Classic rock--who's left?

[germdoc]

I was thinking today as I was setting up the table saw to cut some boards, what music groups from the 50's-60's-70's are still around *with their original lineup*? The Who, the Stones, etc., etc., have all had personnel changes. I can only think of one seminal group from the 60's that's still active and still with the original members from 40 years ago. Interestingly, that group is only around because of a miracle of modern technology.

Any guesses? Any others you can think of?

[Uncle Cracker]

That's a tough one... Being a front-line musician from that era does not carry with it a great life expectancy.

[russd]

Maybe C,S,N and Young.

[gwyneth]

Candidates include:

Golden Earing: the Dutch group was founded in 1961, has had the same personnel since 1970

Z.Z. Top: Same personnel since 1969, though none original

Crosby, Stills, Nash: periodically intact and touring since 1969

Pink Floyd: Special case, since Syd left so long ago, Gilmour replaced him and is almost original, so Gilmour/Mason/Wright certainly are more of the original personnel than Waters and whoever he plays with.

Talking Heads, ELO, Aerosmith: Don't know when founded, but quite a while ago

Kinks: Don't know history of lineup but founded in '64

[drumpriest]

Does Rush count? They did change line-up after the first album, but not since, that was in 74

[gwyneth]

Keith, I got this thread up again just to suggest Rush but you beat me to it.

Anyway, two other thoughts are Jethro Tull and the Moody Blues.

I read somewhere that the Four Tops kept the same lineup for 40 years (I think until someone died in '04 or '05). Edit: Have discovered it was from 1956 to 1997, when Lawrence Payton died.

And earlier this year, Sly Stone actually performed a couple of times with (I believe) virtually all of the Family Stone.

[Tom Hintz]

My daughter took me to see Bon Jovi last year when they played here and I have to say that they sound as good as ever and still put on the best live show I have ever seen.

[germdoc]

The only seminal group I can think of that is still playing together exactly as they started is Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. And that is only due to the wonders of modern technology, the liver transplant, which has kept David Crosby perking along.

Interesting article in Rolling Stone recently about how they met up and what the scene was like in California in 1967. Man, those were the days...

Now, if it were possible to go back and hang out with any group during its heyday I'd vote for the Byrds with Gram Parsons. That was the catalyst for CSNY, the Eagles, Poco, as well as virtually the entire Southern California sound and alternative country. Too bad Gram couldn't save himself; he was a genius and a visionary.

[gwyneth]

Now, if it were possible to go back and hang out with any group during its heyday I'd vote for the Byrds with Gram Parsons. That was the catalyst for CSNY, the Eagles, Poco, as well as virtually the entire Southern California sound and alternative country. Too bad Gram couldn't save himself; he was a genius and a visionary.

Yes, yes, yes.

But that's not all he sparked. "Influence" isn't nearly strong enough for his effect on Emmylou Harris, whose entire career took a different turn based on the work she did with him.

Several of their duets are as good as any ever recorded: Love Hurts, We'll Sweep Out the Ashes, That's All It Took.

While his music and The Band's changed rock, his influence on country music was also enormous.

One of the reasons he hated the term 'country rock', (preferring 'cosmic American music') was that it failed to credit the 'western' part of country-western.

The whole outlaw genre--Jerry Jeff Walker, Willie Nelson, etc.--was just one of the ways G.P. influenced country music.

There used to be a Gram Parsons-tribute bed and breakfast in Tampa--I don't know if it's still there.

[leehljp]

Do one person sensations count?
Chuck Berry!
He is CLASSIC and been around since the '50s.

I saw where Bo Diddley was hospitalized last week!

The 70's - that is too recent!

[hermit]

Just another note, being a huge Jethro Tull fan, I can tell you that group has changed quite a few times over the years. I think only Ian Anderson and Martin Barre are originals.

Todd

[germdoc]

Do one person sensations count?
Chuck Berry!
He is CLASSIC and been around since the '50s.

I saw where Bo Diddley was hospitalized last week!

The 70's - that is too recent!

Since I specified a group, if that person is a schizophrenic, that would in fact count. Too bad Syd Barrett left us...

[Sawduster]

Just another note, being a huge Jethro Tull fan, I can tell you that group has changed quite a few times over the years. I think only Ian Anderson and Martin Barre are originals.

Todd

One of my favorites in the 70's also, though the LOML couldn't get past some of the lyrics. But man, that flute was awsome.

[JR]

Well, since there are so many country rock lovers here, I'll point out that I saw Richie Furay playing for free on the Pearl St. Mall in Boulder last week.

It was fun, but a bit unnerving that a hundred grey-haired types were standing around listening, while a sea of college-aged kids swirled past.

JR

[LarryG]

Z.Z. Top: Same personnel since 1969, though none original

Eh?

Gibbons, Hill, and Beard are the original, founding members of ZZ Top -- or so says everything I've ever read about the band.