Staying Fit
Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins and Tony Banks of Genesis perform on stage "The Last Domino Tour" at The SSE Hydro on October 7, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns
If there’s been one comfort as a result of the pandemic, it’s that many of our most beloved bands from the ’60s through the ’90s have reunited and are hitting the road again (some who never broke up, like the Rolling Stones, are also returning to stages). Whether it’s the punk-era glam of Blondie, the prog-rock kings from Genesis, the blue-eyed soul of the Doobie Brothers, or the soulful pairing of TLC, we’re talking full-on nostalgia and grownup fun.
Plan your own reunion with these timeless musicians with our guide to what’s coming, who’s playing, and where to catch them.
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The reunion: The Doobie Brothers (fall 2021, summer 2022)
The backstory: The Doobie Brothers had a big year planned for 2020 — induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and their 50th anniversary tour, with the return of soulful front man Michael McDonald marking the first string of concerts in which Tom Johnston, Pat Simmons, John McFee and McDonald performed together in 25 years. But then came COVID-19, which postponed the tour for more than a year, and when they finally got rolling in 2021, the virus hit the band, as well. But October saw the Doobies release their 15th album, Liberté (sans McDonald). Now it’s full steam ahead for 2022, beginning in June. Having McDonald back on the shows, says singer-guitarist and founding member Johnston, is “the cherry on top of this whole tour because it adds an aspect of musical style that we don’t normally even attempt to do … I think it’s going to be a real thrill for people to come see.”
What to expect: Michael McDonald is back!
Why we love them: Hippies on blue-eyed soul
Book it: 50th Anniversary tour
The reunion: The Black Crowes (November 2021–October 2022)
The backstory: “I understand everyone’s cynicism about it,” says singer Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes’ “Shake Your Money Maker 30th Anniversary” tour with his guitarist brother, Rich, original bassist Sven Pipien and a new supporting band. “ ‘Oh, they’re doing it for the money.’ Of course we’re doing it for the money! A lot of bands have come and gone in 30 years, and it makes us feel very proud about the work and craft put into it.” Throughout their chaotic career, punctuated by breakups and an ever-changing band lineup, the Robinson brothers incessantly squabbled. Their reunion tour, initially sidelined by the pandemic, brought about a 30th anniversary reissue of Shake Your Money Maker, along with a previously unheard track, “Charming Mess.” Look for an album of all-new songs to come.
What to expect: The 1990 album set and all their hits
Why we love them: Chris Robinson struts Mick Jagger.
Book it: Shake Your Money Maker 30th Anniversary tour
(Left to right) Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel of The Fugees perform at Global Citizen Live at Pier 17 on September 22, 2021 in New York City.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Global Citizen
The reunion: The Fugees (November–December 2021)
The backstory: In August 2007, a year after the Fugees disbanded for a second time, Pras Michel famously declared, “You will have a better chance of seeing Osama bin Laden and [George W.] Bush in Starbucks having a latte, discussing foreign policies, before there will be a Fugees reunion.” But what’s a little spat between friends? Twenty-five years after the release of The Score, which won two Grammys and has been certified seven-times platinum, the hip-hop group including Lauryn Hill will revive its cover of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly” and the innovative fusion of rapping, melody and West Indian sounds that made the Fugees one of the first alternative hip-hop acts to take root in the mainstream. “As I celebrate 25 years with the Fugees,” says founding member Wyclef Jean, who went on to solo acclaim, “my first memory was that we vowed, from the gate, we would not just do music, we would be a movement. We would be a voice for the unheard, and in these challenging times, I am grateful once again, that God has brought us together.”
What to expect: Socially conscious alt hip-hop
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