Hole Reunion Teased: Courtney Love and Melissa Auf der Maur Hint at Possible Tour
The possibility of a Hole reunion is gaining momentum, fueled by recent interactions between frontwoman Courtney Love and bassist Melissa Auf der Maur. After years of speculation and on-again, off-again comments regarding a potential return to the stage, Love posted a video on Tuesday featuring Auf der Maur, soundtracked by the band’s 1998 hit “Malibu,” with a caption that sparked fervent excitement among fans: “So do we tell the kids about the tour?” This latest development follows a recent performance in London where Love alluded to a return to Hole and comes as Auf der Maur prepares to release her memoir, adding another layer to the anticipation surrounding the iconic 90s band.
The Instagram post, featuring Auf der Maur in a gauzy black dress, quickly ignited social media, with Auf der Maur responding in the comments with a cryptic, “it starts with eternal love….” Love also shared a throwback photo from the Chateau Marmont, taken shortly before the release of their landmark album, Celebrity Skin, featuring herself, Auf der Maur, and guitarist Eric Erlandson. These gestures suggest a renewed connection and a potential willingness to revisit the band’s celebrated catalog. The timing is particularly noteworthy, as it follows Love’s recent surprise appearance with Billie Joe Armstrong’s cover band, The Coverups, in London, where she hinted at a future with Hole, stating, “Later… I’ll be back in Hole.”
A History of On-Again, Off-Again Reunion Talk
The prospect of a Hole reunion has been a recurring topic for over two decades, marked by periods of hope and subsequent dismissal. The band initially disbanded in 2002 after a tumultuous period following the death of guitarist Kristen Pfaff in 1994 and the well-documented struggles of Love. They briefly reformed between 2009 and 2012 with a different lineup, but a full-scale reunion of the classic Celebrity Skin era lineup has remained elusive.
In 2018, Love and Auf der Maur shared the stage at an event in Hudson, Modern York, celebrating Love’s career, performing several Hole classics. This marked their first public performance together in years, offering a glimpse of the chemistry that defined the band’s sound. Further fueling speculation, in 2020, Hole revealed to NME that Love had a productive rehearsal session with former bandmates Auf der Maur and Patty Schemel, opening the door to a possible reunion. However, Love seemingly retracted this sentiment a year later in an interview with Vogue, stating definitively, “a proper Hole reunion will absolutely not [be happening].”
Despite these previous denials, the recent Instagram posts and Love’s London performance suggest a shift in perspective. The band’s enduring legacy and the continued interest from fans likely play a role in these reconsiderations. Hole’s 1998 album, Celebrity Skin, achieved platinum status in the United States, solidifying their place in rock history. The album, and the band as a whole, remains influential to a new generation of musicians and fans.
Auf der Maur’s Memoir and a Gaze Back at Hole’s Impact
Adding to the current buzz, Melissa Auf der Maur is preparing to release her memoir, Even the Good Girls Will Cry: A 90s Rock Memoir, on March 17. The book promises an intimate look into her upbringing in Montreal and her experiences as a bassist, first with her band, Tinker, and then with Hole and Smashing Pumpkins. The memoir is expected to offer insights into the dynamics within Hole during its most successful period and provide a personal perspective on the challenges and triumphs of navigating the 90s rock scene.
Auf der Maur’s five-year tenure with Hole was pivotal, contributing significantly to the creation of Celebrity Skin. In an interview with Bass Player, she described the experience, offering a glimpse into the creative process and the band’s unique energy. The album remains a touchstone for many, and Auf der Maur’s contributions were integral to its success.
The Complex History of Hole and Courtney Love
Courtney Love’s career has been marked by both artistic acclaim and intense public scrutiny. The documentary Antiheroine, which premiered at Sundance earlier this year, offers a candid portrayal of Love’s life and career, exploring the complexities of her public persona and the challenges she has faced. A review in Rolling Stone praised the film for its “blunt, borderline-brutal honesty,” highlighting its exploration of Love’s accountability and self-acceptance.
The potential for a Hole tour arrives a decade after the band’s last run, The Beautiful Monsters Tour, which was co-headlined by Marilyn Manson. The band’s history is intertwined with both musical innovation and personal turmoil, making any potential reunion a significant cultural event. The question remains whether this latest teasing will translate into a full-fledged tour, but the recent activity suggests that the possibility is more real than it has been in years.
What’s Next for Hole?
While no official tour dates have been announced, the recent social media activity and Love’s public statements indicate a growing likelihood of a Hole reunion. Fans are eagerly awaiting further confirmation and details regarding potential performances. Melissa Auf der Maur’s upcoming memoir is also expected to generate further interest in the band’s history and legacy. The release of Even the Good Girls Will Cry: A 90s Rock Memoir on March 17th will undoubtedly provide further context and insight into the band’s formative years.
The band’s enduring appeal and the continued interest in Courtney Love’s career suggest that a Hole reunion would be met with significant enthusiasm. Whether it’s a limited run of shows or a full-scale tour, the prospect of seeing Hole back on stage is a tantalizing possibility for fans of 90s rock and alternative music. As of today, March 4, 2026, the band has not officially announced any tour dates, but the recent developments suggest that an announcement could be forthcoming.
What are your thoughts on a potential Hole reunion? Share your memories of the band and your hopes for the future in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with fellow Hole fans!
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