What has happened to "rock" music? Think two guitars, bass, and drums, sometimes keyboards. Are the only real rock bands left on the planet that matter three plus decades old, like the Foo Fighters (whom I hail), Red Hot Chilli Peppers (more funk than rock), The Black Keys (from my hometown of Akron), Pearl Jam (I gave them their first cover story at Creem magazine), Iron Maiden (not my cup of mead), Metallica (def my metal cup of mead), Green Day (more than just American idiots), Bruce Springsteen (nobody fucks with da Boss), Neil Young (nearly an octogenarian), and The Rolling Stones (Mick and Keith are octogenarians)? (I'm sure I've forgotten a few.)
Oops, I failed to mention a few dozen jam bands who have kept their freak flags flying, including, but not limited to, Goose, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Moe., Gov't Mule, Phish, Umphrey's McGee, Dave Matthews Band, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizzard, Bob Weir And Wolf Brothers, etc. And I def dig indie rock bands like Vampire Weekend, Modest Mouse, Cage the Elephant, Artic Monkeys, The Strokes, The War on Drugs, blah-blah-blah… and one of my favorite newer rock bands, albeit with punk leanings, the crackin' UK band ILDES. But they've been together since 2009.
My point is that the charts are no longer littered with top-charting rock bands. Pop, singer-songwriters, hip-hop/rap, country, and soul/R&B dominate the charts. As of today, Billboard's Top 100 chart featured zero rock bands!!! But that has been the trend for several years. However, when it comes to touring, rock bands have faired very well. Foo Fighters' current stadium tour is a case in point. Get your ticket now!
Okay, let's get back to the full-on rock that I prefer…formed in 1984, the Brothers Robinson (Chris & Rich), aka The Black Crowes, are back, albeit 11 years after releasing a double live album, Wiser for the Time (2013), and taking no effin' prisoners. Like the bands mentioned above, these are real musicians playing real instruments with no auto-tuned vocals. Their new single "Wanting and Waiting" off of Happiness Bastards (2024) is brimming with classic Crowes' hard rock swagger with killer guitar hooks and soulful background vocals.
There are so few new rock 'n' roll bands that crush it with their authentic vibe, and it's easy to see why one would embrace a new album and tour from this epic southern rock outfit. Chris and Rich both continued making music separately but never reached the level of success they did with their band. (I preferred the jam band & psychedelic leanings of Chris Robisonson's Brotherhood over his brother's solo music.)
My one criticism: They're missing the "thump" of original founding band member drummer Steve Gorman being left out in the cold. (Undoubtedly, his autobiography, Hard to Handle, cut way too close to the vest of sharing the Crowes' backstory.) It's too bad; the song's arrangement could use his power, energy, and creativity. Think Keith Moon's contributions to The Who. Sure, the band continued after his death but missed his madcap but brilliant "heartbeat." The same applies to The Black Crowes. Steve had that "it" factor that added extra sauce to the Crowes' music.
Still, the song will put a smile on your face. "Wanting and Waiting" is also their first music video in 16 years since 2008's "Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution," a fantastic song, in my opinion. The track got me down a rabbit hole listening to their past albums and singles. It was difficult to whittle my list to 20, but here goes. What says you?
The Black Crowes are on the road this Spring with their 35-date Happiness Bastards Tour. Tickets are available HERE!
Completely on point about The Who. Kenny Jones was never right for them (as Daltrey heard immediately) but Zac Starkey has some of Moon’s spirit.
In the UK there are many excellent rock bands gigging around the country (provided the venues can stay in business) but they’ll never bother the charts.
Being a rock n' roll band in 2024 is like being a thylacine; you can walk in front of every trail camera and security camera on Tasmania wearing a sign that says "I'M A THYLACINE AND I STILL EXIST!!", and people will still describe your species as extinct.
Why?
Because it's work to engage with your existence; while denying it takes none at all.