There is no doubt that when a group of people work together day-in-and-day-out and two or more of them do not see eye to eye – to the point where they hate each other – that a certain amount of dysfunction sets in. This dysfunction begins to eat away at the rest of the group. This dysfunction can lead to people quitting jobs, bands breaking up, and people getting divorced.

My contention is that after the recent announcement of a reunion tour that it should absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, include Jim Martin.

One of the biggest arguments I have heard which led to Jim Martin’s departure from the band was the focus on vocals and lyrics, with less emphasis on the guitars.

Despite replacement guitarists, an accentuated focus on keyboards and bass to compliment the vocals in the albums which were to follow “Angel Dust,” Martin’s presence and virtuosity are conspicuously absent from them. Although good albums in their own right, the element of earlier albums which showcased Martin’s style and technique are missing.

Time apart can often have a healing effect on past relationships. While they may not be (and may never be) completely mended, they can become, to an extent, functional. Hell, I get along with and tolerate people I stopped (for very good reasons) hanging around with. Perhaps the members can go on tour with each contributing to songs that they contributed to and played in the past. Martin could cover songs from “We Care a Lot,” through “Angel Dust.” Trey Spruance (not sure if he is actually touring) and Jon Hudson could cover the later stuff. It would give them a break between sets.

I am a Mike Patton fan. I am a Jim Martin fan. The Cowboy Song. Epic. The FNM cover of “War Pigs.” We Care a Lot. Zombie Eaters. Falling To Pieces. Classic stuff. I’m beggin’ ya. Pretty please with a cherry on top. Add him to your FaceBook pages. Whatever it takes. Ask “Sir James Martin” to join the tour already. Please?