When you think of Andrew Lloyd Webber, some of the biggest, most successful, longest-running Broadway shows come to mind – Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Evita 
– to name just a few.
So when Lloyd Webber puts his chips down on a new production, everyone pays attention. The New York Times reports his next foray into mass appeal music theater is…(drum roll)….
School of Rock
Yes, the Jack Black film from 2003 was a big hit, showcasing the talents of a young classroom of adolescents who become a viable rock band. The film featured a great playlist of Classic Rock, from “Touch Me” by the Doors to “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)” from AC/DC.
A topic in this blog – and in radio – continues to center on how young generations – Millennials and Gen Z – develop a passion for the music their grandparents grew up with.
Now Webber’s stage production of School of Rock is about to get its New York City test drive in a soft launch at the Gramercy Theater before opening on Broadway. For Webber, the project is reminiscent of his rock n’ roll roots from Jesus Christ Superstar back in the ‘70s.
The New York Times reports that in an email invitation to select guests for these Gramercy shows, Webber signed off by saying “May the Spirit of Rock be with you.” And you can see some of that energy and enthusiasm in the audition video below.
>Email recipients: Click here to watch School of Rock auditions<
The films and TV spots just keep on coming, featuring Classic Rock music. This past weekend’s Aloha, the new Cameron Crowe film, continues the tradition with tunes like the Who’s “I Can See For Miles.”
But is there an underlying reason why are there so many young kids excited about music that was released nearly four decades ago by rock superstars who are now turning 70 years-old?
The Boston Globe says it may be a comfort thing. Some say that another name for Millennials may be Generation Yawn – consumers who “fuse the hobbies of the past with today’s wave of nostalgia.” Writer Megan Johnson says this explains the move to vinyl over CDs or board games over beer pong.
As is often the case with pop culture trends, what’s old is new again. But with Millennials, the need to slow it all down and pursue a more DIY lifestyle often contains that Classic Rock soundtrack playing in the background.
So how do we explain the format’s rise to record ratings during recent PPM monthlies? Is it those mysterious black boxes in the rack room, all those kids who grew up jamming on Rock Band, stale Country music, or Classic Rock songs that keep showing up in pop culture from TV ads to films to Broadway plays?
Whatever the case, it makes you wonder when that 10 year-old gets a new guitar or drum kit for their birthday, Christmas, or Chanukah, will they want to play “Shake It Off” or “You Shook Me All Night Long?”
Tastes and habits form when we’re young. Andrew Lloyd Webber may have it right. There’s a true spirit to this music. Sir Andrew watched it happen in Jesus Christ Superstar, and he’s thinking it could happen again.
A Broadway run, accompanied by nationwide touring in Peoria, Pensacola, and Portland could turbocharge this non-stop trend.
Rock on.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
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Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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Another reason Boomer music is essential and lack of it – legendary hits, album classics, modern standards – is missing the boat. A boat load of cash, too! Clark. http://www.broadcastideas.com Thanks, again, Fred!