The music scene is abuzz with news of mega reunions or reactivation of two bands: Oasis and Linkin Park.
The Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, putting an end to their sibling feud is good for the Batang ‘90s. Just to know that they’ll be back performing together is a source of positive vibes.
If you were a teenager back then and still have unresolved issues with an old friend, now might be the time to make amends. If major Britpop figures, who publicly exchanged harsh words, can set aside their pride and mature enough to give their careers another shot at “morning glory,” why can’t we?
I am not a super fan of these brothers whose presence and in-fighting made the rest of the original members of Oasis appear invisible. But I don’t agree that they’re overrated, either. They had character and that resonated in their songs. They were able to showcase how to Be British at that point in time. As we all have witnessed, British acts have always been trendsetters, The Beatles in the ‘60s, Led Zeppelin in the ‘70s, and Duran Duran in the ‘80s, in my opinion at least. Just don’t compare Oasis to The Beatles, please. Not even The Rolling Stones was close.
Just learning about the good news makes me want to reminisce and play some Oasis songs, most especially my favorite song of theirs: “Don’t Go Away.” Why this song and not “Wonderwall” or “Don’t Look Back in Anger”?
There’s a poignant embrace in this track, driven by the melding of its melody and lyrics. While in some records I could humorously accuse Liam of crafting his vocal style to match his performance in front of the microphone stand, in this song, he sounds like he’s genuinely pouring his heart out.
“Don’t Go Away” is quite unheralded, being relegated as the fourth single from the band’s third album “Be Here Now,” which became the fastest-selling album in British chart history, and was the biggest selling album of 1997. Liam is said to have considered it as his favorite Oasis album.
There is no need to ask why it took 15 long years for them to announce they’re reuniting, and without the others who were on those popular albums released in the ‘90s, which most people probably don’t mind. Liam sings or insists, “Cause I need more time/ Yes I need more time just to make things right.”
As for Linkin Park returning to active duty, my view goes against the intention to get back together, which may sound unfair to some. It’s just my take, anyway.
The death of Chester Bennington sadly put an end to the band’s monumental run as a stadium act and a recording powerhouse. Too much was lost without the distinctive singing of that talented man. I could understand the business side of keeping a band’s legacy alive—or loud and live for current audiences to see. But Linkin Park without Chester can’t be Linkin Park.
Mike Shinoda has the image and skill set to front a global act, as the rest of the band can just do their thing as they have been since their phenomenal debut “Hybrid Theory.” Yet, performing as Linkin Park with a different lead vocalist is like Queen touring without Freddie Mercury. Come on, I agree with bassist John Deacon that there’s no point in doing it without the voice who brought them “fame and fortune and everything that goes with it.”
The Beatles would always be the perfect example of how a big act should respect its glorious past. Paul, George, and Ringo never toured. They did recordings together with John on lead vocals.
Oasis could do it without the others because it’s how they molded their act. You’d watch and pay them busking, with Liam on the mic and Noel on guitars.
Linkin Park did their trick by letting Mike rap the verses before Chester took over in the choruses. You’ll not be shortchanged seeing Linkin Park with a, say, female vocalist. But there will always be that palpable absence hanging in the air. In the end, it does matter.
