During an interview with the Mexican channel Rock111 , transcribed by Loudwire , Dave Evans , the first vocalist of AC/DC , reflected on why rock has lost ground to pop and rap, especially in the United States. According to him, the problem lies in the lack of exposure of the genre in traditional media.
“People don’t listen to rock because nobody’s playing it. It’s not on the radio,” Evans stated. “If you show it to them, they like it. But without exposure, how are they going to get interested? The problem is simple: if they don’t listen, they don’t create a connection. Besides, the last rock band that a major label signed was over 20 years ago. And just to be clear—I’m not talking about metal, but real rock.”
Evans believes the situation is different in Latin America, where rock music is still played on the radio and maintains its fanbase. He also criticized the way metal music presents itself today:
“Rock and roll is real attitude. Metal isn’t. That’s all acting. The guys paint their faces, pose on stage, and then go home and ask their mothers what’s for dinner,” he said ironically.
According to him, modern rock has lost its emotion and humanity. Even with good techniques and impeccable production, current compositions lack feeling.
“Nowadays, everything sounds too technical and too clean. On the other hand, when you listen to Led Zeppelin or Free, you really feel the music. It has soul. In contrast, what's missing today is precisely that: feeling. Many musicians play fast, master scales and techniques, but don't convey emotion. As a result, after two or three songs, you already want to leave,” he stated.
Evans joined AC/DC in 1973 and recorded the band's first singles, such as "Can I Sit Next To You Girl" and "Baby, Please Don't Go". He left in 1974 and was replaced by Bon Scott , who would become the band's most distinctive voice.
READ ALSO: Dave Evans, original AC/DC vocalist, reveals the story behind the band's name.
