Slade/ABBA

[Ric.ror]

Someone has just told me that both bands may be re-uniting for a Live aid gig later this year. Is there likely to be any truth in this

[gary baldy]

Hope not!

[zara 4]

Last time they were asked to re-unite one from each band both said it wouldn't happen but who knows when the money dries up!

[sp1814]

It's extremely unlikely that Abba will ever reform as Agnetha Faltskog (the blonde female singer) has refused all such requests in the past. Indeed, she was the only member of the band who failed to turn up for the anniversary (I think 10 years) of the Mama Mia musical a few years back.

The rumours that she's now a recluse are, however, completely false - she just hates the limelight and has vowed never to subject herself to that kind of scrutiny again.

[ratetheref]

No Chance for ABBA, Agnetha is still a recluse in deepest Stockholm, and that is the key the last time it was muted Bjorn, Benny and Frida were relatively keen......

As Slade.. *** on Feel The Noize!!!!!!!

[stevie-p]

It would be great if slade re-formed but, im sure most of the members are now in other bands.

[gammaray]

Noddy Holder has no intention of rejoining slade. The band still tours but with Dave Hill fronting it. Abba won't reform but Agnetha, far from a recluse has just brought out a solo album.

[andy-hughes]

Abba wolud not reform because of Agnetha's avowed antipathy towards fame, combined with her recent marriage, and serious animosity towards her ex-husband - those close to her say she refuses to be in the same room as him.

Dave Hill and Don Powell are touring Europe as 'Slade 2' with new members. Jimmy Lea has retired from music, I believe he may be a psychologist these days, but that could be rumour. Noddy Holder is the reason Slade broke up, he simply doesn't want to do it any more, and is more than happy with his radio, TV, and voice-over work, plus being a bona fide pop elder statesman.

[Ric.ror]

Yes but they should do it for Live Aid

[andy-hughes]

I don't agree Ric.ror. Just because people can make a lot of money for a charity is not a reason to put moral pressure on them to go against their own personal wishes. Where would we draw the line? Make every band donate 20% of its income to charity?

The responsibility for world poverty lies squarely in the hands of governments, not entertainers - any moral pressure should be directed there.

[halfadaily]

I agree completely with you andy, the poor countries shouldn't have to rely on charity events to be able to survive when governments can waste billions a year. The cost of a couple of nuclear warheads would probably feed thousands for a few years.

On a lighter note, reunions by bands seldom work, or seem to be as we remember them. One that did work, and it was brilliant, was the "Cream" Albert Hall concerts from last year. I only saw it on tv, but it was sheer class. Then again, Clapton, Baker and Bruce have remained at the top of their profession for over 40 years now.

[gary baldy]

Perhaps the willing members from both groups should form a supergroup-
SLABBA!

[isca]

and why not get ozzy involved...black slabba anyone?

[andy-hughes]

Got to agree there halfadaily.

John Lennon always said The Beatles would never reform because, as he so accurately pointed out - "It wouldn't be The Beatles, it would be four guys who used to be The Beatles.

I avoid bands who reform with a few young session players to make up the numbers of others who are either dead, don;t care, too rich, or can't be bothered, any of which are acceptable reasons for not re-forming. The zenith of this has to be 'Queen' with Paul Rogers - that is just taking the proverbial.

I did see 'Brian Connolly's Sweet' - the contractual names make it even more desparate, and it was him, well on the way to an early death from alcohol and drug abuse, and three guys who weren't born when The Sweet were having hits, it was pitiful.

If you can't reform with dignity and grace, and the chops - as did Cream, then just leave it alone.

[isca]

its worth pointing out that when the happy mondays reformed the live show was infinately better that when they were about the first time.

And it wasnt for the music but cause as shaun ryder pointed out "ive got a tax bill the size of Canada" pure happy mondays and pure class....

[Starman 2112]

I have to take offence that Happy Mondays were better when they reformed. No Way. I saw the Mondays before the release of their first album and followed them very closely upto their demise at the end of the Yes Please album. I have seen the Mondays about 20 times from venues like Manchester G-Mex, Wembley Arena, Kilburn National, Brixton Academy, The Forum, Brighton Event, Portsmouth Guildhall, Astoria (London). When the Mondays reformed I went to the Brixton Academy gig and it was awful. Sorry to rant !!!

[isca]

fair enough, youve seen them more than i have but i gotta say they were pretty shambolic all the time. when they returned the enginering was done by danny sabre who, for me, actually made the songs sound something like they do on vinyl rather than 6 scally mancs all playing random instruments at the same time. saw them at the MEN Arena and it was a really tight sound where everybody knew what they were doing (with the possible exception of shaun who never really knows what he's doing!). Horses for courses i guess.

They were terrible at Glastonbury though!