Til Tuesday’s Long-Awaited Reunion at Cruel World Festival
Preparing for the Stage After Decades
After a hiatus of over three decades, the iconic band Til Tuesday, known for their hit “Voices Carry,” will reunite for a performance this weekend at the Cruel World festival in Pasadena. This marks their first show since the late 1980s, a reunion prompted by an offer from festival promoter Goldenvoice.
Aimee Mann, the band’s lead singer-songwriter, expressed excitement about reuniting with her former bandmates—Robert Holmes (guitar), Joey Pesce (keyboards), and Michael Hausman (drums). In a recent interview with Variety, Mann revealed her dedication to revisiting the band’s early catalog, which comprises three albums released between 1985 and 1988.
Rediscovering Old Material
Mann shared her mixed feelings regarding revisiting the music they created, stating, “I do not understand how that person did it. It’s kind of like you’re trying to sing karaoke and going, ‘Oh, how does this work?’” Despite concerns about how she would perform the older material, Mann sees the challenge as an intriguing opportunity for personal growth.
She noted that while there may be a potential for additional shows if fan demand is strong, her solo career has overshadowed her work with Til Tuesday, propelling her into a successful career as a prominent singer-songwriter.
The Planning Process
During the initial practice session, the band outlined which songs to include in their setlist. Mann remarked on the adjustments required, acknowledging that Hausman hadn’t played drums in years. “Michael has not played drums in, like, 35 years or something!” she declared, indicating the challenge of re-acclimating to live performance after so long.
A key learning for Mann lies in the evolution of her vocal technique. She revealed that her singing style has changed significantly since the band’s early days, prompting her to seek voice lessons to adapt her approach. Mann said, “I mean, I’ve obviously lowered every key, just because… it’s just more comfortable.”
Expectations for the Performance
With only a limited 45-minute set planned, Mann and the band are working toward ensuring a smooth performance. They intend to conduct final rehearsals the week leading up to the festival, including a small show at SIR rehearsal space in Hollywood to ease into performing again.
Mann reflected on the pressure of crafting a setlist, noting, “It’s hard for me to know what people would really want to hear.” However, she is confident that their selection will resonate with fans who appreciate their music.
A Reflective Journey
Mann offered insight into her feelings about the band’s catalog, remarking, “A lot of it was very experimental for me.” Despite her criticisms of earlier lyrics, she holds her bandmates in high regard, emphasizing their musical talents, which she now appreciates more than she did in the past.
While this reunion has ignited discussions of nostalgia in the music industry, Mann clarified that the focus remains on their shared musical journey rather than purely capitalizing on past fame.
Plans for the Future
Following this much-anticipated reunion performance, Mann will embark on her own tour in June to celebrate the 22.5 anniversary of her solo album, Lost in Space. This tour will highlight songs from the album, showcasing her ongoing evolution as an artist.
In addition to touring, Mann is actively engaged in long-term projects, including writing a graphic memoir and developing a musical based on her album The Forgotten Arm, marking a vibrant continuation of her artistic legacy.
A New Chapter for Aimee Mann
Mann closes her conversation with a hopeful outlook for the reunion and beyond, saying, “If I feel like I can do a really good job singing, then I would consider others.” Her openness to future performances indicates a willingness to explore new opportunities while honoring her past.
As fans eagerly await the Cruel World festival, the reunion of Til Tuesday stands as not just a nostalgic revival but as a celebration of growth, resilience, and the enduring power of music.