by Jason Kelce’s Love of Classic Rock
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Jason Kelce has established himself as one of the best centers in the NFL during his decade-long career with the Philadelphia Eagles. While he’s known for being a fierce competitor on the field, off the field Kelce also has a softer side as an avid lover of classic rock music. In a 2017 interview with Men’s Health magazine, Kelce opened up about three rock bands that have been longtime favorites of his – The Eagles, Guns N’ Roses, and Metallica. Let’s take a deeper dive into each of these bands and explore why their music resonates so strongly with Kelce.
The Eagles
The Eagles are undoubtedly one of the most commercially successful rock bands of all time. Formed in Los Angeles in 1971, the band pioneered the melodic sound known as “country rock” by blending elements of rock and country music together. Some of their most iconic hits include “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado.” Kelce told Men’s Health that The Eagles were one of the first classic rock bands he really got into as a teenager.
There are a few key reasons why The Eagles’ music may appeal to Kelce on a personal level. For one, their songs have a smooth, harmonious sound defined by the vocals of Glenn Frey and Don Henley. As an offensive lineman, Kelce no doubt appreciates their emphasis on teamwork – The Eagles were renowned for their precise vocal harmonies and ensemble playing style. Additionally, many of their songs evoke feelings of freedom and escape, themes that may resonate with an athlete. Hits like “Take It Easy” paint vivid pictures of the open road and simpler times.
Beyond just enjoying their music, Kelce also appreciates The Eagles as talented musicians. In the interview, he praised their instrumental prowess and songwriting abilities. It’s easy to see why a musically inclined person like Kelce would be drawn to their intricate guitar work and lyrical storytelling. The complex arrangements on albums like “Hotel California” showcased each member’s virtuosity. Their blended styles created a unique California sound. It’s no surprise one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL connects with a band known for their cohesion and skill on the field of rock.
Guns N’ Roses
Where The Eagles represented smooth country rock, Guns N’ Roses took a grittier approach with their hard rock sound. Formed in Los Angeles 1985, Guns N’ Roses shot to fame in the late 80s with their high-octane albums “Appetite for Destruction” and “Use Your Illusion.” Led by the charismatic Axle Rose, GNR embodied the excesses of rock and roll with their on-stage antics and hard-partying lifestyle. Hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” and “Paradise City” injected a shot of adrenaline into the pop charts.
It’s easy to see why a tough, gritty player like Kelce would find an affinity for Guns N’ Roses’ rebellious image and no-holds-barred rock style. Where some bands were more polished, GNR embraced a raw, unhinged sound. Their intensity on songs like “Welcome to the Jungle” channeled the aggressive energy needed to battle in the NFL trenches. Lyrically, GNR also tapped into themes of overcoming adversity and fighting back against oppressive forces – concepts that likely resonate with Kelce and his grind on the gridiron.
Beyond just the attitude, Guns N’ Roses’ musicianship was also world-class. As Kelce noted, their guitar solos by Slash are the stuff of legend. Songs like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Paradise City” showcase not only Slash’s virtuosity but also the tight ensemble playing between all the band members. For a musical connoisseur like Kelce, GNR’s blend of unbridled rock fury and instrumental prowess is pure catnip. Both on and off the field, Guns N’ Roses embodied the rebellious underdog spirit that Kelce no doubt draws inspiration from.
Metallica
While The Eagles and Guns N’ Roses represented different eras of rock, Metallica have endured as one of the definitive metal bands of all time. Formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, Metallica pioneered thrash metal with their rapid riffs, complex arrangements, and lyrical themes exploring the darker side of human nature. Seminal albums like “Ride the Lightning,” “…And Justice For All” and their self-titled 1991 album, also known as The Black Album, cemented their status as the kings of metal. Kelce told Men’s Health that Metallica in particular “gets him going” before games.
It’s easy to see why Metallica’s high-energy sound would be a perfect pre-game pump up playlist for Kelce. Their music is a visceral, adrenaline-fueled assault on the senses – the perfect soundtrack to getting into a mental zone for battle. Songs like “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Seek & Destroy” and “Master of Puppets” channel aggression through their intense guitars and double-bass drumming. Lyrically, Metallica also tackle themes of perseverance, fighting oppression, and never giving up – all concepts that likely resonate with Kelce’s competitive spirit.
Beyond just the aggression, Metallica are also virtuosic musicians who push technical boundaries. Kelce no doubt appreciates their complex arrangements, lightning-fast solos, and the tight interplay between all band members. Songs like “…And Justice for All” and “One” showcase not only their raw talent but advanced musicality. It’s easy to see why, as a lover of music himself, Kelce connects with Metallica’s blend of brutality, melody, and musicianship. For pre-game motivation, Metallica’s adrenalized sound perfectly captures the mindset needed for NFL battle.
Continued Fandom
Over a decade into his NFL career, Jason Kelce remains one of the top centers in the league thanks to his relentless work ethic and competitive fire. Through it all, the classic rock genres of The Eagles, Guns N’ Roses, and Metallica have continued to resonate and provide inspiration. While tastes can change over time, Kelce’s love for these bands endures.
In recent years, Kelce has been spotted wearing band t-shirts on the sidelines, showing his fandom remains as strong as ever. Even as he approaches his mid-30s, the timeless sounds of these groups still pump him up before pivotal games. Their themes of perseverance, fighting adversity, and never backing down continue to align perfectly with Kelce’s no-quit attitude. And their virtuosic musicianship keeps him appreciating rock as high art.
Where some players may gravitate to more contemporary music, Kelce’s roots in classic rock run deep. The genres, artists, and songs that first hooked him as a teen football player still energize and motivate him today in the NFL. Through it all, The Eagles, Guns N’ Roses, and Metallica have provided the perfect musical accompaniment to Jason Kelce’s legendary gridiron career. Their enduring influence shows that for this lifelong rock fan, some bands are more than just music – they’re a source of inspiration.
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