Gene Simmons asserts that `` rock is dead '' in Esquire interview . Simmons blamed a lack of industry support , piracy and a lack of appreciation for `` the creators . '' It did n't have to happen , he adds : `` It was murdered '' The Who declared rock dead in 1972 . They were right ; it had been killed by the Beatles and Elvis Presley.
Gene Simmons asserts that `` rock is dead '' in Esquire interview . It did n't have to happen , he adds : `` It was murdered '' The Who declared rock dead in 1972 . They were right ; it had been killed by the Beatles and Elvis Presley.