Does Age Matter?

Herrlster · #1 04-16-2007, 11:34 AM

About a month ago I called up this guy lwho was looking for a bass player. He said we'd jam see how things go, I said okay, we swapped info (he's 45 and I'm 17.). A few days later he calls me up and says its not gonna work out because of the age difference. I said okay, no problem, thanks for calling to me tell. Now yesterday (a month later) he calls me again and asks me if I still wanna jam, I say sure, he says cool. We're jammin' this Thursday. Kinda makes me wonder what changed his mind...

His bands a 2 piece right now, just guitar/vocals and drums. Hopefully I can land the spot as there bass player. They're an original classic rock band, good music IMO. I like classic rock, I'd like to play in an original classic rock band...

So, does age really matter to you when it comes to band members?

BassChuck · #2 04-16-2007, 12:03 PM

Probably not as far as the music goes, but it just might make all the other 'band stuff' a little different. Like you'll probably not enter into conversations about your wife, job, kids, history, etc etc.

When I was 18 and 19 I was playing in bands with much older men, like in their 50's and 60's. It was good for me because they took time to explain a lot of music things to me and to help be play better in the ensemble. But I never really understood they jokes they told, or what they were talking about outside of music.

Go for it. If its a good band, you'll grow quite a bit.

pointbass · #3 04-16-2007, 12:21 PM

It shouldn't, but the fact of the matter is that it does

The discrimination goes in both directions, young-to-old and old-to-young. Musically, if a player can handle the gig professionally then it shouldn't be an issue. But as stated above ^^^, it's the other stuff (social interaction, experience outside of music, etc) that gets in the way.

I started gigging at a very young age with guys who were much older than me and I learned a lot from them. I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything. If you can get the gig, go for it and keep an open mind. That's a big age difference .....

anechoic · #4 04-16-2007, 12:24 PM

Well, one thing to bear in mind is that it can be a pain to book gigs in a lot of places if someone in the band is under 21. Bars and clubs generally make their money at the bar, not the door, so unless they're shady to begin with, they probably won't want to take chances with their liquor license.

Actually, I just realized you're in Canada. Might be a different story there. I remember when I was in college in upstate New York, a popular weekend road trip consisted of heading up to Montreal to get hammered and take in the, uh, entertainment (well, some of the guys I knew liked to ski, but that's not what I'm talking about).

Herrlster · #5 04-16-2007, 12:31 PM

In Ontario the drinking age is 19. I think Quebec or whatever it's 18...

I've played bars before with my current band no problem. The owners just didn't sell me any booze.

I hope I get the gig because like many of you said, I could learn a lot by jammin' with older musicians...

Marcus · #6 04-16-2007, 01:37 PM

Honestly, it depends on the style of music you are playing. I've played in a handful of jazz ensembles with guys triple my age and it was never awkward. In fact, I learned a lot from some of the older guys I've had the opportunity to play with.

Now on the other hand, if you wish to pursue the ideal of rock band on the road with groupies, it might be tough if you're either too young or too old in relation to the other members of the band simply because of priorities, laws, maturity, and so on.

JeffTheBig · #7 04-16-2007, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassChuck

Pr
When I was 18 and 19 I was playing in bands with much older men, like in their 50's and 60's. It was good for me because they took time to explain a lot of music things to me and to help be play better in the ensemble.

ya. that sounds like my old jazz band ....the guitar was 51 and the drummer was 48 and i was 18 when i signed up and i played with them up untill a few mounts ago, and i did learn a lot about music and playing

tZer · #8 04-16-2007, 02:07 PM

Depends...

There have been many pop, rock, jazz, country, (other) bands that have had members of all ages. So can a band have a bass player who is 17 and a guitar player who is 50? Sure. Why not?

I'll tell you why not - because the band does not want to have that dynamic present either in the rehearsal space or on stage. If the band's founders are going for a particular look, vibe, feel, etc... and the appearance that there is either a) a "kid" on bass or b) some "old geezer" - that may not fit with the image they are trying to put forth.

But other than that, there is really not much reason why not...

Except some clubs may not allow you to play because you are under 21.

But other than that...

Depends.

anechoic · #9 04-16-2007, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tZer

Depends...

There have been many pop, rock, jazz, country, (other) bands that have had members of all ages. So can a band have a bass player who is 17 and a guitar player who is 50? Sure. Why not?

I'll tell you why not - because the band does not want to have that dynamic present either in the rehearsal space or on stage. If the band's founders are going for a particular look, vibe, feel, etc... and the appearance that there is either a) a "kid" on bass or b) some "old geezer" - that may not fit with the image they are trying to put forth.

I instantly thought of the new Van Halen lineup the moment I read this.

funkalicious101 · #10 04-16-2007, 05:12 PM

well hes going for classic rock. you cant get more classic than classic members.

Herrlster · #11 04-16-2007, 09:19 PM

Funny, hahaha...

Peter Squire · #12 04-16-2007, 10:09 PM

im 10 yrs older than the other guys in my band - never been an issue.

Aaron Saunders · #13 04-17-2007, 12:50 AM

Man, they probably changed their mind 'cause you showed yourself to be a nice guy and in command of what you're doing. They wouldn't want you if they didn't like your playing and your attitude at least somewhat!

Good job man.

That said, age should never be a barrier in music. IMO it's key in learning new things.

BlacksHole · #14 04-17-2007, 01:16 PM

I agree with the sentiment that age should not be a barrier to music. Unfortunately, it can be a barrier to group dynamics. I really can't imagine playing in a heavy metal band with a bunch of teenagers (I'd be older than their parents). So while I'm still capable of playing some good metal, it wouldn't look right to see a geezer on stage performing for and with teens, nor would even going to someone's parent's house for practice (I'd probably be questioned if I had a bunch of teenaged guys at my place, so that doesn't work either). It also helps to have the same points of reference for musical direction.