Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

If You Ask Me: Rock 'n' Roll is Dead

Tuesday, 26 November 2024 08:00

By Flo Whitaker

As performers shun their previously crazy lifestyles in favour of healthy diets and wholesome activities, Flo Whitaker raises a glass and tolls the mourning bell for Rock ‘n’ Roll

Possibly the most shocking example of the death of rock and roll is Alice Cooper, who has replaced substance addiction with golf addiction. This is clearly a sensible, efficacious move for Alice, but I fondly recall his stage shows back in the 70s during his anarchic ‘guillotine-scene-goes-wrong’ period. It’s truly terrifying to imagine him now swanning about in tartan trousers and cashmere jumpers.

Fuelled with steaming mugs of cocoa, Rod Stewart and Jools Holland spend relaxing quiet nights in with their model railways, whilst James Hetfield, the moody, multi-tattooed Metallica frontman, is a keen bee-keeper and worries about his bees when he’s away touring. Awww…

Bill Wyman spent thirty years with the Rolling Stones, (mostly, it must be noted, in a non-speaking, non-moving role.) Nevertheless, he and Charlie Watts laid down some of the most iconic beats in popular music and Bill is widely credited for inventing the fretless bass guitar. So, what did Bill do next? He went metal detecting. Yep, the Bill Wyman Signature Metal Detector is a real thing, described as 'lightweight – yet with significant performance levels' and was heartily recommended by that tour bus freeloading duo, Richard and Judy. Blimey.

Nowadays, Roger Daltrey from the original noisy-boy band, The Who, enjoys nothing more than a peaceful fishing session. Unsurprisingly, Roger, along with co-conspirator, Pete Townshend, suffer from chronic deafness. Perhaps they should rename themselves The What? Having reached his 80th birthday, the irony of screaming “Hope I die before I get old”, surely isn’t lost on Roger.

Alas, not even rock gods live forever – although there’s always an exception to the rule. As nations continue to behave like squabbling toddlers, waging wars and trashing our planet, I’ll leave you with a sobering thought; What kind of world are we leaving for our children, grandchildren – and Keith Richards?

Share

More from Features

  • Fashion: 5 Trends for 2025

    Adele Trathan has a sneaky peek into the hot fashion trends that will dominate the quarter-century as we look at five styles for 2025

  • Money Matters: £5 Per Day to Jet Away

    Adele Trathan explains how just £5 per day can set you off on that dream holiday, with tips on making small changes to make your dreams a reality

  • Be Well, Move Happy: Spa Therapies and Strength Training

    Work that body and then relax and revitalise, says Sara Whatley as she looks at massage and spa treatments, and strength training

  • Home Style: Honouring the Past

    Jo Hounsell and husband Mark have sensitively restored this 1930s Art Deco house, retaining its character to honour its past, and creating a much-loved family home

  • Festive Feasts of Yore!

    Historic Kitchens Manager for Historic Royal Palaces, Sussex born and bred Richard Fitch shares his extensive knowledge of Christmas fare from the last 500 years, and some historic recipes which our readers may like to try at home this year

  • Home Style: Celebrating in Style

    A blend of antiques, vivid colours and a bohemian vibe characterise this striking Georgian town house which comes alive over Christmas and New Year

  • Lonely This Christmas

    It is promoted as a time for togetherness but for many, Christmas can be an isolating and melancholy period. Beating those festive blues isn’t easy, but these techniques can help raise your spirits

  • A Gardener’s Best Friend: The Story of Bob the Robin

    Warm your heart with this remarkable story of friendship between a robin and a gardener, as told to Sara Whatley

  • Spotlight Events: December 2024

    From pantomimes to Christmas shopping, here's your guide to all the best local events happening in December

  • What to Watch in December 2024

    From the return of Feathers McGraw to a new season of Squid Game, here's your guide to all the best new films and TV shows coming in December

  • Christmas Travel Breaks: Ideas for a Festive Getaway

    Love it or hate it, Christmas will soon be upon us. Want to try something different? Lisa de Silva explores some ideas for a festive getaway

  • Hastings Old Town: Ancient Streets Filled with History

    Steeped in history, Hastings Old Town offers the opportunity to discover fascinating ancient streets – full of remarkable buildings and interesting shops. James Forryan reports on this delightful destination Steeped in history, Hastings Old Town offers the opportunity to discover fascinating ancient streets – full of remarkable buildings and interesting shops. James Forryan reports on this delightful destination

  • Christmas: Are You Prepared to Party?

    Planning the perfect Christmas party is all about being prepared, says Sara Whatley. Have fun!

  • Money Matters: Cash...Less?

    As we steam ahead with technology and the convenience of digital transactions, Adele Trathan looks at the pros and cons of a cashless society

  • Eco-Friendly Travel

    With the impact of climate change and overtourism now a reality, Lisa de Silva explores how we can be more environmentally conscious when making travel plans

  • Be Well, Move Happy: Crafting and 'Playouts'

    It’s a playful read this month as Sara Whatley looks at crafting for wellness and changing your workout into a playout

  • Home Style: A Scandi Winter's Tale

    Sonja and Lucian Smithers transformed a sixties country house with Scandi style interiors and natural materials

  • Homes Extra: Restore, Repair, Recycle

    Delve into the world of pre-loved furniture and upcycling projects with Sara Whatley, plus industry expert tips and advice from The Salvage Sister

  • Get Sustainable and Save Money!

    Sustainable choices and lifestyle edits can go a long way to reducing your impact and saving money. Courtney Holm recommends creating simple systems that help to make those changes stick

  • Best Sussex Towns & Villages Award Winner: Lindfield

    After two rounds of public voting and careful deliberations by the panel of judges, Lindfield has come out on top and adds our Best Sussex Towns & Villages Award to its already well-stocked trophy cabinet

© Sussex Living and Aiir 2025 | Unit 4 Regent Business Centre, 6 Jubilee Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9TL