Who Killed Rock and Roll?

submitted by Entropick from (brianniemeier.com)

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[–]Mark_Shill 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Fluoride in the water

[–]Jiminy 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

Good article. Some truth to it. I remember the Beatles were mad cuz they got exploited by managers and only got like 1% of profits from what they put out, and then govt taxed them 95% on that. But still got rich because when others can profit off you they will help spread the word about your music. Now it's hard for anyone to profit off you. So no one bothers promoting. There's good rock music out there being put out by guys that have to have day jobs washing dishes. That sucks for them. I play bass but not as a job just for fun. I make a few hundred a month from gigs, can't live off that. Just no money in music anymore but I think it's always been like that with a few outliers. For every hit rock band there were 100s of poor struggling musicians. Rick beato is one, never hit it big, probably not getting rich off youtube. Probably doing alright, middle class level, nothing crazy. Makes music videos cuz he loves music. Glad he does. I forgot what my point was. Yeah rock got destroyed by corporate greed. Part of capitalism. But socialism in USSR banned rock and roll so that's no good either. Just make music for the love of it, highly unlikely to make much money.

[–]Entropick[S] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

Good insights, thanks for the input.

[–]Jiminy 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I also kind of look at music as a career similar to what people liberal arts degrees go into. Lots of people get into that because they want to be a writer and because it's fun and easy. But it's hard to get paid as it because #1 so many people are into it, and #2 there's so many books and stories written by classic writers in the centuries past, that why would they want to buy a novel from a new writer? Or if someone wants to listen to rock, why not listen to the classics like the Beatles, Pink Floyd, even nirvana, before some new band? It gets more saturated each year. So why don't people get into a career like engineering or construction instead, because those are harder and more boring.

[–]OilOcean 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I think what happen to rock is all the talent dried up, from a lack of interest in song writing. I'm not a fan of Folk music much, but rich men north of richmond was one of the few songs I've heard that had a soul in it and I could relate to in a very very long time.

[–]monkeymagic 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

the heart of rock and roll is still beating

[–]FARMERBROWN 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

The Heart of Rock and Roll: A Timeless Beat In the ever-evolving landscape of popular music, where genres merge and trends shift like tectonic plates, there exists a genre that has stood the test of time, captivating generations with its raw energy and rebellious spirit: rock and roll. Often hailed as the "heartbeat of music," rock and roll's influence extends far beyond its sonic boundaries, permeating culture, fashion, and even societal norms. As we delve into the depths of this iconic genre, we shall explore the enduring legacy of rock and roll, its impact on society, and the reasons why its pulse continues to beat strong, even in the face of changing musical tides. The Genesis of a Cultural Phenomenon Rock and roll emerged in the mid-20th century, its roots tracing back to rhythm and blues, country music, and the infectious energy of early rockabilly. It was a sound that defied convention, breaking free from the constraints of traditional music and capturing the zeitgeist of a generation yearning for liberation and self-expression. With its driving guitar riffs, pounding drums, and passionate vocals, rock and roll ignited a cultural revolution, becoming the soundtrack to a new era defined by youth empowerment and social change. Rock and Roll's Revolutionary Impact The rise of rock and roll was not merely a musical phenomenon; it was a cultural earthquake that shook the foundations of society. It challenged societal norms, gave voice to the marginalized, and provided a platform for social commentary and protest. Rock and roll legends like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard broke down racial barriers, inspiring a generation to embrace diversity and challenge the status quo. Their music became a rallying cry for civil rights, equality, and personal freedom, leaving an indelible mark on history. The Enduring Appeal of Rock and Roll Despite the emergence of new genres and the ever-changing tastes of audiences, rock and roll has maintained its relevance and popularity over the decades. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with people on a visceral level, transcending language, culture, and generations. Rock and roll speaks to the human experience, capturing the emotions of love, loss, joy, and pain with raw honesty and intensity. Its timeless melodies and relatable lyrics resonate with listeners, providing solace, inspiration, and a sense of community. Rock and Roll's Cultural Legacy Rock and roll's influence extends far beyond the concert stage. It has shaped fashion trends, influenced art and literature, and even played a role in political movements. Rock and roll has become an integral part of our cultural fabric, a genre that continues to inspire and provoke thought. Its icons are immortalized in popular culture, their images and music instantly recognizable even to those who may not consider themselves fans of the genre. The Future of Rock and Roll While some may argue that rock and roll's golden age has passed, the genre's spirit lives on in countless contemporary artists who draw inspiration from its rich history. Rock and roll's DNA can be found in everything from pop music to hip-hop, its influence evident in the music of artists as diverse as Beyoncé, The Weeknd, and Foo Fighters. As long as there are artists willing to push boundaries, experiment with sounds, and use their music to express their truths, the heart of rock and roll will continue to beat strong. Conclusion Rock and roll is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural force that has shaped the world we live in. Its impact on society, fashion, and art is undeniable, and its legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations to come. As we celebrate the enduring spirit of rock and roll, let us remember its rebellious roots, its power to unite people, and its ability to move us in ways that few other genres can. Long may the heart of rock and roll continue to beat, reminding us of the transformative power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.

