Steven Van Zandt, the E Street Band guitarist, recently shared a bleak outlook on the future of classic rock during an appearance on Club Random with Bill Maher. Van Zandt examined how changes in music consumption have significantly impacted the industry and expressed concern for the longevity of classic rock.
“Right now, because the record industry is dead, there’s no more record sales other than Taylor Swift and Beyonce,” Van Zandt stated. He explained that films and television shows have become crucial revenue streams for recording artists, but even this avenue is becoming increasingly problematic due to rising licensing fees.
“You got a bunch of whatever, 25 year-olds with a song list with a number next to it,” Van Zandt said. “So if you want to make a movie or TV show, you ask for the song, they look at the number and they charge you that number, which is always high because there’s no other income.”
Classic rock, often the most-licensed genre due to its broad appeal, is at risk as filmmakers may opt out of using these tracks due to soaring costs. This, Van Zandt believes, threatens the genre’s exposure to new audiences.
“This is a real problem. And I think 10 years from now, 20 years from now, it’s going to be a problem because all this music is going to die if it’s not promoted and heard,” he insisted. “It’s going to be like, Motown who? Rolling Stones who?”
Van Zandt proposed changes in laws around music licensing as a compromise to maintain the balance between filmmakers and musicians. He reminisced about a time when music in movies was essentially free, citing how Martin Scorsese used the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby” in Mean Streets without permission because it was seen as promoting the record.
He pointed to the popular series Stranger Things as a recent example of how TV and film can rejuvenate classic tracks. Van Zandt emphasized that such licensing is vital for the survival of classic rock.
“When our generation goes, who’s going to know about this stuff?” he questioned, underscoring the need for classic rock to continue being promoted through modern media to ensure its legacy endures.
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