Rock and Roll is Dead? Not A Chance!

What? Rock and Roll isn't Dead?!

"Well in the millions of the billions of the records to come, a good one might come out once a year. So hop on the boat with Dead Clowns Float and laugh at every one loud and clear!" - Rock and Roll is Dead from the Dead Clowns Float, 1986.

Gene Simmons is a man of many words. Some might even say a man of too many words,

lately his words have elicited controversy but when I read his statement that Rock and Roll was Dead, I quickly read through the interview to make some sense of the comment that peaked my curiosity.

So is Rock and Roll Dead? I suppose it all depends on how you look at it. Gene is absolutely correct that the business model of the Rock and Roll music industry is dead. The model that existed when KISS first started out no longer exists.

The concept of getting a record deal, having the record company open their wallets to support/promote the artist is long gone. Bands in the 70's and early 80's that were talented and lucky enough to get major label contracts were given time and sometimes multiple chances to land a hit record and become "Rock Stars".

Record companies would go out and find bands, the chosen ones would get pushed (sometimes using questionable methods "payola") onto the radio airwaves and the artists could simply focus on their art and the performance.

To that end, Gene Simmons is spot on correct. The business model of Rock and Roll as KISS knew it is dead and buried.

Technology played a role in the demise. As a 44 year old music junkie, I watched music collections of vinyl giving way to 8 tracks and cassettes. I remember selling my own cassettes as the crystal clean sound of CD's came onto the scene and I proceeded to re purchase my musical library once again. The mid 90's gave way to digital downloading and the ease of sharing music illegally certainly played a part in the crumbling of the aforementioned business model of Rock n Roll.

It appeared to me that the record companies completely failed to embrace the new technology. They spent so much time and effort shutting down the likes of Napster and Limewire instead of building a new system to market their artists. Now don't get me wrong, I am not condoning illegal downloading. The artist deserves to get paid for their art  but by the time the record companies got a handle on digital downloads, ITunes had eaten their lunch and became the music industry.

The other thing (good or bad) is that technology allowed for the purchase of individual songs. The album as a complete body of work became obsolete. The instant gratification generation began buying just the individual songs they wanted and usually that meant the single because they already heard it 7 million times on the radio leaving the rest of the album on the cyber shelf. To me that was the final nail in the rock n roll business coffin. Why would record companies invest in an artist to develop and create when they are only going to sell a couple of singles anyway? So you get what we have now, tons of manufactured lifeless pop music, radio stations that play the same 40 songs day in and day out and a handful of pop bands that get lion's share of the promotion money to ensure they will be successful and make lots of return.

So business model aside, (I can see Gene $immons cringe with that statement) the question still remains is Rock and Roll Dead? I say NOT A CHANCE! and I will tell you why...

The same technology that steamrolled the Rock n Roll business model into the ground is the same technology that now allows bands and artists to take control of their music and create global exposure and distribution without the strings of a record contract. Yes, the financial "backing" of the labels isn't there but there are bands in every city creating their own market, promoting their own music and shows and having complete control of their destiny and keeping Rock and Roll alive with some exceptional music.

Social Media is the tool of the trade and anything has the potential to go "viral" when it is unleashed into cyberspace. I can introduce you right now to three bands that completely embody the spirit of Rock n Roll. They aren't rich and famous "Rock Stars" (yet) but they live, breath and tirelessly promote their music, their band and their brand (something I am sure Gene would be proud of) and that is where the Rock and Roll spirit lives in 2014.

SKROU, from Toronto has evolved from a fun time covers band into a lean mean touring machine. A debut CD to promote, they are playing shows all around Ontario every weekend and promoting every single show relentlessly. I am aware of their every move due to the tireless non stop promotion from singer Sam Kirou. If you are looking for a place to shake, check out SKROU.

