Live Reunites Original Membership, Announces Tour, Album

Live has declared it has brought back its original lead vocalist and rhythmic guitarist Ed Kowalczyk. The band also announced a 2017 road trip and is currently recording new music.

Live went on hiatus in 2009 and for the past few years the band has included vocalist and guitarist Chris Shinn, who featured in the album The Turn. Now though, the membership will once again be Kowalczyk with Chad Taylor on guitar and backing vocals, Patrick Dahlheimer on bass and Chad Gracey on drums.

– Live
Pictured, from left to right: Chad Taylor, Ed Kowalczyk, Chad Gracey, and Patrick Dahlheimer in a 1990s photo.

Originally the split was reported as acrimonious, but there was eventually a lawsuit over a publishing agreement which apparently led to hurt feelings. In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2013 Kowalczyk said, “Every day I had to compartmentalize the fact that these guys who called themselves my friends for most of my life weren’t.”

The members issued comments in a press release addressing the reunion. “Ed, Chad, Patrick and I are no different than your average family,” Taylor said. “We divide ourselves or argue fiercely but thankfully time, and the grand gesture of forgiveness, helps to heal old wounds. We’ve worked hard to restore the tenants of faith and trust that bonded us in the beginning.”

Dec. 31 will mark the 25th anniversary of the band’s debut album Mental Jewelry. The date and title for the new album are TBA. Regarding the new stuff, Kowalczyk said: “We are writing and recording at the moment. We have mutually decided not to rush the next project. We didn’t want the pressure of completing an entire album hanging over us before we got out and played some shows.”

Upcoming tour dates have not been shared yet, although headline gigs and festival gigs both are promised.

Regarding what led to the reunion, Dahlheimer said “Live needs no better reason to reform than to spread some light in this time of confusion and unease.”

Check out Freaks4Live.com for the latest on the band.