Music

Top 10 most out of touch musicians

by Ciaran Thompson

Inspired by recent Axl Rose-related activity, namely showing up over an hour late to three back to back concerts, we’ve come up with a list of musicians whose recent work, or in some cases lack there of has removed them from a list of artists who maintain a connection with their most important people, their fans. Instead the people below have squandered away any following they may have once had in return for poor albums, public disputes and several cases of indecent exposure. Yes Courtney, we’re referring to you. Here are our top 10 most out of touch musicians.

10. Billy Corgan

Musically Corgan is still churning out tunes under the reformed Smashing Pumpkins, which is basically just himself, and the new album Teargarden By Kaleidyscope is being released track by track. Corgan fans will probably be upset that he is included on this list and make the claim that he is just a stuck up genius, but at the end of the day the band we so dearly cherished from the alternative rock ’90s who put out hits like Siamese Dream and a monumental double album are no more and there is probably only one person to blame for that. It’s not like he’s at number 1 or anything, relax, close your eyes and sleep.

9. Gene Simmons

Nope, starring in reality TV shows focusing on your family or turning a group of posh English school kids into a band or even a run on The Celebrity Apprentice didn’t really convince music fans of anything besides the fact that Gene Simmons is a former rock star who doesn’t quite want to let go. Currently touring with his older band KISS in support of their latest album Sonic Boom, the performances are more nostalgic events than rock n roll shows.

8. Lou Reed

Ever since the early days of the Velvet Underground Lou Reed has always been regarded as sort of a weird cat, or maybe he just liked to be thought of as. No doubt his role in one of the most important rock bands in history is nothing short of legendary, however in recent years he seems to have taken a turn. The reissue of Metal Machine Music, an album that takes more than an ounce of wowie sauce to listen to, and performing songs specifically for dogs? Better off to just lay low and every now and again bust out “I’m Waiting for the Man” or “Perfect Day.”

7. Prince

Prince’s music will forever be the influence for many musicians. He has already been instilled in the music history books, but like Reed his latest efforts or outspokenness, especially calling the internet “over” and refusing to release his latest album as a digital download, has left him disconnected with fans, especially the younger population who usually only listen to music digitally.

6. Van Morrison

This past year Van Morrison announced he wanted there to be no alcohol sold at his concerts stating he didn’t like the audience moving back and forth between the stage and the beer tents. He also said he didn’t want to see or hear anyone talking during his songs or misbehaving. Apparently during his shows the Irish singer is as quiet between songs as he wants his audience to be for the duration. We’re better off staying in and listening to Astral Weeks on record.

5. Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher and the other ex-members of Oasis, excluding his brother Noel, will release some new material next year under the name Beady Eye. Calling the band Beady Eye was just one silly thing Liam has done over the years, another would be heckling his brother from the rafters after refusing to go on stage. Die hard Oasis will take a listen, but others probably won’t.

4. John Lydon

When not ripping bands like Gorillaz or starring in commercials advertising butter or Sex Pistols perfume, John Lydon is touring with his band Public Image Ltd., a sub-par act compared to the filth and the fury of his former band. I guess after all these years Johnny Rotten is still acting like a punk, but you’d think now he’d have the knowledge to speak when things need saying and not just when you feel like it. Besides, Gorillaz aren’t a bad band.

3. Fred Durst

In the late ’90s it was somehow cool to wear different coloured Yankee Caps and scream “stick it up your yeah.” Today Limp Bizkit are back with a new album called Gold Cobra and a slew of tour dates. At this point we’ve realized that Limp Bizkit’s older tunes were just something to pass the time with and now we are all a little wiser.

2. Courtney Love

Too easy. See Letterman performance earlier this year.

1. Axl Rose

Way too easy. See recent Dublin concert.