Rock as It Nears 40: Running on Empty?

In his diatribe against rock’s “rusty” stars, Hilburn manages to fault the artists, the fans, record companies and radio programmers. But wait a minute . . . what seems to be missing from that list? Critics, perhaps? Specifically, critics who continuously rattle out gushing reviews of the same old dinosaurs (Tyrannosaurus springsteen) while ignoring newer bands experimenting with newer rock forms.

Rock has always been a medium that thrives on the energy of youth. Instead of the next installment of “Dear Bruce,” why doesn’t Hilburn use the space to explore the work of young artists, the ones who just might keep rock ‘n’ roll from rusting out completely?

DAN MOLITOR

Glendale