Legendary underground rock figure Robert Pollard has spoken about reforming Guided By Voices.
A school teacher, Robert Pollard formed Guided By Voices sometime in the mid 80s. Inspired by groups such as R.E.M. his whimsical psych-pop was recorded at home on sometimes very basic equipment.
Building a cult following, Guided By Voices became adored by fans of underground American rock. Splitting after a New Year’s show in 2003 / 2004, Robert Pollard went on to enjoy a highly productive solo career.
However the singer shocked fans by confirming the reformation of the classic mid 90s line up of Guided By Voices. Taking part in the anniversary celebrations of Matador Records, the band will play a one off show.
The classic line up includes: Tobin Sprout (guitar, vocals), Mitch Mitchell (guitar), Greg Demos (bass) and Kevin Fennell (drums). Speaking to Dayton Daily News, Robert Pollard joked that he initially knocked back the offer. “I initially told them, ‘No, we don’t play Vegas,’ ” he said with a chuckle.
“They came back and offered us more money, so I told them I’d see what the other guys said. It took some time to track Kevin down, but they all wanted to do it.”
Continuing, Robert Pollard revealed that Guided By Voices could follow the one off show with some Stateside appearances. “I’m not sure this will end after this particular tour,” he said.
“But after this has run its course, that’s the end for Guided by Voices. My justification for even doing it was, we’re old, but we’re not completely feeble yet. We can still do it a little bit, so we better do this before that happens.”
Meanwhile, Robert Pollard is working on more solo material. Since turning solo the singer has released a slew of albums under a variety of names, averaging somewhere in the region of three a year.
Guided By Voices have not confirmed if the Matador shows will be recorded for release.
