The Grammys are tonight. Could this be the start of a big year for rock?
The only reason I’m going to watch the Grammys tonight is because it’s my job. Okay, maybe there’s one other reason. Some are wondering if this year’s ceremony might give us some hope for rock music in 2019.
From Variety:
“Rock isn’t dead. It’s not on life support, either, and hasn’t been for a single solitary second since Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and the forefathers of the genre brought it into the mainstream more than six decades ago.
“’Rock is alive and well, it’s just been underground,” says Allison Hagendorf, Global Head of Rock for Spotify. ‘I’m out [in Los Angeles] at the Roxy and Troubadour every night. I’m seeing it.’
“The rise of acts like Ghost and Greta Van Fleet, reflected in this year’s Grammy nominations, where Greta
Maybe I’m just officially old now (38) but I read this article and then went and listened to some of the bands I hadn’t heard yet. Is Bring Me The Horizon what we’re supposed to accept as rock now? It’s more pop than anything. I understand that crossing over genres and getting on top 40 radio makes money but I see now why rock radio seems to be slipping into having the bulk of their playlists firmly cemented in the 1990-2010 era.
I don’t understand the hype on Ghost either. I’ve listened to their entire catalogue. Their debut is great. But overall I find it difficult to call them a metal band. Fever 333 is filling a space left by Linkin Park. Greta Van Fleet are fun but I’m not sure what their lasting power can be with. I’m hoping, wishing, dreaming of a triumphant rock return to the mainstream and headlining spots on festivals but I’m not seeing it with this current crop.
But then again, it’s probably because I’m old and still reach for Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, etc, when I need a good rock fix.