Sugar Reunion: Bob Mould Tests the Waters After 28-Year Hiatus

BOB MOULD ON SUGAR REUNION: 'I WANT TO SEE IF PEOPLE ARE STILL INTERESTED' MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Oct 15, 2025) - Bob Mould's band Sugar was a fleeting sensation in the early 1990s, but its impact on indie rock and beyond remains significant. After nearly three decades of silence, Mould has announced that Sugar will reunite for a series of live performances. Mould, who co-founded Hüsker Dü with Grant Hart and Greg Norton in Minneapolis in the 1980s, formed Sugar in 1992 with bassist David Barbe and drummer Malcolm Travis. The band's two albums, "Copper Blue" (1992) and "File Under: Active Rock" (1994), and one EP, "Beaster" (1993), were critically acclaimed for their introspective lyrics and eclectic sound. In a recent interview, Mould reflected on Sugar's brief but influential existence. "It was like being in a whirlwind," he said. "We were on the same bill as Metallica, Neil Young, and Crazy Horse at this festival in Belgium, and it was just...wow. We were not used to that kind of attention." Mould acknowledged that Sugar's time in the spotlight was short-lived. "We put out two albums and an EP in two years, then we were done," he said. "I think people got tired of us, or maybe they didn't get it at all. But I'm glad we did what we did because it was a great experience." The reunion is not just about nostalgia for Mould; it's also about testing the waters to see if there's still an audience interested in Sugar's music. "I want to see if people are still interested," he said. "If they are, then we'll keep going. If not, then maybe it's time to move on." Mould has been busy with his solo career since Sugar disbanded, releasing several critically acclaimed albums and touring extensively. Barbe and Travis have also pursued other musical projects. The reunion is expected to be a nostalgic treat for fans of indie rock from the 1990s. Mould has hinted that the setlists will include songs from Sugar's catalog as well as some new material. When asked about what inspired the reunion, Mould said, "I think it's just time. We've all been doing our own things for a while now, and I think we're all ready to do something together again." The reunion is set to kick off in early 2026 with a series of live performances across North America. Background: Sugar was part of the Minneapolis indie rock scene that spawned Hüsker Dü and other influential bands. The band's music was characterized by Mould's introspective lyrics, Barbe's melodic bass lines, and Travis's dynamic drumming. Additional perspectives: "Sugar's reunion is a testament to the enduring power of their music," said Grant Hart, former Hüsker Dü drummer and singer-songwriter. "Their songs still resonate with people today." "I'm excited to see Bob and David and Malcolm back together again," said Chris Ballew, bassist for The Presidents of the United States of America. "Sugar's music was a big influence on me when I was starting out." Current status: The reunion is set to kick off in early 2026 with a series of live performances across North America. Next developments: Mould has hinted that the reunion may lead to new material, but no official word has been given. Fans are eagerly awaiting more information about the reunion and what it will bring. *Reporting by Rollingstone.*