Dave Evans, the original singer of AC/DC, remains an influential figure in rock music, despite leaving the band in 1974 after just two singles. Although his time with AC/DC was short, Evans continues to make his voice heard in the music world, offering strong opinions on the state of rock and metal music.
In a recent interview with Mexico’s Rock 111, Evans shared his thoughts on the decline of rock music’s popularity, blaming it on a lack of airplay. “The last rock band signed by a major label was about 20 years ago,” Evans said. “I’m not talking about metal, but rock and roll. There hasn’t been a new rock act signed in 25 years. If people aren’t hearing it, how can they like it? When you play it to them, they love it.”
Evans also drew a distinction between rock and metal music, criticizing the latter for its perceived lack of authenticity. “Rock and roll is an attitude – a real attitude, not a pretend one,” he stated. “Metal is a pretend attitude. They get up on stage and do all this ‘rah-rah-rah’ stuff. It’s all an act. They paint their faces, shout, and then go home to their moms, asking, ‘What’s for dinner?’ Rock and roll is real.”
Evans didn’t stop at metal. He also took aim at modern music, arguing that it lacks the emotional depth of past rock legends. “A lot of modern music is very clinical. It’s boring to me because there’s no humanity. You listen to bands like Led Zeppelin and Free – that’s when you really felt the music,” he explained. “Today, music might be clever, but it’s missing the soul. It’s all about playing fast and showing off, but there’s no feeling in that. Take Carlos Santana, for example. He plays one note, but that’s where you find the humanity in music. It’s about melody, not shredding.”
Evans’ critical views on the modern music scene highlight his belief that the emotional depth and authenticity of earlier rock music are being lost in today’s industry.
Related Topics
