ReUNITE, reboot!

While some set their alarms, others stayed up to watch the cast of Friends and Will & Grace unite for a tribute to their beloved director, Jim Burrows. Some others are preparing to binge watch Full House’s sequel Fuller House and Gilmore Girls even as they wait to watch what Guns N’ Roses have in store for their reunion tour.

With 90s bands like Boyzone, Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls promising revivals too, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that it’s the season of reunions. And city folk think it feels like a big group hug.

After growing up with the characters for 10 years, Friends fans had finally come to terms with the fact that there would never be a reunion. “It was devastating to think that it was over. But the reunion at least attempted to put everyone in the same frame and that was the real closure,” explains Kishan Kumar, a software professional who swears that he still watches reruns when he finds time.

The cast of the popular sitcom confirmed that there wasn’t going to be a reunion show because it captured a point in time and prolonging it would take away the essence of the show. An artist from the city, Priyanka R, echoes the sentiment, “I only picked up Full House’s sequel Fuller House to see where it was going. I don’t think I’m as excited and believe, I now know why the Olsen twins decided to steer clear of this predictable retread.”   

While Ronan Keating drops hints about a Boyzone reunion to celebrate the world having them around for 25 years and Destiny’s Child regrouped for Kelly Rowland’s birthday, the Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys have a joint reunion tour planned for later this year. But the most awaited reunion of all-time has got to be Guns N’ Roses.

Returning to the stage after their last performance in 1993, fans have clamoured for a reunion and with Axl Rose and Slash patching things up and Duff McKagen jumping on board, Guns N’ Roses have confirmed to headline the Coachella Music and Arts Festival. What makes this reunion even more special is the fact that it was a bolt from the blue. “They are one of the best classical rock bands in history and have enthralled the world with their hits.

A reunion after so many years wasn’t expected and if they could make one last tour around the world, which is rumoured too, it will be a sight for the sore eyes,” says 27-year-old Royston Lobo, a business executive from the city. While there are those who are hoping, some of them are making their way to witness the Gods of rock in action. “Even as the rumour mills went on overdrive about their ‘possible’ reunion, I grabbed my tickets to Coachella,” says Abhishek Reddy, a student from the city. “My father is a great fan of GNR and I grew up listening to their music too. When we heard that they were getting on stage again, my dad and I just had to make the trip,” says the 22-year-old who booked his concert tickets for Rs.40,000 a pop.

This climate of reunions has inspired some of the city’s own too! A big fan of Friends and Full House, Dheeraj Kumar believes that reunions are the closest we have to a time machine if ever there was one. “It takes you back in time,” he says. “Every Thursday we organise an event called The Royal Mumble which dabbles in quiz, dumb charades and Pictionary amongst other things, to bring back memories. Inspired by all the reunions this season, this month, we’re coming out with a special alma mater edition wherein people from different schools and colleges can come together,” says the young owner of Opus.