How old is too old for your first gig?

[canopener]

*Disclaimer* This isn't one of those kitschy self realization-better-off-in-a-blog threads, I'm just trying to guage supply and demand.

I started teaching myself bass when I was 22. Five years later, after a few lessons, many books, and several sets of strings, I consider myself a notch or two below decent, but ready to gig. I've been stagnant for the last coupla years now. After getting married, getting a real job, and all that other crap, is there room for a cat my age (27) who hasn't played a gig yet?

I've always *kind of* reserved myself for one of my friends who is a great guitarist, but nothing ever seems to come together as far as serious interest for a band is concerned. I've played around with the idea of answering some bassist wanted ad that I'd feel comfortable with skill-level-wise, but the music style hasn't piqued my interest enough to motivate me. I suppose I'd be happy with my living room chops, but I'd also be interested in doing a little more than some random jam sessions (which have also become scarce of late). Are any of you guys in the same boat?

[Basshole]

Dead. Dead is too old. Play while you're still alive. You'll sound better, you'll look better, you'll smell better.

[kevteop]

Originally Posted by Basshole

Dead. Dead is too old. Play while you're still alive. You'll sound better, you'll look better, you'll smell better.

+1

The longer you spend thinking about it, the older you'll get. Go do some gigs.

[LowBSix]

if you're able to play, your young enuf

[Hawaii Islander]

+1 to all of the above comments!

[rfclef]

Started playing bass at age 35... Just turned 37... got my first gig in a month. Go for it.

[GeoffByrne]

Couple of years ago I met a guy who took up bass & first appeared in public at the age of 82.

[BassChuck]

Problems with age would more than likely have to do with fellow musicians, or perhaps the music/venue you were playing. I can't imagine age being a factor in a church gig. But, no one really wants to see an old man rock out, unless they are already famous.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

At 27, your hardly old

And like these guys have said, as long as you are still kicking, your golden

[Phalex]

Originally Posted by Basshole

Dead. Dead is too old. Play while you're still alive. You'll sound better, you'll look better, you'll smell better.

Dead ain't too old. I'd pay to see a band with a dead bass player!

[GeoffByrne]

Unfortunately, I've seen one or two.................



G.

[RED5]

Originally Posted by BassChuck

Problems with age would more than likely have to do with fellow musicians, or perhaps the music/venue you were playing. I can't imagine age being a factor in a church gig. But, no one really wants to see an old man rock out, unless they are already famous.

Anyone want a piece of this?

[Basshole]

Originally Posted by RED5

Anyone want a piece of this?

Nah, I'm too old to put up a fight anymore.

[mothmonsterman]

Yep Dead.

[Blueszilla]

Originally Posted by BassChuck

Problems with age would more than likely have to do with fellow musicians, or perhaps the music/venue you were playing. I can't imagine age being a factor in a church gig. But, no one really wants to see an old man rock out, unless they are already famous.

I can see an under 20 group not necessarily wanting a 50 year old bassist, for the looks anyway (or lack thereof), but I've never been denied a gig because of my age, with the obvious exception of not being 21 and the band gigging in a bar. As far as seeing an old man rock out, well that's a personal choice and IMO, if it rocks, it rocks. You could say 'not everyone' and that would be at least arguable.

[Blueszilla]

To the OP, 27 is not too late by a long shot, you have plenty of time. There is no 'too late'. You have the option of doing whatever you like. If you really want to gig, you'll most likely have to get out of your comfort zone and take a chance. I've always tried to play with musicians I consider better than me. Mostly not comfortable at the beginning, but always a rush, keeps you focused and hungry. Jump in, the waters cold, but you get used to it.

[toytech]

I sure hope not, I am 43 and don't even have a friggin band yet!

[evito]

I'm 26 and had my first gig this year, your fine.

[baalroo]

If you're playing image-based music (ie: pop-punk, "emo," metalcore, rap-rock, etc) then 27 is verging on being "too old," assuming that your goal is to start a band that will be popular with it's respective audience. On the other hand, if you're making music because you love music then age is pretty much irrelevant. Most of the popular "alternative" bands in my town are made up of guys between the ages of 21 - 35 or so, and the cover bands and "rock" bands skew considerably older than that.

In conclusion, make music you love and NO ONE worth caring about will care how old you are.

(I'm 27 btw)

[mjolnir]

Originally Posted by Basshole

Dead. Dead is too old. Play while you're still alive. You'll sound better, you'll look better, you'll smell better.

Best answer so far.