11 Classic Bands Who Returned With New Music After A Long Gap
Seemingly, when a beloved band decides to take a hiatus, the period can be long and arduous, often leaving fans questioning if they will ever hear new music again. However, sometimes, the return brings instant success and endearment back to the band. This article explores 11 classic bands that came back after a long hiatus and released hit albums that reinvigorated their fan bases and showcased their continued relevance.
The Beatles: From Sgt. Pepper to “1”
One of the most iconic bands of all time, The Beatles, gave the world Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967, which marked a monumental shift in music. However, after this period, the band took a break before jumping back into the studio in 1970. EMI, their label, pushed them to release a single, leading to the debut of “Penny Lane” and “Strawberry Fields Forever.” After these singles, they released the album “1,” an all-singles collection that became the best-selling album of the year and topped the charts for the entire decade. This comeback demonstrated their enduring talent and continued relevance.
ABBA: Voyage in 2021
ABBA, known for hits like "Dancing Queen" and "Waterloo," chose to break up in 1982, only to return to the music scene 39 years later. In 2021, they released Voyage, a new album that topped charts across multiple countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, and many more. The album, with its nostalgic yet innovative sound, appealed to both new and old fans, showcasing the band's continued appeal and creativity.
Roxy Music: Manifesto and a Comeback
Roxy Music, a band that was at the epicenter of the glam rock movement in the 1970s, went through a long hiatus in the 1980s. However, in 1979, they released Manifesto, marking their return. The delay allowed for members Ferry, Phil Manzanera, and others to work on solo material. The album, while good, couldn't compare to their earlier works, especially with the song "Dance Away" hitting the UK charts. The band's previous albums, such as Stranded, Country Life, and Siren with Eddie Jobson, were considered their best work, reflecting the yearning for their earlier sound.
The Eagles: The Great Thaw of 1994
The Eagles, a product of the 1970s, had a tumultuous period in the 1980s, with increasing tensions between members. In 1994, their comeback was met with great success. The album Hell Freezes Over came out just before the end of a fourteen-year break and was their first release after the breakup. Featuring both new tracks and live performances, it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, marking a significant return to their fans. Their next studio album, Long Road Out of Eden, in 2008, also produced hits and received accolades.
Other Notable Returns
In addition to the above examples, several other bands have made significant returns after long hiatuses:
Queen: After a 16-year gap, Queen released a new album in 2018, The Works, which received positive reviews and a Grammy nomination. While not as commercially successful as their earlier works, the album showcased the band's continued legacy in the music industry. Black Sabbath: The band, formed in 1968, released a new album in 2017, 13, which brought them back into the spotlight. Despite mixed reviews, the album highlighted the band's enduring influence on metal music. Spirit: This 1960s rock band released a new album in 2016, Out Loud, after a 48-year hiatus, demonstrating that even longer breaks don't necessarily mean a lack of relevance.Conclusion
These examples illustrate that even the longest hiatuses do not necessarily mean the end of a band's influence on music. When a beloved band decides to make a comeback, it often excites not only their existing fan base but also introduces them to a new generation of listeners. The comeback albums covered in this article stand as testaments to the enduring talent and creativity of these bands, and they continue to inspire and entertain.