You may have heard the story a few years back about Paul McCartney hanging out with his grandchildren. Ironically, they were playing the Beatles’ version of the “Rock Band” video game – and the kids were out-performing their fab grandpa.
In an interview with Jimmy Fallon, McCartney expressed frustration with mastering the game. “My grandkids play it, and they kill me every time, but I say ‘But I wrote it.'”
There’s a certain satisfaction in knowing that great rock songs, written decades ago, continue to have resonance in the 21st century. The “new” all-Beatles channel on SiriusXM is another indicator the music of the Fab Four – and the British Invasion they catalyzed – continues to have legs.
I was reminded of that generational Sir Paul story when this post showed up last weekend on my Facebook feed from another grandpa, Steve Schram – head of Michigan Radio:
I’m sure Steve didn’t tell Brendan the part about the groupies, the acid trips, and Charles Manson. But the impact of these music/life moments with sub-Generation Z kids shouldn’t be lost on any of us.
And then I flashed by a recent video post on Facebook from Paul Marshall of the “Mark & Neanderpaul Show” on Hubbard’s KSLX/Phoenix. “Kids React To AC/DC” is 9 minutes of fun – but it’s also insightful about how music tastes are formed. And if you’re wondering when head banging starts, it’s obviously at a very young age.
The kids’ comments about AC/DC are telling because they talk about everything from musicianship to the value of staying power and consistency. If you think fans of AC/DC – or Classic Rock for that matter – simply fade as the generation that grew up with them ages out, think again. Great rock n’ roll is…well, great rock n’ roll, to be enjoyed by future generations.
And to prove that what goes around comes around, consider Greta Van Fleet, a young teenaged foursome from Frankenmuth, Michigan (of course). These guys have been together for a few years, but their music has that timeless you can’t help but associate with Classic Rock. Right now, they’re rocketing up the Active Rock charts on the strength of songs you feel you’ve heard before.
Because you have.
Thanks to Steve Schram, Paul Marshall, and Steve Newberry for inspiring today’s post. Thanks also to Fine Brothers Entertainment.
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Greta Van Fleet made my morning. Thanks for that.
Wow, GVF passed “The Dan Carlisle Smell Test.” Impressive!
My adorable 5 year Great Nephew Ethan is all about the Beatles. His Mom loves the Beatles and introduced him to the Fab Four when he was perhaps 2 or 3. It’s ‘his’ music now — and it truly warms my heart to see this little guy so into their music.
David, I’ve concluded that it’s not just about parents indoctrinating their children. If the music wasn’t appealing, it wouldn’t fly. Thanks for the story and for reinforcing the multi-generational appeal of the Beatles.
97.7, The River, sponsors a series of free concerts every week that features cover bands. At every show, I see young kids and baby boomers alike singing along with every song. Two weeks ago, our Beatles tribute band led a sing-along with the audience finishing the lyrics of verses on songs like “When I’m 64” and “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-da.” It makes me feel good to know that this music spans generations!
It’s astonishing how many pre-teens – like the ones in the AC/DC video – know the lyrics to songs that our 50 years old. It’s a tribute to the lasting power and timeliness of the music. Thanks for chiming in, Mike.
There really is an institutional yet always bubbling, budding scene for Classic Rock n Roll Music and kids, as you pointed out well. It was neat that The Dead & Co shows in Chicago set all time concert attendance records for Wrigley. Grandparents to 5 year olds. But it goes deeper of course. An aspect not lost on me are the newish family oriented community events, held at local venues during otherwise dark hours. Perhaps a Sat or Sun Brunch, I won’t use ur platform to promote specifics, but it’s usually filled with music lovers, their family and friends teach, play and learn the music. Plenty industry, radio, venue, industry folks rocking out to the classics. Face painting booths to community vendors, a full itinerary for free or low price points just to cover costs that gathers community in a way like radio does locally; also creating better social media driven interactive connections. The music keeps playing.
That it does, Josh. Music binds generations and families, and you point it out well. I don’t think those of us who grew up with the Beatles, Stones, AC/DC, and Hendrix could have imagined what 2017 would be like as it pertains to their music. What a long strange trip it’s been.
As an Older/Mature? “Classic Rocker”, I love the interest that the genre is getting, but I admit to being frustrated by the lack of opportunities for new Classic Rock, by old codgers who still play and record music. We were there, it’s not a new feel or experience for us, it’s what we do. Of course we have the same chance to grab someones ear on the social media/online game, and our generation is becoming more adept at using those avenues. But our first love and touch with music came on the radio. If you’re not Skynyrd, or Frampton, or Steely Dan, or the Doobies, you may as well hang it up. Or am I just missing it? Are there openings for folks like us to enter your radio world and I just don’t know about them. I’d be very tickled with any information to that end.
Randy, discovery started on the radio for people of a certain age (and I’m one of them), but today, it’s occurring in lots of different places – TV shows and films, advertising, fan sites, videos, apps, podcasts, concerts, merchandizing – you name it. Music marketing is a field unto itself. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
This is my son playing the bass… there’s a whole School dedicated to playing Classic Rock… https://youtu.be/XfnlatwHLQI
He’s really workin’ that bass! And I love the Ozzy backdrop. There’s a lot of this going on, Matt – a good sign for the future of the format.