Why would one want a reunion? Options

[Tips]

I'm sorry to be such a downer but why would one want a Live reunion?

The Turn was the best Live record since The Distance to Here and the reason is simple: It's a Live record, not an Ed Kowalczyk record with Live acting as a backing band.

Given what Chad explained about the V era, that record can be forgiven but Birds of Pray and Songs From Black Mountain are just plain, boring and overall bad records. I feel the same with Ed's two solo records.

I know they may not be objectively bad because some people enjoy them but one thing we can all agree on: they are NOT Live records, they're all Ed Kowalczyk records with Live acting as its backing band.

No one amongst Live fans, except those who enjoy Ed's records, would want another Ed Kowalczyk with Live as a backing band record. If they are to reunite, Ed will have to accept to go back contributing to songs written as a band like he did before which I frankly don't see happening. He seems happy to be in full control and that's absolutely fine, his solo creative direction is just different than Live's.

If they reunite and they give us another BOP or worst SFBM, I will be so disapointed for a band that can do so much better...

[mattyeagles]

I'm sorry to be such a downer but why would one want a Live reunion?

The Turn was the best Live record since The Distance to Here and the reason is simple: It's a Live record, not an Ed Kowalczyk record with Live acting as a backing band.

Given what Chad explained about the V era, that record can be forgiven but Birds of Pray and Songs From Black Mountain are just plain, boring and overall bad records. I feel the same with Ed's two solo records.

I know they may not be objectively bad because some people enjoy them but one thing we can all agree on: they are NOT Live records, they're all Ed Kowalczyk records with Live acting as its backing band.

No one amongst Live fans, except those who enjoy Ed's records, would want another Ed Kowalczyk with Live as a backing band record. If they are to reunite, Ed will have to accept to go back contributing to songs written as a band like he did before which I frankly don't see happening. He seems happy to be in full control and that's absolutely fine, his solo creative direction is just different than Live's.

If they reunite and they give us another BOP or worst SFBM, I will be so disapointed for a band that can do so much better...

[Voodoo Lady]

The biggest reason I want a LIVE reunion is because I never got to see them in concert. Yes, you can start feeling sorry for me now. If I could just see them once, I can die happy. Since I will never have the fantasy of them playing a private show at my house fulfilled, I will take seeing them open for a more popular 90's alternative band (Smashing Pumpkins maybe?). But the ideal for me would be to see them perform by themselves in a smaller theater (Paradiso sized--my city's version of that is Aztec Theater/San Antonio). Just yesterday, I had "You Are the World" on repeat, thinking if I could see them perform that gem live, my head might just explode from excitement overload. --That's the underlying reason I want them reunited. I'd give anything to be excited for LIVE again. I'm sorry, The Turn was not a good album, simply because Chris Shinn sucks. I bought it; I wanted to be excited about it. But I gave it one spin and now I don't even know where it is. I should have put it to good use as a drink coaster. I was super jealous of you all in here with your excitement over that album (at first). Then I came to the conclusion that you all were just fooling yourselves.

LIVE does NOT need another album to reunite and go on tour with Ed. They could do an EP or just do one, one new rock-your-face off song and that's all they need. Yes, V is forgivable given the circumstances. Birds of Pray wasn't that bad though (but that's another topic). I'm tired of people blaming Ed for the bad albums. It's a collective process and he didn't hold a gun to CC & P's heads for that. They were in it together and the blame must be shared equally.

Song writers hit a creative peak. Ed hit his with Secret Samadhi. I've said it before in here, that he's still got some cool points left. It will never be 1997 again, but I know with true collaboration with the others, he can crank out an awesome tune or two. Lots of artists will go off on their own and do a different style of music and then return to their roots. Look at Steven Tyler--isn't he doing solo country right now? Ed can come back from the Christian Contemporary again. And when he does, I'm camping out for my LIVE tickets (I miss those days!)

