When we reflect on 2012, one of the better reunions to take place will have been that of Swedish hardcore punk outfit Refused. However, the band has revealed that the time has come for the reunion to wind down, and they've decided that the best place to do it would be their hometown in Umea, Sweden at the Exel Arena on Dec. 15.
Refused are one of the few bands in existence who can claim true cult status. The Swedish hardcore group broke up in 1998, only months after releasing their incredibly influential and innovative magnum opus, 'The Shape of Punk to Come.' With no promotion, radio play, or even a band to tour on the material, 'The Shape of Punk to Come' bloomed through word of mouth alone, creating one of the most organic and dedicated fan bases in all of music. Fourteen years after the band's breakup, a whole new generation of fans were given the opportunity to see Refused live in Brooklyn, NY -- but the opportunity would not come with ease.
Southern California Coachella attendees aren't the only ones that will be able to enjoy a live set from the recently reunited Refused in April. The Swedish band, which impacted the hard rock world with the watershed album 'The Shape of Punk to Come' back in 1998 and then swiftly broke up, has booked a pair of shows at New York City's Terminal 5. The band had planned to play one show on April 23 and then added a second show on April 22 due to quick sell out and fan demand.
The lineup for the 2012 Coachella Festival has just been announced, and the biggest surprise on the bill may just be a reunited Refused. The influential Swedish hardcore punk band will be playing their first gigs since breaking up in the late '90s. The Coachella Festival takes place in Indio, Calif., over two weekends (April 13-15 and April 20-22) that feature identical lineups, with Refused playing April 13 and 20.
