5 Returning Bands That Failed (And 5 That Nailed Their Comeback)

Returning from a hiatus or break-up can be tricky.

BLACK SABBATH FALL OUT BOY
Ben Gibson/Uprising

Getting back together after a break-up can be tough. It can be awkward, especially if one side has been mouthing off about the other, or if someone's gone and found a new beau, or if they keep saying "you can't be here Steven, this is why I have a restraining order".

Bands have it just as difficult. Money, brands, ownership, the custody battle of band assets can be a torrid affair, even if a band splits amicably. Egos run amok, and it can sour relationships forever. The bridges though can be mended, whether through the foresight of time, an event of great importance (see the plane crash that eventually brought Blink-182 back together), or money, artists usually find it within themselves to put their differences aside and reconcile for a tour and/or album.

Successes can vary, coming back after a break adds a lot of pressure to whatever output the band gives. If it's not up to the standards you all laid when you were together the first time around, what's the point in you coming back at all?

Some get it right and pick up where they left off or even eclipse their previous run. Others though are not so lucky and are permanently over-shadowed by their past selves.

10. Failed: Fall Out Boy

Formed out the dissolution of several hardcore bands including Arma Angelus and Racetraitor, FOB found early success from a winning combination of catchy lyrics and excellent musicianship. Fans and critics to this day still argue which is the better album between breakthrough hit From Under the Cork Tree and its follow-up Infinity on High.

By the time Folie à Deux came around, problems within the band started to show and break the core apart, including substance abuse, relationship issues, creative differences, and a mixed reception to the album.

Following their split in 2009, FOB regrouped in 2013 and soon released Save Rock and Roll. A big departure from their pop punk sound but enjoyable nonetheless.

American Beauty/American Psycho though is an over-produced mess that sounds like Andy and Joe went on holiday for the entire recording session. It lacks any individualism and sounds like any other generic pop band. And with this year's Mania album, it's only getting worse, "Young and Menace" sounds like Alvin and the Chipmunks going through the washing machine and I think the lads' instruments are purely for decoration.

No amount of Ellen DeGeneres puns make this reunion ok.

Contributor
Contributor

Wish.com Jules Gill. Pretty fond of heavy music, Arsenal, video games and wrestling.