Top 10 British Bands We Want to Get Back Together

Top 10 British Bands We Want to Get Back Together

The stage is set. Welcome to WatchMojo UK and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 10 British bands we wish would reunite!

For this list, we’re celebrating some of the UK’s most influential and most popular acts, and specifically those that no longer perform together. While we’re not including bands whose frontmen have unfortunately passed away, such as the Beatles or the Clash, a reunion of some kind is a possibility for all of today’s entries – even if it does seem unlikely.

#10: Pink Floyd

A band best known for their record-breaking “Dark Side of the Moon” album, a Pink Floyd reunion tour would surely trigger astronomical ticket sales - and massive hype. Of course, Floyd did get back together in 2005, for the Live 8 benefit gig, but the death of founding member Rick Wright in 2008 ended rumours of a new, long-term project. David Gilmour and Nick Mason did pair up for 2012’s “The Endless River”, Floyd’s fifteenth and supposedly final studio album, but singer, songwriter and bassist Roger Waters still wasn’t involved – having left the band in 1985.

#9: The Verve

Having seen their stock steadily rise throughout the ‘90s, the Verve’s commercial high point came in ’97, with the celebrated album “Urban Hymns”. Featuring seminal tracks including “Bitter Sweet Symphony” and “The Drugs Don’t Work”, it became one of the best-selling records in British music history. But, two short years later and the band parted ways, citing all manner of personal and creative differences. There was a fourth album tour in 2007, including a splurge of festival appearances in 2008, but nothing since. Here’s hoping Richard Ashcroft & co. can bury the hatchet soon.

#8: Frankie Goes to Hollywood

A chart sensation when they first emerged in the UK in the early ‘80s, Frankie Goes to Hollywood scored three number ones with their first three singles – and those songs are still the band’s signature numbers. However, their time at the top was short-lived, splitting up shortly after touring with just their second album, in 1986. Seven years later, and singer Holly Johnson’s 1993 announcement that he was HIV-Positive was followed by a long spell out of the spotlight. But with Johnson releasing material in 2016, fans still hope for more from the original Frankie line-up.

#7: The Police

Releasing five albums between 1978 and 1983, The Police led a new wave of British music that quickly conquered mainstream charts around the world. But, “Synchronicity” seems a long time ago now, and fans have long called for Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland to give it another go. The band did embark on a massive reunion tour in 2007, and were even joined by original guitarist Henry Padovani at the end of the Paris show. However, news of new music has been virtually non-existent, despite that tour earning more than $350 million.

#6: Genesis

To a band which has undergone various personnel changes throughout its history, and has routinely redefined its sound, style and genre. Genesis were founded in 1967, with Peter Gabriel at the helm. However, the band’s best commercial figures were posted in the mid-80s, with Phil Collins as the frontman. A late-90s break-up was followed by 2007’s “Turn It On Again” part-reunion tour with Collins, but there remains a constant clamouring for Gabriel to return. A 2014 BBC documentary only stoked ongoing speculation. Watch this space.

#5: The Kinks

Hailing from North London and built around brothers Ray and Dave Davies, The Kinks are widely considered one of the UK’s most influential acts. From “Waterloo Sunset” to “Lola”, the band’s back-catalogue is crammed with classics. And, unlike many others on today’s list, they enjoyed a lengthy career – forming in 1962, and disbanding in ’96. While stories of a turbulent relationship between Ray and Dave seemed to scupper most reunion rumours in the 2000s, the pair have since seemed on better terms – prompting us all to firmly cross our fingers.

#4: The Jam

When the Jam split in 1982, the move surprised both fans and band-members. While bassist Bruce Foxton and drummer Rick Buckler had wanted to continue, Paul Weller walked away, having released six albums in five years. The move triggered animosity within the group, with Weller and Foxton reportedly not speaking for almost 20 years afterwards. Weller went on to form The Style Council (who might’ve made this countdown themselves), and has continually denied rumours of another Jam record – he says reunions are ‘sad’, but we reckon fans would disagree.

#3: Led Zeppelin

A definitive band for ‘70s rock music, and a group whose influence can still be heard in today’s rock charts, Led Zeppelin were pioneers of their craft. But their original run came to a tragic end in September 1980, when drummer John Bonham passed away. Bonham’s death prompted an immediate and unanimous decision to disband Led Zeppelin, although one-off reunion shows have happened since. A 2007 gig at the O2 inspired unprecedented demand for tickets online, with a reported 20 million requests recorded. Any future tour is sure to sell out in seconds.

#2: The Smiths

These guys are often creditted as inventors of alternative rock, such was the impact The Smiths had in the ‘80s. Formed by Johnny Marr, who struck up an instant partnership with vocalist Morrissey in 1982, the band released four albums between ’84 and ’87. A fairly acrimonious split followed, with Marr suggesting that his friendship with Morrissey had run its course. However, the pair did meet in 2008, and a potential reunion was discussed – but much to everyone’s disappointment, it never materialised.

#1: Oasis

There are few relationships in rock music more fractious than that between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher. But few partnerships have produced a better back-catalogue, either. Oasis became a worldwide phenomenon in the ‘90s, buoyed by an iconic debut album and an equally esteemed follow up. But, stories of unrest behind the scenes continually emerged – until Noel quit the band in 2009. Since then, rumours of reconciliation have seemed constant, but Liam and Noel remain adamant that a reunion will never happen. Regardless, we’re holding out for a change of heart.