[–]Hematomato 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

The downward trend affected every medium from live action movies to anime to music. And it hit right around 1997.

I really don't agree with this.

First of all, I don't think 1998-2000 were downward-trending years at all. Not only were sales still strong, exciting and creative stuff was coming out every month. The author sort of waves his hands and calls 1998-2000 a "dead cat bounce," but dead cat bounces really only exist in markets.

If anything, I think the end of rock was 9/11. The rock scenes were already starting to crumble due to all the factors listed in the article, but in the post-9/11 years it seemed inappropriate to sing anything either celebratory or rebellious and those scenes just fell apart permanently.

Second, minor quibble, but video games definitely didn't start declining at that same time. AAA Video games only got better and better until about 2015, and then the industry shit the bed.

[–]Entropick[S] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Yeah I like this take as well

[–]MURDERISAGAME 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

A Critical Examination of the Notion that Rock Music Died in 1998-2000 The assertion that rock music experienced its demise during the period of 1998 to 2000 is a highly contestable one, lacking substantial evidence and overlooking crucial factors that influenced the genre's trajectory. While the author attempts to paint a picture of decline, a more nuanced analysis reveals a dynamic and evolving landscape, with both challenges and opportunities shaping the fate of rock music. Questioning the Notion of a "Dead Cat Bounce" The author's characterization of 1998-2000 as a "dead cat bounce" fails to acknowledge the vibrant and innovative music that emerged during this time. Far from being a period of stagnation, these years witnessed the release of groundbreaking albums, the rise of new subgenres, and the continued influence of rock music on popular culture. Bands like Radiohead, The Strokes, and Muse pushed the boundaries of rock music, challenging conventional norms and introducing fresh perspectives. The emergence of nu metal, with bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit, brought a new energy and aggression to the genre, captivating a younger audience. Simultaneously, established artists like Metallica, U2, and Bruce Springsteen continued to release critically acclaimed albums, demonstrating the enduring power of rock music. The Enduring Impact of 9/11 The author's claim that the end of rock music can be attributed to the events of September 11, 2001, while plausible, requires a more thorough examination of the complex factors at play. While it is true that the tragedy impacted the cultural landscape, leading to a shift in tone and subject matter in popular music, it would be simplistic to solely blame 9/11 for the decline of rock music. The genre's trajectory was influenced by a confluence of factors, including changing musical tastes, the rise of alternative genres like hip hop and electronic dance music, and the evolving landscape of the music industry. To attribute the decline of rock music solely to 9/11 overlooks the broader socio-cultural and economic forces that shaped the musical landscape of the early 2000s. The Continued Vitality of Video Games The author's assertion that video games began to decline during the late 1990s is contradicted by the historical record. The period from 1998 to 2015 witnessed a surge in innovation, technological advancements, and the rise of AAA video games. Titles like "Half-Life 2," "World of Warcraft," and "Grand Theft Auto III" set new standards for storytelling, graphics, and gameplay, captivating audiences worldwide. The notion that the video game industry "shit the bed" in 2015 is a subjective assessment that fails to acknowledge the continued growth and evolution of the medium. While certain trends and genres may have experienced fluctuations in popularity, the industry as a whole has continued to thrive, with new technologies, genres, and business models emerging to reshape the landscape. Conclusion: A More Nuanced Perspective In conclusion, the assertion that rock music died in 1998-2000 and that video games began to decline during the same period is an oversimplification of complex historical developments. The music and gaming industries underwent significant transformations during these years, influenced by cultural, technological, and economic factors. Rather than viewing these periods as solely negative, it is more accurate to recognize them as transitional phases, characterized by both challenges and opportunities. The decline of certain genres or trends does not signify the demise of entire industries, but rather reflects the ever-changing nature of popular culture and the emergence of new forms of expression.