Really Rock

Really Rock

Rock Operas Dominate The Tony Awards

While composers like Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber still hold dominion over West End musicals in the public eye - particularly with televised cast auditions for shows like the Wizard of Oz providing a prime time advertising campaign for that traditional brand of musical - the more down-to-earth alternative of the classic rock opera is still a mainstay of the stage.

While it's unlikely you'll see rock operas attracting sell-out crowds at mainstream venues such as the London Palladium, this ever-popular brand of musical is still a firm favourite of audiences who know how to look beyond the glitz and find musicals that really rock. One place they can reliably turn is Broadway.

Indeed, all four 'best musical' nominees for this year's Tony Awards, the prestigious accolade of American theatre, are fundamentally rock operas, though with varying degrees of integrity and acceptance by traditional rock fans. The Green Day inspired American Idiot and the Afrobeat of Fela! are up against Memphis and Million Dollar Quartet, both of which look back to the golden age of rock and roll. It's a theatrical battle of the bands that is sending out a clear message to theatregoers and producers alike - the rock musical is far from dead.

While rock musicals have often faced criticism for failing to live up to the ideal of a traditional rock concert, the best don't simply aim to transfer the live music experience to the stage, but will involve an intriguing and electrifying plot that captures the spirit and attitude conveyed by the music, though this can be a challenge to pull off expertly.

Some overcome these teething problems by seeking creative ways to break down the barriers of the accepted musical form. One case in point is the classic rock opera Hair, now enjoying a new lease of life at London's Gielgud Theatre, which involves the audience directly and still has much of the anarchic energy that made it such a controversial hit during its original run.

Others are less successful in making the transition from best-selling album to stage, something that is arguably the case with American Idiot, which Green Day fans have argued was already 'complete' in its original CD form. By weaving a story through songs and lyrics, songwriters don't even require a stage to tell their musical stories, but can let it play out in the minds of their fans.

This may be one reason why so many fans of musicals seek to relive their audience experience soon after attending shows with the help of online music streaming, and it is the mark of an effective musical that the songs remain fresh and engaging even when the choreography and costumes are stripped away.

About the Author

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

What are some really great alternative rock/indie rock songs with good piano in them?

I love alternative/indie rock but only know of a few really great songs with good piano parts in them. What are some more please

Oh god, I am a complete sucker for songs with piano in them. Part of the reason I love Evanescence. So pretty much any song by Evanescence you are sure to hear a piano. And she rocks it like no other.

I found this one song the other day, it's a slow song, but the piano is captivating, it's by Die Toten Hosen, called "Der Letzte Kuss"

Also check out Jerry Lee Lewis. Freaking maniac on the piano. "Great Balls of Fire"

This is also from the movie with Quaid as Jerry Lee Lewis, from the beginning. The first two minutes are his inspiration to play the jazz piano. Absolutely awesome.

One of the greatest bands ever - QUEEN "Don't stop me now!" I dare you to TRY and resist bopping your head to this one.

There isn't a whole lot of piano in here, but you can still hear it. Guns 'n' roses "November Rain"

One of my favorite bands, Muse, loves the Piano on the album Absolution. Here's a song titled after the album.

Stone Sour - Zzyzx Road... God I love these guys. And Corey has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard.

It seems most piano songs are sad. I will keep an eye out for more. And if you find some you really like, message me and let me know.

Oh god, how could I forget! The song I will have playing at my wedding! "Warmness on the Soul" by Avenged Sevenfold. Hopefully I can get them personally hired.

Here's a few extras that I looked up:
Counting Crows - Colorblind http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0s7ycdUcHk
Rolling Stones - Monkey Man http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNY8eYmzdH4
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irp8CNj9qBI

EDIT: Oh! I forgot a good one. It has intermittent piano, but lyrically and rhythmically, it's a GREAT song! Hollywood Undead "Sell Your Soul" The Piano usually comes in during the chorus.

ANOTHER EDIT!!!
Dresden Dolls - Girl Anachronism. Piano throughout, and an excellent rock song!

Lol, you should probably keep checking back as I keep finding more!

Chris Rock - How not to get your ass kicked by the police!