Rock and Roll Wisdom: What We Can Learn from the Genre in Today’s World

We live in a world where it seems like rock and roll is largely seen as the product of a bygone era. While some may argue that the genre is still alive and kicking, it’s safe to say that it’s no longer dominating the mainstream music scene like it once did. But as someone who’s identified as a rock and roll kind of guy for most of his life, I’ve grown concerned that we’re missing out on some very real wisdom that rock and roll brought us. Here are five of the most important things that my years running around gigs and partying with everyone from Aerosmith and KISS to Cannibal Corpse has taught me.

1. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

Being a rock and roller isn’t easy. The road can be long, stressful, and full of unexpected surprises. And yet, despite all the chaos and confusion, these men and women of the road are often some of the most chilled out people you’ll ever meet. They have an incredibly firm understanding of what’s going on, and they know that eventually, the natural order of the universe will come into place. They’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff, to take life by the horns and embrace a brand new day. We can all learn from this. It’s essential to come to terms with the fact that life is going to throw us curveballs, and instead of worrying about the small things, we should focus on the bigger picture.

2. Do It For The Cause

The notorious “posers” in the rock and roll scene are often there for the wrong reasons. They want to look cool or “fit in,” and they have no real interest in the music or the scene. But it’s important to remember that if we’re not there for the cause, then what’s the point? Are we doing it for the right reasons? It’s crucial to step back and evaluate why we’re invested in something. People can spot a phony from a mile off, so we have to be careful when figuring out what we want from a new opportunity. If our heart isn’t in it, we should move away from it.

3. Keep Your Expectations Low

One of the most important things rock and rollers understand is that nothing is handed to you in life. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, and even having expectations is setting ourselves up for disappointment. We have to remember that as long as we can keep on going, we should be happy. It’s easy to get caught up in entitlement, but when we can chill out and enjoy life with no real expectations, it’s much easier to come to terms with the existential suffering that can often come to define our lives.

4. Everyone Can Help You Out

In the rock and roll scene, anyone and everyone is a potential ally. Being in a touring band requires you to trust strangers, trust that they won’t harvest your organs while you sleep on their floor, trust that they will be paid at the end of the night, and trust that their food has been made properly. Being in a touring band is a larger metaphor for life – everything is incredibly precarious and chaotic, and while some people have a lot of help, you still have to keep your head up and make sure you don’t screw up. But it’s essential to remember that people are generally out to do good. Everyone is a potential connection, and we should be open to help wherever we can get it.

5. Life Is A Party

Rock and roll is known for the parties. No matter what the circumstances, many of these bands are made up of fun-loving dudes who are excited to be out on the road, stoked to see their buddies – buddies who they might only cross paths with once or twice a year. Being in a band on the road is an adventure in and of itself, and that’s why there is so much romance based around it. Even though life can be tough, it’s essential to remember that if we’re doing what we love, then we’re partying. There is a sublime party to be found even in solitude, and coming to terms with the eternal joy that everyday life can bring is essential if we want to be able to carry on through the fire and the flames of our daily toil.

In conclusion, the wisdom that rock and roll brought us is still relevant today. It’s important to remember not to sweat the small stuff, to do things for the right reasons, to keep our expectations low, to be open to help wherever we can get it, and to remember that life is a party. We can all learn from the rock and rollers who have lived and breathed these philosophies, and we can apply them to our lives to help us thrive in the chaos of modern existence. Rock on.

Featured photo credit: Digboston via flickr.com