Who Do You Think Is The Last True Rock Star?

Let's talk about a title that has been forced to adapt to the times. At one point the term "rock star" encompassed not just the definition, but also a lifestyle, an attitude, and a frame of mind that was backed by true musicianship.


When I hear the phrase "rock star" I think of musicians of yesterday- Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and members of Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones- among others. If you want a little bit of a more updated list, let's not forget Josh Homme, Dave Grohl, Lemmy, Slash and etc. You follow my vibe?

Now, let's fast forward to present day: 2015


*cue crickets*


Sure, Homme and Grohl are still relevant in the industry (touring, making music, and etc) and of course Slash makes an occasional appearance on the scene, but I'm looking at modern day rock bands and I'm left scratching my head on who to consider a true "rock star".

Before you get all fired up and start wondering how many snifter glasses of whiskey I had this afternoon- hear me out.

I first started this piece by giving my definition of what makes up a true rock star. To me a true rock star is defined by a lifestyle, an attitude, and a frame of mind that is backed by true musicianship. Forget the sex and drugs- let's focus on everything else for a moment.

Aforementioned musicians all have that one common personality trait about them. Laid back, just wanna sit around and play music and have a good time. You talk about them, rip off their music or somehow do them wrong, and well, ya know. And the number one (and number trait) for me (and other music fans, I'm sure)- they rock the fuck out on stage and their material has meaning and depth behind it. In other words: passion. For them, it's not about the money. It's about playing their music and rocking out just as hard as their fans every time they take a stage. And let's not forget that IDGAF attitude that comes effortlessly because it was genuine and not forced like Justin Beiber or the other bubble gum pop darlings of today.

I look at current mainstream bands/musicians and sure, there are a handful that stick out, but do they have all the traits of their predecessors? Bands who caught playing with fake amps, lip syncing, and relying on computers as backing tracks. Sure sounds like being a present day rock star sure has gotten a lot easier that years past. Who do we blame the severe lack of rock and the pussification of modern day mainstream bands/musicians? Technology? A lack of interest? Lack of talent? Something else? Or perhaps, it's just a cyclic thing...ya know, sorta like the whole band boy craze. It comes, it goes and eventually makes its way back around again.

But then, there is a chance that I'm just out of touch with the times and what you crazy kids deem as rock worthy. Perhaps I want to go back to the days where musicians wrote both the lyrics AND music. Days of big hair, big sound, tight jeans, and the distinct crunch of real guitars and the sound of real drums: not all the loops, beats and demos that are sampled in mainstream music today.

So I pose the question to you: Who do YOU think is the last true rock star? Weigh in by commenting below.

Now you kids get out of here and stay off my damn lawn!