Every year, the annual Coachella Valley Music Festival brings music fans and vapid celebrities together in the sweltering heat of Indio Valley, CA to enjoy a stacked lineup of massive indie, hip-hop and mainstream acts, alongside a handful of up-and-comers. They also manage to snag at least one exclusive reunion each year, with 2011's big story being the return of the long-feuding Death From Above 1979. It's becoming increasingly clear that the Coachella organizers can offer enough monetary persuasion for almost any band to forget why they hate each other. With that in mind, we present you with ten Coachella reunions we'd love to see.
10 Bands Coachella Should Pay to Reunite:
Fugazi
Why it should happen: Late '90s post-punk bands like the Dismemberment Plan, Jawbox and Cap'n Jazz have all enjoyed recent reunions. Following that trend, it would make perfect sense for Ian MacKaye, Guy Picciotto, Joe Lally and Brendan Canty to resurrect their beloved, seminal band Fugazi. MacKaye's work with the Evens appears to have slowed down, and Canty's Burn to Shine DVD series is also less active than it once was, so it's not like they're too busy. They officially went on hiatus in 2002, so the ten-year anniversary of their absence would be in 2012.
Odds of it happening: Slim. If there's one incredibly stubborn, borderline cranky man in punk rock, it's MacKaye, and if he doesn't feel like reuniting Fugazi, it's not going to happen. Especially not for a high ticket price at an event once frequented by Paris Hilton.
At the Drive-In
Why it should happen: Before post-hardcore meant Cookie Monster growling with softly sung choruses, At the Drive-In brought influences like Drive Like Jehu and Nation of Ulysses to the mainstream, particularly with their 2000 smash Relationship of Command. The group dismantled in 2001, but got the reunion buzz going when the band revealed they were all on good terms with each other in 2009. They were the loudest, most progressive group of big-haired dudes to make it big right after Rage Against the Machine, and we've all seen how Rage's reunion went.
Odds of it happening: Possible. Both post-ATDI bands are not as active as they once were. The Mars Volta are supposedly at work on a sixth album but little info about that project has surfaced, while Sparta went on hiatus in 2008. It's certainly looking more feasible than once thought.
The Smiths
Why it should happen: Getting the Smiths back onstage together is the ultimate no-brainer, as the '80s indie pop mopers were so essential in developing the modern state of indie rock. In fact, it's safe to say that the band are probably the most desired reunion, and they would surely draw a worldwide audience to California if they could make it happen. The trouble is, their hatred of each other outweighs their need for cash, as evidenced by the fact that they reportedly turned down $50 million for three to five shows in recent years.
Odds of it happening: Slim. In 2006, Coachella tried to offer them millions to get back together and Morrissey was quoted as saying, "I would rather eat my own testicles than reform the Smiths, and that's saying something for a vegetarian." Since then, further reunion rumours have been shot down by both Moz and Marr.
Weezer's original lineup
Why it should happen: Even the people who defended Weezer's post-Pinkerton albums have admitted that the band should stop releasing new music. Keeping up with a yearly release schedule has meant a new collection of middling alt-pop to be disappointed by each year. There are probably many reasons why the quality has dropped off so much, but an easy scapegoat could be the departure of co-songwriter Matt Sharp in 1998. Rumour has it that the band were considering letting Sharp join them onstage for their recent Memories tour. It didn't pan out, but it definitely reflects the desires of the fans to see the real Weezer back in action.
Odds of it happening: Possible. After years of bad decisions and horrendous gimmickry, literally anything could happen with Weezer at this point. Then again, reuniting with Matt Sharp would actually be a good idea, which is the path that Cuomo and co. tend to steer clear of.
The Postal Service
Why it should happen: The side-project of Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard and Dntel's Jimmy Tamborello was a blip in the early 2000s, releasing their lone album Give Up in 2003 to massive global success. They have been hinting at a follow-up for years, but later revealed that their main projects take up way too much time to make it possible.
Odds of it happening: High. Gibbard clearly has no qualms with accepting big paydays from mainstream sources, and the enduring success of the Postal Service's lone album means they would be a massive draw. They also haven't really had a falling out, they've just been busy with other projects, so a one-off reunion at Coachella could be a simple arrangement.
Women
Why it should happen: It probably shouldn't happen just yet, but Women's swan song Public Strain has the potential to be an album that spawns a massive cult following in the years to come. After imploding onstage in 2010, they clearly ended their run prematurely. When the rest of the world catches up to just how great that album really is, we wouldn't be surprised if they were fielding some offers.
Odds of it happening: Possible. Women still haven't officially admitted that they're gone for good, so they might reunite before the big offer comes, but if not, we're sure they would be okay with a trip to California to hash out their unfinished business.
