Some irrefutable truths about rock and roll

GEof/Judy/Tort,

Schubert stands firm in his beliefs about right and wrong, which I admire. He is critiquing the music and how he perceives it as affecting people in a way that is negative or harmful to people. There is no doubt it has in many cases, though not all. So I agree with his stand based on principles.

Maybe you've been listening to too much evil rock music? I find your posts callous and condescending and actually might even help substantiate Schubert's point. A little more spiritually uplidting music might do you some good.

I highly recommend Nick Tosche's "Hellfire," about Jerry Lee Lewis at his peak. Lewis was raised in that fire and brimstone deep southern version of religion, and Tosche's writing alternates between dark, mock biblical passages and the sheer exuberance of Lewis' stagecraft (and lunatic offstage antics). This book captures the good v. evil theme of rock and roll in a way peculiar to its time and place; to me, the so-called 'dark side' of much later acts like Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper were more schtick than reality (much as I love certain of those albums).
I would feel a real loss without some of the music that grew out of the early rock and roll era, including late 60's- early 70's psychedlia. Just to name one album that has been a constant for me since it was released: Spirit's 'Dr. Sardonicus.' Or the soaring jazz inflected drive of the Allman's when Duane was still living.
I won't judge Schubert- his tastes and views are his own. I doubt it has much to do with age. Look at some of the music greats: Chris Blackwell, who brought us so much on Island in the early days, now in his late 70's; the late Phil Ramone, whose discography of production and engineering spanned many generations of great music making; Clive Davis, Ahmet Ergtegun, Mo Ostin and so many others of a 'certain age' who were (and still are) making great music possible.

I don't see rock musicians as all that different in basic makeup from the great classical composers, or most people in general. Many had their "demons" and music helped to "exorcise" them. Different times, different places, different experiences is most of the difference, case to case. Some are able to overcome their demons and adversity better than others. All, in different ways.

In the end, its a balancing act. I am grateful for the fairly stable upbringing and life I have had and that I have not had to experience the evils to the extent perhaps that some like Shubert have, like the evils of war and battle directly. That I am sure of. My musical tastes would be different I am certain under different circumstances. I understand completely how ones choice in music can help provide balance in life. I only wish more were in a better position to be able to absorb many of the negative or destructive things society throws our way without harm. It goes way beyond merely rock or music alone, that's for sure.

Schubertmania,
I'm sorry you couldn't just remain 16, I agree it would have been the best thing in your situation .

The thing about rock about is that it's designed to make you look inward, navel-gaze if you will, old men do not warn of it
because they wish to be young again, that is a terrifying thought to anyone with any wisdom at all, but because they fear for you, knowing that to look inward is the worst possible road in life.