Peter Noone Reviews & Such

New Tracks For Old Rockers

Musicians Now Have New Venue To Reach Their Loyal Fans

By Charles Bermant, Special to The Seattle Times

Face it: The 1960s was the best time for rock ’n’ roll. David Crosby, who was in the middle of it all, calls it "an explosive period, like the Impressionist era or the Renaissance."

But while Crosby is still tearing up the big stages on the current Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young tour, there are dozens who have slipped out of the public eye or essentially retired. How do you top the perfect single? What do you do when the captains of industry are no longer interested, but there is still much to say? And how do you keep in touch with all the screaming fans?

Go online, of course.

Recently, 1960s rock musicians have established an official online presence, to keep them active and visible.

Not to be confused with the plethora of annoying and sycophantic fan pages, these sites allow musicians to tell their story and market their music, even if they slip out of the public eye or lose their recording contract. Fans can log on, if only to tell a once-relevant rocker that they are cool.

There is no formula for success. The unlikely pair of Roger McGuinn (Byrds) and Peter Noone (Herman’s Hermits) thrive, while The Who’s Pete Townshend and Eric Burdon have so far stumbled. Todd Rundgren will fulfill his potential any day now, while the brothers formerly known as The Kinks offer a split decision.

Peter Noone Reviews & Such

New Tracks For Old Rockers

Musicians Now Have New Venue To Reach Their Loyal Fans

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