The point though, is while there have always been niche groups, in the past, there have also been Rock Gods. Musicians that find their way into the consciousness not only of the majority of young people at that time, but of different generations too. I was 11 when I was taken to the first Beatles film, Hard Day's Night. My mum and grandmother came too because they liked the music. These Great groups or individual rock stars were known by all, and some are still around and nearly octogenarian. There are no contemporary Rock Gods now. Taylor and Sheeran don't come close.
I love Blondie and Debbie Harry was as hot as **** back in the day….but watching her prance around on stage reminds me of watching a pissed up old grandma at Christmas when the karaoke machine comes out
I'd say irrelevant, respectfully. It's an objective not subjective test. There just aren't the accepted greats, the transcenders, now, that there were in past decades. We can agree to disagree on this.
That goes back to my point about choice. Back in the 70s you had to listen to Gary Glitter, Abba, Elton John or Bowie being belted across the two or three radio stations available in your area, and unless you were a real muso that's all you were exposed to hence they transcended all age groups and genres. Nowadays, pop onto YouTube and you'll be presented with all the stuff you, as a subscriber, already like, so unless you're willing to spend some time delving deep to find new stuff the oldies will always come out on top. Same with Spotify/Apple/Amazon music etc, and the repetitive radio stations that cater for those that just want to hear what they are familiar with. Instead of playing it safe, music should be a journey into the unknown - sometimes you'll unearth a gem on your travels.
I’m not surprised GnR suffered sound problems, I saw them at Hammersmith Odeon (it’ll never be the Apollo to me) in the late 80’s Faster Pussycat were a very bad hair metal band but that night they were better than GnR. I then saw them at Wembley stadium supported by Skid Row fans n the early 90’s. Skid Row blew them off the stage. I’ve watched their Glastonbury show and I still rate them as the most overrated rock band around. Roll on next year FOo Fighters (a proper live band) are touring over here.
I watched Blondie and Cat Stevens tonight. Getting past it, particularly Debbie Harry. But I'd bet if either were performing at their peak now, they'd easily outshine the likes of Sheeran. I accept your point about searching for and finding niche groups to love, but, as I say, there's a complete dirth of quality, universally loved groups or individuals that are household names which is why all the Glasto top billings are over the hill.
What happened to Thundercat? Seems to have disappeared off the set list Black Country New Road set was very good Steels . Got to catch up with Jockstrap sometime.
I don't believe for a minute that there's a dearth of quality. The point is that you won't find it if you just stick to what you know. I reckon Ed Sheeran is better than Cat Stevens at his peak, by the way.
He's been a lot better than I thought he'd be. We were discussing who his guests might be on stage tonight, and Mrs Steels looked at me strangely when I said I wouldn't be suprised if John Terry turned up don't think she got the joke
