There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that Classic Rock continues to be an important cultural force. The music and artists are everywhere: Target sells Rolling Stones and AC/DC t-shirts for kids; GMC is using The Who’s “Eminence Front” in its ad campaign for trucks; and the recent Minions movie soundtrack featured Classic Rock throughout.
But is this is just the work of marketers who grew up with the music or does it really reflects the tastes and listening habits of consumers? To find out we asked Nielsen to share data on Classic Rock listenership and the results are fascinating.
Over the last four years in PPM-rated markets, the average share of listening garnered by Classic Rock has grown consistently among the total audience (6+), 25-54 year olds and people aged 18-34.
Jacobs Media’s Fred Jacobs notes, “The strength of the format in metered measurement is a testament to the real-time strength and staying power of the music. To see continued growth – especially among 18-34 year-olds – speaks volumes about the timelessness of Classic Rock and the artists who made it great.”