When bands should consider quitting

The birth of rock ‘n’ roll was one of mankind's finest hours. Since then, rock bands have become an integral part of pop culture. They entertain, they enthrall and they always have a hard time realising when to call it quits. There are bands that keep releasing albums that only serve to prove that creativity doesn't last forever and then there are bands that come up with gimmicks like having an orangutan play bass. In either case, it becomes painfully clear that the spark is long gone and the curtains should really be drawn.

Through this article, we take a look at a few signs that point out that a band is past it.

4. When half the original members are dead
Now this might sound a bit harsh and we know band line ups change all the time but if a band claims to be a band with just one original member remaining, it's kind of sad. Regardless of changes, we all have an idea of what a particular band's “best line up” was and when two out of those 5 are dead, one is in a coma and the other two haven't spoken in decades, the “band” really isn't the “band”.

If anyone gets a lawyer to dig through all the loopholes, getting legal control over a band's name is easy. But the artists should realise that that name is more than just a few words strung together. And in most cases, the one remaining original member who is keeping the “band” alive is way past it, can't sing or play anymore, and spends most of his time pointing out how former members were “cancer”. Not looking at you, Axl.

3. When strange gimmicks become important
Now I'm not saying Metallica had to play in Antarctica to get more attention because we all know they are still very relevant. I'm just saying they didn't mind doing it, because like most bands, they've played their best material a few years ago and apart from underground metal scenes in 3rd world countries where young bands insist on paying for a slot, a lot of people won't really flip out about the new Metallica album.
So maybe playing in Antarctica becomes a good idea. Hey, not everyone can play in all 7 continents.

2. When most interviews are about how “rock is dead”
You know, if you're still an “active” band and you say “rock is dead”, then you're probably selling yourself short. We all love nostalgia and we're all convinced the morally questionable days of the ‘60s were the best but if the fact that your new material has lost the shine you once had and your new albums won't sell that much is a hard pill to swallow, don't just blame it on the times. Rock was made to rebel against the older generation that criticised new ideas. If rock itself becomes the establishment that disapproves of the new, something is wrong.

1. When more noise is made online than on stage
Does this even have to be explained? Bands taking a stab at each other is a classic element of rock ‘n’ roll. But for bands to write angst filled, well thought out paragraphs to have a go at each other online, in a fashion resembling emo teenage girls discussing stolen boyfriends, something is wrong. And that a million fanboys idolise this fight is something we should really be concerned about.

Special mention: Hats in the Bangladeshi music scene.