Place To Shake - SKROU 



A REBEL FEW, formerly West Memphis Suicide, these Cambridge rockers are the real deal. There is something special when you see a band that truly loves what they do. Using social media to unite the "Dirtbags" (their beloved fans) they rally the numbers as the band headlines local clubs and supports rock legends like Skid Row, John Corabi, Kill Devil Hill, Jackyl and the KiLLeR DwArFs. For an all out audible assault check out A Rebel Few...

Bitter Man - A Rebel Few 

Diemonds, hailing from Toronto this balls out hard rock quintet are a total throwback to the golden age of heavy metal. They tour hard, rock hard and play hard marketing their brand all across North America and the hard work has seen them on the bill at Rocklahoma and have just been selected as one of the chosen bands on the next KISS Kruise. Wait, I thought Rock n Roll was dead? Not if Priya and the boys have anything to say about it as they jump aboard the good ship KISS.

Diemonds - Get The F@#K Outta Here 


Skrou, A Rebel Few and Diemonds, three great reasons that prove Rock and Roll is Alive and well in 2014.

SCrued! The Final Tour

So Motley Crue have announced they are calling it a day, the Bad Boys of Rock n Roll are heading out on "The Final Tour". I can see people rolling their eyes in disbelief, money and egos have a way of getting in the way of farewell tours and many say it's just a cash-grab to ensure ticket sales by playing on the urgency to see the band one more time. Regardless of all that Motley Crue hold a special place in my heart.

Motley Crue was my very first concert back in June 1984 and instantly they became "my band", although Kiss was also important to me, KISS was before my time, they had already been to the moon and back before I was old enough to witness the spectacle of KISS. Motley Crue on the other hand were young, hungry and just starting to burn their own trail. Still an opening band on tour with Ozzy, they scheduled a couple of headlining shows. One of which here in Toronto at the "Coliseum Building" on the CNE grounds. If your looking for it, it has been completely remodeled and is now the Ricoh Centre.

Nikki Sixx is the reason I play bass today. Some may scoff but to a fourteen year old impressionable metalhead, Sixx was and is cool personified. The Crue took the spectacle of KISS and made it young and fresh again. I have been fortunate enough to see just about every Motley Crue tour that made it's way to Toronto, sometimes multiple times and I have never left disappointed.

The news via Tuesday's press conference outlined the first portion of the tour that hits Toronto on August 10th. Tickets were to go on sale Saturday February 1st., I thought I might like to try and get some decent tickets and surprise my step brother with an early Birthday gift.

On Wednesday afternoon I noticed something that really started to bother me. First of all, the really good seats are always secured for the VIP Meet and Greets, which for this show is broken down into 4 different price points ranging from $300-$8000 dollars per ticket. Now I love Motley Crue and I love my Brother, but I don't have that kind of dough.

The next thing that I noticed was that they had a Motley Crue Fan Club presale, so if I run out and become a member of Motley Crue's fanclub at a cost of $55.00, then I will get a password to allow me to buy tickets on Wednesday instead of Saturday thus ensuring better seats. Why would anyone want to spend $55.00 to become a fan club member for a band that is retiring? Ticketmaster made it nice and easy selling you the tickets and fanclub membership together in one convenient purchase called the ticket+fanclub bundle. How nice, and I noticed that if I selected that option the best available seats were already up in the 300 level?!?

Now local radio station Q107 were to offer a pre-sale for the show on Thursday at noon and since I am a club Q member they emailed me the "secret password" so that I being a special member could go and get great seats two days before the public sale (sarcasm mode off). I decided that instead of forking over $55.00 extra to join a fan club for a band that I have faithfully supported since 1983, I would wait until Thursday at noon.

So Thursday morning the Alice Cooper Fan Club Pre-Sale and the American Express Front of the Line Pre-Sale open up and then promptly at 12:16pm (what happened to noon?) the Q107 Pre-Sale, the Ticketmaster Pre-Sale, the Live Nation Pre-Sale, the Facebook Pre-Sale and the Live Nation Mobile App Pre-Sale all started selling tickets with their own unique little password.

