Rock on!! (soundtrack)
Encyclopedia
Rock On!! is the soundtrack to the 2008 hindi film Rock On!! directed by Abhishek Kapoor
, starring Farhan Akhtar
. The original score and songs were composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
. Lyrics of the songs are penned by Javed Akhtar
.
The album was released on 7 July 2008 by Big Music
. Despite getting cold shoulder from the critics, the album went on to become a cult favorite selling over 120,000 copies in India.
"Pichle Saat Dino Mein," a song about how one loses everything but can't afford to lose love, was the first song composed, where they jammed on the guitar riff that Ehsaan Noorani
came up with and the song fell into place in about 20 minutes. This was followed by "Socha Hai" and the title track "Rock On!!" All the above are crooned by Farhan Akhtar
, who made his singing debut. "Yeh Tumhari Meri Baatein" is sung by Dominique Cerejo
, which falls in an ambient
genre. "Zehreele," performed by Suraj Jagan
, is a hardcore metal
, which is often a rarity in the mainstream Bollywood soundtracks.
The rock ballad "Tum Ho Toh" was sung by Farhan Akhtar
. "Sinbad The Sailor" is the song that features in the climax of the movie, which is along the lines of "Achilles Last Stand
" and "Tales of Brave Ulysses
". The song is performed by Farhan Akhtar and Raman Mahadevan
. The serene "Phir Dekhiye" is performed by a long-time favorite of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
, Caralisa Monteiro
. The album also has a live version of "Pichle Saat Dino Mein".
The lyrics of "Rock On!!" were penned by Javed Akhtar
like a modern rock band’s output — and yet acceptable to the film audience — and have some depth without sounding like spoofs, parodies or comedy numbers.
. The launch took place on July 7, 2008 at Infinity Mall, Andheri, Mumbai
. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
and Farhan Akhtar
performed live at the launch along with rest of the cast.
echoed similar sentiments saying "The soundtrack just doesn't work and is quite a shocker from SEL - Javed Akhtar team"
Though a few reviewers like Planetbollywood's Atta Khan was impressed by the album, who described the album as bold and daring and concluded The only thing that remains is for listeners to open their ears to a unique genre especially if they have been drummed with too much regular stuff from Pritam / Anu Malik and dare I say it Vishal and Shekhar…
The album became popular amongst the urban masses and slowly started building a cult following. Shankar Mahadevan commented on the initial negative reviews saying, ""Even in the past, we have faced such situations when some people have rejected our music in the first couple of hearing", including Dil Chahta Hai
and Kal Ho Naa Ho
which earned them several awards and accolades, and are considered as one of the best bollywood soundtracks of all time.
The Rock on! team featured on the cover of the popular music magazine Rolling Stone
's 2008 September issue. Farhan described it as a "dream come true " for him, since as a teenager, he had always dreamt of being in Rolling Stone.
Abhishek Kapoor
Abhishek Kapoor is an Indian film actor, writer and director.He started his career as an actor in Uff!Yeh Mohabbat in 1996, opposite Twinkle Khanna, directed by Vipin Handa, and after two more films, he made his directorial début with Aryan in 2006, which despite getting him critical acclaim for...
, starring Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi...
. The original score and songs were composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy are an Indian musical trio consisting of Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa. Record producers, musicians and multi-instrumentalists, they have composed music for over fifty soundtrack across four languages...
. Lyrics of the songs are penned by Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar is a poet, lyricist and scriptwriter from India. Some of his most successful work was done in the late 1970s and 1980s with Salim Khan as half of the script-writing duo credited as Salim-Javed...
.
The album was released on 7 July 2008 by Big Music
Big Music
Big Music is an Indian record label owned by Anil Ambani. It is a part of Reliance BIG Entertainment, a subsidiary of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group....
. Despite getting cold shoulder from the critics, the album went on to become a cult favorite selling over 120,000 copies in India.
