Can an 11-year-old watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show?
Recently on Quora, someone asked – can an 11-year-old watch the Rocky Horror Picture show. I said, “yes,” after confirming said 11 year old was not visually impaired; I’m not a monster, despite spending the night once in a hot fly-infested room, with “A League of Their Own” playing on the TV as I drifted off to sleep. I woke up the next day, afraid, but I wouldn’t say, “very afraid.” Just normally afraid. I was a bit rattled and oddly craving an inordinate amount of sugar in my coffee, which I usually prefer black.
Someone else, questioning my judgment, suggested that since they “eat Eddie,” later referred to as a “tender subject,” cannibalism may not be the right message to present to an 11-year-old.
I countered with the indisputable retort that Eddie was played by a yet to be known, twenty-eight-year-old musician and actor named Marvin Lee Aday. But since his stage name was Meat Loaf, of course, the other characters ate him. But, since most kids don’t like Meat Loaf, the chances of the Rocky Horror Picture Show turning them on to anthropophagite tendencies at such an early age is preposterous.
Yes, I am aware I could have merely said, “unreasonable,” but “preposterous” has a weight to it that would make even Thurston Howell the III stand down. Saying that its mouthfeel is a very fine Amarone with fava beans, I felt better drove my point home.
I agreed that growing up to develop a healthy man-crush on Barry Bostwick and Tim Curry, most famous for his turn as Long John Silver in the movie “Muppet Treasure Island,” was a probable side effect of note, but worth it. But aside from that, what could be the harm.
In addition, I would be far more concerned about said 11-year-old discovering exactly what paradise resides beneath that dashboard light without a proper talking to about bees and birds and how they do it.
Or, at the very least, a thorough discussion of precisely what Phil Rizzuto was talking about as Meat Loaf was rounding the bases. Or why he was so willing to “sleep on it” when he was so willing to “do that.” Sadly, now, we never know what “that” was.
I enjoy this version which wsa made to promote the Steve Martin Movie Leap of Faith, where Meat Loaf played a bus driver named Hoover.
If you prefer the orginal you can watch it below:
Others may wonder why Beastly ice Skater Robbie Benson’s future wife, who became the face of Meat Loaf’s massive hit, Paradise by the Dashboard light, didn’t sing on the album. Long story short, it was Ellen Folley who sang, but because she chose not to join the tour. The band wanted the “girl in the video” to be who audiences would see live, so Ellen was replaced by Karla Devito.
A few years later, after running around the bases with Meat Loaf around the world, Karla would play the role of Mabel in the Pirates of Penzance. A position she shared with Mork from Ork’s one-time Boulder roommate Pam Dawber and the one and only Linda Ronstadt. At some point, Robbie Benson took over the role of Frederick and skated into her heart. They’ve been married ever since.
Much like Karla became the face of Ellen’s iconic performance, Meat Loaf was the presence needed to bring Jim Steinman’s songs to life. Jim, Meat Loaf’s long-time collaborator, is rightfully considered the mastermind behind Bat Out of Hell. However, Meat Loaf’s unique style and passionate delivery combined with Jim’s writing turned the songs into legendary hits.
Jim was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2012. Sadly, he passed away on April 1, 2021. But not before; he had lived to see previews of Bat out Hell the Musical being performed before COVID shut down the productions.
A few months later, in August of 2021, Ellen released a new album, “Fighting Words.” In a metaphorical punch in the face to COVID, she teamed up with Karle Devito and recorded the song “I’m Just Happy to Be Here.”
The album concludes with Ellen’s rendition of “Heaven Can Wait,” initially track three from the same Bat Out of Hell album that made Jim, Ellen, Karla, and Meat Loaf stars. You can listen to all the songs on Ellen’s bandcamp site.
A Word To Smart Alecs
Oh, and for any of you smart alecs reading this right now, who is probably named Michael, because most smart Alecs are, read a book, why don’t ya?
I can practically see you sitting there in your Hugh Heffner replica robe and bunny slippers as you smugly sip on a “to-die-for” low sugar, sauvignon blanc that your brother in law gave you. Here’s a hint – he got it as a white elephant gift three years ago, and he never refrigerated it, jokes on you!
To you, sir, who I am sure is thinking, “Uh, dude, Hannibal Lector drank chianti.” Wrong! in the book, he drank a big Amarone. As a card-carrying bibliophile, I stick to the written word on such matters of accuracy, my good man. At sixteen percent alcohol by volume, Amarone’s are big. But as wine conisruer Flavio Grassi of Milan Wine Academy tells us, it also has an unexpected freshness on the palate. A complex bouquet amongst subtle but ever-present rich and spicy flavors that compliment a fresh fruitiness. So Amarone is a far superior wine when partaking in fava beans, as far as food pairings are concerned.
And one last thing, the only smart Aleck I ever defer my glaring superior opinion to is Mr. “Alec Trebek.” Who was shamefully forced to change the spelling of his name, due to TV execs, likely vegan Meat Loaf hating, big whigs, because it too closely resembled that of criminal mastermind, Alec Hoag — who was known to enjoy a chianti after along with partners in crime, wife Melinda, and “French Jack.”
So, in conclusion, yes, an 11-year-old, if they are not visually impaired, should be more than capable of watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show!
I dedicated this piece to Anthrax Guitarist, Scott Ian’s father-in-law, Meat Loaf. And if you have not read Scott’s book where he speaks about first meeting Meat Loaf, this piece is almost over, so go get it!
While many will likely share more straightforward eulogies, I could think of no better way to honor a man who inspired me my whole life than with a more creative tribute. He may be taking his rightful place in Rock and Roll Heaven to perform, but he will always and forever be my favorite Roadie!