A Journey Through Rock: Discovering My Musical Journey

Rock music has been a significant part of my life since my childhood. From the early rock n roll tunes played by a mobile amusement park to the heavy metal sounds that pounded through my teenage years, my musical journey has been a remarkable and ever-evolving exploration of the genre.

Bird Dog and the Early Rock N Roll Era

As a child of 5 or 6, I was first introduced to rock music through simple amusement park rides on a truck that played early rock n roll. Two songs stand out in my memory - “Bird Dog” and “Getcha.” I recall winning six tickets on KSAN or KFRC (though I can’t remember which one) during a show where “Three Dog Night,” “Grass Roots,” and “Steppenwolf” played in Oakland, 1968. It was at this show, watching these legendary bands perform live, that I became bitten by the rock and roll bug.

The Golden Years

Growing up in San Francisco, I had the chance to see these legendary bands rock out live. Watching “Born to be Wild” live was a dream come true. The year was 1981, and I was 17, heading into my senior year of high school. Before then, I hadn’t really paid much attention to the music world. However, while station-surfing the radio, I stumbled upon something I liked, leading me to tune into rock stations like WLS FM 95, WMET FM 95.5, and WLUP FM 98.7.

Classic Rock on Chicago Radio

In the summer of 1981, Chicago was flooded with a variety of excellent rock albums. Some highlights from that time include:

Among these, The Rolling Stones’ Hot Rocks was my first favorite album, and it marked my entry into rock music. Not all of this music was new, but it was new to me. I felt like I had discovered something exciting and wonderful, and it made me feel a bit more hip and cool.

Metamorphosis to Metalhead

Oddly enough, my journey through rock continued with a love for Eurovision. One day, I heard Maneskin, which led me to Rasmus and their 2022 entry "Jezebel." Then, I discovered the German 2023 entry. This exploration pushed me further into the metal genre, making me a full-on metalhead.

The Evolution of My Musical Taste

Over the years, my musical tastes have expanded, but I continue to love classic rock like The Rolling Stones. From early rock n roll to contemporary metal, the journey of rock music has been an incredible one. It has shaped who I am, fostering a deep appreciation for the genre that endures.

My journey through rock music is a testament to the enduring power of the genre, and I am grateful for every song that has touched my heart.