Overview
The songs of the movie were composed in five days. Since the movie is about a rock band, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy composed the music in a similar fashion, with the drums and bass set-up and played live to the recorder without any programming."Pichle Saat Dino Mein," a song about how one loses everything but can't afford to lose love, was the first song composed, where they jammed on the guitar riff that Ehsaan Noorani
Ehsaan Noorani
Ehsaan Noorani is the Ehsaan of the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio which consist of Shankar Mahadevan, Loy Mendonsa and himself. He is a famous music composer and a guitarist. He was the guitarist for many music directors before he started composing music. Ehsaan has also studied music with Mr...
came up with and the song fell into place in about 20 minutes. This was followed by "Socha Hai" and the title track "Rock On!!" All the above are crooned by Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi...
, who made his singing debut. "Yeh Tumhari Meri Baatein" is sung by Dominique Cerejo
Dominique Cerejo
Dominique Cerejo is an Indian female playback singer best known for the song "Yeh Tumhari Meri Baatein" from Rock On!!. She has sung in over thirty bollywood soundtrack albums...
, which falls in an ambient
Ambient music
Ambient music is a musical genre that focuses largely on the timbral characteristics of sounds, often organized or performed to evoke an "atmospheric", "visual" or "unobtrusive" quality.- History :...
genre. "Zehreele," performed by Suraj Jagan
Suraj Jagan
Suraj Jagan is an Indian playback singer. He is noted for the song Give Me Some Sunshine from the award-winning movie 3 Idiots. The song received the "Best Emerging Male Performer" award in the Max Stardust Award. Jagan's singing career began in 1990, and has included both solo work and as front...
, is a hardcore metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
, which is often a rarity in the mainstream Bollywood soundtracks.
The rock ballad "Tum Ho Toh" was sung by Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi...
. "Sinbad The Sailor" is the song that features in the climax of the movie, which is along the lines of "Achilles Last Stand
Achilles Last Stand
"Achilles Last Stand" is a song by the English rock group Led Zeppelin, featured as the opening track on their 1976 album Presence. It was written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant at Page's house in Malibu, California where they stayed for a month while Plant recovered from a serious car accident he...
" and "Tales of Brave Ulysses
Tales of Brave Ulysses
"Tales of Brave Ulysses" is a song performed by the 1960s group Cream. The lyrics were written by artist Martin Sharp, and the music was composed by Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce. Arranged by Robert Stigwood, the song is featured on Cream's album Disraeli Gears. Sharp had written the words on the...
". The song is performed by Farhan Akhtar and Raman Mahadevan
Raman Mahadevan
Raman Mahadevan is an Indian playback singer, known for his Bollywood songs. He also has an indipop Album, Ramanasia in his discography.-Career:...
. The serene "Phir Dekhiye" is performed by a long-time favorite of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy are an Indian musical trio consisting of Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa. Record producers, musicians and multi-instrumentalists, they have composed music for over fifty soundtrack across four languages...
, Caralisa Monteiro
Caralisa Monteiro
Caralisa Monteiro is an Indian female playback singer, who primarily works in Bollywood film industry.-Early life:Caralisa hails from a middle class family in Mumbai. She had passion for singing since her childhood itself, and won several awards in college singing competitions...
. The album also has a live version of "Pichle Saat Dino Mein".
The lyrics of "Rock On!!" were penned by Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar is a poet, lyricist and scriptwriter from India. Some of his most successful work was done in the late 1970s and 1980s with Salim Khan as half of the script-writing duo credited as Salim-Javed...
like a modern rock band’s output — and yet acceptable to the film audience — and have some depth without sounding like spoofs, parodies or comedy numbers.
Release history
The music was released by worldwide by Big MusicBig Music
Big Music is an Indian record label owned by Anil Ambani. It is a part of Reliance BIG Entertainment, a subsidiary of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group....
