A teen idol is defined as a rock artist who attracts a large following of mostly female teenagers because of their sex appeal, popularity and music talent. They exist today, but the origins of such idols developed in the 1940’s as rock first began to hit the music scene in America.
Although popular with the female fans, many avid rock historians see teen idols as a threat to rock’s survival.
“Wimpy, overwhelmingly bland and safe, their connection to rock & roll was often tenuous, and their commercial ascendancy has even been discussed as a conspiracy by the music business and sundry other moral authorities to rob rock & roll of its vitality” (http://www.history-of-rock.com).
Was it that these idols were taking away the classic elements of rock? Instead of the vulgar lyrics and risqué style of older and more legendary rock artists, these idols made their claim to fame with sheer sex appeal and good looks. They didn’t have to wear face paint like KISS or bite the head off a bat like Ozzy in order to attract a following. They were able to lure women with charm – something that wasn’t a common trait in most rockers.
This should stand to see why avid rock historians disapprove of teen idols. In their defense, rock music was and is the music that defied the norms. Adding pretty faces with good manners doesn’t fit with the stereotypical rock image.
References
Wikipedia – searched ‘teen idols,’ accessed on May 28, 2009
History of Rock Web site, www.history-of-rock.com
This blog discusses the ‘teen idols’ and their impact on the rock genre. If teen idols are defined as those “who attracts a large following of mostly female teenagers because of their sex appeal, popularity and music talent”, then I can think of quite a few good, authentic, rock artists and bands who fit this mould but are also so much more than just pretty faces. Silver Chair is a band I loved in my teen years; they are as true a rock band as any. They are talented song writers, great performers and have produced a variety of music that has evolved and matured with them, and their original teen fans, over the years. They are all this, plus they happen to be good looking which just happens to attract a female fan base. Is this in any way compromising the genre of rock as Jennifer suggests? Jim Morrison is one of the greatest rock sex symbols of all time, he had a massive female following but he was still an amazing rock artist. Kurt Cobain was another great artist who was loved by many adoring female fans because of his fortunate (or possibly unfortunate!) good looks. These guys are all great rockers, they are not “whimpy, overwhelmingly bland and safe” – they were just cursed by good looks and many adoring female fans.
ReplyDeleteI am aware that they aren’t biting heads off bats anymore, but times have changed! I would be outraged if someone was cruel to an animal just for the sake of a silly ‘tough boy’ rock persona. Just because they look good and act sanely doesn’t make them bland, whimpy or less of a rocker.
Sarah Gillam