This year proved once again that the allure of a great comeback story is irresistible, with rock legends delivering surprises and long-awaited reunions. Here’s a look at the most thrilling highlights:
The Black Crowes
The Black Crowes solidified their reunion with the release of Happiness Bastards, their first studio album in 15 years. “There’s a casual reignition of purpose to Happiness Bastards,” wrote Michael Gallucci of UCR. Tracks like “Bedside Manners” remind listeners why the Crowes’ mix of slide guitar, Stones-inspired keys, and heavy organ captured hearts in the first place.
Oasis
Fifteen years after their dramatic split, the Gallagher brothers shocked fans by announcing an Oasis reunion tour set for 2025. Their dramatic press release declared, “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great war is over. Come see. It will not be televised.” Kicking off in England on July 4, the tour will hit U.S. venues in August.
AC/DC
With only one performance in the past eight years, AC/DC roared back to life with a European tour in May. Angus Young led the charge alongside Brian Johnson, now recovered from the hearing issues that had sidelined him in 2015. With Stevie Young, Matt Laug, and Chris Chaney completing the lineup, the band is already gearing up for a North American tour starting in April 2025.
Heart
The Wilson sisters overcame years of tension to embark on Heart’s first major tour since 2019. While European dates were postponed due to Ann Wilson’s health issues, her full recovery has fans eager for a 2025 return.
The Cure
The Cure delighted fans with Songs of a Lost World, their first album in 16 years. Michael Gallucci called it a “summation of a career that sounds like both a progression and a milestone.” Even more exciting? Robert Smith teased the release of two additional albums in the near future.
Billy Joel
Billy Joel ended a 20-year hiatus from songwriting with “Turn the Lights Back On.” While he downplayed hopes of a new album, Joel kept busy, sharing stages with icons like Sting, Rod Stewart, and Stevie Nicks.
Dead and Company
After bidding farewell in 2023, Dead and Company returned for a groundbreaking performance at Las Vegas’ Sphere venue, captivating audiences with jaw-dropping visuals and a journey into outer space. The group plans to return to the Sphere in 2025.
Sex Pistols
Three-quarters of the surviving Sex Pistols—Steve Jones, Paul Cook, and Glen Matlock—reunited for the first time in 16 years at a pair of London benefit shows. With Frank Carter stepping in for Johnny Rotten, who remains estranged from the band, the performances had a refreshing energy. Jones praised Carter, saying, “He doesn’t try to be John; it’s just fun.”
Iron Maiden
While not quite a comeback, the heartfelt meeting of former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno and his successor Bruce Dickinson in Croatia was a poignant moment. Tragically, Di’Anno passed away three months later, prompting Dickinson to honor him at their next concert, declaring, “He was devoted to rock and roll right up to the last minute of his life.”
From nostalgic reunions to triumphant returns, 2024 has been a year where the legends of rock proved their enduring power.
