24/7 Wall St. Insights

• Gen Xers’ defining music genres were alt rock, punk, hip hop, and grunge
• Gen X has strong opinions regarding the music of their parents’ generation, classic rock
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Gen Xers experienced a childhood set in the 70s and 80s, when divorce rates soared, and latchkey kids often came home to empty houses. For kids of this era, TV and music were means of staying engaged. As adolescents, MTV provided a backdrop to their coming-of-age youth. Their defining music genres were alt rock, punk, hip hop, and grunge. But when it comes to classic rock, this generation can be picky. As a group, they truly dislike a handful of rock musicians. 

Gen Xers were often the children of Baby Boomers, whose music was decidedly conservative compared to punk and heavy metal. Xers differed from their parents’ generation in more ways than one, but their choice of music was certainly a big one. They rebelled against their parents’ love of classic rock the same way their future Millennial children would roll their eyes at their parents’ beloved 90s grunge. 

Gen X grew up during a transformative era in music. They enjoyed bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and The Smashing Pumpkins, and artists like Tupac, Lauryn Hill, and Alanis Morissette. Now between 44 and 60 years old, Gen X have some strong opinions regarding classic rock artists and bands.

24/7 Wall St. reviewed the results of a poll of Gen Xers from yougov.com. The 15 least popular classic rock artists according to Gen Xers were recognized by at least 50% of those surveyed and disliked by at least half of those who knew about them. While there are a few head-scratchers in the mix, most of them make sense. Continue reading to see which band or solo act is the #1 least-liked classic rock artist, according to Gen X.

Why It Matters

Understanding the cultural preferences, including musical tastes, of Generation X can provide valuable insights for investors seeking to evaluate market trends and identify potential opportunities as they relate to this market demographic. In addition to knowing which music artists this older generation dislikes, knowing why they don’t like them provides further insight. For example, an understanding that Gen Xers don’t appreciate the improvisational style of Phish can help point investors in the opposite direction.

15. Frank Zappa

• Years Active: 1955-1993
• Biggest Hit: Valley Girl
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 47%

At the bottom of the list at number 15 is Shiek Yerbouti, Frank Zappa. Nearly one-half (47%) of Gen Xers have a favorable opinion regarding Zappa’s unconventional style. However, because Zappa’s music was deeply political and often targeted issues specific to an earlier time, his music didn’t have the same relevance for Gen X as it did for baby boomers.

14. The Byrds

• Years Active: 1964-1973
• Biggest Hit: Mr. Tambourine Man, Turn, Turn, Turn
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 44%

Though the Byrds (Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame class of 1991) are a part of classic rock history, by the time Gen Xers were purchasing their own music, the Byrds had been relegated to the bargain bin at the record shoppe. Gen Xers were buying the more contemporary music of bands like Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Andre3000, Snoop Dog, and Patti Smith.

13. Supertramp

•  Years Active: 1970-c.2012
• Biggest Hit: Goodbye Stranger, Give A Little Bit, The Logical Song
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 43%

Supertramp’s catchy melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and top-notch musicianship aren’t for everybody. The greater percentage of Gen Xers may simply prefer a different style of music. Though Supertramp has all of the requisite elements that make for a popular classic rock band, they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.

12. Lou Reed

•  Years Active: 1967-1970 (Velvet Underground); 1970-2013 (solo)
• Biggest Hit: Walk On the Wild Side, Sweet Jane
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 43%

While some Gen Xers appreciate Lou Reed’s experimental sound, poetic lyrics, and contributions to the alternative music scene, others don’t connect with his music. Reed’s music was decidedly counterculture, and though he has a dedicated following, the majority of Gen Xers aren’t among them.

11. Blood, Sweat, and Tears

• Years Active: 1967 -1981
• Biggest Hit: Spinning Wheel, You’ve Made Me So Very Happy, Lucretia McEvil
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 41%

Weathering numerous line-up changes in their time, Blood, Sweat, & Tears was a powerhouse band with an exemplary horn section. By the time Gen Xers were discerning their musical tastes, music had broadened to include fresh genres that were more appealing to Gen X’s ears. Gen Xers were filled with angst and looking for music and lyrics that spoke to their condition. Against the backdrop of grunge and hip-hop. Blood, Sweat, and Tears’ music seemed too polished and inauthentic.

