Dave Evans occupies a significant spot in rock music history as the original lead vocalist of AC/DC. Despite his departure from the group in 1974 after the release of only two singles, Evans continues to be an active musician who is not shy about voicing his opinions on the current landscape of rock music. His insights reflect his deep passion for the genre and its evolution over the years.

In a recent interview with Mexico’s Rock 111, Evans expressed his belief that the diminished popularity of rock music is largely due to its absence from mainstream radio. He stated, “Rock music’s popularity has declined ’cause they’re not playing it on the radio,” highlighting a crucial factor influencing the genre’s visibility.

Evans remarked, “The last rock band signed by a major label was about 20 years ago.” He clarified that he was not referring to metal music, but specifically to classic rock ‘n’ roll. He pointed out that there hasn’t been a significant rock act signed in over 25 years. His argument emphasizes that if audiences are not exposed to rock music, they cannot develop an affinity for it. “You play it to them, they love it,” he asserted, underlining the need for more rock music exposure.

Evans further differentiated between rock and metal genres, criticizing the latter for what he perceives as a lack of authenticity.

READ MORE: 10 Best God-Tier Rock Songs of the 1970s

“Rock ‘n’ roll is an attitude – a real attitude, not a pretend one,” he declared passionately. “Metal is a pretend attitude – they get up there and go, ‘Rahrahrahrahrah’ – it’s nonsense. They paint their faces and then go home to their mamas, saying, ‘Mama, what’s for dinner?’ But rock ‘n’ roll is genuine, it reflects true emotion and life experiences, unlike the theatrics often associated with metal music.

Evans Critiques Contemporary Music for Lacking Authenticity

Evans’ critiques extend beyond metal to contemporary artists as well, as he candidly shared his views on the modern music scene.

“A lot of today’s music is pretty clinical — it’s very clinical,” he noted. “When you listen to bands like Led Zeppelin and Free, you can really feel the emotion, man. They evoke genuine feelings. In contrast, the music today often feels tedious and lacks the essential humanity that should permeate music. Sure, it might be technically impressive, showcasing dexterity and skill, but it often misses the emotional connection—the true essence of music. Artists who focus solely on technicality often neglect the human experience that should resonate through their work. For instance, Santana plays just one note and that single note carries immense emotion; that’s the true humanity of music. What’s important is not just technical proficiency but the ability to express genuine feelings through melody.