Q Why are so many bands reforming these days

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Q.� There seem to be more bands reforming these days than ever, why

A.� One reason is because there are simply more bands out there. As we move into the new millennium, pop music is heading for its fiftieth birthday, and that means a lot of bands have come and gone, and the higher that number, the higher the chances of some deceased acts deciding to give it one more go, for what ever reason.

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Q.� Are the reasons other than money

A.� Well the best reason has to be the reason that people formed bands for in the first place�- because it's a fun thing to do, and if it looks like it could still be fun, and people have missed the pleasure of playing together, that's an incentive to see how things go with the odd reunion show, and full-scale reunions can sometimes grow�from there.

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Q.� So who has decided to reform and relive some past glories

A.� Latest in the long line of reformations is Soft Cell, Marc Almond and Dave Ball reuniting to relive their glories of the late seventies and early eighties. Both have enjoyed solo success, but the whole is definitely greater than the sum of the two parts. Another major synth duo enjoying a second lease of life is Eurythmics, Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox have rekindled their partnership after an extended lay-off including marriage (not to each other!) and solo outings with varying success. Roxy Music, doyens of the art rock world are back together for an agreed one last tour, even The Monkees have hit the road, and may even do so again.

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Q.� Some are better not bothering really aren't they

A.� It has to be said that some are straining the patience of their die-hard fans, as well as their own sense of self-respect. Slade 2 does include guitarist Dave Hill and drummer Don Powell, bur can it really be any version of Slade without the distinctive bellow of Noddy Holder who has moved on to pastures new as an actor and radio presenter Similarly, The Undertones are playing again, but minus the distinctive Gaelic features, and even more distinctive vocal style of Feargal Sharkey. Why is Feargal not out there warbling Teenage Kicks for the adoring masses Because he's been appointed a Member of The Radio Authority, and works as a consultant to the music industry, so either he's too busy, or he thinks it's a backward step, or maybe a little of both.

Q.� What about bands like Blondie and Duran Duran

A.� They don't actually count as 're-formed' bands because they haven't actually split up; they have evolved over the years, but have stayed together in an essential nucleus that maintains their credibility, if not always their chart success.

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Q.� Are there any impossible reunions

A.� Impossible, no, unlikely, yes. The Doors have always maintained that they never actually split up, and their sabbatical only became seriously extended by the unexpected death of lead singer Jim Morrison.

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Rumours abound that Ian Astbury, late of The Cult, may be ready to step into the Lizard King's boots�- he can certainly provide his own leather trousers, but that presupposes that The Cult themselves won't re-form, by no means a certainty.

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Genesis seem to have come to the end of the line.�Drummer / vocalist Phil Collins' decision to concentrate on his solo career, coupled with the disastrous attempt to replace him as singer seems to be the final nail in that particular combo's coffin, although Peter Gabriel is still in touch with the rest of the band.

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Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan are the rank outsiders in the reformation betting stakes, given the opposite poles at which their respective careers now appear to rest.

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By Andy Hughes