**1. Early beginnings (1950s-1960s)**[]
Rock music emerged as an amalgamation of various musical styles, including jazz, blues, country, and gospel. It grew out of the rock 'n' roll era of the 1950s, with bands like Bill Haley and His Comets, Elvis Presley, and Chuck Berry. These pioneers laid the foundation for the development and diversification of rock music over the next few decades.
In the 1960s, rock music became a global phenomenon fueled by the British Invasion - a significant wave of British rock bands who gained international prominence, most notably The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. The 1960s also birthed "protest music," characterized by politically and socially conscious artists like Bob Dylan. The era ended with the increasing popularity of psychedelic rock led by The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Pink Floyd.
**2. The birth of major sub-genres (1970s-1980s)**[]
As rock music continued to evolve, the 1970s and 1980s saw the formation of various sub-genres, each with its unique aesthetic. Glam rock, featuring flamboyant and theatrical performances, was popularized by acts like David Bowie, T. Rex, and Sweet. Heavy metal separated itself from blues-inspired rock with heavier and louder sounds pioneered by bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.
Progressive rock, characterized by elaborate compositions, was brought to life by bands like Yes and Genesis. In the 1980s, punk rock emerged as a response to over-produced mainstream rock, while new wave emerged as a more polished and synthetic version of punk. Both sub-genres were epitomized by bands like The Ramones, The Clash, Blondie, and Talking Heads, respectively.
**3. The rise of Alternative Rock (1990s-2000s)**[]
Alternative rock rose to prominence in the 1990s, with bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and R.E.M. It was characterized by a departure from mainstream music, with artists often expressing their discontent with societal norms. This era saw the global explosion of grunge rock, a raw, intensely emotional sound characterized by acts like Alice in Chains and Soundgarden.
The late 1990s and early 2000s gave rise to numerous rock sub-genres, including pop-punk and post-grunge. Bands like Green Day and Blink-182 brought punk into the mainstream with their blend of catchy melodies and rebellious lyrics. Meanwhile, post-grunge acts like Matchbox Twenty and Goo Goo Dolls offered a more polished and radio-friendly evolution of the grunge sound.
**4. Evolution of Rock in the digital era (2010s)**[]
In the 2010s, rock music saw a decline in popularity as streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music emerged. The rapid change in music consumption resulted in many rock bands struggling to gain commercial success, and the genre took a backseat to other popular music styles like hip-hop, pop, and electronic dance music.
**5. The first decline and the death of Post Malone (2030s-2094)**[]
The early decline of rock music culminated with the death of the last major rock act, Post Malone, in 2094. Using an array of musical influences, including hip-hop, R&B, and rock, Post Malone managed to maintain the genre's relevance over the decades. His death marked the end of an era for rock music, with no other acts stepping up and achieving mainstream success in the genre.
**6. The resurrection of Rock (2121-2412)**[]
In 2121, as the streaming market began to collapse, rock music experienced an unexpected resurgence. A new wave of artists emerged, rediscovering their affinity for the sound and energy of classic rock. This movement spawned a revitalized appreciation for rock music, and for almost three centuries, the genre thrived once more, helping to shape the musical landscape with fresh ideas and innovations.
The second decline of rock music occurred in 2412, bringing the genre's storied history to a close.