Musical reunions I feel, are rather like patched-ip marriages of convenience. Most groups have a natural lifespan of a record or two, and the notorious 'difficult third album' has been the undoing of many. But recent times have seen uprecedented numbers of old band mates getting back in touch and giving it another go. There's no pressing artistic reason, but I guess that has never been the way of good business. More difficult is the problem that group members often end up hating each other before their time is done. Reunited, and it feels like another prison stretch. Check The Verve for example.
Its our fault! Nostalgia has infected every branch of popular music. Ever since Simon and Garfunkel split up, then teasingly got back 2gether for lucrative 1-off per4mances, every conceivable form of comeback has been contrived. This should explain such artistically bankrupt occasions as the Eagles' various reunion tours, which became some of the biggest-grossing events in American rock history. No, they didn't need the money, but they did need something 2 do: when successful bands go their seperate ways, most members end up having shitty, miserable solo careers. Robbie Williams, formerly of Take That is an exception 2 the rule for example, however Williams and the alike are hugely outnumbered.
You can understand why another reasonably successful solo artist, Mel C, is fed up with being asked about a Spice Girls reunion, but it is hard 2 rule out the possibility of a reunion. Similarly, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page may yet 2 be persuaded 2 reconvene at least some semblance of Led Zeppelin. Both men R fabulously wealthy, but the pay-off for such a move would B so Xtraordinary that it would take a very cool hard 2 walk away from it. Mick and Keith don't need the cash either, but that doesnt prevent the Rolling Stones from earning enough on their global jaunts 2 flaunt a South American country or 2.
At the other end of the scale is the collector's band, the group that won't ever sell many records or rack up fat concert grosses, but which needs the work. 1 being, The Bangles, famous 4 'Manic Monday' of cause. Im very much looking 4ward 2 hearing their new record, Doll Revolution when it comes out in the UK.

Good point JD, and at the same time, I disagree with some of what you're saying.

The idea that there's no real reason to reunite -- having been in a band that went back and did a reunion show - it was a blast and it was to play songs I used to really like, with guys that were lots of fun, and major pains at the same time. And yeah, by the end of the gig, I was over the thrill, but I can understand how large-scale bands that have seen better days, (the Culture Club for instance) might want to get back together to relive the awesome magic that they once provided... not for the money, but to watch a crowd just go Cheesy Puffs over their old music.

Which is why I STILL don't understand why Sly remains in hiding. That man could change the face of music AGAIN, just by doing his old thing all over again.