The Unity of The Presley Funeral
After the passing of Lisa Marie Presley, a star-studded turnout appeared at her funeral. Genres from the 80’s and 90’s were represented by their chart-topping singers. One of the guests who stood out was Axl Rose of Guns N Roses. The 80’s rock vocalist has often been critically acclaimed among his contemporaries, yet never reached the Elvis-tier status. It wasn’t a matter of record sales, since he had met that threshold multiple times over.
It may appear arbitrary to mention Rose in attendance since his legacy has earned him credentials within the genre. Yet, there is debate over who carries the torch for each generation. For The Who, it was The Clash. For Joan Jett, it was Green Day. Meanwhile, the identity remains undetermined as the expanding definition of the genre continues to be confusing. Where does the legacy of 50’s rock end? Has it been replaced by modern innovations like alternative or indie rock? Who is worthy to call themselves a natural protégé of Elvis Presley?
Each decade had brought new talent into the gene pool, however some argued that these trends were merely diversions. The lack of cooperation between generations left the old fighting for hegemony and the young straying further away from the foundation. When Frank Sinatra held the beginning of rock music in contempt, it foreshadowed an attitude that would grip the genre for years to come. Older standards rarely compromised with newer innovation. A dynamic that was emphasized in a scene concerning jazz in the past and sparked online controversy. However, this tension was nowhere to be found in Memphis, Tennessee. Although Rose’s success was found in California, his Indiana heritage seemed to be exposed and welcomed into the fold. A decade after the passing of Elvis Presley, Rose was already on his way to competing with the best the genre had to offer and his achievements landed him on the Graceland stage.
This appearance bridges two generations of rock without provocation. No pride getting in the way of the generational divide. The controversial roots of Elvis in his early career and the rebellious reputation of Guns N Roses make them cosmetically similar, yet not intrinsically identical. The blues background of the band might get them closer to the Tupelo native, however there’s something larger in their career that earns them elite status.
November Rain was the reason for Rose's invitation, a song far from their punk era and antithetical to their bad boy image. Despite this identity crisis, it’s the style of Use Your Illusion that got the group legitimized in mainstream circles. Not My Michelle or Reckless Life. These were tracks that dazzled pedestrians on the Sunset Strip. Rose had set his sights on the superstardom that put bands like Queen and Elton John in arenas. A title that brought people as honored guests to the Royal Albert Hall or Hammersmith. As luck would have it, the reward for Rose was Graceland.
His performance and speech placed him on the same lineage as Elvis. All the lineup and genre changes didn’t remove the influence that Rose had on rock itself. What could easily be discarded as one of many groups cutting their teeth in Los Angeles doesn’t accommodate their full impact. Blues and hard rock marched on after Elvis’s passing. Whereas The Clash rejected the past in “1977,” Guns N Roses embraced the 50’s. It may not be heard in every melody or share the subtlety of Presley. However, people like Rose are caught in the tide instigated by Sun Records and their cultural wave.
Rarely is the relationship between generations displayed in public. Most regard musicians as independent celebrities with no family ties to their forefathers in the industry. A narrative can be seen when concerts like Live Aid or US Festival bring old and new groups together. When one is invited to play for the lone daughter of rock n roll itself, an emotional bond comes to life.
Rose may have mimicked the snarl of Mick Jagger or the range of Robert Plant. Yet, his legacy started with Presley. The modern rock star can’t begin to make a distinction between The Beatles or The Stones without a foundation allowing it to exist.
Presley herself seemed to assimilate into the modernization of rock music. Born after the foundation of the genre had been made, her exposure to its expanding definition likely overlapped with Rose. The cultural trends were changing during her formative years and Guns N Roses were already carving out their place in history. These timelines coinciding at the same time bring these two celebrities together, making the tribute all the more fitting.