Rock Is Dead: Twisted Sister Guitarist Explains 2025 Shift

The debate surrounding the claim that “Rock Is Dead” has gained significant traction over the past decade, particularly since Gene Simmons raised the issue in an interview. Recently, during an insightful conversation with Sean P. McKenna on Rimshots With Sean for Barstools & Bandtalk, Jay Jay French of Twisted Sister provided a compelling perspective that adds weight to this argument. He articulately examined the changes in the music industry and the cultural landscape that have contributed to this sentiment.

Understanding Jay Jay French’s Perspective on the Decline of Rock Music

Similar to Gene Simmons, Jay Jay French referenced his youth to substantiate his viewpoint that rock music is experiencing a decline. He recalled, “People often ask me, ‘What leads you to believe that rock is dead?’ Well, here’s my perspective. Back when I was 17 in 1969, the icons of rock—The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane—none of them were older than 27. It’s astonishing to think that the greatest rock legends of all time, during my formative years, were just a decade older than me, with most hovering around 25 to 27 years old,” French explained. “Now, I challenge anyone to name a current rock star who is 27 years old or younger. The silence is telling.”

French continued, “When someone tells me, ‘Rock isn’t dead,’ I find that hard to accept. It’s prevalent everywhere—in various forms, but not in the traditional sense,” he remarked, indicating a disconnect between the genre’s past prominence and its current status.

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READ MORE: Gene Simmons’ Take on the State of Rock Music

Clarifying his stance, French stated, “I’m not suggesting that there are no rock bands still creating music. Rather, the collective societal mindset that shapes current music trends and the sociological impact of these sounds is noticeably absent from the rock genre in terms of widespread acceptance and popularity.” He pointed out, “Currently, what dominates the music landscape? The answer is clear: hip-hop is thriving, country music is on the rise, and female pop artists are extraordinarily popular. You can easily list numerous rappers under 25, a plethora of young female pop stars, and a wealth of successful country musicians. Yet, the same cannot be said for rock artists.”

French went on to emphasize, “This doesn’t imply that rock is no longer being created; it simply suggests that the traditional framework of what we define as a classic rock ensemble—two guitars, bass, drums, and a lead singer—has largely faded from the mainstream.” His observations reflect a broader shift in musical tastes and cultural relevance.

When reflecting on how he feels about being told that rock is dead, French remarked, “I don’t lament its absence or yearn for its revival. Just consider this: rock music enjoyed a remarkable 55-year era of prominence. Many genres have had shorter lifespans—Big Band thrived for about 20 years, and jazz had a similar run. Disco, too, had its moment for roughly seven years before evolving into a niche genre. This doesn’t mean these styles have disappeared entirely; they still resonate with certain audiences. The same can be said for jazz and classical music—they have their loyal followers. However, the youth of America is not absorbing them or embracing them as reflections of their identity.”

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Jay Jay French Discusses Rock’s Evolution on “Rimshots With Sean” for Barstools & Bandtalk

Further Insights from Jay Jay French on Rock Music’s Changing Landscape

Jay Jay French’s insights regarding the diminishing prominence of rock music in contemporary society are not new. He has addressed these issues previously, including a 2016 discussion with Kaaos TV, shared by Blabbermouth, where he reiterated many of the same points. During that conversation, he also challenged the notion that younger rock and metal acts could revive the genre’s former glory.

He specifically mentioned, “People often cite bands like ‘Muse.’ However, they are not composed of members who are 25 years old; they are significantly older. The same goes for Avenged Sevenfold and Slipknot; they too are well past that age. This indicates a troubling trend where the next generation of rock artists seems to be missing, and I genuinely wish I could pinpoint the reasons behind this absence. Meanwhile, pop music, especially with its female stars, is thriving, hip-hop is booming, and country music is flourishing. So, where does that leave rock? It appears to be marginalized.”

He added, “This isn’t just me, Jay Jay, declaring rock is dead. The evidence is visible in the music charts. Look for rock’s presence; it simply isn’t there. Radio stations are not featuring it, and it seems that younger audiences are not purchasing it either. If radio isn’t playing it and the youth aren’t buying it, then who is creating it?”

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