When Old Music Becomes New Again

Channel surfing only a few days ago, I stumbled on a concert by one of my all-time favorite bands. Styx, named after the mythical river of fire separating purgatory and hell, was one of those bands that purist rockers loved to hate but generally everyone else loved. Truth be told, even those purist rockers would have to admit to some good songs (though they would hide behind the veil of accused commercialism).

Only 2 1/2 of the original band members are left (the 1/2 is the remaining Panozzo brother (Chuck) who only comes out on stage occasionally to play a song or two when he feels up to it -- the other brother (John) tragically died from alcoholism).

For this televised concert, the band teamed up with a 115 member youth orchestra (Contemporary Youth Orchestra of Cleveland and a large youth chorus). I must admit that at first sight, I thought the gig would be lame. Just a bunch of washed up rockers trying to live off the music that made them famous some 30 years ago. Happily, I was quite surprised.

The quality of blending "old rockers" with amazing young musicians was well worth the two hours I invested in watching. Tommy Shaw and James "JY" Young can still "bring it" vocally and instrumentally, but the energy coming from those young musicians (all 13 - 19 years old) was inspiring. Following the concert Tommy Shaw stated "that may be the most fun Styx has ever had on stage. Ever!"

That made me think of something Paul once wrote to Timothy... "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Tim 4:12). Though referencing an entirely different aspect of life, there is a helpful parallel.

When the young and the old come together, they can make beautiful "music," but success may largely be dependent upon the young accepting the old guy's songs and the old guys letting the "youth" play it their way!

To hear more...(click here)

What examples do you have of generational cooperation?