A new version of Big Audio Dynamite’s debut album may have stoked interest in a band reunion.
Co-founder Don Letts tells Billboard.com that while compiling “This is Big Audio Dynamite — Legacy Edition,” an expanded version of the 1985 set that comes out April 12 — he and Mick Jones broached the idea of putting the band back together again. “I could lie to you and say ‘Not in a million years,’ but…if Mick wasn’t tied up with Gorillaz it might happen this year,” says Letts, noting that Jones and Clash mate Paul Simonon will be playing dates with Gorillaz in support of that group’s new album, “Plastic Beach.” “(Jones) has looked at me and said, ‘Maybe next year,’ but who knows.
“I’ve got to admit that in the past I’m not a great one for reformations; I always think if you’re lucky in life, you get a window of opportunity, use it to the best of your ability and then fuck off and let someone else have their turn. But here I am 25 years down the line considering the thing. Isn’t that a bitch?!”
Formed after Jones was fired from The Clash in 1983, B.A.D. released nine albums before disbanding in 1998.