Are the Grammys’ rock categories outdated?
At the 67th annual Grammy Awards held on Feb. 2, the rock categories seemed to be a throwback to a bygone era. While other genres recognized fresh talent like Doechii, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter, rock awards went to The Beatles for best rock performance and The Rolling Stones for best rock album. Although these legendary rock bands have made significant contributions to music, the nostalgic nature of the rock categories was hard to miss.
A deeper examination of the 67th Grammys revealed that rock nominations were even more dated than initially perceived. St. Vincent, a well-established presence in the music industry, won best rock song. The other two nominees in rock were new bands – UK group IDLES and Dublin’s Fontaines D.C. Nonetheless, these seemingly fresh acts had already been nominated before, suggesting a lack of new blood in the rock categories. Established bands like Green Day, The Black Keys, and Pearl Jam have become mainstays in the rock nominations, repeatedly appearing year after year at the Grammys.
Despite rock’s diminishing commercial influence, the genre continues to be a creative force. Artists like Mk.gee, Hurray for the Riff Raff, and Jessica Pratt released rock albums last year that were overshadowed by the longstanding reputation of rock veterans. The Recording Academy’s treatment of rock has been a recurrent issue since the inception of the Grammys in 1959. Rock wasn’t awarded album of the year until The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” in 1968. The current rock-specific categories were established in the 1980s and 1990s, with a historical tendency to favor legacy acts over emerging talent.
While newer artists like Big Thief, The 1975, and Alabama Shakes have received nominations in rock categories, the winners have often leaned towards older, more established acts. The absence of rock categories from the main telecast since 2016 has limited the genre’s visibility to a broader audience. Acts like The War on Drugs and Paramore have achieved critical acclaim, but they have struggled to compete with veteran bands or sound-alikes in the best rock album category.
The voting process for Grammy nominations is a key factor in the dominance of legacy acts in the rock categories. Following initial submissions by Academy members and record labels, voting members cast their ballots in various fields, including rock, rap, pop, and others. The age demographic and voting preferences of members participating in rock categories significantly impact the nominees and winners. Older voters with a nostalgic connection to rock may influence the outcome, while younger voters are more inclined towards genres like rap or pop.
In conclusion, the Grammy Awards’ rock categories have come under scrutiny for their persistent recognition of veteran acts at the expense of new and innovative artists. The dated nature of these categories reflects a broader challenge within the music industry to balance respect for the past with support for emerging talent. As the music landscape evolves, it is essential for award ceremonies like the Grammys to adapt and recognize the diverse voices shaping contemporary music.