Is rock’n’roll dead after 70 years of hip-shaking thrills with everyone on Zimmers?
The question of when rock ‘n’ roll truly originated is one that remains debated. Some may argue that it began in March 1951 with the release of Rocket 88 by Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats, while others point to July 1954 when Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black started playing That’s All Right at Sun Studios. However, the year that is often cited as the birth of rock ‘n’ roll was 1955. It was a year that saw the emergence of legendary figures like Little Richard with Tutti Frutti, Elvis Presley with his first single, and hits like Blue Suede Shoes and Maybellene. Rock ‘n’ roll became a cultural phenomenon with records like Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley & His Comets dominating the charts in the US and contributing to a frenzy of cinema destruction by teddy boys in the UK.
For many individuals over the age of 40, rock ‘n’ roll has been a constant part of their lives, thanks to revivals in the ’70s, ’80s, and beyond. Artists like Stray Cats, Showaddywaddy, and Shakin’ Stevens brought rock ‘n’ roll energy back to mainstream audiences, and punk bands of the late 20th century covered songs with a rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Despite these revivals and nods to the genre, contemporary music today seems to lack the raw and rebellious edge that characterized traditional rock ‘n’ roll of the past.
John Hopkins, former editor of UK Rock ‘n’ Roll magazine, laments that there are few new acts to replace the aging rock ‘n’ roll legends. Events like Rockers Reunion have highlighted the aging demographic of rock ‘n’ roll fans, with many attendees relying on walking aids and Zimmers. While pop music has seen a resurgence of influences from previous eras, such as Lana Del Rey’s nostalgic sound and George Ezra’s occasional foray into rockabilly, the heart-pounding energy and rebellion that defined rock ‘n’ roll seem to have faded away.
One possible reason for this decline is the insularity and resistance to change within the rock ‘n’ roll scene. Rupert Orton of the Jim Jones Revue notes that there are strict rules within rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly circles, which can stifle innovation and evolution. Additionally, the working-class roots of rock ‘n’ roll may contribute to its marginalization in mainstream media and culture. Artists and organizers within the rock ‘n’ roll community often maintain a distance from outsiders, creating a sense of exclusivity that can be hard for newcomers to penetrate.
In the UK, young rock ‘n’ roll artists like Dylan Kirk struggle to make a name for themselves in an increasingly niche market. Kirk, along with his band The Killers, performs regularly at rock ‘n’ roll events and clubs, maintaining the spirit of the genre alive. However, the reality for these artists is far from glamorous, with Kirk balancing his music career with a job at Wetherspoons. Despite his dedication and talent, the idea of striking it big in the rock ‘n’ roll scene seems like a distant dream in today’s music industry.
Overall, the future of rock ‘n’ roll remains uncertain, with many wondering if the genre will survive in the face of changing musical tastes and demographics. While nods to the genre’s past can be found in contemporary music, the soul and energy of classic rock ‘n’ roll seem to be fading away, leaving fans and artists alike to grapple with the prospect of a world without the rebellious spirit of this iconic genre.