Powderfinger R.I.P.

I read with interest during the week that the popular Australian rock band Powderfinger have announced that they are breaking up.

This leads to a very pertinent question: "When should a popular music group break up?"

Powderfinger is a band of whom I have always been aware of, however I don't own any of their CDs. To be honest, I have always been slightly amazed that the group reached the level of popularity that they attained, as I have always considered them to be a fairly average group with average songs.

I recall that they reached the climax of their popularity in 2003 with the "Vulture Street" CD. As is commonplace in the history of music, the group took an extended break after this success, the lead singer released a very successful solo CD during this break, and Powderfinger lost their momentum.

Their comeback CD was released in 2007. I recall trying very hard to get into Powderfinger at this time, however the song quality just wasn't there. This CD sold in very modest terms.

Soon after this, Powderfinger announced that they would co-head a national tour with silverchair [another popular Australian rock group whom I have never really understood]. It was at this time that I sensed that the end was near for Powderfinger. The press conference reeked of arrogance, which simply wasn't justified in terms of recent "success".

So there we have it. Approximately 7 years [and 2 very modest CDs] after the height of their popularity, Powderfinger have seen the light and pulled the plug on their career.

There will be a farewell tour, however I don't feel that Powderfinger will be remembered in decades to come. It is quite possible that Powderfinger gained public support in the absence of anything better at the time.