Note from David
Where have all the rock stars gone?
By David Hershkovits
Photographed by Dan Monick
Lately I've noticed the term "rock star" being thrown around rather loosely. A prime example: "Chefs are the new rock stars." Given that people are willing to stand on line, sometimes for an hour or longer, in the pursuit of the perfect lobster roll or gelato, I understand that we're living in a foodie moment and chefs deserve a lot of the credit. With the flood of TV shows where chefs magically produce perfect meals time after time it's no wonder they have become "stars." But "rock stars"? I don't think so. Even in the music world, the moniker tends to be used questionably. For instance, a blurb I stumbled upon on Songza, a new music site that suggests playlists to fit your moods, reads: "Get to know the music of the best known child prodigy and classical rock star in history, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart." A rock star before rock was even invented! A time-traveling musical prodigy! May I suggest Andy Samberg to star in the movie?
If you want to use the word elastically to include non-musicians, some popular "rock stars" that come to mind are James Dean, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, John F. Kennedy, maybe Mark Zuckerberg, definitely Alexander McQueen -- individuals who changed the world with their creativity, attitude and lifestyle, who captured the imagination of a generation and inspired them to new heights of ecstasy and aspiration. They weren't merely famous for acting out a rock star persona, affecting its signifiers without the substance.
Then there are those who use the term as if it's a bad thing. Like Republicans, who have come to criticize Obama for being a rock star. Which in the generic sense of the term he is. They object to his popularity and charisma, the fact that he has a "rock star" strut and works the mic like a true icon.
The term has become so devalued you can buy a Rock Star energy drink or go to Rock Star Party Supplies. And may I suggest a Rock Star baby stroller for your budding prodigy. And where would we be if we didn't have a Rock Star reality show -- as if you could create charisma.
Which begs the question: Who are the real rock stars? Elvis, of course. Mick Jagger, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Johnny Lydon, Ozzy Osbourne, Kurt Cobain, Prince, Patti Smith, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Madonna, Michael Jackson. They all pretty much beyond dispute qualify as certifiable rock stars.
Truth is, the certified rock star is dead. Of contemporary singers, Lady Gaga is the exception that proves the rule. She qualifies because she's more than a celebrity. Her lifestyle and sexual politics have cast her into the pantheon as an inspiration to millions. Because the pop culture landscape has fragmented into so many genres, it's difficult to build consensus around any one performer or band. Though I would like to think otherwise, it's hard to imagine a moment like when the Beatles stormed America ever happening again. Perhaps it was something we needed then to help us break the chains of the conformist '50s.
Some might argue that Jay-Z and Kanye West are examples of the modern rock star. Granted they are rap visionaries who also influence the world of fashion and art, but to me they just are not rebellious enough. Beyond a doubt they are players, but not rock stars. Jay-Z's goal is to be a billionaire, not to change the system. As for Kanye, well he's obviously super talented with the ability to affect the swagger of a rock star when he so desires, but he seems to prefer making movies and designing clothes. I'm more inclined to let people like Chuck D of Public Enemy and the Beastie Boys into the Rock Star pantheon. They changed the game in a way today's rap sensations can only mimic.
As the "rock star" becomes more of an anachronism and a marketing term, I'm more than happy to have stars that rock our world like Azealia Banks on the cover. Here at PAPER we've traditionally preferred to give the massive stars a pass since they usually get enough ink elsewhere. Our mission has always been to support the new talents developing outside the star system. Which is why we present to you our annual summer music issue with some of the coolest, most stylish and, yes, rocking, talents out there including Iggy Azalea, Kimbra, fun., Purity Ring, Icky Blossoms and Selah Sue. If you don't believe us, visit PAPERMAG.com and listen to (and weigh in on) our summer 2012 playlist.
If you want to use the word elastically to include non-musicians, some popular "rock stars" that come to mind are James Dean, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, John F. Kennedy, maybe Mark Zuckerberg, definitely Alexander McQueen -- individuals who changed the world with their creativity, attitude and lifestyle, who captured the imagination of a generation and inspired them to new heights of ecstasy and aspiration. They weren't merely famous for acting out a rock star persona, affecting its signifiers without the substance.
Then there are those who use the term as if it's a bad thing. Like Republicans, who have come to criticize Obama for being a rock star. Which in the generic sense of the term he is. They object to his popularity and charisma, the fact that he has a "rock star" strut and works the mic like a true icon.
The term has become so devalued you can buy a Rock Star energy drink or go to Rock Star Party Supplies. And may I suggest a Rock Star baby stroller for your budding prodigy. And where would we be if we didn't have a Rock Star reality show -- as if you could create charisma.
Which begs the question: Who are the real rock stars? Elvis, of course. Mick Jagger, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Johnny Lydon, Ozzy Osbourne, Kurt Cobain, Prince, Patti Smith, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Madonna, Michael Jackson. They all pretty much beyond dispute qualify as certifiable rock stars.
Truth is, the certified rock star is dead. Of contemporary singers, Lady Gaga is the exception that proves the rule. She qualifies because she's more than a celebrity. Her lifestyle and sexual politics have cast her into the pantheon as an inspiration to millions. Because the pop culture landscape has fragmented into so many genres, it's difficult to build consensus around any one performer or band. Though I would like to think otherwise, it's hard to imagine a moment like when the Beatles stormed America ever happening again. Perhaps it was something we needed then to help us break the chains of the conformist '50s.
Some might argue that Jay-Z and Kanye West are examples of the modern rock star. Granted they are rap visionaries who also influence the world of fashion and art, but to me they just are not rebellious enough. Beyond a doubt they are players, but not rock stars. Jay-Z's goal is to be a billionaire, not to change the system. As for Kanye, well he's obviously super talented with the ability to affect the swagger of a rock star when he so desires, but he seems to prefer making movies and designing clothes. I'm more inclined to let people like Chuck D of Public Enemy and the Beastie Boys into the Rock Star pantheon. They changed the game in a way today's rap sensations can only mimic.
As the "rock star" becomes more of an anachronism and a marketing term, I'm more than happy to have stars that rock our world like Azealia Banks on the cover. Here at PAPER we've traditionally preferred to give the massive stars a pass since they usually get enough ink elsewhere. Our mission has always been to support the new talents developing outside the star system. Which is why we present to you our annual summer music issue with some of the coolest, most stylish and, yes, rocking, talents out there including Iggy Azalea, Kimbra, fun., Purity Ring, Icky Blossoms and Selah Sue. If you don't believe us, visit PAPERMAG.com and listen to (and weigh in on) our summer 2012 playlist.
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