Reuniting a seminal band is a risky maneuver. Many times a band breaks up because all of it’s members hate each other. Some times a band breaks up because the public simply wises up to the fact that the band kind of sucked in the first place. Either way, being sufficiently prepared for a reunion can mean the difference between triumphant success and a vh1 reality show.

With the obscene amount of festivals cropping up all over the country, the demand for band reunions has only risen. Coachella specifically has been the site of reunions for bands ranging from Rage Against The Machine to Swervedriver. A lot of bands reunite for purely monetary reasons(I’m looking at you, Sting), but occasionally a band will reform just to play music together again.

We’ve compiled a list of bands that we’d love to see reunite, along with a list of bands that might reunite who we aren’t so crazy about. Here it is:

Neutral Milk Hotel

Why Should They Reunite?
The cult following for this Athens based band has only grown since chief songwriter Jeff Magnum quit the band following the success of their critically acclaimed 1998 album In The Aeroplane Over The Sea. There are legions of people only just discovering the band, and a reunion tour would be immensely successful.

Will They Reunite?
This is a trickier question answer. The success of In The Aeroplane Over The Sea reportedly caused Magnum to suffer from debilitating panic attacks. Magnum has been notoriously reclusive since the demise of NMH, appearing sporadically at shows and on The Apples in Stereo’s 2006 album New Magnetic Wonder. Rumors of the bands reformation have been prevalent in recent years, but a reunion would be contingent on Magnum’s willingness to re-enter the spotlight.

The Kinks

Why Should They Reunite?
Well, they’re getting older and the opportunities to see them live dwindle by the day. Also, being able to watch the volatile Davies brothers on stage every night would be too good to pass up.

Will They Reunite?
Probably not. Ray Davies seems to advocate the idea, but his brother Dave is vehemently opposed. When asked about a possible reunion, Dave replied “it would be like a poor remake of ‘Night of the Living Dead“. Not the best sign.

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr

Why Should They Reunite?
They are the surviving members of the greatest band of all time. It would be incredible to see them playing Beatles songs together. Recently there have been rumors to this effect, so we’ll have to wait and see.

Will They Reunite?
I hope not. I don’t think McCartney is dumb enough to tour under the Beatles moniker, but one would have to think a pairing of the two would be unnecessary. I’m pretty confident Paul doesn’t need the money. However, if Liverpool 8 doesn’t sell like gangbusters then I am not opposed to throwing some work Ringo’s way.

The Replacements

Why Should They Reunite
Interest in this self sabotaging band has grown rapidly in the last few years. Their (often drunk) live shows have become a thing of legend, and their influence can be found in bands ranging from Nirvana to Wilco. Paul Westerberg and Tommy Stinson’s solo careers aren’t exactly setting the world on fire, so it would make sense.

Will They Reunite?
The band was approached by Coachella this year but ultimately decided against reforming. Founding member Bob Stinson died in 1995, and Chris Mars left music to concentrate on his painting career so it would be impossible for the band to tour as the initial incarnation of The Replacements. Also, one has to take into account the mystique the band has gained in the recent years. Would they be have to play drunk? Would they play the later, less beloved material? Westerberg and Stinson have become more and more cordial lately, so anything could happen. I, for one, would personally pay money to fly to Califonia if they played Coachella next year.

Led Zeppelin

Why Should They Reuinite?
Other than the obvious of answer that it “would be really cool”, it would make the band inordinate amounts of money (not that they need it). When the band played this year in London they sounded like they’d been playing together for the last 20 years.

Will They Reunite?
$$?

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