The creation of gods by humans is not the result of their inability to explain nature or the laws of nature.
It is the imaginary projection of oneself as a higher entity or even the expectation or projection of one’s desire to become such an entity.
That which man could not become, this is exactly what he created in an idol, which he adored.
It may be just a suspicion, of its most divine nature, which vaguely swirls in his mind and he cannot explain it.
The point, however, is that he always has the need to project a perfect image and become addicted to its worship.
The idols of Rock/Metal…
In Rock / Metal the creation of heroes and idols is more intense than in other musical genres.
After all, the demonization of a social whole automatically creates the deification of its representatives.
For a conservative majority in the world, this music was and is considered a threat.
The reason is very simple! He succeeded and broke many stereotypes.
Stereotypes on which human societies were (are) built, but also the consciences of the people who make it up.
Here the role of music was to tear down, either with its intensity or with its lyrics, any imaginary (and/or imaginary) perception.
In all of this, a frightened, but more knowledgeable, man is looking for ways to tear down a false and at the same time hypocritical society.
How; But of course, by creating idols!
An idol that acts as an animator and an inner guide. Sometimes even as internal support. So, he needs something to express himself.
And here begins the creation of (absolute) stars. The record companies obviously know this as well. Which either create or perceive social conditions and create the appropriate idols or stars.
In this case, talent is a secondary issue.
Stars… Idols…
Surely the big stars of previous decades, if they lived in the present starting their careers, would not have the same impact.
Morrison’s provocation, for example, was in demand at the time by a large portion of young people, and so The Doors were established.
The revolution in manners and customs needed similar heroes, who projected what then had to change.
So, it’s not exactly the desire of the stars themselves to represent this portion of people.
Sure, self-promotion is a must, but no successful musician has started or led a revolution or social movement.
He just expressed either support or some feelings, basically his own, about it.
And that alone was enough to make him worship and become a symbol of some social struggle.
Bob Marley…
The case of Bob Marley is rather an exception, which simply confirms the rule.
For him, music was a means of spreading Rastafarianism, but also of fighting the injustice that plagued his own country.
Especially in the ’70s, there were cases of Rock idols leading the way in games but not starting them.
Bob Dylan…
Bob Dylan became a symbol of the peace movement during the Vietnam War, but he never wanted to.
Dedicated to his family, he simply composed songs while exploring the world and its history.
Aphrodite’s Child…
The case of Aphrodite’s Child is also typical.
They became a symbol of the French May of ’68 with their song “Rain and Tears”.
Not only did they not seek such a thing, but they had no idea what was going on at the time, even though he was in Paris.
Any political approach through their music was rather non-existent.
Beatles…
This was exactly the beginning of the Beatles’ career.
They were in the right place, at the right time, and at the right time.
And especially with their first American tour, starting the first “British invasion”.
The role of musicians …
Of course, the role of music or musicians is not insignificant nor negligible.
Many times, even catalytic, to such an extent that even the most hardline governments have been forced to relax their attitude towards people and/or situations.
Let us not forget that when the leaders of a just struggle are imprisoned, the music that praises them cannot be locked in any cell.
It is music that makes their demands widely known and that keeps alive the spirit of resistance against any injustice.
Musicians, however, created by observing the world, not by making it. They record ideas, feelings, and life itself as they experience it.
And the more they realize the reality and the world around them, the more they can represent their audience.
Of course, this is not so simple!
An idol must “shine”. And his “shine” is his talent, along with all of the above.
The public needs someone who will be the projection of their ideas, their perceptions but also of themselves, in an oversized dimension.
This is exactly an idol, the exponent, that is, of their own beliefs and their god.
A screw, is even more, important than a plane, as long as is the right one.
This role is played by some musicians.
It is better to express the ideas accompanied by a few notes, something that the people of music are well aware of.
This process for them is an investment!
Although sometimes the artists follow their own paths and undertake to graft their notes with new ideas.