by Melissa in Opinion Posts

Earlier this week, I started giving guitar lessons to a young boy.  On the first day, I taught him how to tune the instrument and showed him some chords, then we started writing down some ideas for songs he can learn.  During this process, I asked him what he thought of the Beatles, and what happened next still scares me a little.

He gave me a confused look and said “I don’t know who they are.”

Okay, I understand Ozzy Osbourne being known as the incoherent patriarch in the Osbournes, I could bear hearing Keith Richards being called “that weird old guy who played Jack Sparrow’s dad”, and I confess learning about many rock favorites like Led Zepplin and the Ramones when they were featured in School of Rock.  But not knowing who the Beatles are?  When I was his age, I had a favorite song from each album!

Of course, I later realized that being worried because of a kid under twelve’s comment was pointless.  There really was no problem, it’s just how he lived.  My rant was coming from someone who was raised on this kind of music.  Many people in my circle, including the boy’s family, are very conservative.  A few might even think the musicians I mentioned are pure evil (excuse me, but who else is laughing at the thought that the Rolling Stones are evil?  At least compared to modern standards, they are rather benign.).

My parents let me grow up with classic rock.  Though it clashes with modern music choice, I thoughly enjoy it and would definitely recommend it to anyone interested. They also have proved to work as a filter for modern stuff.  Think about it: does the Dewey Finn in your life have anything interest in…oh, I don’t know…the Jonas Brothers?

So thanks, Dad!