Since I was lucky enough to be a club Q member I was able to score mid 400 level seats, with a good pair of binoculars it will feel like I am right up close. I suppose I can use the $55.00 I saved by not joining the fan club and either buy a t-shirt or a beer because I am sure it won't cover both. Here we are still two days before the tickets officially go on sale and they are already selling lawn tickets for the show.

Long gone are the days of the die hard fans being rewarded for their loyalty. I remember camping out for good seats as testament to our favorite bands. So this once proud Cruehead is also on his FINAL TOUR of these bloated corporate rock shows. I will instead get my rock fix from the many local talented bands and musicians that are out there delivering the goods and appreciating the support. Feeling just a little corporately sCrued right now and it doesn't feel very rock n roll!

"GET UP"! Vote For KISS...

When I woke up this morning I said to myself, "Self what a great day to vote KISS for induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame". So I did, and you should too...here's why.

For years I have watched the "Rock n Roll Hall of Shame" continue to ignore the most recognizable band in the world. A band that has endured, evolved and continued to remain viable for a mere 40 years. A band that has wrote and recorded many classic rock anthems that get airplay each and every day. A band that continues to set the standard for the ultimate live rock show experience whenever they hit the road, including this year's Monster tour and the "spider stage" spectacle. A band that has sold countless millions of albums, and a band that has truly become part of American pop culture. A band that has influenced thousands upon thousands of people to pick up instruments and follow their dreams. Lastly, a band who's fans "the KISS ARMY" spans over 4 generations of rock fans who love and support them like no other band. So KISS Army, the time is now to "Get UP!" everybody's gonna grab their mouse "GET DOWN!" everybody's gonna vote right now!

In this writer's humble opinion there are a number of artists that already adorn the walls of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame that probably shouldn't have been inducted before KISS. Hell, there are artists that are there that quite frankly aren't even considered rock and roll?!? Casablanca label mate Donna Summer springs to mind, influential artist? Yes! Disco legend? Yes! Seriously though, I have yet to hear anyone describe Donna Summer as rock and roll ever. Don't even get me started on all the Rap artists there that somehow got into the hall of fame by sampling (or should that be stealing) famous rock songs! 

Another reason you need to vote for KISS is the inclusion of Nirvana in this years inductees. Now personally I just don't get Nirvana, never have. The whole Nirvana and specifically Kurt Cobain as some sort of musical messiah is more ridiculous than having Madonna and Donna Summer already in the RNRHF. Nirvana were an average punk band at best, they were in the right place at the right time when grunge took hold and changed the musical landscape, Nirvana got lucky with one amazing song that captured an entire movement. I take nothing away from that but seriously, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains and Stone Temple Pilots all delivered better material and almost all of these bands including NIRVANA have listed KISS as influences early on.

Dave Grohl is far and away one of the coolest mofo's out there. A true rock fan and a musical force to be reckoned with, the FOO FIGHTER's have created a worthy Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination way before Kurt Cobain should receive that honor. Although it's probably politically incorrect to say it, the suicide is what immortalized this band. It's a sad statement but from the moment that the tragic news broke Nirvana's star power rose exponentially because now it was twice as mysterious and dangerous. That is the dark side of pop culture. I commend and salute Dave Grohl, he lost a true friend and his pain was real, but he also had reasons to be angry. Kurt selfishly checked out leaving a trail of tears, a widow, a young child now fatherless, a grieving family and a band left destroyed. Dave, the consummate rock and roller soldiered on and created a real legacy. I will be the first in line to vote when the Foo Fighters make the ballot.

Kiss have forged a 40 year legacy that should no longer be denied. Love them or hate them they are ingrained in rock history. Critics have always panned them but the ARMY have always carried them on their shoulders for the world to see. The time is now KISS ARMY to "shout it out loud" and let them know that KISS deserves a spot in Cleveland rock city. My god people, this band wrote ROCK AND ROLL ALL NITE, is there more that needs to be said?

