So, there I was, flying home after an awesome holiday, sporting my Wilco concert tee. Little did I know, my fashion statement would spark a mid-air debate. “Wilco? Dude, Isn’t that totally dad rock?” chimed in my fellow passenger. Ouch? I shrugged as I debated the timeline of their popularity and replied, “You know what? Maybe it is.” It was then I learned about Rob Mitchum’s popularization of the term referring to Wilco. There is an entire Esquire article about the term “Dad Rock” and Wilco. And just like that, with Father’s Day looming on the horizon, I found myself thinking about the essence of dad rock and how restaurants and bars should infuse it into their playlists for Father’s Day Weekend. After all, we did write an entire blog about How Music Amplifies Dining Experiences and Drives Revenue
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So, What is Dad Rock?
I don’t really consider dad rock as a genre – it’s much more of a vibe, a legacy, and dare I say, it’s a badge of honor. It’s the music that dads worldwide have been blasting since their Glory Days.
When it comes to dad rock royalty, Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones reign supreme. And sure, Pearl Jam and Nirvana are right up there too. But what about Muse and My Chemical Romance? Well according to Loudwire article, they are also now considered Dad Rock. And you know what? Just like the comfort of New Balance shoes and the satisfaction of a backyard BBQ, I don’t think there is any shame in embracing it.
Crafting the Ultimate Dad Rock Playlist for Your Venue
Now, onto the fun part: crafting the ultimate dad rock playlist that’ll have patrons of all ages nodding along in approval. Here’s what it takes:
- Classic Jams – Start strong with the classics that have stood the test of time. We’re talking Beatles, Stones, and maybe a dash of Dylan for good measure. These are the tunes that dads know and love, guaranteed to stir up some nostalgia.
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Anthems – Keep the energy levels high with a healthy dose of rock ‘n’ roll anthems. Think epic guitar solos, catchy choruses, and plenty of air guitar-worthy moments. Cue up some Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and maybe even a little Queen.
- Timeless Ballads – Don’t forget to sprinkle in a few heartfelt ballads for good measure. I find inspiration in the sounds of Yacht Rock or Springsteen’s “Thunder Road” and Neil Young’s “Old Man.” I also like to include anything Journey in this list.
- Modern Classics – Mix things up with some modern classics that pay homage to the sounds of yesteryear. Bands like The Black Keys, The Strokes, and Arctic Monkeys blend old-school rock vibes with a fresh twist, making them perfect additions to any dad rock playlist.
- Country Favorites – Country music can be a great addition with themes that celebrate family and tradition. Artists like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Garth Brooks offer a rich selection of songs perfect for the occasion.
- Contemporary Hits – Keep your playlist fresh and current by including popular songs from today’s charts. Look for upbeat tracks with catchy melodies that appeal to younger generations while still being enjoyable for “older” dads. For instance, “Feel It Still” by Portugal. The Man, “Riptide” by Vance Joy, and “I Will Wait” by Mumford & Sons are excellent choices.
- Personal Touches – Finally, add a personal touch by throwing in a few tracks that hold special meaning for you and your patrons. Whether it’s a song that reminds you of your dad or a track that always gets the crowd singing along, these little touches make all the difference in a solid playlist.
Crafting the perfect playlist for Father’s Day is a thoughtful way to enhance the dining experience for families celebrating the occasion. As Father’s Day approaches, let’s remember that dad rock isn’t just about the music—it’s about the memories and the moments it creates. Whether it’s Led Zeppelin or My Chemical Romance, embracing the classics is all part of the fun. After all, in the world of dad rock, there’s no shame in turning up the volume and enjoying the ride! The classics never go out of style.
Elevate Your Guest Entertainment With Control Play.
Step 1: Dive into our extensive song and video library and create playlists perfectly suited to your venue.
Step 2: Take control of the vibe with features like scheduling and remote control.
Step 3: Get ready to rock with curated playlists tailored for special occasions like Father’s Day.
Ready to amp up the experience? Check out our Father’s Day playlists, now live in the player.
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