Respect for Musicians

So it's been long periods in between entries here, and I do apologize.  The relocation to Calgary from Toronto has kept me rather busy, and will continue to do so for quite some time.  However, there has been a large amount of coverage for major music news the past few months.  This of course circulates around the untimely deaths of musicians Lemmy Kilmister, David Bowie, and most recent Glenn Frey.  I want to first and foremost wanted to acknowledge that I was not a big listener of any of these artists, nor did I own any of their records.  I think that point might help me explain the emotional connection to their music.

I think one of the biggest factor in my diversity of music has to come down to respect.  All three artists did not appeal to me with music really.  I admit, I'd dabble from time to time in their hit singles, or leave the radio station on if their songs were playing.  I never went out of my way to listen to them though.  Their deaths sent shock waves through the music industry, and even outside fans (such as myself) felt these guys deserved some respect for the impact they had on society.  Lemmy taught me to just rock, and let the music do the talking.  Bowie taught me that it was OK to listen and enjoy to music that was against the norm, and Frey taught me the connection of music between old and young listeners.  I can't remember how many time I have seen friends/family members all singing "Hotel California" when it comes on the playlist.

Regardless if it was "Ace of Spades", "Let's Dance", or "Take It Easy", these musicians had impact that far stretched beyond their music.  These are great examples of how music influences society in the ways we think and act.  You may not have to enjoy their music, but there is a level of respect that each of them gained over their lives.  The record sales are not my driving factor for this respect, but more the impact they had on people around you.  If you don't believe me, watch one of their live performances on YouTube, and watch the emotional reaction(s) that fans had for their favourite artists.

Rant done.

RIP Lemmy, David, and Glenn.