There are so many "bad" bands out there ... I'm sure it has something to do with it.
Another aspect is the electronic involvement that started with synths and midi.
Prior to the 80s, is was a snap to recreate the radio hits with 5 or 6 (sometimes less)players/singers. It was easy to play all the stuff that the original recording had - but once arpegiators and automation set in, it was harder for the cover bands to sound convincing. Picture an accordian, sax and drum trio playing Duran Duran.....it ain't pretty! But take that same trio and let 'em rip on the 40's 50s and 60s music ..... and it sounded pretty cool.

Disco was the start of the electronic drum craze ( remember "Ring my bell"? )and ever since then ...... it's been a clutter of digital and acoustic meshing.

I hope there will always be a population that enjoys watching a performer do his/her thing, but I fear that the more automation we use .... the further we get from the performance. This is definetely a self inflicted wound to our craft.

How much it affects us ..... well, that's up to the individual. I plan to sing till I fall over dead. I just hope someone is there to listen.

[This message has been edited by Uncle Dave (edited 10-15-2004).]