Hold on to your hats, music lovers, because the Ween saga continues! No reunion announcement yet, but the band teases something big.
In a highly anticipated update, Ween fans were left with mixed emotions. While the band hasn't announced a reunion, they've dropped a tantalizing hint about an upcoming release. The band is set to deliver a special treat for Record Store Day 2026: a 3LP box set titled 'Europe "90"'. But here's where it gets intriguing... This isn't just any ordinary album reissue.
The 'Europe "90"' box set will feature a treasure trove of long-lost studio sessions and a live recording from what guitarist Mickey "Dean Ween" Melchiondo believes is the best Ween show ever. Yes, you read that right! The show in question took place in Basel, Switzerland, in 1990, and it's a performance that has gained legendary status among fans.
During their European tour as a duo, Dean and Aaron "Gene Ween" Freeman were living the rockstar life in their tour manager's apartment in the Netherlands. The studio sessions from this period include unreleased gems like "Push the Lil' Daises", which became a surprise MTV hit, and fan favorites like "Cover it with Gas and Set it on Fire" and "Albino Sunburn Girl".
But wait, there's more! The live recording, 'The Reality of Brown: Live in Basel', has a unique twist. The show started with zero audience members, and by the end, a grand total of five people had gathered to witness the magic. This intimate performance has become a symbol of the band's early days, and its release is a gift to fans.
And this is the part most people miss: the story behind the Basel show. In a heartfelt note, Mickey shared the band's humble beginnings, touring Europe in a Renault Le Car, playing gigs for gas money and a place to stay. This raw, unfiltered account of their early struggles adds a layer of emotion to the music.
While the release of this box set isn't the reunion fans had hoped for, it's a significant step. The band's social media post, featuring their iconic symbol, the Boognish, and the caption, "Is this thing on, mang?", sparked wild theories about a possible reunion. But, is it all just hype for another release?
Ween's recent history has been a rollercoaster. After canceling their 2024 tour due to Dean Ween's mental health concerns, they returned for a few shows, only to abruptly wipe their calendar mid-tour. The band's hiatus has left fans eager for any sign of activity, and this new release could be a sign of things to come.
So, will Ween reunite? Only time will tell. But in the meantime, fans can relive the magic of their early days with this special release. And who knows, maybe this is just the beginning of something bigger. Stay tuned, music enthusiasts, as the Weeniverse continues to unfold!
