“Dinosaur” Rock’s Jurassic Park

According to a recent Rolling Stone article, an increasing number of young people are listening to classic rock- bands like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The article cites a study done by ratings surveyor Arbitron in which it was found that 9% of 12-17 year olds listened to classic rock radio during any given week in 2005. While many more teens are tuning in to contemporary rock, pop, and hip-hop stations and buying records accordingly, a steep rise in classic rock listenership has been noted since 2000. This increase has been attributed mainly to the increased popularity of file-sharing programs like Napster and Limewire. Many are also pointing to the recent “drought” in quality music. In response to the influx of cookie-cutter contemporary rock bands, kids have been eating up Zeppelin and The Who.

Reading this article has given me newfound faith in my peers. When I was in high school a few years ago, only a handful of my classmates could even name a Beatles song or a Pink Floyd record. Now, Dark Side of the Moon is on every rock fan’s iPod. It’s comforting to know that the work of these artists has transcended generational boundaries. Only a small group of modern bands- Radiohead, Incubus, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, to name a few- have created a catalog unique enough to stand the test of time.

I’ve always asserted that it is important not to forget the influence of classic rock bands. Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen were the prototypes for the current wave of singer-songwriters like Jack Johnson and John Mayer. Without Pink Floyd, there would be no ambient space-rock, no Radiohead. Without Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Iron Maiden, there would be no heavy metal. Without The Who, The Stooges, and The Kinks, no punk rock. Without The Beatles, nothing would be the same.

Thankfully, the younger generation has picked up on the greatness of these acts and will pass it on to their children. I, for one, can’t wait for the day when my grandkids hear “Stairway to Heaven” for the first time.