Alright, so it's been quite a while since I've posted anything here, but I've been scanning a lot of posts lately, and this one caught my eye. I read a good amount of the responses, but not all, so if anything I have to say or suggest has been said before, I appologize. Also, sorry for the length...I just have a long opinion.
Anyway, here's what I think. First, they should keep Aerosmith. Regardless of if people think they're too old or not, the music is good, classic and fits the ride.
What needs to be remembered is that this is a roller coaster. It's a high speed thrill ride that is really unlike any other ride in WDW. The soundtrack needs to fit...it's needs to be good, fast, loud Rock n' Roll. Now I'm not talking death metal here or anything even close too it (I don't like that music anyway), but some of the suggestions I've seen really don't fit the ride; even if it is good music. I'm not the biggest country fan, but I'll admit that some of it is pretty good. Definately not for a roller coaster, however. Bon Jovi, while he/they have some great songs, they're not...I don't really know how to say it...rock enough, I guess.
I liked the idea about the Ozzy Crazy Train, but that would never work because he doesn't fit in with Disney image, and to be honest is way too controversial. The same thing goes with Metallica. AC/DC, while they have have some good songs that would fit the ride, are really an aquired taste, and it's really a "you either love them or hate them" type deal (at least in my experiences). I think that choosing AC/DC would be a risky move because to some people they're a turn off. The band that is chosen needs to be a band that is universally respected, and has songs that people know and wont be afraid to let their children listen to.
Motley Crue would be a fantastic choice, the speed is there in their songs, and people know them. The problem with them, and why I don't think they would be a good replacement is that, in my opinion, they're not really...and I hate to say this, "kid friendly". Songs like "Girls Girls Girls" and "Smokin' in the Boys Room" would fit beautifly with this ride, but arent Disney enough (I think you know what I'm trying to get across). While I know that they have other songs that could be used. The ride needs to be more of a greatest hits type deal where the majority of the people will know what they're listening to, and unfortunately, those are the songs most associated with Motley Crue. "Home Sweet Home" might work, but I'm not sold on the idea. I love Motley Crue, and they have songs that may work, but I'm not sure if they're universally liked enough.
The band that I think would work perfectly, would be Led Zeppelin. I did this post as unbiasedly as possible, and I still think I am, however, Led Zeppelin is my favorite band. That being said, I think that enough people know their songs, even if they don't know that they're by Zeppelin, that they would work. I mean...going 0-60 listening to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM6ppOUlxRY would be amazing (thats my opinion). The songs are classic, fast and fit...just like Aerosmith. Zeppelin has, for all intents and purposes, a clean image, they're generally liked by most, and probably are one of, if not the most, influencial band in rock of all time.
I could keep going about more bands and about why the ones I've mentioned would or wouldn't work, but that would just take up way too much space.
One last thing. As I said before, they should stick with Aerosmith. but Disney has a few options here. The roller coaster doesn't need to star anyone in particular; it could just be called the Rock'n Roller Coaster. period. They could play a few different bands throughout the ride. They could even randomize it, so it's like a completely different experience...audio wise at least, every time. They could re-theme the queue to be a "history of rock and roll" type thing, and the pre show could be something to the same extent....or a bunch of bands together...or something. I've never been on the Rip Ride Rock'it or whatever it's called at US, but from my understanding, the riders can choose the genre of music they listen to. That could be another option. The riders could choose which bands they would like to listen to and that would be piped through the speakers behind their heads. The volume would be loud enough to drown out any other music, but not loud enough to blow out ear drums. Disney can figure it out if they chose that route.
In no way shape or form, are they too old!!! They rocked (hard) for 2 hours straight!!!! Love them and can't wait to ride this again!!! Especially with my 10 year old who went to the concert with me and now will ride upside-down roller coasters!!! Due to Guitar Hero Aerosmith, there is a whole new generation of Aerosmith fans, LOTS of kids there last night!!!
I fully support kydisneyfans' suggestion to change it to country and celebrate Toby Keith, but I realize that's not the question. Much as I'd like to support the Beach Boys (a) they, too, aren't rock & roll and (b) there's only one original member.
If Disney were to change the band, of course.
