Media

Baby Boomers Rank Their 10 Least Favorite Classic Rock Artists

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On July 7th, America lost one of its greatest classic rock guitarists, Tom Fowler. Fowler played with such legendary musicians as Frank Zappa and Ray Charles. Despite Fowlers’ contribution to some of America’s most famous rock music, many Boomers include his most notable collaboration (Frank Zappa) among their 10 least favorite rock artists!

Rock is certainly the genre of older generations. Those 65 and older grew up in the 60s and 70s, rebelling against their parent’s conventional music.

Ultimately musical tastes are subjective. However, Boomers tend to agree that the music of their generation far exceeds the “noise” that current youth is so fond of.

Using information from a wide range of social media sites, 24/7 Wall St. determines Boomers 10 least beloved classic rock musicians. We researched sites like YouGov and Reddit, along with several other survey sites.

Topping the list are Frank Zappa, Gene Simmons, and Axl Rose.

Why We Are Talking About This

Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

The emergence of classic rock shook the American landscape. Artists like Elvis Presley and the Beatles introduced sex and rock and roll to America’s youth in ways never seen in previous generations. Boomers were front and center when this once-controversial music was originally released. Who better to rank the least favorite classic rock artists than Baby Boomers themselves? See if you agree with their picks.

10. Brian Wilson

public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
  • Years active: 1961 –
  • Net worth: $100 million
  • Known for: Lead singer and principal songwriter for the Beach Boys

Beach Bummer

Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Though Dick Dale is credited with the invention of surf rock, Brian Wilson took the genre to another level altogether, shaping the sound that would become synonymous with the Southern California beach scene. However, by the time end-stage boomers were in high school, Wilson’s band, The Beach Boys had been regulated to golden oldie AM radio.

It was the 1970s and Wilson was in the throes of his mental health crisis. Skynard and Floyd were the new cool; the Beach Boys were out. However, many still adored the Beach Boys and played them to the exclusion of any other artists. Their music is simple, upbeat fun: the perfect soundtrack to a summer romance.

9. Robert Palmer

public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
  • Years active: 1964-2003
  • Net worth: $10 million (2003)
  • Known for: Addicted to Love/ Lead singer for The Power Station

Low Energy, Low Rizz

Fin Costello / Redferns via Getty Images

Who doesn’t like to bounce to Robert Palmer’s Addicted to Love? And Sneakin’ Sally Thru the Alley? That album rocked, even if Rolling Stone only gave it 3 stars. So, why isn’t Robert Palmer more popular with the Boomer set? Referring to him as “low-energy Mick Jagger” or “Mr. Fancy Pants”, Boomers say they dislike the artist more than his music. Palmer simply didn’t have enough rizz to break on through to the other side…

8. Lenny Kravitz

Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
  • Years active: 1981-
  • Net worth: $80 million
  • Known for: Songwriter/Media advertising

Fly Away

Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

Lenny Kravitz is a talented musician. However, Kravitz’s fusion of rock, funk, and soul doesn’t appeal to the majority of Baby Boomers. Beyond the music, Boomers have a lot to say about Kravitz’s personality, describing him as flamboyant and ostentatious. Others view him as a sell-out, due to his campaigns for Stella Artois and YSL. Who knew Boomers were such a tough crowd?

7. Glenn Frey

Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
  • Years active: 1966-2015
  • Net worth: $120 million (2016)
  • Known for: Guitar/keys/vocals for The Eagles

The Heat Was On

jeaneeem/Wikimedia Commons

Coming in at number 7 on our list of the 10 least popular classic rock artists is Glenn Frey. Loads of Boomers blame Frey for the demise of The Eagles. Though he was certainly a party to their disbandment, it takes two to tangle. Regardless, it’s difficult to shake that image. Just ask Yoko.

6. Elvis Costello

Public Domin/Wikimedia Commons
  • Years active: 1970-
  • Net worth: $70 million
  • Known for: Songwriter/ documentary maker

Punch The Clock

Larry Busacca / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Costello’s music blends elements of punk, new wave, and rock with intricate wordplay and socially conscious lyrics to splendid results. But according to some Boomers, his music is jangly, and he ripped off Buddy Holly’s trademark style.

5. Jeff Beck

Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
  • Years active: 1964-2023
  • Net worth: $25 million
  • Known for: Yardbirds/solo work

Yardbird

Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

While the critics adored Jeff Beck, consumers were less effusive. Characterized by his innovative approach to guitar and his willingness to experiment with pushing musical boundaries beyond their formerly adhered-to limits, Jeff Beck was simply a bit too avant-garde for many Boomers, especially those who had been fans of his original, more-conventional group, the Yardbirds.

4. Michael Bolton

public domain/Wikimedia Commons
  • Years active: 1975-
  • Net worth: $80 million
  • Known for: singer/songwriter/collaborator/ television personality

Easy Now

alan-light / Flickr

Number 4 on the list is Michael Bolton. A child musical prodigy, Bolton parlayed his music career into an equally lucrative career in television. So, why don’t Baby Boomers think more of him? Placing him in the classic rock category is a bit of a stretch. The Boomers I queried feel Bolton’s music should be classified as easy listening/jazz.

3. Gene Simmons

Public Domain/ Wikimedia Commons
  • Years active: 1970-
  • Net worth: $400 million
  • Known for: bassist for KISS/ television personality

Kiss

Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

From their iconic makeup and catchy hard rock tunes to their theatrical pyrotechnics, KISS earned their status as one of the most recognizable and influential hard rock bands of the 20th century. But the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Gene Simmons without KISS just isn’t as popular as Gene Simmons with KISS.

2. Axl Rose

Kevin Winter / Getty Images
  • Years active: 1983-
  • Net worth: $200 million
  • Known for: Guns and Roses

 

Robert Cianflone / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Axl Rose, the lead singer and primary songwriter of Guns N’ Roses, is a polarizing artist. Every rose has its thorn, and Axl is no exception. From erratic, sometimes violent behavior, to spending 15 years on a less-than-stellar album (Chinese Democracy), Axl Rose never recovered the momentum of Appetite for Destruction, GNR’s breakthrough album.

1. Frank Zappa

Pubic Domain/Wikimedia Commons
  • Years active: 1955-1993
  • Net worth: $1 million (1993)
  • Known for: Satirical lyrics and strong opinions

Zapped

Evening Standard / Getty Images

Coming in at number one on 24/7 Wall St.’s list is none other than Frank Zappa. The appeal of Frank Zappa varies wildly among Baby Boomers. His music is unconventional and challenging to the unaccustomed ear. Zappa’s sharp wit and fearless approach to tackling societal and political issues through his controversial, often satirical lyrics, coupled with his critique of mainstream culture, simply did not resonate with the majority of Boomers. However, for these very same reasons, Gen Z has discovered Zappa and they are digging his message.

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