Take the late 70's and 80's...Thatcherism was going strong, but so was people's frustrations. The recession of the 80's brought people together, people protested on the streets and voiced their worries and anger.
This was all helped by music. Music such as The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Specials and The Jam. All of whom created a hype and appreciation around them as finally there was a movement and a subculture that represented and spoke for the people.
The Jam's 'Eton Rifles' truly captured the nation's anti-establishment views and referenced class warfare and the unfairness of the class system. Paul Weller was inspired to write that track after witnessing unemployed demonstrators from the 'Right to Work' march.
The Clash and their single 'White Riot' was inspired by the Brixton Riots in 1981. It was at a time that saw high unemployment, low wages and high crime rates in inner city areas. Instead of laying back and letting all the problems pass them by, people stood up and reacted and they were helped by musicians displaying the same affections as them and in effect this brought more people together.
Who do you see in the UK music industry doing this nowadays? I have been searching for months, even years now and all that appears in the music industry are meaningless lyrics, half hearted riffs or Simon Cowell inspired artists that clog up the commercial chart with their mindless, dull and empty music. I'm calling for music that has raw energy, passion and lyrics that are significant. Music in the UK has been stale for some time. A subculture is surely needed, people can finally relate to a movement that is anti-establishment and anti-Simon Cowell because to be fair, there is enough of this anti feeling out there. Everybody I seem to speak to has these opinions, so why is nobody speaking out?!
This week it was even announced in the commercial charts it was the worst show for British music in the charts with only two UK acts being in the top 20, them two being Jessie J and The Saturdays...
Where is British guitar music really going? In 20 years time when we look back on the music scene, who are we going to say changed society? Who represented our feelings and frustrations?
We look back nearly 30 years ago now and you can see great bands that changed the musical landscape and stood up and represented a generation...
The way the music industry is heading at the moment, we really are the 'Lost Generation'.
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