I actually like a lot of classic rock (yes even Hotel California, that solo kicks ass) but there is a lot of bad classic rock too. What do you think the worst classic rock song is? What is the most overrated band or artist? I think Supertramp is mid at best, but Bob Seeger is truly dreadful.
I've never met anyone that likes rock for the lyricism. Especially not references. Good rock lyrics are about a story and usually don't have more depth than that. Hip-hop tends to have much better lyrics, but rock tends to have better instrumentals.