. The launch took place on July 7, 2008 at Infinity Mall, Andheri, Mumbai
Mumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy are an Indian musical trio consisting of Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa. Record producers, musicians and multi-instrumentalists, they have composed music for over fifty soundtrack across four languages...
and Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi...
performed live at the launch along with rest of the cast.
Track listing
| Track # | Song | Singer(s) | Duration | Picturized on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Socha Hai" | Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi... |
4:11 | Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi... , Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal , born 26 November 1972, is an award-winning Indian actor who appears in Bollywood films, as well as a fashion model.- Film career :... , Luke Kenny Luke Kenny Luke Kenny is an Indian ex-video jockey, critic, musician, director, producer and actor.- Early life :Born in Calcutta on 14 June, Kenny moved to Bombay when he was a small child. His great-grandparents were Irish. They moved to Burma, where his grandfather was born. After World War II, his... , Purab Kohli Purab Kohli Purab Kohli is an Indian model, VJ and actor.He started his career as an actor with the popular tv show Hip Hip Hurray and earned recognition through video jockeying on Channel V.... (Promotional Song) |
| 2 | "Pichle Saat Dino Mein" | Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi... |
3:12 | |
| 3 | "Rock On!!" | Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi... |
3:55 | Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi... , Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal , born 26 November 1972, is an award-winning Indian actor who appears in Bollywood films, as well as a fashion model.- Film career :... , Luke Kenny Luke Kenny Luke Kenny is an Indian ex-video jockey, critic, musician, director, producer and actor.- Early life :Born in Calcutta on 14 June, Kenny moved to Bombay when he was a small child. His great-grandparents were Irish. They moved to Burma, where his grandfather was born. After World War II, his... , Purab Kohli Purab Kohli Purab Kohli is an Indian model, VJ and actor.He started his career as an actor with the popular tv show Hip Hip Hurray and earned recognition through video jockeying on Channel V.... , Shahana Goswami Shahana Goswami Shahana Goswami is an Indian actress who works in Bollywood films.-Career:Shahana had a single-minded focus on professional acting since childhood. She moved to Mumbai to complete her graduation and to explore the possibility of taking up acting as a career. In Mumbai, her first steps in acting... , Nicolette Bird Nicolette Bird Nicolette Bird is an Indian actress and model and has had roles in the Bollywood films “Rock On,” released in 2008, and “Striker,” released early 2010. As a model, she has appeared in television commercials and magazine advertisements in India... |
| 4 | "Yeh Tumhari Meri Baatein" | Dominique Cerejo Dominique Cerejo Dominique Cerejo is an Indian female playback singer best known for the song "Yeh Tumhari Meri Baatein" from Rock On!!. She has sung in over thirty bollywood soundtrack albums... |
5:29 | Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi... , Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal , born 26 November 1972, is an award-winning Indian actor who appears in Bollywood films, as well as a fashion model.- Film career :... , Luke Kenny Luke Kenny Luke Kenny is an Indian ex-video jockey, critic, musician, director, producer and actor.- Early life :Born in Calcutta on 14 June, Kenny moved to Bombay when he was a small child. His great-grandparents were Irish. They moved to Burma, where his grandfather was born. After World War II, his... , Purab Kohli Purab Kohli Purab Kohli is an Indian model, VJ and actor.He started his career as an actor with the popular tv show Hip Hip Hurray and earned recognition through video jockeying on Channel V.... , Prachi Desai Prachi Desai Prachi Desai is an Indian film and television actress. She is best known for her role as Bani Walia in the Hindi television drama Kasamh Se which aired on Zee TV. Prachi is the endorser, spokesperson, brand ambassador and the face of Neutrogena products in India... |
