Listening to the radio in the car last night, ‘Pick of the Week’ there was a clip about U2 in Dublin.
I thought about how long they had been together without a line-up change. 1976 to date.
Any other bands with that longevity without changes to to musical differences etc?
Longevity
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ZZ Top had a couple of short-lived members in the very early days, but they’ve had the Beard-Gibbons-Hill line-up since 1969. 49 years. Not bad.
Rush. Different drummer on first album but constant trio since then. Although I think now defunct?
Not sure if Rush are properly defunked….no touring I believe but not sure about recording.
The current line up of Fairport Convention is 20 years old this year which goes some way towards offsetting the “Fotheringport Confusion” of the early 70s
Hey, how about ABBA? Started in 1972 and still sort of going….
Marillion – 29 years in current configuration
(Original member Steve Rothery has done 39)
Apparently the “core” members of Golden Earring have remained unchanged since 1970. Also Mick, Keith, Charlie and Ron since 1975, with the first 3 around since 1962.
Pet Shop Boys. Well over 30 years now
They Might Be Giants – Informing, Educating and Entertaining since 1982
I must be getting old. I am still thinking of bands formed in the 80s as “new” bands.
Do we have rules over minimum numbers? If Pet Shop Boys count, I will see you on that and counter with Sparks.
I’ll see your Sparks and raise you Paul McCartney*. Going a year longer than Sparks – first solo album 1970, latest 2018.
Macca’s solo career is only 6 weeks younger than I am. As my kids will attest, that’s old.
(*) Does this count?
One (Little) Stevie Wonder maybe?