"Bands Reunited" Tour

To:  VH1

We would like to begin this petition by thanking and congratulating VH1 for creating and airing the wonderful new series “Bands Reunited”. It is a truly brilliant idea. It is a strong concept for “reality show”, and in that regard succeeds in creating drama around the search for scattered and estranged band members, and exposing and presenting the personal/human dynamics of reuniting old friends/band-mates. The fact that some of our favorite bands of times past are featured is the added bonus, and it has been wonderful seeing them together on stage again.

The focus of this petition, however, deals with the performance aspect of the show. While many of us out here in “TV Land” have become instant fans of the series, some are VERY disappointed with the way in which the performances are presented. Each episode, we see a small live crowd of VERY fortunate people cheering, dancing, and screaming as they enjoy a full live set by the band. At home, all we get to see is a heavily edited, commentary filled preview-like teaser of the band’s performance. The strong emphasis on the searching out and reuniting of the members is as interesting as it is heartwarming, and should absolutely be part of the show, but ultimately overshadows and undermines the show’s goal of the “one-time, one-night-only” performance. For us out here who are long-time devoted fans of these groups, this “fast-food” presentation of these reunion performances simply will not do.

Because VH1 has undertaken the task of creating this series, we request that the next step be taken. We are requesting that VH1 afford the rest of us who were not fortunate enough to be present for these full performances the opportunity to see these bands live, and sponsor a one-time North American “Bands Reunited” multi-bill major-city tour, featuring bands from the series (particularly "Berlin" and "A Flock of Seagulls"). Each group could perform a small set of hit songs, with a rotating headliner, lessening the demands on each band.

It is understood that many members of these reunions have very different lives now, and we wish to respect that above all. It does seem, however, that a limited tour could be arranged and carried out in a relatively short amount of time, thus hopefully not significantly disrupting personal lives. It is clear from many of the band members’ reactions that they would jump at the chance to do such a tour, if they knew that the demand and the opportunity were present.

If you question the demand, look at your own website’s message boards. The demand is there. Fellow 80’s band Duran Duran has just carried out a phenomenal tour, selling out nearly every show in every city and country in which they performed. There is a growing resurgence for music of that era, and we are confident that such a tour would be an enormous success (the original lineups would ensure it). We can provide the demand, but it is up to you to provide the opportunity.

We simply cannot express how much we would like to see these groups live, and be able to share the extraordinary experience of personally seeing them perform on stage again. Should this request bear fruit, we ask that this sentiment be expressed to each member of each band when they are approached. We want them to know that we love them and want to see them play the great music that we all love so much. We treasure their art, and we feel it is as relevant and important today as it was 20 years ago…perhaps even more so. To share it with them again, if for only one more tour, would be a remarkable experience for both performers and audience. We need VH1 to act in order to make this happen. Please give serious consideration to this request.


Additionally, we would like to include some suggestions regarding the “Bands Reunited” series, in reference to the above complaint. Whether or not a tour is undertaken, we would like to see:

1. More of each band’s performance, unedited and uninterrupted. This includes the overdubbed commentary. We want to hear what the band members have to say, but not during the performances (how about in between the songs?). If this requires a longer show, so be it.

2. If the show cannot be adapted to accommodate more of the performances, we would like to see VH1 air the full, unedited performance of each band in its entirety, once the series has concluded.

3. If the airing of full performances is not possible, we suggest that a “Bands Reunited” DVD featuring the full, unedited performances of each band be produced (a great idea, regardless).


Thank you for your time, for the “Bands Reunited” series, and for listening to your viewers.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The "Bands Reunited" Tour Petition to VH1 was created by 80's music fanatics and written by Charles McMickle.  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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