Real Rock: Still Alive...But Not Well

1) In a 2017 Esquire article Gene Simmons stated that “Rock is dead” and that “it was murdered,” blaming fans for its alleged demise. What is your response to this statement? In your opinion is Rock really dead, or is it merely on a down cycle?

RK: Music – and entertainment in general – is a reflection of the culture in which it is created. To find out how and why rock “died,” it’s important to recognize how it was born.

Rock n roll grew out of a spirit of rebellion in the fifties when young people had to revolt against society to express themselves. Teenagers weren’t allowed to explore new social practices, or new fashion statements in regard to their clothes and their hairstyles, and there were strict limitations on what teenagers could do and say.

After World War 2 there was a huge baby boom – the economy was prospering and the future looked bright, so Americans were having more children – LOTS more children – that would all become TEENAGERS in the latter part of the 1950s.

Well, this was the first generation to grow up in the shadow of Armageddon, children of the Cold War who were taught to crawl under their desks when the nuclear bombs started falling. They were raised in an environment when Mom and Dad both smoked cigarettes at the dinner table and black people weren’t allowed the same rights as white people – and yet these kids were strictly expected to act and behave a certain way, with a certain haircut. Guys had to tuck their shirts in and girls couldn’t wear dresses that showed their legs. Talk about dichotomy and double standards…and just maybe these kids realized how insane all this was and started thinking for themselves.

In between the static on the radio dial, they heard a new sound from far away that resonated with them. It was cool, it was reckless and electric, sexual and rebellious. It was rock n roll. It was a black guy named Chuck Berry and a white guy named Elvis and a movie star named James Dean. And before long, it was out of control and gave young people a voice and a cause of their own which lasted for decades.

Contrast that cultural environment with what we have today. Young people are allowed to do pretty much whatever they want, usually with their parents’ consent and support. They can wear whatever outrageous fashions strike their fancy, they can openly express their sexuality, they can consume any type of entertainment they want. In short, there’s nothing left to rebel against. The original rock n roll generation fought for world peace and freedom of expression; is there anything left for the current generation to really fight for?

So to answer your question – the spirit which created rock n roll is indeed dead. The art form however will live on like any other cultural trend – disco is still alive, so is punk rock and so is ballroom dancing and bluegrass. Rock has settled into its place in human history.

2) As an active, touring musician, compare the period between the release of your first major label album in 1985 and your latest record. What do you believe has been the most significant change within the music industry and what is one previous factor, which is no longer relevant, that you would apply to today’s industry and culture?

RK: One word: technology. The first rule of any business is supply and demand; regarding entertainment content, the supply today far outweighs the demand. You mentioned albums, so I’ll start by using the “album” as an example.

When my first major label album came out in 1995, it was a difficult process for everyone involved. It required a lot of effort for an artist to get to the level where they could actually create and release an album. It was difficult and expensive for the industry to sign and develop that artist, produce and manufacture the actual physical products (vinyl records, cassettes then CDs) and then promote those products via print advertising, music videos, and supplying the artist with tour support money to finance their live performances.

It also required a lot of effort for the consumer to get those products. If they heard about an artist or album via MTV, rock magazines, word of mouth, saw them live, whatever – they had to take CASH to a STORE and FIND what they wanted, wait in line at the cash register, leave the store, put that product in their “device” (a turntable at home, a cassette deck or CD player in their car) and read every word of the credits and liner notes to find clues as to how their heroes created such magnificent life-changing music.

In the modern age, none of those factors are in play. It’s easy and cheap for anyone to create content, put it on the internet worldwide instantly, and promote it for free via social media. This lessens the demand for, and the value of, quality content.

3) What advice would you give young musicians looking to break into the business? Do you think it is possible to make a living exclusively as a musician/recording artist in the current climate?

RK: Music is NOT a business, it’s a calling. Those who are born to play, sing, write, create – that’s who they are, not just what they do.