10. Wings

• Years Active: 1971-1981
• Biggest Hit: Band on the Run, Jet, Silly Love Songs, Junior’s Farm
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 39%

Turns out the world has, in fact, had it with the silly love songs. At least according to Gen X, who were listening to Tupac and Alanis. Theirs and other artists’ lyrics spoke to Gen X in a way that hasbands didn’t.

9. Foghat

• Years Active: 1971-1984; 1993-
• Biggest Hit: Slow Ride, Fool in the City
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 37%

Foghat, known for hits like Slow Ride and Fool for the City, is difficult to categorize. Are they a classic rock band, a hard rock band, or a blues band? Gen X wasn’t paying enough attention to care because Foghat is a band that defined their parents’ generation. Gen X turned their buying power toward the music that would define their generation. It’s no surprise that 24/7 Wall St.’s list is heavily weighted with Boomer era bands.

8. My Chemical Romance

• Years Active: 2001-2013; 2019-
• Biggest Hit: The Kids of Yesterday, Helena, Na Na Na, I’m Not Okay (I Promise)
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 37%

How My Chemical Romance made it onto a list of classic rock bands is a mystery for the ages. Even more surprising is that these punks weren’t embraced by Gen X, despite the band speaking to the existential angst of their generation. However, the band has a dedicated following who continue to wallow in their disquietude.

7. The Zombies

• Years Active: 1961-1968; 2004-
• Biggest Hit: She’s Not There, Tell Her No, Time of the Season
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 35%

A classic rock band if ever there was one, the Zombies are not a Gen X fan favorite for the reason that classic rock bands simply don’t speak to Gen X. Each generation has its music, and the Zombies belong to the Baby Boomers. Though Gen X doesn’t have strongly negative opinions about the Zombies, they certainly don’t dig ’em the way their parents did.

6. The Yardbirds

• Years Active: 1963-1968
• Biggest Hit: For Your Love
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 34%

Second verse, same as the first. The Yardbirds, which featured Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page here and there, belong to the Baby Boomers. The Yardbirds appealed to Gen Xers’ parents or even grandparents. The band had pretty much dissolved before most Gen Xers were out of diapers. So, it’s not a head-scratcher that the band doesn’t rank higher on this list.

5. Buffalo Springfield

• Years Active: 1966-1968
• Biggest Hit: For What It’s Worth, Mr. Soul
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 33%

Stephen Stills and Neil Young’s first classic rock group, Buffalo Springfield is remembered for their anti-war anthem For What It’s Worth. The band had disbanded long before Gen X came along.

4. Loggins and Messina

• Years Active: 1971-1976
• Biggest Hit: Danny’s Song, House at Pooh Corner, Your Mama Don’t Dance, Angry Eyes
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 32%

Your mama don’t dance and your daddy don’t rock and roll, lyrics from Loggins and Messina’s first big hit, reflect the idea that kids aren’t listening to the same music as their parents. As it should be. You’d be the biggest square in Squaresville if you did. While Loggins and Messina had their share of radio hits and stadium fame, they too belong to the Boomers.

3. Warren Zevon

• Years Active: 1965-2003
• Biggest Hit: Werewolves of London, Excitable Boy, Lawyers, Guns, and Money 
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 31%

Zevon’s another odd entry on a list of classic rockers, as he’s more of a singer/songwriter. His music is an eclectic blend of blues, folk, and rock. Zevon’s darkly humorous lyrics are on prominent display in Werewolves of London; Lawyers, Guns, and Money; and Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner. Zevon’s clearly not for everyone.

2. Hanson

• Years Active: 1992-
• Biggest Hit: MMMBop
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 29%

How in the world did Hanson end up on a list of classic rock artists? Hanson, the pop band formed by three brothers from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is recognized for their catchy melodies and sibling harmonies. Their breakthrough hit, MMMBop, propelled them to international fame before they were old enough to drive. Gen Xers were likely exposed to Hanson’s jams via their Millennial children and grew to dislike the trio.

1. Phish

• Years Active: 1983 – (with intermittent breaks)
• Biggest Hit: You Enjoy Myself,
• Percentage of Generation X with a favorable opinion: 25%

Coming in at number one on 24/7 Wall St.’s list of 15 least popular classic rock artists according to Gen Xer’s is Phish. Phish is a jam band formed in Vermont that blends elements of rock, funk, jazz, and psychedelia into their live performances, which often feature extended improvisational jams. And that’s precisely why Gen X isn’t so fond of Phish. Extended improvs and a less-than-inviting devoted fan base help to make Phish the number one least popular classic rock artist according to Gen X.

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