Could Mainstream Rock Become the New Classic Rock?

Since I started my blog, I have written several posts regarding classic rock. However, what many of you may not realize is that slowly but surely, the classic rock as we know it could be replaced by mainstream rock some time in the next decade. Unlike classic rock that had been around for some three decades now, mainstream rock is actually a whole new genre.

What is mainstream rock anyway?
Latest List Of Top 20 Hot Mainstream Rock Songs In 2017 | New ...

Mainstream rock tends to focus heavily on 1970s and 80s rock - specifically the hard rock/heavy metal aspects. Softer, acoustic songs that are played on classic rock radio, are a rarity. By the same token, mainstream rock stations may play a touch more of 1990s songs, such as songs by artists that continued their careers into the 90s like Aerosmith, but only 1-2% of them play any form of grunge.

They have replaced AOR and even Active Rock!

Many active rock stations, due to popularity and/or ratings, are slowly making the switch to a mainstream rock format. This is a move that has been around since 2013/14. Even Canadian stations are adopting a mainstream rock format, but of course, leaning in a classic rock direction.

Well this may be an AOR 2.0 format, there is a very good chance that, in the next decade, it will slowly but surely replace classic rock. This makes a good format choice as it is a compromise between those who prefer classic rock tracks over modern rock as these stations have a playlist that is 80% classics. Metalheads can also benefit as the there are usually a handful, if any, acoustic tracks on these stations.

These stations, where are they?

In closing I will make a small list of mainstream rock stations in North America. The list is not all-inclusive as this is a genre that's slowly growing.
-KSHE St. Louis - oldest mainstream rock station
-KCLB Palm Springs
-CFMI Vancouver BC
-KEGL Dallas
-CJAY Calgary
-CHOM Montreal
-CITI Winnipeg
-WIYY Baltimore
-KISS San Antonio
-KBER Salt Lake City

There are many more stations than listed here, and many more are coming in an area near you.

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