Beat Happening
Why it should happen: Olympia-bred indie trio Beat Happening were truly a one-of-a-kind beast, releasing five classic albums and leaving behind a legacy of weird outsider indie rock. They never actually called it quits, and even released a new single called "Angel Gone" in 2000, but the band haven't appeared together onstage for decades. It would be a great opportunity to pay them some props, and we're sure the bags of money would help finance some excellent releases on K Records.
Odds of it happening: Possible. Since they don't really hate each other and all three members are still alive, there's not much stopping the possibility of a Beat Happening reunion. Having said that, the band were offered a slot at the Isaac Brock-currated All Tomorrows Parties in 2005 and declined, so we're not sure if Coachella would be their thing either.
Spacemen 3
Why it should happen: It's hard to truly gauge the influence shoegazing garage rock outfit Spacemen 3 has had on modern indie rock, but they've definitely spawned more than a few blatant copycats in recent years. But maybe that's because if you told some unknowing listener that Sound of Confusion (1986) or The Perfect Prescription (1987) came out in 2011, they wouldn't doubt you in the least. And considering that Spacemen 3's Jason Pierce nearly kicked the bucket a few years back, it's basically now or never.
Odds of it happening: Slim. Pierce and songwriting partner Peter "Sonic Boom" Kember have been on the outs for decades, with each member taking public shots at the other repeatedly over the years. In 2008, Pierce was even asked about turning down a big cash offer for a Spacemen 3 reunion, saying, "Why would I do that? I mean, I would have liked to go and watch the battle of Waterloo when it happened but that doesn't mean I'm going to go and sit in a field somewhere and watch people act it out." Plus, with Kember doing production work for dudes like Panda Bear and Pierce keeping his Spiritualized up and humming, it's not like these guys are sitting idle.
Stone Roses
Why it should happen: Manchester's pioneering Britpop heroes the Stone Roses changed the game with their self-titled 1989 release, but fell apart after their second album Second Coming when guitarist John Squire quit the band. They tried to continue without him, but ultimately couldn't do it, and disbanded in 1996, leaving behind the start of a promising career and a vast influence on following acts.
Odds of it happening: Slim. The band have been dogged with reunion requests since they first called it quits, and while bassist Mani recently suggested they might call off the fighting for the right price, frontman Ian Brown and Squire are adamant that it will never happen.
White Stripes
Why it should happen: The White Stripes are already the ideal Coachella band, with modern rock radio listeners and elite record store nerds both inhabiting their fanbase. Despite calling it quits earlier this week, they are the exact mix of rock'n'roll swagger and marketable pop writing that the music industry needs to maintain some semblance of integrity. At the very least, they can't go out without an explosive finale.
Odds of it happening: High. While we believe them that they have called it quits, we won't be surprised when they take a six-figure payday and return in a few years. We also think that Jack and Meg won't be able to resist the urge to hit the stage as a stripped-down two-piece one last time.
10 Bands Coachella Should Pay to Reunite:
Fugazi
Why it should happen: Late '90s post-punk bands like the Dismemberment Plan, Jawbox and Cap'n Jazz have all enjoyed recent reunions. Following that trend, it would make perfect sense for Ian MacKaye, Guy Picciotto, Joe Lally and Brendan Canty to resurrect their beloved, seminal band Fugazi. MacKaye's work with the Evens appears to have slowed down, and Canty's Burn to Shine DVD series is also less active than it once was, so it's not like they're too busy. They officially went on hiatus in 2002, so the ten-year anniversary of their absence would be in 2012.
Odds of it happening: Slim. If there's one incredibly stubborn, borderline cranky man in punk rock, it's MacKaye, and if he doesn't feel like reuniting Fugazi, it's not going to happen. Especially not for a high ticket price at an event once frequented by Paris Hilton.
At the Drive-In
Why it should happen: Before post-hardcore meant Cookie Monster growling with softly sung choruses, At the Drive-In brought influences like Drive Like Jehu and Nation of Ulysses to the mainstream, particularly with their 2000 smash Relationship of Command. The group dismantled in 2001, but got the reunion buzz going when the band revealed they were all on good terms with each other in 2009. They were the loudest, most progressive group of big-haired dudes to make it big right after Rage Against the Machine, and we've all seen how Rage's reunion went.
Odds of it happening: Possible. Both post-ATDI bands are not as active as they once were. The Mars Volta are supposedly at work on a sixth album but little info about that project has surfaced, while Sparta went on hiatus in 2008. It's certainly looking more feasible than once thought.
The Smiths
Why it should happen: Getting the Smiths back onstage together is the ultimate no-brainer, as the '80s indie pop mopers were so essential in developing the modern state of indie rock. In fact, it's safe to say that the band are probably the most desired reunion, and they would surely draw a worldwide audience to California if they could make it happen. The trouble is, their hatred of each other outweighs their need for cash, as evidenced by the fact that they reportedly turned down $50 million for three to five shows in recent years.
