[Mariner]

I agree.

U2 and Metallica were the last generation of great rock bands.

One could also argue the grunge era was the last creative spasm before death.

[Mr. Jeeves]

Grunge and rap killed rock & R&B. It coincided with the Clinton takeover - the proliferation of bad and offensive art forms, with implicit government support, was just another Gramscian tactic to attack the middle class.

There is great music still out there, but we will never again see it promoted by "MegaCorp Records."

[Churchjack]

I disagree. In America, it’s gone to Oklahoma and Texas and calls itself Red Dirt.
Wade Bowen
Turnpike Trubadours
Stoney LaRue
Kevin Fowler
Cody Canada (& Ragsdale, Cross)
Even the “old guard”:
Lucinda Williams
Ray Wylie Hubbard
And SO many more.
Are U2 and Metallica great because they fill stadiums? Heck, when Metallica was really hot they couldn’t get on the radio in Texas —but the headbangers knew who they were and had their records. Yeah, vinyl, they’re that old.
My point being, Nashville and LA are flesh peddling bottom (line) feeders. Somewhere, in your state or hometown, is a rockin’ garage band or ten making music in your favorite style with a new twist, speaking in an idiom both local and universal, that the TN an CA biz will neglect. Support your local/regional acts, CA & TN acts are for burnouts, corporate getaways, Democratic rallies, third weddings and funerals.