We've all heard the horror stories of band reunions. 99% of them are shameless cash grabs, and the last few years of touring by the formerly fearsome foursome of underground rock PIXIES are absolutely no different. The band reconvened in 2004 to much acclaim and many sold out shows, and produced a new single and waves of rumors regarding a new album in the making. Sadly, instead of being revitalized and providing their incredibly loyal fanbase with their first new record since 1991's Trompe le Monde, Black Francis and company have done absolutely nothing but tour and tour again, the most ludicrous of all being the Doolittle 20th anniversary tour, which has somehow turned into a three year excursion. I suppose it's the 23rd anniversary tour now.
I don't mean to put the band down as musicians, and I still love all the albums as dearly as I did before the reunion. The real bone I have to pick is that the band has steered clear of the working-class venues where they made their living in the 80's and 90's, and are now preparing for a tour of state theatres in places like Easton, Pennsylvania, charging upwards of $80 per ticket. I expect the Elton John's of the world to charge such exorbitant prices, but from the real saviors of rock and roll in the post-hair metal era (sorry Kurt Cobain, the PIXIES were doing it first) it seems like a slap in the face.
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