When Band Members Change |
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When Band Members Change |
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Nov 27 2014, 11:43 AM |
A group of people together form a band. After all, the word 'band' is another word meaning a group of people. The results of their collaboration could be described as what defines that band so if the band changes, is it the same band ?
People have differing views on this. I don't think there's a right or wrong answer. Does it even matter if there is a right answer anyway ? Not really, but who cares ? We like discussing stuff that doesn't really matter. All the fun is in exploring different viewpoints and considering things we haven't considered before. Most of you have probably seen by now the news of Megadeth's latest lineup upheaval. That's what got me thinking about this subject. When these sorts of things happen many people declare things like 'It's not xyz anymore' it's 'a cover's band' or 'hired guns' or even the overly dramatic 'xyz is dead'. So why would people think that ? If a band has had a stable lineup for a certain period, naturally people get used to that lineup, particularly if that lineup has recorded well received, 'classic' albums and if the members have a particularly valuable and appreciated contribution to either the song writing or performance aspects. How many times have we wished for a certain classic lineup to get back together again or at least seen others wish for it to occur ? It's no wonder bands relent and go for the dollar when a classic reunion tour is touted as a suggestion. A lot of people want it. To many people, the only value of that band is with their classic lineup and their classic songs. Sometimes it's not about classic lineups so much as people just getting fed up with a constantly shifting lineup. We can all think of bands that are essentially one or two person acts but if members are constantly coming and going, new people drafted in to finish tours etc then it brings home that reality a little too much and it can be hard to accept that band as anything other than a solo act with hired guns. So, when lineups change is it the same band ? In name only, I would say. The creative force may remain unchanged if the key players are still there but in many cases the creative force was a particular chemistry that only came alive with certain people and if certain people are no longer involved then the chemistry definitely isn't the same. Does it matter, though ? Does it stop us enjoying a band live or accepting them ? I don't think so. The music can still be performed and if one or more original members are performing it then it's as near as damn it, surely ? It's not unlike classical composers having their music recited through the centuries... today we can enjoy music composed by Beethoven, Mozart and Bach. The orchestral players certainly weren't involved in the writing process so does that mean we're not listening to Johann, Wolfie and Ludwig ? I know it's not exactly the same.. we're going to the concert to listen to the music of those composers but they're not advertised as the performers. But eventually it boils down to the same kind of thing. We're listening to music that is associated with a particular name. What do you think ? |
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Nov 30 2014, 04:14 AM |
Actually thinking LA GUNS and QUEENSRYCHE but now that you mention it, I had to go google "Sugababes" but now I get it
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugababes \\ I know you're all thinking the same as me... SUGABABES, right ? Tell me you were. Please. |
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Nov 30 2014, 10:25 AM |
I had to go google "Sugababes" but now I get it Sorry for doing that to you ! |
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