Rock and Metal Icons Glenn Hughes and Kerry King Express Disappointment in Lack of New Talent
Glenn Hughes, former Deep Purple bassist, and Kerry King, Slayer guitarist, recently expressed their lack of excitement for new rock and metal artists in separate interviews. Hughes, aged 74, mentioned that he is eagerly waiting to hear something exceptional in the current rock scene. Similarly, King, aged 61, admitted that he couldn't name any new metal bands that caught his attention. While this sentiment is not uncommon among rock stars, with occasional claims that "rock is dead," both Hughes and King seem skeptical about the emergence of groundbreaking acts in the rock and metal genres.
Hughes shared his perspective with Rock & Pop 95.9, expressing his disappointment in not discovering any new artists who resonate with him like Prince, Jeff Buckley, Led Zeppelin, or the Rolling Stones. He emphasized his anticipation for something truly remarkable to emerge in the music scene. On the other hand, King, speaking to Ultimate Guitar, struggled to identify any new metal bands that have piqued his interest. Despite expecting a surge in new talent during the pandemic, King noted a lack of fresh bands making an impact, especially in the thrash metal realm.
Both Hughes and King have illustrious careers in the music industry, with Hughes having been part of Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Dead Daisies, and Black Country Communion. King, known for his role in Slayer, also leads his solo band. Despite their extensive experience, they find themselves yearning for the next wave of innovative rock and metal artists to captivate audiences and carry the torch for the genres.