Gene Simmon made a strong declaration on The Zak Kuhn Show, insisting that no one under the age of 20 can name a single song by Nirvana or Pearl Jam. The 75-year-old believes that the rock genre is dying out with the new generation and challenged the show host to interrogate any young people about the top stars he mentioned.
About five decades ago, rock music ruled the airwaves with the rise of performers like Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, and Prince and groups like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, and Led Zeppelin.
Gene Simmons argues that rock music has gone out of style
Gene said it had been 35 years since rock made sense, asking who the new-age Beatles were. This was when Zak mentioned Nirvana, causing Gene to object. He made a good point about those who were indifferent or even hated rock, knowing the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Elvis.
These legendary names from the ‘70s and ‘80s still resound today, and those born in the 2000s know them. Gene gave a similar reaction when Zak dropped Pearl Jam, saying no young person knows a single member of the band and talks more about their music.
Is rock dead?
Gene recalled a conversation he witnessed between his son Simmons Junior, and a lady who was wearing a Rolling Stones shirt. The 35-year-old asked her if she knew the band, and she had no clue but simply bought the clothing for its design. She even thought Mick Jagger was a serial killer when his son asked if she ever heard of him.
In truth, rock is no longer mainstream, with genres like hip-hop, electronic, Pop, and K-Pop gaining popularity. Rock now thrives in niches such as indie rock, metal, and or blended with the new-age styles mentioned. Despite Gene’s observation, there are fans of Pearl Jam and Nirvana who enjoy their music.
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