Re-form vs. Don’t Do It! – Should These Bands Get Back Together?

With Oasis recently announcing their reunion tour in 2025, it’s sparked a debate: Should iconic bands reform, or is it better to let the past be?

Let’s explore whether some of the most iconic bands should get back together, considering artistic integrity, financial viability, and emotional impact.

Oasis

Oasis is back together, and the world is buzzing. Artistically, the Gallagher brothers’ chemistry might still produce something electric, and the demand is undeniable.

Financially, this reunion is a no-brainer—stadium tours will sell out, and their back catalogue will see a resurgence. Emotionally, though, this is where it gets tricky. The brothers' tumultuous relationship has fuelled their art but also led to their downfall.

If they’ve truly reconciled, a tour could be cathartic, not just for them but for millions of fans.

Verdict: Reform – The world is ready, and this could be the emotional closure we all need.

The Smiths

Morrissey and Johnny Marr created magic in the ’80s, but their split was as dramatic as their music. Artistically, a reunion could tarnish their legacy—there’s a risk they could never live up to the past. Financially, it would be huge, no doubt, but emotionally, it’s fraught with tension.

The animosity between members hasn’t softened with time, and forcing a reunion might feel more like a cash grab than a genuine artistic endeavour.

Verdict: Don’t Do It – The risk of damaging their legacy is too high.

Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin’s brief 2007 reunion left fans wanting more. Artistically, they’ve still got it—their influence on rock is unmatched, and a reunion could introduce them to a whole new generation.

Financially, it would be monumental, with global tours and merch sales skyrocketing. Emotionally, the loss of John Bonham is still felt deeply, but a reunion could serve as a tribute, celebrating their legacy in a way that honours the past while embracing the present.

Verdict: Reform – It’s time for a new chapter in the Zeppelin saga.

R.E.M.

R.E.M. left the stage with dignity, ending on their own terms. Artistically, they’ve said what they needed to say, and there’s something powerful in leaving a perfect legacy untouched.

Financially, a reunion would be successful, but emotionally, it could feel forced. They were always a band about evolution and growth, and reforming might seem like a step backward.

Verdict: Don’t Do It – Let the legacy stand as it is.

Talking Heads

David Byrne’s creativity, combined with the rest of the band’s innovation, could lead to something truly special. Artistically, they could still push boundaries and create something fresh.

Financially, their reunion would draw massive interest, especially from fans who’ve grown up with their influence on modern music. Emotionally, though, it would need to be genuine. If the passion is still there, this could be an incredible comeback.

Verdict: Reform – If the creative spark is there, it could be magic.

The Police

The Police reunited briefly in 2007, but a full comeback might not hit the right notes. Artistically, their sound was of a specific time, and trying to recreate that might feel outdated.

Financially, it would undoubtedly be successful, but emotionally, the band’s dynamics have always been strained. A reunion might end up being more about nostalgia than true artistic expression.

Verdict: Don’t Do It – Their legacy is better left in the past.

Conclusion

Reforming a band is about more than just playing the old hits—it's about recapturing the magic that made them great in the first place. For some bands, like Oasis and Led Zeppelin, a reunion makes sense, both artistically and financially. For others, like The Smiths or R.E.M., the risks might outweigh the rewards.

As Oasis prepares to hit the road in 2025, we’ll see if the world is ready for their return, and whether the magic can truly be recaptured.

If you're like me and fascinated by the intricate histories of these bands, my tube map visualizations offer a unique way to explore their journeys. Just like these bands, my work sits at the intersection of past and present, charting the twists and turns of music history in a way that’s as much about the journey as the destination.