Drive Like Jehu is reuniting for at least one show, an announcement that's sent art-punks such as Joseph "Tannhauser" DeGroot and ourselves into a tizzy. The band made the announcement, declaring that the full lineup would be performing a free show in Jehu's hometown of San Diego on August 31.
Being that this is Drive Like Jehu, a band with little regard for your time signatures and normality, the locale and the opening acts are interesting choices: The concert will occur at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, the world's largest outdoor pipe organ. No, the band won't play the instrument, but renowned organ player Carol Williams will.
Drive Like Jehu hasn't played a show in nearly 20 years—the group disbanded in 1995 after the release of post-hardcore classic Yank Crime the previous year—which means this is more than just a kitsch get together. Fans can be forgiven for wondering if a full-on reunion could follow in this show's footsteps. After all, frontman John Reis also sang for Rocket From The Crypt, another iconic act that recently reformed for a few gigs. Could Reis be planning another reunion for his other band? Tough to say, especially considering how bassist Mike Kennedy walked away from music following the folding of Drive Like Jehu.
Hope and pray is all that we can do.
