Killing it slowly: MTV, rock and roll, and Amy Winehouse
Last night, I found myself strangely excited about the European Music Awards. Despite swearing I would never watch another MTV award show due to each show’s incredible ability to disappoint, the fact that the show was to be held in nearby Munich drew my curiosity as a gauge on the dynamics of the pop world in the EU. Of course, the fact that I was nursing a massive hangover from Halloween night helped to keep me glued to the couch. For whatever reason, the moment Snoop Dogg took the stage, I knew I had made a drastic error. I was left with the same loathsome sense I had after the Guns and Roses debacle at the 2002 VMA’s: rock and roll as a mass-medium for thought-provoking rebellion, sexuality and shock is dead.
Snoop Dogg’s uncomfortable, sexist and dated performance as host was pathetic. Ill-fitting, insensitive and borderline idiotic, Snoop illustrates perfectly how mundane the pop world has become. Skits that went nowhere, statements that left artists grasping for something to say and a blatant disregard for the cultural environment where the show was taking place (“Everyone speaks English!”) show nothing more than a lack of intellect on the part of the producers, promoters and artists.
And this, is exactly the problem: a lack of critical intellect capable of understanding the fine line between excessiveness and competence. I kept waiting for a rock and roll moment; a smashed guitar, a jump into the on-stage jacuzzi…hell, give me a streaker…something! Instead, we were treated to Jared Leto calling his bandmates; lame. Or, some guy from Romania taking off his pants when prompted about taking the stage; what? But, truly, the worst was Amy Winehouse.
Beyond disappointing and clearly crossing the line of overindulgence, Amy Winehouse’s behavior failed as a rock star in multiple ways. In complete contrast to her interesting music, style and persona, Winehouse seemed without substance, confused and somewhat pathetic. An obvious effect of alcohol or drugs or both, her singing and movements were like my alter-drinking-ego Glen after a bottle of gin at a karaoke bar. At least it was entertaining. What was not entertaining was her lack of grace in accepting the “Artists’ Choice” award. The only award worth anything at the EMA’s and presented by Michael Stipe, Winehouse’s perplexity at receiving the award and her awkward “thanks” and quick exit seemed discourteous to the people who at least somewhat matter. Even the most antisocial artists pay their respect to their contemporaries. Otherwise, I can think of nothing less rock and roll.
Further Reading:
Amy Winehouse Defends her MTV EMA Performace
Tags: AmyWinehouse, EMA’s, MTV, Politics, Rock and Roll, Snoop Dogg
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