UPDATE: An anonymous source close to the situation has confirmed that Refused will indeed be reuniting. Plans right now include live performances at some to-be-confirmed European summer festivals. We'll keep you updated as details come in.
Refused broke up not long after the release of their 1998 LP, The Shape of Punk To Come -- an album embraced by anyone who shared Refused's all-too-unlikely dream for the death of popular music at a time when mentioning 'punk rock' was more likely to evoke bands such as Green Day or Blink-182.
When every expression, no matter how radical it is, can be transformed into a commodity and be bought or sold like cheap soda, how is it then possible that you are going to be able to take "art" seriously?
Refused said farewell in a polarizing, self-important, and pretentious way; but their parting words were wholly in character with the band, their music, and their mission. You either agreed with them, or not. You either 'got it,' or you didn't. And true to the earliest days of punk rock ideology - I'm thinking Sex Pistols, early Clash - you're either with them, or against them.
"New Noise" (live)
"Summerholidays vs Punkroutine" (The Shape of Punk to Come, 1998)
So many great bands have reunited over the past few years amid adulation far exceeding the prime of their career. Right now, the Blogosphere is buzzing that Swedish post-hardcore darlings Refused will take the next victory lap.
Officialrefused.com serves as the source for any speculation thanks to one phrase:
COMING SOON
Punknews.org checked into the situation citing only "an anonymous source close to the situation." That at least provides some encouragement if, like me, you are hopeful.
