# What is the oldest band that could have a full reunion of its original members? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 1, 2012, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421 "2012-03-01T03:26:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Horatio\_Hellpop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/21 "2012-03-01T14:42:34Z")
The Eagles aren’t the oldest–they started in 1971–but were pretty freakin’ huge in their prime. All four original members and all eight principal members are still alive and active; some of the other bands mentioned would require a couple wheelchairs or an iron lung to stage a reunion. Some version of the Eagles, with two original members and two later additions, is still touring. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/22 "2012-03-01T15:07:06Z")
> [@Sigmagirl](#): > > I believe all the Four Lovers are still around. They began as the Variatones in 1954 and changed their name when they added Frankie Valli in 1956; they then changed their name again in 1960, to the Four Seasons. Later member Nick Massi has died, but I can’t find that any of the originals has passed. I will look more later. Did they have any hits with that original lineup, though? I think there may be a Pete Best problem. ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/23 "2012-03-01T16:07:37Z")
I see no likelihood of a reunion, but the original King Crimson’s members are all still alive… so hypothetically, Greg Lake, Robert Fripp, Mike Giles, Pete Sinfield and Ian McDonald could all meet up at their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction.\* - Yeah, THAT will happen soon. ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/24 "2012-03-01T16:08:37Z")
Again, this is a duo rather than a group, but Phil and Don Everly are both still alive. ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/25 "2012-03-01T17:01:29Z")
> [@Spoke](#): > > Did they have any hits with that original lineup, though? I think there may be a Pete Best problem. They had a Billboard #62 hit as The Four Lovers in 1954, with the original members, Frankie Valli (sometimes Valley), Tommy DeVito, Hank Majewski, Frank Cattone, and Billy Thompson. I believe all are still alive. Frankie had a solo record (“My Mother’s Eyes”) in 1953, but it didn’t chart that I know of. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/26 "2012-03-01T17:21:04Z")
> [@astorian](#): > > Again, this is a duo rather than a group, but Phil and Don Everly are both still alive. For that matter, so are Tom and Dick Smothers, who are approximately the same age. ---
**Author:** ![Meurglys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/258eb7/32.png) [@Meurglys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meurglys)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/27 "2012-03-01T17:24:20Z")
How about _Them_, formed in 1964. As far as I can tell, the original members are still all alive, although there were a lot of line-up changes… I think _The Herd_ (1965; Peter Frampton’s early band) qualify as well ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/28 "2012-03-01T17:26:47Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Probably not the oldest but Kiss is from 1973 and still kickin’. Only Paul and Gene are from the original lineup. ETA: Although technically, Peter and Ace are still with us. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/29 "2012-03-01T17:33:37Z")
> [@Meurglys](#): > > How about _Them_, formed in 1964. As far as I can tell, the original members are still all alive Only on a technicality. I think most people would consider Pete Bardens an original member, though he was not yet with the band when they recorded their first single. He was a member by the time of the second single, and the first album. ---
**Author:** ![Meurglys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/258eb7/32.png) [@Meurglys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meurglys)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/30 "2012-03-01T17:40:07Z")
Ok, rule _Them_ out on the Pete Best rule… ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/31 "2012-03-01T17:49:11Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > Only Paul and Gene are from the original lineup. > > ETA: Although technically, Peter and Ace are still with us. Not sure what you’re getting at … the question asked for bands whose original lineup are still alive. Doesn’t Kiss qualify? It has nothing to do with who is currently touring under the band’s name. ---
**Author:** ![Meurglys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/258eb7/32.png) [@Meurglys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meurglys)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/32 "2012-03-01T17:51:36Z")
Ah, missed the edit. The original line-up of _Fleetwood Mac_ from 1967 are still all going, assuming you don’t include Bob Brunning who was bassist for a short while right at the beginning before John McVie joined. He died last October. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/33 "2012-03-01T20:02:48Z")
> [@Meurglys](#): > > Ah, missed the edit. > The original line-up of _Fleetwood Mac_ from 1967 are still all going, assuming you don’t include Bob Brunning who was bassist for a short while right at the beginning before John McVie joined. He died last October. Okay - you play with acid-casualty Peter Green in a reunion - ugh. Does he count as still here if he is not all there? And that means you don’t count Danny Kirwan as an original member? I think that is right… ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/34 "2012-03-01T20:12:00Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Not sure what you’re getting at … the question asked for bands whose original lineup are still alive. Doesn’t Kiss qualify? It has nothing to do with who is currently touring under the band’s name. Quite right. Sorry. ---
**Author:** ![Meltdown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Meltdown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meltdown)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/35 "2012-03-01T20:12:56Z")
I had a similar [thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=539547) from – wow, over two years ago. ---
**Author:** ![cjepson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9adbd/32.png) [@cjepson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjepson)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/36 "2012-03-01T20:21:56Z")
> [@WordMan](#): > > Okay - you play with acid-casualty Peter Green in a reunion - ugh. Does he count as still here if he is not all there? Well, the OP didn’t specify that the reunion would have to be any good. (Actually, I saw Peter Green in concert a couple years ago… yeah, he was a shell of his former self, but he could still perform.) I suppose it won’t be too long before we start seeing threads about famous rock and roll bands whose members are ALL dead. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Meurglys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/258eb7/32.png) [@Meurglys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meurglys)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2012, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/37 "2012-03-02T14:25:08Z")
> [@WordMan](#): > > Okay - you play with acid-casualty Peter Green in a reunion - ugh. Does he count as still here if he is not all there? And that means you don’t count Danny Kirwan as an original member? I think that is right… I saw Peter Green play a few years ago like **cjepson** did - he coasted for most of the gig but did play just fine on a couple of songs. According to their Wiki article, Kirwan joined after they had released 2 albums. ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2012, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/38 "2012-03-02T17:42:08Z")
> [@cjepson](#): > > I suppose it won’t be too long before we start seeing threads about famous rock and roll bands whose members are ALL dead. Or getting there… - The Dave Clark Three - Gerry And His Pacemaker ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2012, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/39 "2012-03-02T17:49:35Z")
The Jackson 4. Gladys Knight and her Pip. (This is fun!) ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2012, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421/40 "2012-03-02T18:41:42Z")
They’re not performers, but Holland-Dozier-Holland started writing songs together at Motown in 1962, and all three of them are still around. Also, while they’re certainly not the oldest, I find it amusing that the Dead Kennedys are all still alive. > [@koeeoaddi](#): > > Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young? Crosby’s original liver died. > [@Leaffan](#): > > Only Paul and Gene are from the original lineup. > > ETA: Although technically, Peter and Ace are still with us. Only technically? :eek: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-band-that-could-have-a-full-reunion-of-its-original-members/614421.md?page=3)