When does rock become classic rock?

Answer 1

I agree with Ariana, because on the classic rock stations I used to listen to in NYC and Phoenix, they weren't above blasting a U2 track or Tom Petty's 90s stuff. So I think maybe ANYTHING is fair play once the album's been out for quite a while and hearing it makes you think "Oooh, I haven't hear THAT ONE in a while."

Answer 2

I think 20 years or older is an acceptable amount of time to consider a great rock song, classic rock.

Answer 3

I used to think it was stuff I listened to when I was little or was played on the radio before I was born, but now I'm hearing stuff from my high school days being played on classic rock stations so I don't know. I think it's just one of those things that just sneaks up on you!
Excellent question, by the way. I'm interested in what the other answers are going to be.

Answer 4

As far as I see it, it *could* change years down the road, but generally, that era has already come & gone. It's not a "status" thing as you suggest.

Basically, the great bands that came to the fore from roughly 1964 (starting w/ The Fab 4) to about 1981 all existed during the classic rock era.
I see it as more a *historical* time frame thing.

Answer 5

When it is at least 15 years old and everyone has heard of it but only the people from that time like it...

Answer 6

When its atleast 20 years old since they 'broke up' the band

Answer 7

When it gets too old to be on the youth pop radio stations.

Answer 8

20-25 years unless all band members die together,than its instantly

Answer 9

...when it's not alternative, punk, and metallic! and it's not born under the new millenium era. lol