8 Instances of Rock Bands Claiming ‘They’re Still Relevant’—But Really Aren’t
via NEA ZIXNH / YouTube
For decades, rock bands that once dominated the charts have struggled to maintain their influence. While some have successfully adapted, others continue to insist they remain just as relevant, despite dwindling album sales, lackluster tours, or changing fan interest. Here are eight bands that have made such claims but have failed to prove it in recent years.
KISS
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KISS built a career on theatrical performances and their iconic face paint, but their claims of staying relevant feel forced. Though they continue to tour, it often relies on nostalgia rather than new material. Their final “End of the Road” tour has been extended multiple times, raising doubts about its legitimacy.
Despite Gene Simmons’ frequent statements about their cultural significance, younger audiences largely know them as a classic rock relic rather than an active musical force. Their last studio album, Monster (2012), failed to make a significant impact. Instead of breaking new ground, KISS seems more focused on marketing merchandise than evolving their sound.
Aerosmith
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Aerosmith once defined rock and roll excess, but their efforts to stay in the spotlight have been inconsistent. While they still perform live, Steven Tyler’s vocal struggles and frequent cancellations have made it difficult for them to maintain momentum. Their planned farewell tour in 2023 was put on hold due to Tyler’s vocal cord damage, further delaying any attempt to solidify their legacy.
Their last studio album, Music from Another Dimension! (2012), received mixed reviews and did little to generate excitement. Without fresh music or a strong presence outside nostalgia tours, their claims of staying relevant rely more on past success than current influence.
Bon Jovi
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Bon Jovi has remained active, but their modern output lacks the impact of their earlier work. Jon Bon Jovi’s voice has noticeably declined, affecting live performances. Fans have expressed disappointment over recent concerts where his singing struggles to meet expectations. While they still tour, the energy that once defined them is fading.
Their 2020 album, 2020, attempted to stay relevant by addressing social and political issues, but it failed to resonate with audiences in the way their classic hits did. Without a strong musical resurgence, Bon Jovi’s relevance today is primarily rooted in their legacy rather than new creative success.
The Rolling Stones
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The Rolling Stones continue to claim they are at the forefront of rock, but their longevity is often more of a talking point than their recent music. While their live performances still draw crowds, much of their appeal comes from nostalgia rather than innovation. Their 2023 album, Hackney Diamonds, received attention, but it didn’t bring them back into mainstream music conversations in a lasting way.
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have managed to defy age in terms of stage presence, but younger audiences rarely engage with their newer material. Without consistent hits or musical evolution, their relevance remains tied to their classic catalog rather than any recent creative breakthroughs.
Guns N’ Roses
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Guns N’ Roses was once one of the most dangerous and unpredictable rock bands, but their attempts at remaining relevant have been uneven. Their reunion with Slash and Duff McKagan brought excitement, but their reliance on old material instead of new music has limited their impact. Their 2021 release, Hard Skool, was met with little fanfare.
Axl Rose’s vocal struggles have also become a recurring issue, with fans criticizing his inconsistent performances. While they still draw large crowds, their current success is built on nostalgia rather than artistic progression. Without fresh material that captures the excitement of their early years, their claims of staying relevant feel questionable.
Motley Crue
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Motley Crue famously signed a “cessation of touring” agreement in 2014, only to break it in 2019. Their return was marked by controversy, including lawsuits between band members and criticism over Vince Neil’s vocal performance. Despite their claims of still being a dominant force in rock, their live shows have been widely panned for poor quality.
Their most recent attempt at new music, The Dirt Soundtrack (2019), included a few original songs, but none made a lasting impression. Instead, much of their press revolves around internal drama rather than their artistic contributions, making their claims of relevance increasingly difficult to take seriously.
Def Leppard
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Def Leppard continues to release music and tour, but their claims of staying at the top of rock music are overstated. Their 2022 album, Diamond Star Halos, was received well by longtime fans but failed to attract a younger audience. Without significant mainstream impact, their influence remains tied to their classic hits rather than their newer material.
Live performances still draw respectable crowds, but much of their appeal comes from nostalgia rather than innovation. Their music hasn’t evolved in a way that connects with modern listeners, making their claims of continued relevance feel more like wishful thinking than reality.
The Who
The Who has long insisted they remain a vital force in rock, but their recent efforts suggest otherwise. Their 2019 album, WHO, received some attention but did not reignite widespread interest. While Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend continue to tour, their live shows have been inconsistent, with Daltrey’s vocal issues becoming more apparent.
Younger audiences primarily associate The Who with their classic rock status rather than any current influence. While their legacy is secure, their claims of still being as relevant as they once were feel out of touch with today’s music landscape.
