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.
I saw the first Who tour post-Moon. Kenny was fine, but he didn't ignite the songs like his predecessor. Zac is terrific, but it was Moon who created the style that fit Pete's music.
Yes, some bands are out there, and I usually look to the U.K. for my rock band fix. The U.S. has fewer and fewer small venues for touring rock bands. The cost to operate doesn't add up. Plus, the genre is just not that popular. Is it conditioning or the ability of the labels to use A.I. to create and curate playlists that suit their targeted listeners? Both, IMHO.
However, the jam band circuit continues to thrive, so there is hope for rock's future!
I was at the first ‘open rehearsal’ gig with Junes on drums. Yes, it was a great gig. I believe Townshend had become increasingly frustrated with Moon’s inability to cope with some of his more ambitious songs (eg ‘Music Must Change’) so he saw Jones as a more reliable time keeper. But The Who need more than reliability.
Daltrey was also unhappy that Jones immediately got a quarter share in the band, but that’s another issue 😐
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.
One of my few regrets as a musician was not opening for Arctic Monkeys at their first gig in NYC. My drummer was out of town, and I couldn't find a suitable replacement.
I didn't know STP was still touring, but I just read that they were back on the road. Excellent band, excellent news!
I was walking on the beach in Myrtle Beach, SC, with a friend who was jamming his boom box when Jealous Again came on. Neither of us had heard of The Black Crowes. It usually takes me a few listens to get into a new song or group, but not with these guys. It was instant. Great memories. Thanks, Dusty!
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.
I saw the first Who tour post-Moon. Kenny was fine, but he didn't ignite the songs like his predecessor. Zac is terrific, but it was Moon who created the style that fit Pete's music.
Yes, some bands are out there, and I usually look to the U.K. for my rock band fix. The U.S. has fewer and fewer small venues for touring rock bands. The cost to operate doesn't add up. Plus, the genre is just not that popular. Is it conditioning or the ability of the labels to use A.I. to create and curate playlists that suit their targeted listeners? Both, IMHO.
However, the jam band circuit continues to thrive, so there is hope for rock's future!
I was at the first ‘open rehearsal’ gig with Junes on drums. Yes, it was a great gig. I believe Townshend had become increasingly frustrated with Moon’s inability to cope with some of his more ambitious songs (eg ‘Music Must Change’) so he saw Jones as a more reliable time keeper. But The Who need more than reliability.
Daltrey was also unhappy that Jones immediately got a quarter share in the band, but that’s another issue 😐
Wonderful insight, Ian. Cheers!
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.
Spot on, Shaggy! (I had to look one up to see what they look like!)
https://tigrrlab.science.unimelb.edu.au/the-thylacine/
Hopefully, rock's pendulum will swing back upward, and garages all over the U.S. will be rockin' again! And the labels will take notice.
The Arctic Monkeys bleed authenticity. You didn't mention STP either. But overall I agree, few and far between.
One of my few regrets as a musician was not opening for Arctic Monkeys at their first gig in NYC. My drummer was out of town, and I couldn't find a suitable replacement.
I didn't know STP was still touring, but I just read that they were back on the road. Excellent band, excellent news!
I was walking on the beach in Myrtle Beach, SC, with a friend who was jamming his boom box when Jealous Again came on. Neither of us had heard of The Black Crowes. It usually takes me a few listens to get into a new song or group, but not with these guys. It was instant. Great memories. Thanks, Dusty!
Great take, Rob. I agree. They had a vibe and swagger like the Faces meets Southern Rock. And Chris is a killer vocalist.
Exactly!
By the way, today is the 30th anniversary of this Oasis tune! Just read the email from their publicist.
"Supersonic" - https://youtu.be/fLlVfb3Pdto?si=mgGudxnXFlrQ3V0z