Music

Rock Music Sucks and Now It’s Depressing

That’s the headline from this article in Pigeons and Planes. Before you read it, though, remember that every generation believes that the music of the present sucks more than the music of the past.

What the hell happened to rock music? The most successful band out right now is either Fun. orMumford & Sons, and that is fucking depressing. I’m not even close to being an anti-mainstream rockist. Like, in an ideal way, I want to hate Fun. and Mumford & Sons for pussifying the genre, but I know that “Some Nights” and “I Will Wait” are jamming, and I’m forced to respect them for racking up those Grammys. I’m not even mad at what those bands are doing. There’s just a fear and looming sadness when you acknowledge that Fun. is not Nirvana and Mumford & Sons is not Guns N’ Roses. Those days are gone.

Lamenting the passing of a period of music, insisting that it was better, and wishing it would return is one of the most cliché, typical, and honest behaviors of any music fan, especially when it comes to rock. Watch any YouTube video of Cobain or Bowie or Hendrix or Zeppelin and scan the comments—90% of them will be cynical and nostalgic. This happens on R&B videos, but people today still have Frank Ocean and Beyoncé. This happens on pop videos, but people today still have Rihanna and Katy Perry. This happens on rap videos, but people today still have Kendrick Lamar and Drake. But rock fans are hurting. They’re feeling the void, and it’s understandable. What’s interesting is exactly how the Rock Music Economy has collapsed over the years.

Continue reading.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38035 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

7 thoughts on “Rock Music Sucks and Now It’s Depressing

  • At least Muse isn't afraid to carry the torch. Hey Illuminatus puppet society?
    The time has come to destroy
    your SUPREMACY!!
    Long Live Rock n Roll!

    Reply
  • Muse only supports this article….

    Reply
  • Something will come along and kick all this stuff in the balls. The danger will come back. You never think it's going to happen, but we're always proved wrong

    Reply
  • No time for this kind of lazy whining. There's plenty of great guitar-based music being made RIGHT NOW available to anyone willing to spend more than a couple hours looking for it.

    Reply
  • Alice Cooper was saying this about 3 years ago. Nobody plays guitar, at least not in a way that grabs you…

    G&M article

    Reply
  • I agree with the assessments that this is just lazy whining. I've heard these same complaints for decades!

    Reply

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