To state the obvious: through the magic of YouTube, pretty much any clip, interview, TV show, etc. is available for viewing. At some point, I recall reading or hearing about VH1’s Bands Reunited. I never watched an episode until within the past hour. The first episode with Berlin happened to appear among the YouTube suggested videos. I always liked Berlin so that was an easy choice.
Some of the band’s commentary on a reunion, especially from Terri Nunn and John Crawford were what I would expect from anyone who was properly in a band. By properly, I refer to a sense of longevity. The quality could include a sense of success and fame as with Berlin, in the early 1980s, but I feel the same commentary despite the lack of supposed success in my bands.
Crawford mentioned the “family” aspect of the situation. A touring band is together practically 24 hours for weeks or months. A local band might practice a couple or a few times per week if they’re serious. Perceptions of success, time spent together, etc. are all concepts to which relativity can be applied. There is that presence that materializes when a certain group convenes to work towards a mutual aim. Some or all band member might not be able to feel it, or handle the feeling if they perceive it, but for the duration that it’s meant to exist, that group is the group. In this case, it is in the hands of music. Perhaps a capital “m” for Music would be appropriate.
Robert Fripp has issued many aphorisms addressing the power and presence of music. The idea that it [music] would lean in and allow an unlikely group of individuals with instruments and microphones to be musicians has been experienced by many and witnessed by even more. As listeners, the question is “can we listen without judgement and negativity?” We all experience music we don’t like. Can we look beyond our preferences to an objective experience?
Time is clearly the great healer. Time also proves a point. In the case of Berlin, it made sense that Terri Nunn would gain control of the band’s name. She had the drive. She still has the drive. Her presence in the videos and on the stage was a primary factor to the success of the band. The song writing was/is also key (no pun intended). But that’s the point: the proper mix of people with the “right songs” to create a sound and vision that resonates.
There are a few other episodes that I envision seeking out. Whatever suspense and drama is supposed to be present while the host questions his success is blatantly contrived, otherwise there is no episode. It’s more about what the band members have to say about the experience.
Alex Kelley 