Aging rock stars and their evolving relationship with pop culture is a fascinating, often hilarious, journey. And Journey's guitarist Neal Schon has a unique, curmudgeonly take on it all.
The generational gap is a universal truth, and it's no surprise that Schon, a rock legend, might struggle to relate to the younger generations. But here's where it gets interesting: Schon has developed a hilariously accurate way of predicting when a Journey song will become a hit with the youth.
Journey, a band with an iconic status in rock history, continues to stay relevant decades after their peak. Their classic hits are staples on rock radio, and their music has been featured in numerous TV shows and films. But with this fame comes a unique challenge: the risk of their songs being used in unexpected and sometimes cringe-worthy ways.
Schon recalls the journey of their iconic song 'Don't Stop Believin'. First, it appeared in the movie 'Monster' with Charlize Theron. Then, it gained new life in the iconic series finale of 'The Sopranos', leaving Schon's phone buzzing with excited friends. But the real twist came with the TV show 'Glee'. Schon, a self-proclaimed rocker and blues guy, was initially terrified of the song's association with a 'teenybopper' show. But, as he admits, "Little did I know it would open up a younger generation to our music." The 'Glee' version even made its way to 'Sesame Street', a far cry from Journey's rock roots!
Schon's prediction method is simple: if he thinks a song is too 'schmaltzy', it's likely to be a hit. This is a fascinating insight into the world of music and its evolving appeal. It also highlights the importance of embracing new audiences, even if it means stepping out of one's comfort zone.
So, the next time you hear a classic rock song in an unexpected place, remember Neal Schon's story. It's a reminder that even rock legends can be caught off guard by the ever-changing landscape of pop culture. And perhaps, just perhaps, there's a method to the madness of generational music tastes.