[LiveForNow]

Because I never saw them live. I didn't become a fan until 2008 and I didn't become a super fan until 2009. I'm not clamoring for new Live material, I just want to see the original band perform together. I've seen CCCP three times and Ed solo three times and both shows feel like they're missing something. If there's a reunion tour I will be at the first show no matter where it is. It REALLY SUCKS having a favorite band, where every member is alive and in their forties, and knowing you may never get to see them perform together.

I understand why someone whose seen Live in their heyday would have no desire to see them in their current state. I know they aren't what they once were and I understand why you'd want to protect the legacy. But I never got to see them, so god damnit I want a reunion.

This post has been edited by LiveForNow: Aug 7 2016, 6:10 pm

[LanceManion]

I agree, The Turn was the best thing they've done in a long time. I did enjoy quite a bit of Songs From Black Mountain though. Birds of Pray was disappointing.

[SJN1279]

I agree, The Turn was the best thing they've done in a long time. I did enjoy quite a bit of Songs From Black Mountain though. Birds of Pray was disappointing.

I would like a set that has at least one song from every album the four of them released. Wings from SFBM was always great in concert.

[Voodoo Lady]

Not to derail the topic, but "Like I Do" on Birds of Pray is the jam. The only song I liked from SFBM was "Mystery." When you compare those two songs, BoP gets the nod for the better album, IMO.

[Voodoo Lady]

I'm not clamoring for new Live material, I just want to see the original band perform together.

True that they could also make a comeback with absolutely no new material. Heck, I'd be elated to see Mental Jewelry performed live in its entirety.

[Tips]

I'm happy I've started an interesting discussion!

The biggest reason I want a LIVE reunion is because I never got to see them in concert. Yes, you can start feeling sorry for me now. If I could just see them once, I can die happy. Since I will never have the fantasy of them playing a private show at my house fulfilled, I will take seeing them open for a more popular 90's alternative band (Smashing Pumpkins maybe?). But the ideal for me would be to see them perform by themselves in a smaller theater (Paradiso sized--my city's version of that is Aztec Theater/San Antonio). Just yesterday, I had "You Are the World" on repeat, thinking if I could see them perform that gem live, my head might just explode from excitement overload. --That's the underlying reason I want them reunited. I'd give anything to be excited for LIVE again. I'm sorry, The Turn was not a good album, simply because Chris Shinn sucks. I bought it; I wanted to be excited about it. But I gave it one spin and now I don't even know where it is. I should have put it to good use as a drink coaster. I was super jealous of you all in here with your excitement over that album (at first). Then I came to the conclusion that you all were just fooling yourselves.

LIVE does NOT need another album to reunite and go on tour with Ed. They could do an EP or just do one, one new rock-your-face off song and that's all they need. Yes, V is forgivable given the circumstances. Birds of Pray wasn't that bad though (but that's another topic). I'm tired of people blaming Ed for the bad albums. It's a collective process and he didn't hold a gun to CC & P's heads for that. They were in it together and the blame must be shared equally.

Song writers hit a creative peak. Ed hit his with Secret Samadhi. I've said it before in here, that he's still got some cool points left. It will never be 1997 again, but I know with true collaboration with the others, he can crank out an awesome tune or two. Lots of artists will go off on their own and do a different style of music and then return to their roots. Look at Steven Tyler--isn't he doing solo country right now? Ed can come back from the Christian Contemporary again. And when he does, I'm camping out for my LIVE tickets (I miss those days!)

No I'm not feeling sorry for you, I totally get it. I never saw Live live either

That being said it all depends on how the chemistry between them is. If it feels like an Ed Kowalczyk show, then we'll feel like CCP are not enjoying themselves and it won't be enjoyable for anyone. So, it all depends on Ed's attitude basically.

Because I never saw them live. I didn't become a fan until 2008 and I didn't become a super fan until 2009. I'm not clamoring for new Live material, I just want to see the original band perform together. I've seen CCCP three times and Ed solo three times and both shows feel like they're missing something. If there's a reunion tour I will be at the first show no matter where it is. It REALLY SUCKS having a favorite band, where every member is alive and in their forties, and knowing you may never get to see them perform together.