My advice to young musicians who want to make a career of this is to always broaden your skill set. Know the basics of music theory and reading music, explore multiple styles of music, get a solid working knowledge of instruments other than just your primary instrument, develop your voice as an additional instrument. Work on your stage performance and your visual image, as well as your business skills. A solid command of the language and communication skills have been extremely helpful to me.

Learn the difference between music and business – and believe me, there’s a big difference. Music is what I am…business is what I do. Music is magic, it’s art, it’s a blessing, a journey, a gift – business is what you do to make a living.

As an eternal optimist, I do still believe it is possible to succeed and make a living creating art. We still see examples of rockers succeeding on a real level, but these days there are just so many other factors in play that it becomes much more of a gamble. But there are plenty of examples of artists from all eras of rock that got to a certain level of success – major label deal, album on the charts, one hit wonders – that were never able to really “make a living” due to a variety of circumstances.

4) Can you give me an example of how technology has changed the business for the better, as well as for the worse?

RK: Technology is a weapon. You can use it to your advantage, or you can shoot yourself in the foot. Technology is food for the creative soul – it can be nourishment, and it can be poison. And that big word “technology” can apply to creative processes such as Auto Tune – it’s no longer necessary to sing in key! – as well as social media, which a separate “weapon” in your arsenal.

As an “elder statesman” so to speak, I LOVE the fact that my favorite artists/songs/performances are available in high definition at the click of my thumb; the best Iron Maiden show I ever experienced was on my HD TV with state of the art surround sound in the comfort of my living room. Just like when the railroad tracks were laid across this country…when the automobile was invented…when air travel became commercialized…why would anyone want to ride in a horse-drawn carriage?

5) Do you feel that classic artists such as AC/DC, Metallica and Guns ‘n’ Roses are occupying space which would otherwise be reserved for newer artists; or are they simply filling a vacuum?

RK: Great question. Again, it comes back to supply and demand – these artists are giving the audience/consumers something they can’t get from newer artists. Legendary legacies…rock n roll history, timeless songs that a huge part of the tapestry which is rock n roll.

6) Do you feel modern artists, like their predecessors, have a responsibility to utilize their platforms and lend their voices to social and political issues?

RK: Wow, another great question and a topic that hits very close to home with me. Weren’t social, cultural and political issues a cornerstone of what rock n roll is all about? Fighting the “establishment,” bucking the system saying F-you to those in power?

Freedom of expression is the foundation of rock. Now, the table before us has become so bare that most artists are afraid (or simply just market-conscious) to take a side. Speaking your mind could potentially alienate 50% of your audience and that could be a career-killer for new artists and even current established acts. A guy like Tommy Lee (from Motley Crue) can get away with criticizing our president because he’s already sold 50 million albums and doesn’t care what people think; the rest of us have to be careful because we’re STILL in the business of marketing products which are now extremely difficult to sell.

One common comment that really trips my trigger is “entertainers should just shut up and entertain.” It’s OK for actors and athletes to make political and social statements, but singers and musicians are supposed to just play and sing? We’re citizens too – we pay taxes and we care about our families and our future. If I say what I think and feel, my social media numbers and revenue will decrease just like Tommy Lee’s, but so what – he’s got a much bigger cushion than I do.

7) The hard rock genre is seemingly bereft of global mega-talents analogous to legends such as Led Zeppelin, KISS, The Rolling Stones, et al. What do you think will happen to the genre once these bands literally die out? Who will carry the torch? What would you do to preserve the culture?

RK: There were times when giants walked the earth…the bands you just mentioned and many more. Just like modern tourists visit the Giza plateau to see the pyramids, or people visit the museums and art galleries to experience masterpieces of bygone days, the rock revolution will live on as an important moment in human culture.

Youth are hearing Aerosmith, KISS, AC/DC and Van Halen because that music is an important part of video games, sporting events, and other modern entertainment experiences. Parents are sharing this music with their kids, and let’s face it – there’s something about electric guitars, thunderous drums and screaming vocals singing about being reckless and wild that will ALWAYS resonate in the hearts and spirits of future generations.