Is rock 'n' roll dying?

The Hole

By R.S. Hakes, On-Line Forty-Niner

Monday, October 12, 1998

According to the echoing sentiments of several musicians and industry insiders, this seems to be the case.

One of the most successful and notable artists of the 1990s, Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins, recently said, "Rock 'n' roll is dying." Corgan has proven to be one of the most consistently successful songwriters of the late 1990s.

However, does writing No. 1 hits provide Corgan with the musical knowledge and understanding to make such grandiose statements?

Marilyn Manson does not think so. He believes rock simply needs some fuel to feed its smoldering fire.

Manson is in the midst of giving rock an 1980s makeover. He is trying to promote a resurrection of the glam era.

Are we ready as morally concerned citizens for such a quick return to that hideous era?

Are we mentally prepared to dredge up the embarrassing memories we just recently finished burying?

I myself am not stable enough for an 1980s backlash. I am still in the healing process from purchasing Saxon albums.

Will Marilyn Manson's success at marketing his freak show image unleash a flood of late 1990s glam rockers? It may be time to start stockpiling hair spray, buying black leather and preparing your hair for teasing.