Odds of it happening: Slim. In 2006, Coachella tried to offer them millions to get back together and Morrissey was quoted as saying, "I would rather eat my own testicles than reform the Smiths, and that's saying something for a vegetarian." Since then, further reunion rumours have been shot down by both Moz and Marr.
Weezer's original lineup
Why it should happen: Even the people who defended Weezer's post-Pinkerton albums have admitted that the band should stop releasing new music. Keeping up with a yearly release schedule has meant a new collection of middling alt-pop to be disappointed by each year. There are probably many reasons why the quality has dropped off so much, but an easy scapegoat could be the departure of co-songwriter Matt Sharp in 1998. Rumour has it that the band were considering letting Sharp join them onstage for their recent Memories tour. It didn't pan out, but it definitely reflects the desires of the fans to see the real Weezer back in action.
Odds of it happening: Possible. After years of bad decisions and horrendous gimmickry, literally anything could happen with Weezer at this point. Then again, reuniting with Matt Sharp would actually be a good idea, which is the path that Cuomo and co. tend to steer clear of.
The Postal Service
Why it should happen: The side-project of Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard and Dntel's Jimmy Tamborello was a blip in the early 2000s, releasing their lone album Give Up in 2003 to massive global success. They have been hinting at a follow-up for years, but later revealed that their main projects take up way too much time to make it possible.
Odds of it happening: High. Gibbard clearly has no qualms with accepting big paydays from mainstream sources, and the enduring success of the Postal Service's lone album means they would be a massive draw. They also haven't really had a falling out, they've just been busy with other projects, so a one-off reunion at Coachella could be a simple arrangement.
Women
Why it should happen: It probably shouldn't happen just yet, but Women's swan song Public Strain has the potential to be an album that spawns a massive cult following in the years to come. After imploding onstage in 2010, they clearly ended their run prematurely. When the rest of the world catches up to just how great that album really is, we wouldn't be surprised if they were fielding some offers.
Odds of it happening: Possible. Women still haven't officially admitted that they're gone for good, so they might reunite before the big offer comes, but if not, we're sure they would be okay with a trip to California to hash out their unfinished business.
Beat Happening
Why it should happen: Olympia-bred indie trio Beat Happening were truly a one-of-a-kind beast, releasing five classic albums and leaving behind a legacy of weird outsider indie rock. They never actually called it quits, and even released a new single called "Angel Gone" in 2000, but the band haven't appeared together onstage for decades. It would be a great opportunity to pay them some props, and we're sure the bags of money would help finance some excellent releases on K Records.
Odds of it happening: Possible. Since they don't really hate each other and all three members are still alive, there's not much stopping the possibility of a Beat Happening reunion. Having said that, the band were offered a slot at the Isaac Brock-currated All Tomorrows Parties in 2005 and declined, so we're not sure if Coachella would be their thing either.
Spacemen 3
Why it should happen: It's hard to truly gauge the influence shoegazing garage rock outfit Spacemen 3 has had on modern indie rock, but they've definitely spawned more than a few blatant copycats in recent years. But maybe that's because if you told some unknowing listener that Sound of Confusion (1986) or The Perfect Prescription (1987) came out in 2011, they wouldn't doubt you in the least. And considering that Spacemen 3's Jason Pierce nearly kicked the bucket a few years back, it's basically now or never.
Odds of it happening: Slim. Pierce and songwriting partner Peter "Sonic Boom" Kember have been on the outs for decades, with each member taking public shots at the other repeatedly over the years. In 2008, Pierce was even asked about turning down a big cash offer for a Spacemen 3 reunion, saying, "Why would I do that? I mean, I would have liked to go and watch the battle of Waterloo when it happened but that doesn't mean I'm going to go and sit in a field somewhere and watch people act it out." Plus, with Kember doing production work for dudes like Panda Bear and Pierce keeping his Spiritualized up and humming, it's not like these guys are sitting idle.
Stone Roses
Why it should happen: Manchester's pioneering Britpop heroes the Stone Roses changed the game with their self-titled 1989 release, but fell apart after their second album Second Coming when guitarist John Squire quit the band. They tried to continue without him, but ultimately couldn't do it, and disbanded in 1996, leaving behind the start of a promising career and a vast influence on following acts.
Odds of it happening: Slim. The band have been dogged with reunion requests since they first called it quits, and while bassist Mani recently suggested they might call off the fighting for the right price, frontman Ian Brown and Squire are adamant that it will never happen.
White Stripes
Why it should happen: The White Stripes are already the ideal Coachella band, with modern rock radio listeners and elite record store nerds both inhabiting their fanbase. Despite calling it quits earlier this week, they are the exact mix of rock'n'roll swagger and marketable pop writing that the music industry needs to maintain some semblance of integrity. At the very least, they can't go out without an explosive finale.
Odds of it happening: High. While we believe them that they have called it quits, we won't be surprised when they take a six-figure payday and return in a few years. We also think that Jack and Meg won't be able to resist the urge to hit the stage as a stripped-down two-piece one last time.
