ROBERT PLANT: “The trouble is now, with rock ‘n’ roll and stuff, it gets so big that it loses what once upon a time was a magnificent thing, where it was special and quite elusive and occasionally a little sinister, and it had its own world nobody could get in…
Robert Plant once observed that “the trouble is now, with rock ‘n’ roll and stuff, it gets so big that it loses what once upon a time was a magnificent thing, where it was special and quite elusive and occasionally a little sinister, and it had its own world nobody could get in.” This statement encapsulates a profound sentiment about the transformation of music from an underground, almost clandestine movement into a mainstream behemoth.
In its infancy, rock ‘n’ roll was a rebellious force. It emerged as a voice for youth, offering an escape from societal norms and the constraints of traditional values. Artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard brought a raw energy that was both exhilarating and subversive. The music was often characterized by its gritty sound, rebellious lyrics, and an aura of mystery that made it feel like an exclusive club—accessible only to those who truly understood its language and ethos. It was a world apart, with its own rules, symbols, and underground venues that fostered a sense of community among fans and artists alike.
Over time, however, the very qualities that made rock ‘n’ roll so compelling began to change as the genre gained popularity. As it entered the mainstream, it became a commercial enterprise. Record labels, corporate sponsors, and mass media transformed what was once a rebellious underground scene into a lucrative industry. The mystique diminished because the music was now broadcast on radio stations across the country, performed on big stadium stages, and sold in every record store. The sense of exclusivity—what made it feel like a secret world—was eroded by ubiquity.
Plant’s concern about the genre “losing what once was a magnificent thing” speaks to this shift. When music becomes too big, too commercialized, it risks losing its authenticity. The ‘elusive’ quality—the feeling that this music belonged to a special, perhaps even secret, club—diminishes. When everyone has access to it, the sense of discovery and mystique can fade. The music becomes a part of the mainstream culture, subject to the commercial pressures of mass appeal, which can sometimes dilute its original rebellious or sinister edge.
Furthermore, the ‘sinister’ aspect Plant mentions hints at the darker, more rebellious roots of rock ‘n’ roll. Early rock often incorporated themes of sexual liberation, social upheaval, and anti-establishment sentiments. It was provocative, challenging societal norms and sometimes courting controversy. As the genre commercialized, some of those dangerous, edgy elements were sanitized to appeal to broader audiences and to avoid censorship. What was once a dangerous secret—an underground movement—became sanitized entertainment.
This evolution raises questions about authenticity and the nature of artistic expression. When music is consumed en masse, it can lose its sense of danger and sincerity. The personal connection between artist and listener may become diluted, replaced by commodification and spectacle. The unique, intimate experience of discovering a new band or song—feeling part of a secret world—becomes harder to maintain in a landscape saturated with music.
Yet, despite this commercialization, some artists and fans still seek to preserve the original spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. Underground scenes, indie labels, and live performances in small venues aim to retain that elusive, rebellious quality. These spaces foster a sense of community and authenticity that counters the homogenization of mainstream music.
In conclusion, Robert Plant’s reflection underscores a universal tension in the evolution of art forms: the desire to grow and reach wider audiences versus the need to maintain integrity, mystery, and edge. Rock ‘n’ roll’s journey from a clandestine, rebellious art form to a global industry exemplifies this struggle. While its widespread popularity has brought joy and cultural influence, it also raises questions about what is lost along the way. The challenge remains to honor the original spirit—its elusive, sinister, and magnificent qualities—while embracing its evolution into a phenomenon that continues to inspire generations.