Breaking up is always hard to do - but staying broken up seems to be just as hard for some bands.

Toad the Wet Sprocket's split in July 1998 seemed permanent at the time, and loyal fans seemed to think so too. Web sites dedicated to the band's accomplishments surfaced as monuments often do to those who have died.

"Every once in awhile I'd visit one, but it's too weird, you know?" lead singer Glen Phillips said. "People started asking me, 'Why don't you get back together?' and I started to ask myself that same question."

After making up, Phillips said the experience on the road so far has been amazing. Playing The Intersection in Grand Rapids tonight and hitting the legendary St. Andrew's Hall in Detroit on Friday, Toad has been receiving a lot of support on its reunion tour.

Selling out four shows already on the 24-city national reunion tour, Phillips said the band has been shocked at the fan base it has seen on the road so far.

"I kinda wondered if people would just be at shows for our radio hits," he said. "It's really astounding to see audiences sing every word to every song we've played."

The band's album "Fear" hit the No. 1 spot on the Heatseekers chart in 1992, and 1994 single "Fall Down" reached No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

Although Phillips said it has reminded him how much fun he had touring with Toad, plans have not be made to reunite.

"It's possible, but we haven't made any plans yet," he said. "We are in the middle of deciding."

After testing out the waters, Phillips said he believes there is as much a place for Toad's music today as in the '80s and '90s.

"The people are hungry for honest albums that sound like people," he said. "People are starved for it."

Another consideration the band will have to take will be the addition of family. Phillips, who has a 17-month-old daughter, said it is tougher to tour within a band then it was when it was just him and his acoustic guitar.

"It's definitely easier when you're a solo artist," he said. "I called home the other day and heard a noise over the phone but didn't know what it was.

"My wife got on the phone and she said, 'She's been dancing for you over the phone.'"

Missing family is part of the job description, Phillips said, and something his family recognizes that accompanies his lifestyle.

"This is my job, this is our job," he said. "I've still gotta pay the bills and I've still got a mortgage. At least I get to have fun in the process."