Rock 'N Role Models

The other night we took my 7 year old to the American Idol concert. I have to admit that I was looking forward to it as much as she was, maybe even more. American Idol is one of the few shows that all four of us watch together. And aside from the occasional too-revealing outfit or bleep-fueled rant by Steven Tyler, we can count it as “family television.”

I have been thinking about music a lot lately, more than usual, and its effect on us as we grow up. I recently saw Pat Benetar in concert, as I do every summer. I have already stated in this blog that I am a huge fan. She was my American Idol growing up. I also recently saw Journey, breaking my vow to not see the band post-Steve Perry, and I have in my possession tickets to upcoming shows by Blondie and the B-52s. (Note: Just read this morning that Debbie Harry is 66!!) None of these bands has had a hit song since I stopped wearing leg warmers. Yet, I, and many others my age, flock to see them (OK, how many of you out there immediately thought of Flock of Seagulls when you read that? Anyone but me??)

Music is not just about lyrics put to a melody. It’s about time and place. It’s the associations you make to songs. It’s about when concerts and going out dancing were the absolute best things you could spend your money on. Is Rick Springfield really the musical genius I thought he was? If his songs were on the radio now would I like them? Or is it all about timing? (and good looks…just sayin…)

There is good music on the radio these days. I listen to pop and rock music stations and hear all the latest songs (over and over…) But those artists are not the ones whose concerts I pay to see, theirs are not the CDs I buy. I can appreciate this music but it does not affect me like the music that is forever tied to my youth.

Going back to the American Idol show, I found it interesting that the contestants sang songs by Journey, Rod Stewart, Guns and Roses, Whitesnake, Elton John and Luther Vandross. The younger generation is now forming their memories of “our” songs thanks to shows like that and Glee. I am imagining 20 years from now; I’m in my battery-powered, ultra efficient car with my 27 year-old and “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake comes on the radio. Will we both start to sing along, both having our own memories of the song? Let’s hope so, for no other reason than it will result in a lot less fighting about what to listen to.