Punk Rock Would Be Nothing Without Robert Moog

Did you know that Robert Moog was helping create new generations of synthesizers as late as 2004? He never saw the release of the MIDI capable “Little Phatty”, but he had a hand in its creation. Where would “Prog” Rock be without Robert Moog? He wasn’t the only person inventing great electronic keyboards, but he was certainly the most famous. Just ask Rick Wakeman. He would agree with me.

From Moog’s early days at the Bronx School of Science, he had a feeling that he could do more with electronic equipment than simply make machines for the engineering field. Twelve years after his last day in high school (and two college degrees later,) Moog came out with the ADSR envelope generator. That was one of the first synthesizer modules that could be controlled with the use of a keyboard.

Moog can also be credited with bringing the Theremin to the masses. He didn’t invent the instrument, but was founder of the first company to mass produce it. The Theremin has been around for 93 years. If you have ever watched an old science fiction movie, you have probably heard one in action. Some find Theremins to be very annoying, sound wise. They look very simple to play. Holding your hand within range of the loop antenna, and moving it about (your hand,) will generate a sound. It’s a one-note instrument.

Progressive Rock and Moog

Moog helped to launch the “progressive” rock movement. His modular synthesizers were put to use by artists such as Keith Emerson, John Cage and many others. Prior to the Moog, keyboard players spent most of their time playing piano, organ, and similar instruments. The band Yes would be nothing without the Minimoog. It might be a stretch, but punk rock music might not have gained a foothold if it weren’t for the Moog. As rock music had become so over the top, it inspired a generation of musicians to break down that sound. Thank you Mr. Moog for creating an instrument that inspired more than one genre of music.

The Next Look for the Bearded Rock Musician

It’s been four years now, and we’re deep into the bearded rock musicians look. I’m old enough to remember when this trend was popular the first time. Yes, I was a wee lad at the time, but the beards were in full bloom back then. I have just one question about this current look; what will follow this current trend?

If things are cyclical, and I must say that many sounds, looks, and trends in the music world do less evolving, and more recycling, then we have to look at what followed the bearded musicians of three decades ago to make a good guess at the future.

Prog Rock Begat Punk

One of the most famous long bearded, progressive rock keyboard players is none other than Rick Wakeman. Wakeman played with Yes, one of the best examples of “prog” rock. He sported a more trimmed down version of a ZZ Top beard, but bearded he was. Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull had a more scraggly beard, and played a similar vein of over the top music. The music was grandiose, the bands were huge, the tours massive, and when it needed to stop, punk rock tore it all down.

When Will Bearded Rock Musicians Shave It Off?

As we all know, punk musicians shaved away the beard, the hair, killed off the massive tours, etc. Will that be the next look? First, we have to remember that disco took hold in the mid to late 1970’s and some bands like the Bee Gees sported feathered hair and beards. Will the indie scene adopt that look? I doubt it. I’m going to guess that the long hair will stay, “fros” will make a weak comeback, and the beards will be shorn. By 2013, it will all be over. No more hiding behind the facial hair for the indie scene.