Music
12 dead rock stars then and now
by Mark Teo
November 19, 2013
How would Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix have looked in 2013?
Music fans have always been fascinated with rock stars that die young. We’ll always remember Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix at the top of their game, while the cynical argue that death didn’t allow them to tarnish their perfect careers.
Of course, our obsession with rock’s dead always leads to more questions: Would Joplin end up with a career as good as Springsteen’s? Would Nirvana eclipse In Utero? What would they all look like today?
Well, PR agency Sachs Media Group thinks they have the answer. They’ve started the Rock ‘N’ Roll Heaven Series, which simulates what since-passed musical legends would look like today. And while they haven’t riddled these stars with liver spots, skin tags, and spare tires, we’d like to think their renditions are accurate.
So, here’s a compilation of what 13 stars looked like then and what they’d look like now.
Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin, she of the legendary Pearl, would’ve been 70 this year.
Elvis
The King would’ve been—or, depending on who you ask, is—nearly an octogenarian in 2013. He’d be a sprightly 78.
Bobby Darin
At 77, this legendary singer / actor / everydude would’ve been the heartthrob of the nursing home.
Bob Marley
Bob Marley, at 68, looks excellent, salt ‘n’ pepper dreads and all.
Cass Elliot
Mama Cass—of the Mamas and the Papas—died of a heart attack in 1974, right at the height of a sold-out solo tour. Today, she’d be 72.
Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain, were it not for his suicide, would be 46 this year. We assume he, like his bandmate Dave Grohl, would be a rock dad for the ages.
Dennis Wilson
The legendary founding member of the Beach Boys would be 69. And, if we’re to believe these renditions, looking sharp.
John Lennon
A 73-year old John Lennon would marvel at the fact that, in 2013, his signature round specs are back in style.
Jim Morrison
2013 would mark seven decades of Jim Morrison, who we assume would have a sagely beard by now.
Karen Carpenter
The Carpenters Drummer, who passed 30 years ago, would’ve been 63 this year.
Keith Moon
The Who’s Keith Moon, apparently, would still be rocking a wonderful bowl cut at age 67.
Jimi Hendrix
Happy 71st, Jimi!
Tags: Music, News, Bob Marley, cass elliot, Dennis Wilson, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, karen carpenter, Keith Moon, Kurt Cobain