| 5 | "Zehreele" | Suraj Jagan Suraj Jagan Suraj Jagan is an Indian playback singer. He is noted for the song Give Me Some Sunshine from the award-winning movie 3 Idiots. The song received the "Best Emerging Male Performer" award in the Max Stardust Award. Jagan's singing career began in 1990, and has included both solo work and as front... |
3:42 | Suraj Jagan Suraj Jagan Suraj Jagan is an Indian playback singer. He is noted for the song Give Me Some Sunshine from the award-winning movie 3 Idiots. The song received the "Best Emerging Male Performer" award in the Max Stardust Award. Jagan's singing career began in 1990, and has included both solo work and as front... , Band Band - Clothing, jewelry, and accessories :* Bands , two pieces of cloth fitted around the neck as part of formal clothing for clergy, academics and lawyers* Bandolier or bandoleer, an ammunition belt* Belt * Wedding ring or wedding band... |
| 6 | "Tum Ho Toh" | Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi... |
4:15 | Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi... , Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal , born 26 November 1972, is an award-winning Indian actor who appears in Bollywood films, as well as a fashion model.- Film career :... , Luke Kenny Luke Kenny Luke Kenny is an Indian ex-video jockey, critic, musician, director, producer and actor.- Early life :Born in Calcutta on 14 June, Kenny moved to Bombay when he was a small child. His great-grandparents were Irish. They moved to Burma, where his grandfather was born. After World War II, his... , Purab Kohli Purab Kohli Purab Kohli is an Indian model, VJ and actor.He started his career as an actor with the popular tv show Hip Hip Hurray and earned recognition through video jockeying on Channel V.... , Shahana Goswami Shahana Goswami Shahana Goswami is an Indian actress who works in Bollywood films.-Career:Shahana had a single-minded focus on professional acting since childhood. She moved to Mumbai to complete her graduation and to explore the possibility of taking up acting as a career. In Mumbai, her first steps in acting... |
| 7 | "Sinbad The Sailor" | Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi... , Raman Mahadevan Raman Mahadevan Raman Mahadevan is an Indian playback singer, known for his Bollywood songs. He also has an indipop Album, Ramanasia in his discography.-Career:... |
6:32 | Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi... , Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal , born 26 November 1972, is an award-winning Indian actor who appears in Bollywood films, as well as a fashion model.- Film career :... , Luke Kenny Luke Kenny Luke Kenny is an Indian ex-video jockey, critic, musician, director, producer and actor.- Early life :Born in Calcutta on 14 June, Kenny moved to Bombay when he was a small child. His great-grandparents were Irish. They moved to Burma, where his grandfather was born. After World War II, his... , Purab Kohli Purab Kohli Purab Kohli is an Indian model, VJ and actor.He started his career as an actor with the popular tv show Hip Hip Hurray and earned recognition through video jockeying on Channel V.... |
| 8 | "Pichle Saat Dino Mein (Live Version)" | Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi... |
6:35 | Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi... , Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal , born 26 November 1972, is an award-winning Indian actor who appears in Bollywood films, as well as a fashion model.- Film career :... , Luke Kenny Luke Kenny Luke Kenny is an Indian ex-video jockey, critic, musician, director, producer and actor.- Early life :Born in Calcutta on 14 June, Kenny moved to Bombay when he was a small child. His great-grandparents were Irish. They moved to Burma, where his grandfather was born. After World War II, his... , Purab Kohli Purab Kohli Purab Kohli is an Indian model, VJ and actor.He started his career as an actor with the popular tv show Hip Hip Hurray and earned recognition through video jockeying on Channel V.... |
| 9 | "Phir Dekhiye" | Caralisa Monteiro Caralisa Monteiro Caralisa Monteiro is an Indian female playback singer, who primarily works in Bollywood film industry.-Early life:Caralisa hails from a middle class family in Mumbai. She had passion for singing since her childhood itself, and won several awards in college singing competitions... |
