Music

Flea says rock music is dead

by Richard Howard

Gene Simmons is pretty much the World Champion of opening his stupid mouth in order to get attention, but one contentious topic he’s raised that has actually result in an interesting debate is his claim that “rock is finally dead.”

While numerous musicians including the Foo Fighters and Anthrax’s Scott Ian came out in the genre’s defense, others have tended to agree (albeit usually in a less bull-headed way). In a recent interview on Pearl Jam Radio, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea told PJ’s Mike McCready that he looks at rock music as a “dead form” while reminiscing about their bands’ heydays.

“I just remember being so excited that we were playing with [Pearl Jam] and with Smashing Pumpkins, because it was just an exciting time for rock music,” said Flea. “A lot of times, especially recently, I look at rock music as kind of a dead form in a lot of ways. Nothing to take away from us and [Pearl Jam], because obviously I believe we’re relevant bands that come with a real energy.”

He also pointed out the contrast between when he expressed a desire to play in a rock band and was labelled a “fucking lunatic” to the reality of attempting to start a band today:

“I was like ‘fuck it, I don’t care, this is what I want to do, this means everything to me, I found a home.’ I’ve been a weird, neurotic, loner kid all my life, I was always the kid you called fag in high school, punk rock gave me a home. Nowadays, you decide you want to be in a rock band [and] it’s like, ‘Oh great, let’s get you an image consultant, and a lawyer, and a manager, and let’s see what we can do here. It’s a great money-making opportunity for you, junior.'”