal legacy and larger-than-life performances.
Conclusion
The past 25 years have seen some of the most exciting and impactful reunions in rock and metal history. Whether it’s the return of a classic lineup or the resurgence of a band after years of hiatus, these reunions have brought joy to fans and reaffirmed the enduring power of music. As we look forward to the future, there’s no doubt that more legendary reunions await, continuing to captivate audiences and celebrate the legacy of rock and metal.