ARE A BAND REUNITED

[Barney Reinberg]

“Bands Reunited” was a tv show back in the early 2000’s.  It ran for three years on VH1 and was hosted by Aamer Haleem.  The show attempted to reunited once popular bands for a “One Night Only” show.

They were successful many times.  Berlin, ABC, A Flock of Seagulls and Kajagoogoo were a few that agreed to reform and play the show.  Some could not put their differences aside and stood up fellow bandmates in the rehearsal studio.  The best “no show” might have been lead singer Holly Johnson from Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

For the bands that did reunite, they not only entertained their faithful followers but found a whole new audience that enjoyed their music.  Berlin, ABC and A Flock of Seagulls continued to tour.  In fact, some of you may have attended the “Seagulls” concert at Styx Bar in June of 2024.  Get ready for another reunion.

NEVE is set to reunite and play at the Whisky a Go-Go in West Hollywood, California on Saturday, November 1^st, 2025.  NEVE is calling it a “one-night only”, 25^th anniversary concert.  Celebrating the release of their self-titled album “NEVE” which included the hit song “It’s Over Now”.   A song that appeared on the soundtrack of “The Faculty”. All four original band members will take part in the concert.  Lead singer John Stephens, Lead Guitarist Michael Rapheal, Bassist Tommy Gruber and drummer Scottville native Brian Burwell.

NEVE was formed by neighborhood friends John Stephens and Tommy Gruber.  Richard Rashman, a manager with Prestige Management in Los Angeles, brought the four together and the band was set.   From the first meeting, the band knew they had something special.  As Stephens says “I think we knew from the very first meeting/jam session that merging our two seemingly disparate influences was going to create something interesting.  Mashing up mine and Tommy’s “UK pop/goth” world into Mike (and Brian’s) more “metal world” gave us that something special feeling right out of the gate.”

That “something special” has never left the band.  “NEVE played a 5-song mini reunion concert during Covid in September of 2020 for just a few hundred fans out on a public street in Simi Valley, CA.  This was very much a “Covid concert experience” with everyone social distancing outside on the street.  Still very cool!  And the magic was immediately back, even with zero rehearsals,” Stephens said.

After NEVE, the four moved on with their lives. Stephens gave me an update of the career paths of each band member. “I run a successful LA-based production agency producing commercials for the world’s top luxury hotel brands (think The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, etc.). Mike operates a successful music production studio specializing in film and TV and has music all over the place (commercials, video games, etc.).  Tommy continues to tour with various successful tribute acts around the world.  And Brian continues recording studio session drums for other big name established acts.”

Some of you might be thinking “I’d love to see them but it’s in Los Angeles.”  Well, this might not be the last or only time to catch NEVE in concert.  “After our upcoming reunion show at Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood on November 1, 2025, we will likely play a few more scatted dates around the country.  We’re starting with our Whisky show and then leaving it open to see if other shows make sense.  We’re excited to push for more!”

It would have been remiss if this “writer adjacent” did not asked Stephens what he remembers of the Ludington shows.  NEVE played shows in Ludington and a Johnny’s Bandstand in Custer.  “Ludington, being Brian’s hometown in Michigan was especially memorable since our shows there brought an incredible hometown feel.  Brian’s friends and fans made us feel immediately like family with massive love and support.  We could never forget Ludington!” 

Maybe the stars will align, and NEVE will once again make a “hometown” appearance.  For me, I’m putting a request for time off.  I don’t want to miss the chance.  I’m hoping the next post will be from The Whisky. 

To the band, I only have one request.  “More Cowbell.”

BR

 

I would like to thank John Stephens and Ashley at Alt 2K.  John for answering my text messages and Ashley for providing me a link to an interview with Michael and Tommy.