An Open Letter To All Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Legends
I am writing this open letter to all Hard Rock & Heavy Metal legends for legitimate reasons. 1. I respect any legend of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal; these said “legends” are those who have pioneered, innovated and paved the way for our beloved Heavy Music to exist in 2012.. 2. I want these said legends to understand that this fan is fed up with some of these legends forgetting their roots.
Broadway albums. Humorous books on personal health. Scripted Reality Television Shows. Lulu. Judging a Pop-crap, televised singing contest. Performing on the same Pop-crap, televised singing contest; one which has discovered only one legitimate Rock/Hard Rock superstar known as Chris Daughtry. These legends know who they are. It appears that once you’ve been elevated to Hollywood superstar status, the old school roots are no longer looked upon as anything more than a lost chapter in these legends autobiographies.
We’re not talking about a Metal legend making a Rock album here or creating fine art, nor is this about my not liking artistic diversity; instead, this is about decisions that are being made by prominent figures in Heavy Music, which essentially affect the long-standing integrity of their being… real.
There are fans out there that do give a shit. I’m one of them. It’s just like being a pro athlete; when is enough suitcases of millions enough? Legends of Heavy Music must understand: you don’t have to accept every lame-ass and mainstream offer that comes your way. These same legends of Heavy Music that used to write, sing and preach about “not taking any bullshit from the man” are the same ones who are being manipulated by the man today. That “man” is the almighty Hollywood dollar and mainstream popularity contest.
_______________________________
Whatever happened to keeping it real? Staying true? Sure, I will write about some mellow albums here on Metal Odyssey once in a great while… only they are not so far out of the realm that it causes me embarrassment. These legends have to understand, there are fans out there who are not going to like everything you stamp your name on. That’s it. That’s reality.
I’ve come to the realization, that there is enormous truth about forgetting where you came from. I’ll never forget where I came from. Hell no. I turn down requests to review Pop albums on a weekly basis. Why? I’m keeping it F’n real; to both myself and the visitors to Metal Odyssey. I’ll acknowledge when a Pop legend passes away, I feel it’s the right thing to do. I do listen to a cornucopia of music. Still, I’m not jumping onto every popular bandwagon that chugs into town either, unlike some of these legends are doing.
In the end, is it any of my F’n business as to what any Legend of Heavy Music does with their respective fame and fortune? No and yes. No, due to this is a free society in America and capitalism reigns. Each man and woman for themselves. Yes, cause I’ve been suckered after decades of thinking that some of these legends were “really” street and against the same plastic people they are now making a fortune with. Make no mistake, there are countless Heavy Music legends out there that are keeping it real and won’t jump at every dumb-ass offer that’s left on their voice mail.
_______________________________
They don’t make them like Cronos of Venom anymore. You’d never see that legend cow-tow to any moron who doesn’t give a rats ass about Metal. The morons are out there looking for our Heavy Music legends, to make millions on their “name” (a means to an end) and haven’t a clue about Hard Rock or Heavy Metal history.
It’s just like the iconic AC/DC song: MONEY TALKS. It’s like the legendary TESTAMENT song: Practice What You Preach. In this case, it’s practice what you used to preach. Just as the legendary Dee Snider of Twisted Sister once riveted my Metal soul with We’re Not Gonna Take It… well… I’m not taking it. I’m also not buying it. Metal be thy name.
LONG LIVE KEEPING HARD ROCK & METAL REAL.
Stone.
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
May 14, 2012 at 3:46 am
Superbly articulated and right on the money.
The irony is, an artist can make shitloads of money and stay true to what they do. It’s called hard work, and Joe Bonamassa and his manager are doing a fine job of it. Too many are taking the ‘fistful of dollars for doing f**k all’ option.
May 14, 2012 at 6:59 am
Thank you, Kev. You clarified the point! Any musician (or person of any occupation for that matter) are free to earn as much money as possible and staying true through “hard work” is a thought you hit the bullseye on.
That “option” you mentioned is what drives me nuts and I sincerely feel thankful you agree with me. You Rock Kev!
May 14, 2012 at 5:50 am
I completely agree with this! There are million things I want to write about and say when it comes to the legendary metal musicians and bands “changing” in a surprising way. It just doesn’t feel right. Metal music is and ALWAYS will be different than other genres. Sure, I also listen to other music genres but metal is a lifestyle and when the legendary musicians “change” in the way you mentioned above, it’s an insult not only to the music but to the lifestyle as well. I also accept the fact that the bands do feel the need to change after a while but some bands do it in a wrong way (like Metallica). People should always KNOW where they came from and how they started. That’s why I love Scandinavian metal because those guys never change for money (except a few bands) .
Great post!
May 14, 2012 at 9:12 am
Thanks a METAL ton! You’re right, it’s not like when a band tweaks, adds to or diversifies their sound, (Dimmu Borgir & Satyricon are examples and I salute them), this is totally different and I whole heartedly agree with your opinion on Scandinavian Metal bands.
By all means, write about this topic! Vent it out! Spread the METAL word! Metal be thy name! \m/\m/
May 14, 2012 at 7:40 am
As I metal fan (who enjoys all forms of music) I have to applaud you for these comments. I couldn’t agree more.
May 14, 2012 at 9:13 am
Thank you Metal Buddy. \m/\m/
May 14, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Spot on Stone. The best way to let sell outs know that we’re not going to purchase every lame ass trendy shit they put out is simply not buy it and let them know it. I will always vote with my debit card and not purchase anything I don’t like.
As for some of these icons, they should be ashamed of themselves. Back in the early 80s I would have understood it from Aerosmith on the grounds they were still paying off their drug dealers but today there is no excuse.
May 14, 2012 at 1:11 pm
LOL! You Rock 80’s Metalman!
Aerosmith is going full-throttle to stay “relevant” by pulling out all the stops. Unfortunately, they have caved in to the bubble gum world of bloated Pop by wanting to play on American Idol.
Judas Priest did not impress me by performing on American Idol either. At first, I didn’t really care. Now in hindsight, I do care. Judas Priest associating themselves with American Idol was a middle finger to us Metal fans that have supported them for decades.
May 15, 2012 at 5:03 am
What it really boils down to is this:
These bands should have the courage of their convictions. This is AEROSMITH and JUDAS PRIEST we’re talking about for God’s sake! The weight of history and their achievements stand full square behind them, and yes, Joe Perry, heed your own words and let the music do the talking.
These are not some one-hit wonder 80’s acts that by their very nature need a ‘handle’ or ‘gimmick’ to resurrect a career – i even understand the logic of those kind of acts appearing on shows like american idol – it’s the fleeting, ‘flavour of the month’ nature of what they do…but the ‘Smith and Priest???? Take a look at yourselves! You are iconic! Now make a record that lives up to your legend, go out and play to your fans, not the sheep that populate TV gameshow land. You don’t need them. You never did.
May 15, 2012 at 6:55 am
Excellent points, Kev! Excellent.