The rise and rise of the Rock Musical
Posted on
| By
Shanine Salmon
(Updated on Sep 5, 2025)
When Bat Out of Hell returned to London, moving from the Coliseum to the Dominion Theatre, it found itself in good the company of other rock musicals. Bat Out of Hell is a musical epic as an album but add in the story of The Lost, frozen in time and an array of love stories BooH is now an epic musical.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
In April 2018 Tina: the Tina Turner Musical opened at the Aldwych Theatre about Tina Turner. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd Tina is a musical biography incorporating her Ike and Tina Turner Revue era songs and the songs that made her 1980s comeback such a success. The rock musical genre seems to know what audiences want.
Jesus Christ Superstar and Tommy
The rock musical is often dismissed as a ‘jukebox musical’ but in the 1970s shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar and Tommy proved there was a market for original songs in musical setting (though Tommy is more of Rock Opera). Audiences want a good story and if they can’t get that they want songs they know and love.
We Will Rock You
The turning point came in 2002 with Queen musical We Will Rock You, written by Ben Elton and panned by critics it was a smash hit with audiences becoming the 10th longest running musical when it closed at the Dominion in 2014. Tottenham Court Road hasn’t been the same without Freddie Mercury looming over it.
Jukebox Musicals
A string of rock jukebox musicals was to follow; American Idiot, Spring Awakening, Rock of Ages, The Toxic Avenger to name a few. In 2018 Knights of the Rose, debuted at the Arts Theatre. The blurb suggests a rocky Game of Thrones with songs by Bon Jovi, Bonnie Tyler, Meatloaf, and No Doubt—this show could attract fans of hits like Rocky Horror, Bat Out of Hell, and We Will Rock You worldwide.
Does the rock musical have a future? Absolutely. Audiences prefer catchy tunes over complex plots. Musicals are easier to market than plays, and many actors are eager to showcase their singing and acting skills. While relying on familiar songs might discourage new composers, rock fans need to trust new works, and familiarity can attract new audiences who may eventually appreciate original compositions.