3:27 | Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar Farhan Akhtar is an Indian filmmaker, script writer, actor, playback singer, lyricist, film producer in Hindi cinema and a television host.His directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi... , Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal , born 26 November 1972, is an award-winning Indian actor who appears in Bollywood films, as well as a fashion model.- Film career :... , Luke Kenny Luke Kenny Luke Kenny is an Indian ex-video jockey, critic, musician, director, producer and actor.- Early life :Born in Calcutta on 14 June, Kenny moved to Bombay when he was a small child. His great-grandparents were Irish. They moved to Burma, where his grandfather was born. After World War II, his... , Purab Kohli Purab Kohli Purab Kohli is an Indian model, VJ and actor.He started his career as an actor with the popular tv show Hip Hip Hurray and earned recognition through video jockeying on Channel V.... , Shahana Goswami Shahana Goswami Shahana Goswami is an Indian actress who works in Bollywood films.-Career:Shahana had a single-minded focus on professional acting since childhood. She moved to Mumbai to complete her graduation and to explore the possibility of taking up acting as a career. In Mumbai, her first steps in acting... , Prachi Desai Prachi Desai Prachi Desai is an Indian film and television actress. She is best known for her role as Bani Walia in the Hindi television drama Kasamh Se which aired on Zee TV. Prachi is the endorser, spokesperson, brand ambassador and the face of Neutrogena products in India... (Closing Credits) |
| 10 | "Musafir" | Radio Band | 3:31 | Radio Band |
Initial reception
The music was not well received by the mainstream critics. Raja sen of Rediff was critical of the album calling it "a nothing album with pedestrian lyrics" Joginder Tuteja of Bollywood HungamaBollywood Hungama
Bollywood Hungama is a leading Bollywood entertainment website, owned by hungama.com....
echoed similar sentiments saying "The soundtrack just doesn't work and is quite a shocker from SEL - Javed Akhtar team"
Though a few reviewers like Planetbollywood's Atta Khan was impressed by the album, who described the album as bold and daring and concluded The only thing that remains is for listeners to open their ears to a unique genre especially if they have been drummed with too much regular stuff from Pritam / Anu Malik and dare I say it Vishal and Shekhar…
Reaction from the blogosphere
In contrast to the mainstream critics, the celebrity music bloggers like Karthik of Milliblog! was ecstatic about the soundtrack. In his 200 word review, which he reserves for the best albums, he said, "With minimal direct references to conventional and well known rock idioms, the musical trio are truly the heroes of this lively, innovative and thoroughly enjoyable soundtrack. Despite the cliché, I’ll take this as the most appropriate moment to say, Rock on dudes!" Similarly, Harry of HarryJerry, in his favorable review, stated "This is just some brilliant stuff as usual from Shankar Ehsaan Loy and the lyrics are simply amazing. On the whole an album as expected. Go get it! You’ll love each and every song!"Sales and cult status
Despite the poor reviews from mainstream critics, album became a chart-topper selling over 120,000 copies in India. The sales of the soundtrack surged further once the film went on to garner positive reviews from the critics.The album became popular amongst the urban masses and slowly started building a cult following. Shankar Mahadevan commented on the initial negative reviews saying, ""Even in the past, we have faced such situations when some people have rejected our music in the first couple of hearing", including Dil Chahta Hai
Dil Chahta Hai
Dil Chahta Hai is a 2001 Indian film starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta, Sonali Kulkarni, and Dimple Kapadia...
and Kal Ho Naa Ho
Kal Ho Naa Ho
Kal Ho Naa Ho is a 2003 Hindi film set in New York City. It stars Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan and Jaya Bachchan. The film was directed by first-timer Nikhil Advani, it was produced by Yash Johar and co-written by Karan Johar, better known as the director of the hit films Kuch Kuch...
which earned them several awards and accolades, and are considered as one of the best bollywood soundtracks of all time.
The Rock on! team featured on the cover of the popular music magazine Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
's 2008 September issue. Farhan described it as a "dream come true " for him, since as a teenager, he had always dreamt of being in Rolling Stone.