To vote now just go here...http://www.rockhall.com/get-involved/interact/poll/

Sampling or Stealing? Either Way Makes Me Nauseous

A couple things happened recently that prompted or inspired me to write this down. As a lifelong, sometimes obsessed, passionate music fan, I enjoy many different styles and genres of music but my true love has always been in the hard rock/heavy metal vein. A true "Decibel Geek" you might say.

Anyways, a couple weeks back I stumbled across this headline http://ultimateclassicrock.com/billy-squier-eminem-berzerk/ about Eminem's new single sampling Billy Squire's "The Stroke". Unfortunately, I actually gave the song a quick listen (4 minutes I will never get back) and posted a little comment on the facebook thread about my feelings on it. Those comments spawned some reaction and this morning on my local morning news show I was made to witness this...

This is Canadian Hip Hop artist Karl Wolf's latest single that in my opinion has completely sucked all the life out of an incredible Fleetwood Mac song. My wife's comment of "Gee, can't anybody write their own songs anymore?" made me laugh but hearing this auto-tuned, lifeless song got me angry knowing that this song will be a hit and make serious coin while truly talented songwriters and musicians toil away unknown.

Now I don't mean to insinuate that Karl Wolf is not talented in his own right, as a musician myself I respect his ability to play instruments and although rap and hip-hop is certainly not my taste or style, I give him props for following his dreams.

My beef here is the "crutch" or more accurately the "cheat" of using well known hit songs as the "basis" for a hit song. I find this practice to be completely void of creativity, more often than not resulting in a watered down, weak song that adds absolutely nothing to music scene today.

Before I get to unravelled here, I completely understand WHY they do this. It's pretty much a guaranteed "hit" on the charts that will get radio attention and make coin. Well duh? Of course it will be a hit because the music that someone else worked hard on was already a hit song. The music is already ingrained in our minds making it instantly recognizable and therefore drawing our attention. From a marketing standpoint this is brilliant, but it wasn't "earned".

Now I understand there is very little that is truly "original" in music today. Bands often wear their influences on their sleeves and let's face it their are only 7 notes with only so many ways to combine them into a song. I also understand quite well that bands, and yes bands that I love often record and release "cover" songs and sometimes even entire "cover" albums. Often released as singles for the same reason "instantly recognizable = hit" but most often these songs are recorded as a tribute to a song or artist that the band loves and is marketed as such.

Fleetwood Mac painted this masterpiece and Karl Wolf put it on the wall and finger painted all over it and released it for all our enjoyment. Think about that analogy for a moment, if I wanted to become a famous painter, I would take time studying and learning from the greats and use their inspiration for my own work and style. So how seriously would I be taken if I purchased a Van Gogh and then splattered some new strokes over the canvass calling it my own? Yet the mass produced, cookie cutter music industry continues to shove this crap down our throats because it's easier and more profitable than as my wife said "writing your own song".

What is truly sad about this sampling practice is that a younger generation is being dooped and often have no idea that what they are listening to. Case in point, a few years back my daughter happily played me this new song that she loved...

Ironically when I started this article I wasn't aware that I would get to pick on Karl Wolf again. I remembered this story but had happily forgot who was responsible for "borrowing" a great Toto song and auto-tuning and rapping all over it until quite frankly, it sucks. I informed her that this great "new" song she likes wasn't exactly "new" and directed her to the original. As much as I would love to announce that she embraced the Toto version and tossed her Karl Wolf version into the trash, she instead shrugged her shoulders with indifference and wasn't the least bit concerned.

Maybe I am overly passionate, but I love music for how it makes me feel. I connect with the songs and the artists and I am amazed and truly in awe of those that can write a song that touches me. Be it rock, pop, metal or even country, hearing a new riff or hook or chorus that grabs hold of me and moves me is amazing. Sampling (or should that be stealing?) those riffs and hooks and choruses to me seems cheap, forgettable, boring and quite honestly makes me nauseous.

Thanks for listening to me rant this morning and I will leave you with something a little less vomit inducing, some real musicians playing a real song that they wrote themselves....

Cheers!