Bands of the Living Dead???

http://music.msn.com/music/features/bandsofthelivingdead?GT1=10293

Go to that link. Come back here when you're done.

Back yet? OK, I'll wait.

How about now?

Good. Now on with the rant.

"...as bands long thought to be disbanded soldier on, releasing albums and riding the tour jet (and later, tour bus) long after even loyal fans believed them to no longer be in existence." - John Moe

Mr. Moe seems to be a bit confused. You see, it's the loyal fans who already know that these bands still exist and put out releases. In fact most of the bands mentioned have a fan base (both young and old) so large that they sell-out arena concerts wherever they go.

Who are the people that think these bands are no longer around? Are these people that have attention spans that last as long as the edited radio version of the latest sugar-sweet, audience friendly, song? Are these the people so easily lulled into the sterilized world of terrestrial radio that they have no desire or will to look further into the bands they listen to? I just scared myself with that question because I suddenly realize it's true.

It's a shame that people such as Mr. Moe feel that just because a band has longevity makes them pop culture has-beens. One thing we should learn from our history classes and parents is to never forget our roots. Modern rock and roll and heavy metal was spawned from the classics. In fact many of todays popular rock and metal bands acknowledge and praise the masters who came before them.

A true connoisseur of rock and metal music doesn't debase older bands by calling them the "living dead" or a "robotic zombie monster." A connoisseur raises them on a pedestal and acknowledges the achievements these groups brought to their respective genres. If they still continue to stick to a tried and true formula that appeals to their artistic integrity and still can manage to sell-out shows all over the world, who are we to argue?

Mr. Moe seems like an intelligent individual. I would think he would be smart enough to know that we should respect our elders a bit more and give them the praise that they earned and deserve.

End of line.