The 96 Percent

Huh?? Been off awhile due to bronchitis ... that's why! Now ... that being said, let's move on:

Whilst it sounds more like an "Occupation" gimmick, the title refers to something that's setting the stage for a return of the solid, guitar-based rock (aka, genuine rock-and-roll) that we knew.

By now, everybody knows the chap you see in the photo. And, besides Paul McCartney, there are performers whose images are conjured up simply by saying just part of their names:
Elton. Jagger. Bowie. Bono.

In fact, according to the following clip, 40% of the top acts on the U.S. circuit are over 60 years old; 19% are in their 50s (U2 and Madonna's range)! All told, a whopping 96% of the top acts are over 40 years old!

And there's good reason why "Boomers" acts claim TWO-FIFTHS of the overall market! Y'see, whilst today's "music" is smothered in synths, loaded with loops, saddled with samples and festooned by "Auto-Tune" (which, IMHO, still sounds like a vehicle-accessory store!), our sounds were made with actual instruments we had to learn to play: things called guitars, drums, keyboards and occasionally saxophones. We didn't have mixmasters or whoever to steal this sound or rip off that one, feed them through a Waring blender (or whatever they do) and add vocals that have been doctored or distorted electronically.

Why, all we had back then were (1) bands that relied on actual musical ability, (2) put in the BST (blood, sweat and tears) to rehearse, get the gigs, fill the halls and, hopefully, gain that all-important recording contract and (3) knew how to rock an audience into a frenzy based upon those skills -- and how to actually relate to the fans.
They didn't go the "easy" route, with someone taking techno-gadgetry and making (ta-da!) music (or an unreasonable facsimile thereof) for them to sing in front of. And they didn't develop these hot-shot "diva" attitudes about it, either!

And it's for that reason that guitar-rock from Beatles to U2 is regaining its popularity (hmph ... as if it ever left!).
It's why fans will drive for miles just for a ticket to see Phil "Fang" Volk (core member of the original Paul Revere and The Raiders) -- a man who has one of the most powerfully-rocking shows on any circuit.
It's why there's a tremendous clamour for The Rolling Stones to tour once more next year -- their ... 50th Anniversary!
It's why, just a few days ago, the press went nuts over news that the original lineup of Black Sabbath are returning for a new tour and album.

The bottom line?? The 96% know how to PERFORM! They don't expect some techno-machine to perform FOR them. They play actual INSTRUMENTS and sing lyrics you can HEAR AND RELATE TO!
And above all, they have genuine personality!
Thanks to them ... THE POWER OF ROCK AND ROLL WILL NEVER DIMINISH!

Now ... here's that vid I promised: