Many fans were surprised to learn that Dark Angel were reuniting for Germany’s Keep It True XVII festival in April 2014. And as it turns out, so were the members of Dark Angel.
Shortly after the announcement, singer Don Doty and drummer Gene Hoglan issued individual statements that while the 80s thrash group were in talks about potential reunion shows, nothing had been confirmed. And in case you’re still not convinced, Hoglan released an additional statement, along with guitarist Jim Durkin, vocalist Ron Rinehart, and bassist Mike “Gonz” Gonzalez, reaffirming that they’re still in the early stages of reunion talks.
First, here’s Hoglan’s second statement regarding the Dark Angel reunion:
“I’m here to state that again, DFA is still talking about doing shows in 2014. As of now, none of the members have booked anything in regards to fests or individual dates. Of course, there are the rumors of certain fests being booked, but any talks that may have occurred, were done so without the ENTIRE band’s knowledge and acquiescence, and therefore cannot be deemed as credible. One thing that holds true to us is that we feel that Dark Angel’s legacy is in danger of being tarnished if these random acts were to continue. There are a host of valid reasons why Dark Angel has been slow to react to the myriad offers we have received in the past to reunite, but the most important reason is that we wish to do the greatest service possible to our fans, and if that means the time has yet to be right, then the time has not been right. And, concerning the immediate future of 2014, if the time and conditions are not right, then again, they will not be right for all involved. Most importantly, our fans.
We do realize that yes, reunions are quite the norm these days. Dark Angel however, has never conformed to the norm, and we refuse to reunite unless we can come back and give our fans the most stellar situation possible. Which is precisely what we are working towards behind the scenes. We greatly appreciate everyone’s enthusiastic response to the possibility of a proper reunion, and as a unit, Dark Angel will do what will be best. For us and our amazing fan base. Again, we truly appreciate all of you.”
Now here’s Durkin’s take on the reunion:
“To our Kick Ass Fans: It has come to my attention that shows are being booked and promises being made in the name of Dark Angel and some of its former members. No one as far as I know, has been given authority to speak for or conduct business on behalf of Dark Angel, myself or any other ex- member. Not to mention making any promises regarding the future of the band. There are other ex-members who would love to be involved in this if it is done correctly! And protect our Legacy!
I and others behind the scenes here have asked other ex-members many times to stop the postings on Facebook, other web sites, and doing interviews regarding the future of the band. But it continues…. This is all premature. There have been NO rehearsals yet, and little if any face-to-face meetings. But we are talking about 2014! I’m all for a guy doing an interview and talking about his glory days with the band. But if you start making unapproved statements about the future of the Band? You’re off course!
When I was last in the band, Ron Rinehart was my singer. And IF the band were to come back and continue, he would STILL be my singer. He was our Rock when we needed him and there is NO WAY I would do this without him. He and I talk daily and are as close now as ever. If anything all this talk has brought us all back into more frequent contact! Which is a wonderful thing.
I wish the very best for any ex DA member in their endeavors. In fact I encourage them to write their own music come up with their own band name and get out there and play! But to lead the fans to believe anyone other than RON would be fronting Dark Angel, and that this band will be allowed to do anything without its Key Members just is not true.
The Legend cannot truly ‘Return’ unless the KEY members are on board! I look forward to 2014.And I believe we can make some special things happen!”
Here’s what Rinehart had to say:
“In regards to Dark Angel and the present situation: Dark Angel has at no time given any authorization to any of our former members to book shows, personal appearances etc. Any shows promises, personal appearances etc. Fall under the responsibility of the individual who made those promises not Dark Angel the music group.
Dark Angel believes in providing our incredible fans with the best show that we can possibly deliver, as well as protecting our valued legacy. Any future statements will come from Dark Angel or our management.”
And finally, here’s what Gonzalez had to add:
“I just want to make a statement about the possibility of a Dark Angel reunion. It is true that we are talking about doing a run next year, but we are still in the early stages of this discussion. We all plan to sit down together in the near future and reconnect and jam a bit. I’m looking forward to seeing the guys again. We will keep you posted as things develop. I can’t emphasize enough that this is just discussing a reunion. I have not agreed to any appearances yet. Hopefully, things will work out.
I am currently playing in VIKING, as most of you know, our new album titled No Child Left Behind will be dropping very soon. I am very excited about this band and album. It is the first album Gene and I have played together on since Time Does Not Heal and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. It’s brutal!
In closing, I just want to thank everyone for their support and friendship. Hopefully I’ll be seeing you on the road very soon!”
Though initially breaking up in 1992, Dark Angel reunited in 2002 before coming to an end in 2004 due to Rinehart’s health problems. Since forming in 1981, the California thrash group underwent numerous lineup changes. And while Don Doty (who sang in the group from 81 to 87) said in his original statement that he, Holgan, Durkin, Gonzalez and guitarist Eric Meyer were talking, Durkin seems pretty intent on only doing a reunion with Rinehart (who replaced Doty in 87) and “KEY” members. Also adding more fuel to the fire is Dark Angel’s Wikipedia page, which has guitarist Justin Zych listed as a member of the “current” lineup but not Durkin. But the thing to take away from all of this is that a Dark Angel reunion will happen, just nothing (including the lineup) is set in stone yet.
