News From The Underground

Written by Jake Thompson

Imagine for a moment, you turn on the radio in the year of our lord 2026. Then you hear the shout of Dion and the Belmonts. You switch the station, the croon of Frank Sinatra. You switch again and it’s Glen Miller, and then again Chuck Barry. This would be great if you’re a fan of that era. Or Saturday night cruise down the Main Ave to get milkshakes with your sweetheart. But if that were all there was, I would feel that the radio lacks nuance. This is how I’m feeling as I listen to the radio today. Bands and musicians whose greatest work and greatest performances have been behind them long before I was born. Im talking about AC/DC, GNR, Journey, The Rolling Stones. I’m talking about the Legacy bands. You hear them everywhere. On the way to work, at the grocery store, at the bar. And it’s usually the same tired four songs. Most of these poor bands have their entire life’s work boiled down to their most palatable tracks.

I don’t know about you, but im ready to see something new. We have been seeing the same people on the same stages since my parents were in diapers. I ask you, How many farewell tours do we really need? And honestly if you’ve gone to more than one, you’re the issue here.

Let them retire, let them be the grandparents they are. Am I purposely being a bit incendiary?

I beg you. Go forth and find the underground. That’s where you go to get a good show. I can guarantee that you will never see the same thing twice. This is where musicians cut the build their craft. Every show you see an artist before fame and money taints their vision. Before corporate interests and shareholders smell blood in the water. Albeit, you will have to sit through some duds. But I would rather sit through a stinker of a set for 25 minutes, than sell my kidney to see ACDC from the nosebleeds. Or worse, be an active participant to what they’ve done to Franky Valley. If you really want to see those original cats get down; go down to your local record shop and buy a concert DVD. You can watch it from the comfort of your living room. Or watch it for free on YouTube (while you can).

My point here is, We have been worshiping these idols long past their expiration date. This is not to take away from what these bands have given us. The bands are loved and will always be loved. Nothing will take that away from them. They made their mark on history and I love them for it. They legitimately paved the way for so many musicians and artists and I give them credit where it is due. But I will never see The Rolling Stones in their prime. Angus young still shreds the axe, but suppose he slipped while doing that duckwalk? Axel Rose has been dropping octaves for a few years now. And Ozzy couldn’t even stand for his last performance. Seeing these spectacles does not bring me any joy. To see superman in a wheelchair is a loathsome sight. Leave them to retire with their dignity. Let their last performance be one of passion, youth and integrity. Not the wilted echo of past glory. Never in the history of music has it been so easy to make, put out and listen to music. That privilege is being squandered. We are collectively waisting out time and money on legacy artists. Instead, show love to new projects. Get connected to the local scene. Celebrate the artists in your area. Nothing changes if we dont change.

But if you hear my plea. And you do go down to your local spot. You’ll find it. there’s one everywhere (if you can’t find one make one, boogerface.) you will find that energy. You will find experimentation and you will find that raw passion and enthusiasm. You have a chance to play an active role in music history.