After BrooklynVegan announced it Tuesday night and Matador Records confirmed it two days ago, it’s official that (arguably) the greatest band of the 90′s is really going to reunite. I am unashamedly a gigantic fan of theirs, always citing them as my favorite band. Having been too young to have seen them live back in the 90′s, I am extremely excited to go to their shows. Of course, this also brings up the fact that they haven’t played a live show (as Pavement) in over 10 years. I have heard many bootlegs of their live shows, many of which came with pre-orders of their recently reissued albums; I think they sound fantastic live: spontaneous but cohesive, never take things too seriously but always giving their all for each song. Still, friends, teachers, and cohorts from the era tell me they weren’t as mind-blowing as they sound on those live tracks. So this begs the question, will they be good live? Respectable? Will they live up to my fantastic and absurd expectations when I see them live in 2010 (doubtful, unless Stephen Malkmus turns water into wine with the guitar solo from “Cut Your Hair”). So, what have they been doing in their absence? Will they be able to get back on the bicycle that is Pavement with ease, or will the past 10 years have been a total waste?
Well…
Stephen Malkmus: The lead singer has been busy with his solo project, working with band The Jicks. Four stellar albums later, you can see that he was truly the mastermind behind the band. Now he’s married and has two kids, but is still rocking live.
Mark Ibold: Bassist Mark jumped into Sonic Youth a few years ago and helped them record recent album The Eternal. He is still currently touring with them. And no, he hasn’t cut his (trademark?) long 90′s hair. Also, occasionally bartends at Great Jones Cafe in good ol’ New York. Time to get a drink with him.
Scott “Spiral Stairs” Kannberg: The other founding member with Malkmus, Scott played backing guitar. His first band after the split was critically acclaimed Preston School of Industry, who had marginal success in the same respect as The Jicks. S.S. is currently releasing a solo album under his moniker “Spiral Stairs,” and will be touring the west coast in mid-October.
Bob Nastanovich: My favorite member of the band. Performing ”percussion” (basically the extra noises and loops and occasional howling) for the band, he doesn’t necessarily have to keep his musical muscles in constant exercise. Therefore, it makes much more sense that since the Pavement split, he has been breeding and managing thoroughbred horses, doesn’t it? Also, he was the surprise guest in Matador’s “Win a Date to Ikea” promotion for the reissue of Brighten the Corners last year.
Steve West: The official drummer for the band has been drumming with new band Marble Valley after the 1999 split. After that, he is a mystery.
Everyone has been keeping their musical chops pretty toned. This reunion should be as good as any Pavement concert ever was. Tickets went on pre-sale a couple days ago (sorry) for their September 21st 2010 “Benefit” concert at Summer Stage. I assume tickets will be selling out faaaaast. Good luck grabbing some before they go up on stubhub.com or craigslist for triple original price.
Christian Morrissey
