Facebook debate: The end of rock?

Is the era of rock over and does that mean that real music creativity is over as well?

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3 MIN READ

New beginnings for rock

Artists like David Bowie were the masters of rock whose work has remained - and will remain - unparalleled. But, just as the saying goes, the darkest night brings with it a promise of the brightest morning. Their demise brings the promise of new wonders. This is not the end, but the start of another legend’s story, as it opens the doors for fresh talent to grow and emerge.

Thus, I strongly believe that the era of rock and real musical creativity is not over.

From Ms Ashly Jiju

Dubai

Being different, standing out

David Bowie, is one of the most influential musicians of the modern era. His passing also ended the music era that made Bowie a legend. He became famous with his innovative songs and by delving into the music genre of art rock, experimental, electronic, glam rock and art pop. He remained a pioneer in these music genres, and he also developed the international music industry by adding a new dimension to it. He performed by adapting varying personas, wearing costumes and adding life to his personalities by giving the audience and listeners what they had never seen or heard before. His dyed hair and exuberant personality added charisma to his songs and made him a music sensation.

It is evident that Bowie, during his early music career, was not confined to the set standards of the industry. He took risks by making himself look different. Undeniably, he did bring about a revolution in rock music and added creativity into his music. However, now that he is gone, his music and legacy will remain forever. Another David Bowie can be born, but for that to happen, the musician should have a different way to view the world and his profession. Not everyone has the tendency to take the risk of being different. However, rookie musicians of today can learn from Bowie’s music and his style. Although there will always only be one David Bowie, his legacy can give other musicians the motivation to adapt a different music style.

From Mr Mohammad Omar Iftikhar

Karachi, Pakistan

There will be others

I believe that another rock legend will be born again or might appear from background.

From Ms Josephine Espiritu

UAE

It’s different now

I don’t think rock music will ever be what it was in the time of The Beatles or Bowie. I’d say that a type of rock music is over, but creativity isn’t over. Look at the Black Keys, I think bands like that are here for the long haul and that they are an excellent addition to modern day rock music.

From Mr Joseph Vansickle

UAE

Music never dies

I, like many others, am saddened by the news of Bowie. He was a pioneer of a new form of rock that became so very popular. However, music throughout the ages has evolved and many people have influenced this throughout time. Mozart was considered to be similarly provocative and pioneering for his time. So was Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and many others. Rock music has many forms, but I believe that these genres are all immortalised in time by those that created or influenced them. Like classical music, rock is a genre that will never die, unlike its creators. Why should the death of one person cause the development of music to stop?

We are rich with so many forms of pure and fusion music and like art, science and technology, it will go on evolving. Rock is an eternal music genre and we should be thankful to not just one artist, but to many who have brought about the evolution of music to us for our pleasure.

That being said, rest in peace David Bowie. He was one of music’s many greats and one of music’s entrepreneurs. He was a visionary and a revolutionary and a true music hero.

From Mr David Woodward

Dubai

Legends will rise

Bowie has made a very big impact on us through his talented singing, music composing and many other musical talents. His departure was, no doubt, a great loss to rock music. My opinion is that the era of rock music has not ended because we have seen in all other fields new artists coming and becoming established. In rock music, somebody will always appear and continue music history. As long as the world exists, every era will continue.

From Mr K. Ragavan

Bengaluru, India

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