I understand why someone whose seen Live in their heyday would have no desire to see them in their current state. I know they aren't what they once were and I understand why you'd want to protect the legacy. But I never got to see them, so god damnit I want a reunion.

I'm a fan of live since Secret Samadhi, that's when I discovered them. So I saw them being at their best and then go down. So like you say, for me, I'm a little fearful about a reunion. I thought they were back in 2014 with The Turn. I hope they were back to stay.

I agree, The Turn was the best thing they've done in a long time. I did enjoy quite a bit of Songs From Black Mountain though. Birds of Pray was disappointing.

Can't stand Songs From Black Mountain. I mourned the band when I heard that record 10 years ago. Which is why I was so pumped when I heard The Turn.

I would like a set that has at least one song from every album the four of them released. Wings from SFBM was always great in concert.

I can't stand any of those records. I had bought Birds of Pray as a fan at the time but sold it because I hated it. I like What Are We Fighting For? but that's it.

True that they could also make a comeback with absolutely no new material. Heck, I'd be elated to see Mental Jewelry performed live in its entirety.

That's true but again it all depends on Ed's attitude.

I remember telling Chad Taylor on Facebook that I was happy that they were getting rocking again when they formed The Gracious Few as they are such highly talented musicians and I felt they were underused on the last Live records. So here's to hoping that, if there is a reunion, Ed will realize what a talented bunch he's with and that the magic will come back.

This post has been edited by Tips: Aug 7 2016, 7:34 pm

[Hoodstock]

Because IMO Chris Shinn sucks. The music on The Turn was good but the vocals were not. He is just another below average run of the mill 90's singer. He is also horrible live and butchers old Live songs.

I'd have to assume that if ther is a reunion it would have to be a collaborative effort. There is no way CCP would do so with Ed running everything again. So I do want a reunion because I have faith in CCP that it would have to be done right.

If a reunion is not on the horizon I'd be interested in another TGF effort, but I'll pass on anything Shinn related.

[Voodoo Lady]

Because IMO Chris Shinn sucks. The music on The Turn was good but the vocals were not. He is just another below average run of the mill 90's singer. He is also horrible live and butchers old Live songs.

AMEN and freaking HALLELUJAH!

[Voodoo Lady]

No I'm not feeling sorry for you, I totally get it. I never saw Live live either
but again it all depends on Ed's attitude.

Wow, a whole three of us in this thread who never saw Live on stage. I don't feel so alone anymore....and I'm genuine about that. I hope members of Live read this board and see that most us really want this and they do it for the fans. I'd love for them to forgive each other and the friendships to be strong again. If not, just forget and move on. There have been plenty of bands that reunite and perform and aren't "friends." No attitudes get in the way because they keep it professional.

This post has been edited by Voodoo Lady: Aug 7 2016, 9:42 pm

[Tips]

Because IMO Chris Shinn sucks. The music on The Turn was good but the vocals were not. He is just another below average run of the mill 90's singer. He is also horrible live and butchers old Live songs.

I'd have to assume that if ther is a reunion it would have to be a collaborative effort. There is no way CCP would do so with Ed running everything again. So I do want a reunion because I have faith in CCP that it would have to be done right.

If a reunion is not on the horizon I'd be interested in another TGF effort, but I'll pass on anything Shinn related.

Oh I so disagree. I love Chris Shinn. He's not Ed mind you but I think he's great. My only beef with him is when he changes lyrics ("To leave you there by yourself chained to pain" or "I can hear the siren's calling, take my hand I can't my darling"). Otherwise he's great. And I have to say that, the whole Ed ego thing started showing after BOP and I already had a bad vibe coming from Ed so Chris was refreshing in that respect.

