Bobinblack wrote:It's a pity, to me anyway, that someone didn't have such harsh advice for the band as Jaz before they split. The signs were there weren't they? They needed a temporary break, not a permanent split - is my opinion.
Tell you what, I'd just be happy to see Mark 1 reunited just for an Awards ceremony or something, and being civil and friendly to each other. I actually think there is the least chance of them working together again, and WRITING together again is never going to happen, they're too radically different now.
I agree, I think Hugh just wanted a couple of years away to recharge the batteries. If he had put it to the band in that way, rather than (apparently) deciding impulsivley to leave, they may not have brought in Paul Roberts & John Ellis. Perhaps, around 1993/94 Hugh might have been ready to have another go, but due to the comments and feelings made by everyone involved the possiblity seemed to be gone. I think deep down Hugh later regreted that impulsive decision and the various phone calls he made in August 1990 as he essentially 'burn't his bridges' with the band. I think he thought there was an 'unwritten' agreement with the band that if anyone left that was it, no more stranglers!! (hence his comment, How can I re-join a band that are still together). I always thought that if Hugh was going to be back it would have had to have happened in the mid too late 90's. I think during that period he brought out some good solo material like "Guilty" and "Hi fi" whereas The Stranglers (in my opinion) were on their knees (Written In Red & Coup De Grace
). Which was in contrast to the early 90's when the Stranglers were reborn & Hugh was struggling. During the 2000's, I think both parties have been equally happy with some excellent material (so not even thinking of a re-union). Hugh would look really foolish now anyway if he did, considering the comments he's made over and over again about not re-joining. However, a compromise, it would be great and mature if all parties could come together and maybe do a one off gig in the U.K. and have Hugh doing one half of the show and Baz do the other half!! That would be a nice touch (and try getting tickets for that!!). I mean if Pink Floyd can bury the hatchet for one night, anyone can do it!!
Hugh - "We had gangs of skinheads coming along trying to cause problems and stuff"
Rick Wakeman - "How did you deal with it?"
Hugh - "Our bass player used to jump off the stage and beat the shit out of them!"
