Let's Talk About.....Classic Rock

Ok. Three of my siblings just went to the Sphere in Las Vegas to see U2. They all agreed it was an incredible show. And as good as it was to see Bono, the star of the show was the Sphere.

Interestingly the demographics looked to be people between the ages of 35 and 70. Think about it. U2 was formed in 1976 and the band had its heyday in the 80s. Still, 40 years later, they pack the Sphere night after night, with seating for 18,600 people (older people don't stand or it would hold 20,000).

The fact that people in their 30s come to see U2 in Las Vegas is pretty incredible. Classic rock generally means artists popular between 1960 and 2000 (and beyond). Sixty years old and some are still going strong. But think about it. It is like me and my siblings enjoying artists from the 1930s or 40s. I thought Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters were old fashioned, and really nothing more than something I had to listen to on the hi-fi.

Ragtime is not equivalent to the Beatles. Or is it?

I took my daughter to see Bruce Springsteen and my son to see Paul McCartney. That's like my mom taking me to see the Lennon Sisters or Benny Goodman. Well, first, let's be clear. That never would have happened. But assuming it did, I think I would have been bored to tears.

Yet my kids seemed to enjoy both concerts. Perhaps they were just being nice, but seriously, who wouldn't enjoy Bruce? Or even Paul. Despite their age, these rock stars know what they are doing and have got it going on. The audiences alone are worth the price of admission. They know every song and sing them at the top of their lungs. While seated, of course.

I went to see Katy Perry with my son. There was no comparison. In my opinion, auto-tune is not okay.

Would I like to have seen Dean Martin? Yes, but I imagine he was best in a swanky smoke-filled club with a drink in his hand and The Golddiggers behind him. I would love it. But it's not the same.

These old "classic rock" guys not only have a devoted following, but they know what they are doing. Experience and talent pay off. Of course, many of them can command the best venues, technology, and people in the business. But that doesn't matter if you don't have the goods.

And it's not only rock. Alan Jackson was unbelievable at Red Rocks. He makes everything look so easy. That's because he knows what he's doing, and he is incredibly talented.

But if it weren't for ragtime, crooners, and big bands, there might not have been Elvis, the Beach Boys, the Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. Or U2.

My point is this. Classic rock is to Al Jolson what dub or EDM is to classic rock. Or is it?

Will Skrillex, Zedd and David Guetta fill 18,600 seats night after night in 45 years? And will my kids drag their kids to see them? I don't know. But it's all rock and roll to me.