Yesterday's story questioning if Coldplay was the last of the superacts drew a lot of reaction from readers.
Without a doubt, most concurred with the basis of the article, that the music industry in the 21st century has so far failed in delivering a superstar from the 21st Century.The recurring act named as a true 21st Century super-power was The Killers. John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Alicia Keys, Kanye West and Norah Jones also received ample nominations.
But the truth is, in any other decade, would any of these acts be the superstars of the era ... or that second level of star. The ones you like, but don't accept unquestionably?
Many names nominated were from 90s acts. Black Eyed Peas, Beyonce, Gwen Stefani, Nickelback and Gorillaz (via Blur) were all established performers and recording artists when midnight of January 1, 2000 hit.
Here is a sample of some of the comments from readers:
Paddy Noonan says "Acts of the last decade or so who are big? Arctic Monkeys? Bloc Party? The Killers? I know each of these acts have sold out when they've had shows here, and especially the Arctic Monkeys I can say have had big world wide success. I also think you need to consider acts like My Chemical Romance? Even if they're in the whole emo sub culture, they're still fucking massive".
Michael Quinn nominates "Pink, Rihanna, Beyonce (as solo artist), Gwen Stefani (as solo artist), Kanye West, The Killers, Il Divo, Fergie, Ashanti, Panic At The Disco, Death Cab For Cutie, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Gorillaz, The Darkness (disbanded now), My Chemical Romance, Norah Jones, Gnarls Barkley, Nelly, Avril Lavigne, The Pussycat Dolls"
David Lai suggests "Kanye West, Alicia Keys, the Killers, Linkin Park, Death Cab For Cutie".
Jeremy Holley says "While I agree there has been a very few artists have sustained careers once they became popular this decade, I believe there are a few acts who transcend this". He nominates Linkin Park, Maroon5, Rihanna, Nickelback, Scissor Sisters, Pink, Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas
Joel Witter says "As far as hip-hop/rap goes, you did overlook Kanye West".
Travis Megale nominates Arcade Fire while Wes Holland puts his hand up for Pink.
Let's keep the debate going. Is Coldplay the last superact? Has the 21st Century delivered any acts worthy of being called superstars?
Will there ever be another Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Madonna, Beatles, oasis, AC/DC, Queen, The Police, Bon Jovi, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins or Radiohead?
And if not, why not?
Send your comments to paul@undercover.com.au. More emails will be published tomorrow.
