rock 'n' roll Concerts

Find upcoming concerts of popular rock 'n' roll touring artists.

Rock and roll, or rock n' roll, is a genre of popular music that emerged in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s. It originated from African-American music, combining elements of various genres such as rhythm and blues, country, and gospel. Rock and roll quickly gained popularity and became a cultural phenomenon, influencing subsequent generations of musicians and shaping the music landscape. Some notable rock and roll artists include Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Queen, and many more.

MUSICALITY

Musically, rock and roll is characterized by an upbeat sound. It features heavily amplified guitars, rhythms, and melodies. The genre often incorporates elements of blues-based guitar solos, vocals, and instrumentation.

In the earliest iterations of rock and roll, the lead instrument was commonly either the piano or saxophone. However, as the genre progressed into the middle to late 1950s, the guitar began to take on a more prominent role, eventually becoming a central feature in rock and roll music. The rhythm in rock and roll is fundamentally a dance rhythm, characterized by an accentuated backbeat, typically delivered by a snare drum. This distinctive beat, emphasizing the second and fourth beats of a four-beat measure, contributed to the quality that defined the genre and made it so well-suited for dancing.

THEMES

Lyrically, rock and roll explores a wide range of themes, including love, rebellion, freedom, and youth culture. The genre often expresses a sense of rebellion against societal norms and embraces the spirit of youth and individualism. Rock and roll songs can also touch upon personal experiences, social commentary, and storytelling.

One notable example is the song "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC. The lyrics convey a sense of unbridled freedom and a devil-may-care attitude, with references to the challenges and temptations one might encounter on the proverbial highway to hell. The song captures the spirit of rock and roll rebellion, celebrating a life lived on the edge and rejecting societal norms.

On the other hand, "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin is a legendary rock epic with complex and poetic lyrics. The song's theme revolves around a metaphorical journey, combining spiritual and existential elements. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is seeking spiritual fulfillment but is faced with the perils of materialism and the consequences of one's life choices.

FAMOUS ARTISTS

In the rich tapestry of rock and roll, one of the pioneers of the genre is The Who, known for their concept albums like "Tommy" and "Quadrophenia." Their rebellious spirit and approach to rock storytelling have left an enduring impact. Pearl Jam, emerging from the grunge scene, brought a distinctive blend of earnest lyrics and powerful melodies to the forefront.

Guns N' Roses, with their raw intensity, made a significant impact during the late '80s and early '90s, becoming synonymous with the era's hard rock sound.

Given the genre's evolutionary nature, pinpointing a single record as the unequivocal "first" rock and roll record is challenging, but some contenders for this title may include Sister Rosetta Tharpe's "Strange Things Happening Every Day" (1944), Arthur Crudup's "That's All Right" (1946), Hank Williams' "Move It On Over" (1947), and Fats Domino's "The Fat Man" (1949).

 

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