Wow, a whole three of us in this thread who never saw Live on stage. I don't feel so alone anymore....and I'm genuine about that. I hope members of Live read this board and see that most us really want this and they do it for the fans. I'd love for them to forgive each other and the friendships to be strong again. If not, just forget and move on. There have been plenty of bands that reunite and perform and aren't "friends." No attitudes get in the way because they keep it professional.

Indeed!

[odoyle]

Interesting topic, long time lurker.

I guess if it's what some of the fan base want.....then perhaps the band should deliver.

Interesting to see new fans come here and pine for the band because they never saw them back in the day. I guess that is good for new fans sake, but you're only fooling yourselves, perhaps to think it will even compare. I guess if you have a mental notion of what it should be to you, it's fine. I think the real core fans are long gone from this space in droves over the years. Too much of the Ed side fighting the CCP side. Just to be fair, fans will never agree on the aspects of the split or who was right or wrong. People are going to hate on each side going forward. It's like all the other bands who have warring fanbases. it's circular.

this band is no longer a juggernaught, it will only be somewhat a blip on the music scene if some new tunes with Ed and CCP full collaboration happen and are embraced. I am on the fence to see if that could be executed with some ooompth on vocals and music. The turn seemed to harken back to older music collaboration which did work for this band. Shinn, is a great singer, but it seems he was in a hard position to begin with. Like him or hate him, take your hat off for embracing the Live standard method.

my two shillings

This post has been edited by odoyle: Aug 8 2016, 11:01 am

[Voodoo Lady]

Interesting topic, long time lurker.

I guess if it's what some of the fan base want.....then perhaps the band should deliver.

Interesting to see new fans come here and pine for the band because they never saw them back in the day. I guess that is good for new fans sake, but you're only fooling yourselves, perhaps to think it will even compare. I guess if you have a mental notion of what it should be to you, it's fine. I think the real core fans are long gone from this space in droves over the years. Too much of the Ed side fighting the CCP side. Just to be fair, fans will never agree on the aspects of the split or who was right or wrong. People are going to hate on each side going forward. It's like all the other bands who have warring fanbases. it's circular.

this band is no longer a juggernaught, it will only be somewhat a blip on the music scene if some new tunes with Ed and CCP full collaboration happen and are embraced. I am on the fence to see if that could be executed with some ooompth on vocals and music. The turn seemed to harken back to older music collaboration which did work for this band. Shinn, is a great singer, but it seems he was in a hard position to begin with. Like him or hate him, take your hat off for embracing the Live standard method.

my two shillings

Welcome! You have some good points here.

I must clarify... I'm not a new fan pining for them to get back together so I can see them. I'm an old fan that's pining for them to get back together so I can see them. I've liked Live since Mental Jewelry when I saw their first video on MTV. So, not seeing them has hurt even worse for me, right? LOL

I already know that seeing them now won't compare. Nothing ever will when it comes to our youth. But I just don't understand why people go into a show with high such high expectations and then whine and complain about it in concert reviews or You Tube comments. Who cares? Rock out, sing along with all the lyrics, and have fun like you are 20 again. For example, I'm thankful to have seen another fave band, The Crue, 11 times since 1989. Yes, Vince Neil got fat and doesn't sing all the lyrics. But I utterly don't care if he's fat or sounds like the Swedish Chef. I had a BLAST at all those shows from 2005 to 2015 because I love 'em. I am so thankful for seeing them as many times as I did and when they went out I was proud of them and always will be. It's no secret they haven't gotten along for years. They got back together in '05 for the fans. 'Cause that's what matters.

And you are right, Live won't ever be as big as they were. They will be opening for a bigger 90's act and I'm okay with that. But as I said earlier, I would prefer that they tour on their own in small venues (I think they can pull that off, anyone else agree?).

You are also right that people who really like Shinn are going to resist Ed rejoining and we will be going round and round and yea, it's nothing new. Van Halen vs. Van Hagar type of stuff. Even though I don't like him, as you suggest, I will take my hat off to him for trying to fill Ed's shoes.