You Won’t Find This Classic Rock Artist on Boomers’ Playlists

55 years ago, Uriah Heep hit the classic rock scene. However, the band’s time has come to an end. Mick Box, who is the only surviving original band member, recently announced that, following a lengthy goodbye tour that will begin in 2025, the band would be retiring. It is sad to see the band go. But its five decades of success show how listener loyalty can really propel a band to new heights. With classic rock, part of its success also hinged on its differences from more traditional, slower music that came before. Like many millennials and Gen Zers today, Baby Boomers wanted to rebel against traditionalism. (Here are the 15 most popular classic rock artists according to Baby Boomers, ranked.)

However, not every band has the same following as Uriah Heep or other well-loved classic rock artists. In fact, there are some classic rock artists that Baby Boomers simply don’t want to hear on their playlists. Here, 24/7 Wall St. explored the classic rock musicians that Baby Boomers don’t love. We used information from a wide range of social media websites to identify the 10 least beloved classic rock artists by Boomers. Additional info was sourced from survey sites, YouGov, and Reddit.

Why We Are Talking About This

The emergence of classic rock shook the American landscape. Artists like Elvis Presley and the Beatles introduced sex, drugs, and rock and roll to America in ways never seen before. Baby Boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964, were front and center when this once-controversial music was originally released — and many still enjoy these artists today. But some of the classic rock artists of that era have fallen in popularity. So who better to rank the least favorite classic rock artists than Baby Boomers themselves?

Here are the 10 classic rock musicians that Baby Boomers can’t stand: 

10. Brian Wilson

• Years active: 1961-Present
• Net worth: $100 million
• Known for: Lead singer and principal songwriter for the Beach Boys

Beach Bummer

Though Dick Dale is credited with the invention of surf rock, Brian Wilson took the genre to another level altogether, shaping the sound that would become synonymous with the Southern California beach scene. However, by the time end-stage boomers were in high school, Wilson’s band The Beach Boys had been regulated to golden oldie AM radio.

It was the 1970s and Wilson was in the throes of his mental health crisis. Skynard and Floyd were the new cool; the Beach Boys were out. However, many still adored The Beach Boys and played them to the exclusion of any other artists. We’re part of the group that loves The Beach Boys. Their music is simple, upbeat fun: the perfect soundtrack to a summer romance.

9. Robert Palmer

• Years active: 1964-2003
• Net worth: $10 million (2003)
• Known for: Lead singer for The Power Station, well-tailored and stylish look

Low Energy, Low Charisma

Who doesn’t like to bounce to Robert Palmer’s Addicted to Love? And Sneakin’ Sally Thru the Alley? That album rocked, even if Rolling Stone only gave it 3 stars. So, why isn’t Robert Palmer more popular with the Boomer set? Referring to him as “low-energy Mick Jagger” or “Mr. Fancy Pants”, Boomers say they dislike the artist more than his music. Palmer simply didn’t have enough charisma to break on through to the other side.

8. Lenny Kravitz

• Years active: 1981-Present
• Net worth: $80 million
• Known for: Songwriter/Media advertising, his multi-ethnic and mixed-gender background band

Fly Away

Lenny Kravitz is a talented musician. However, his fusion of rock, funk, and soul doesn’t appeal to the majority of Baby Boomers. Beyond the music, Boomers have a lot to say about Kravitz’s personality, describing him as flamboyant and ostentatious. Others view him as a sell-out, due to his campaigns for Stella Artois and YSL. Who knew Boomers were such a tough crowd?

7. Glenn Frey

• Years active: 1966-2015
• Net worth: $120 million (2016)
• Known for: Guitar/keys/vocals for The Eagles

The Heat Was On

Coming in at number 7 on our list of the 10 least popular classic rock artists is Glenn Frey. Loads of Boomers blame Frey for the demise of The Eagles. Though he was certainly a party to their disbandment, it takes two to tango. Regardless, it’s difficult to shake that image. Just ask Yoko.

6. Elvis Costello

• Years active: 1970-Present
• Net worth: $70 million
• Known for: Multiple musical groups, television host, his memoir

Punch The Clock

Costello’s music blends elements of punk, new wave, and rock with intricate wordplay and socially conscious lyrics to splendid results. But according to some Boomers, his music is jangly, and he ripped off Buddy Holly’s trademark style.

5. Jeff Beck

• Years active: 1964-2023
• Net worth: $25 million
• Known for: Membership in The Yardbirds, eight-time Emmy winner

Struggling Without Yardbirds

While the critics adored Jeff Beck, consumers were less effusive. Jeff Beck was characterized by his innovative approach to guitar and his willingness to experiment by pushing musical boundaries beyond their formerly adhered-to limits. But he was simply a bit too avant-garde for many Boomers, especially those who had been fans of his original, more-conventional group, the Yardbirds.

4. Michael Bolton

• Years active: 1975-Present
• Net worth: $80 million
• Known for: Notable collaborations and covers, plagiarism battle, Dancing with the Stars

Easy Now

Number 4 on the list is Michael Bolton. A child musical prodigy, Bolton parlayed his music career into an equally lucrative career in television. So, why don’t Baby Boomers think more of him? Placing him in the classic rock category is a bit of a stretch. The Boomers I queried feel Bolton’s music should be classified as easy listening/jazz. Bolton also faced a plagiarism battle in 2000, which turned many people off from his music.

3. Gene Simmons

• Years active: 1970-Present
• Net worth: $400 million
• Known for: Bassist for KISS, TV personality, record label owner

KISS (Him Goodbye)

From their iconic makeup and catchy hard rock tunes to their theatrical pyrotechnics, KISS earned their status as one of the most recognizable and influential hard rock bands of the 20th century. But the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Gene Simmons without KISS just isn’t as popular as Gene Simmons with KISS. That’s why many Boomers don’t follow him now.

2. Axl Rose

• Years active: 1983-Present
• Net worth: $200 million
• Known for: Guns N’ Roses, his five octave voice, starting a riot

Too Polarizing?

Axl Rose, the lead singer and primary songwriter of Guns N’ Roses, is a polarizing artist. Every rose has its thorn, and Axl is no exception. From erratic, sometimes violent behavior, to spending 15 years on a less-than-stellar album (Chinese Democracy), Axl Rose never recovered the momentum of Appetite for Destruction, GNR’s breakthrough album.

1. Frank Zappa

• Years active: 1955-1993
• Net worth: $1 million (1993)
• Known for: Satirical lyrics and strong opinions

Zapped from the Equation

Coming in at number one on our list is none other than Frank Zappa. The appeal of Frank Zappa varies wildly among Baby Boomers. His music is unconventional and challenging to the unaccustomed ear. Zappa’s sharp wit and fearless approach to tackling societal and political issues through his controversial, often satirical lyrics, coupled with his critique of mainstream culture, simply did not resonate with the majority of Boomers. However, for these very same reasons, Gen Z has discovered Zappa and they are digging his message.

The post You Won’t Find This Classic Rock Artist on Boomers’ Playlists appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..