Meta Description: Former Motley Crue vocalist John Corabi shares his experiences with the decline and resurgence of hard rock in the ’90s, highlighting the genre’s enduring appeal.
John Corabi on the Decline and Resurgence of Hard Rock in the ’90s
Former Motley Crue vocalist John Corabi witnessed firsthand the turbulent times hard rock faced in the ’90s. As grunge and other new genres surged in popularity, hard rock bands that once filled arenas struggled to draw crowds. Corabi recalls one particularly dark moment during a poorly attended package tour. “It was bleak,” he tells UCR. “I just remember getting offstage and having a panic attack.”
Despite the challenges, Corabi notes that many of those same bands are now experiencing a resurgence, driven by the power of nostalgia. While some have declared that “rock is dead,” the genre remains alive and well, with both new and old bands continuing to thrive. Corabi himself has kept the momentum going with the Dead Daisies, a supergroup featuring members from some of rock’s biggest bands.
The Dead Daisies are set to release their seventh studio album, Light ‘Em Up, on September 6th. In a candid interview with UCR, Corabi reflects on his experiences in the hard rock scene, including encounters with iconic bands like Aerosmith and AC/DC.
Nostalgia Fuels the Resurgence of Hard Rock
As Corabi discusses the recent passing of Jack Russell, former vocalist of Great White, he reflects on the mortality of rock icons. “It’s hard,” he says, noting that the loss of legends like John Bonham, John Lennon, Bon Scott, David Bowie, and Prince has made him more aware of his own mortality. “These are guys that I looked up to,” Corabi shares, emphasizing the impact these rock heroes had on his life and career.
Corabi also shares a memorable story about jamming with Brian Johnson of AC/DC during Motley Crue’s tour manager’s wedding in Catalina. “I had this epiphany moment: ‘Holy shit, I’m in Motley Crue and I’m literally jamming with the lead singer from AC/DC,’” he recalls. Another highlight was when Steven Tyler of Aerosmith joined him for an impromptu acoustic session, turning a casual moment into a cherished memory.
Weathering the Storm: Hard Rock’s Struggles in the ’90s
Reflecting on the ’90s, Corabi describes the era as a difficult time for hard rock bands. He remembers a 2002 tour where five bands—Dokken, Ratt, Warrant, L.A. Guns, and Firehouse—struggled to attract an audience. “We couldn’t even break 1,000 people,” Corabi laments, recalling the stark contrast to the packed arenas of the previous decade.
However, Corabi also acknowledges the resilience of these bands. Despite the challenges, many hard rock acts persevered, continuing to tour and create music. Today, they are benefiting from a renewed interest driven by fans’ nostalgia for the soundtrack of their youth. While record sales have declined, live shows have seen a resurgence, proving that hard rock still holds a special place in the hearts of fans.
Corabi’s insights offer a glimpse into the highs and lows of the hard rock scene, highlighting the genre’s enduring appeal and the indomitable spirit of the musicians who continue to rock on.
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