Over 40 Disclaimer..

pgolliher · #1 11-30-2011, 03:29 PM

I have 11 month old twins at home and the band that I was playing with has way more gigs than I could handle and still be able to share a bed with my wife, so I am looking for another musical situation. Something like

ractice once a week, gig 1-2/month. I came across a band on craigslist that looked interesting and replied with what my ideal situation was, links to my playing, etc. After I hit "send", I realized that as of a week ago, I am 40 years old. (The band looked late 20s-early thirties). I know that this sounds crazy, but I felt that I should put that in as some sort of disclaimer. "Warning: Old Man Bassist" I don't feel old, and haven't had much thought about turning 40 until now.

SBassman · #2 11-30-2011, 04:00 PM

While some will say age shouldn't matter, in the band world I think it does. Anytime I am exploring something, I find out the ages of the other players and offer up my age. It can save lots of wasted time.

Some bands can fly fine with varying ages. And some can't. Btw congrats on those twins. Awesome.

SeaBassSteve · #3 11-30-2011, 04:02 PM

I love playing with older more experienced players. Only way to learn.

Sneakypete · #4 11-30-2011, 04:22 PM

The big six-oh for me and still going strong (well, on my good days). Generally a similar age group works better, I've found - you are more likely to have similar experience levels and tastes/ preferences for what you play. In my band we range from myself down to the drummer who is about 40 I think. A twenty year spread but it works fine for us. It would have to be a rather unusual teenager happy to play with us grandads though!

pgolliher · #5 11-30-2011, 04:40 PM

I think the age issue varries with genres. For instance, I played in an Americana Band with a pedal steel player 20 years my elder-no big deal, but it would feel a bit weird to me if a 60 year old guy wanted to play in the rock band I was in. Some genres seem more image dependent.

Marial · #6 11-30-2011, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgolliher

I think the age issue varries with genres. For instance, I played in an Americana Band with a pedal steel player 20 years my elder-no big deal, but it would feel a bit weird to me if a 60 year old guy wanted to play in the rock band I was in. Some genres seem more image dependent.

This is absolutely true. A fantastic slide and pedal steel player named Country Dave is sitting in with the alt country band I'm at this Thursday's gig. He's in his mid-sixties and about to go on tour with Zoe Muth, a local up-and-comer. The rest of us are in our mid-thirties to early forties.

MatticusMania · #7 11-30-2011, 05:21 PM

I dont think the disclaimer is necessary but for those people out there who have issues working with people outside of their age range. Theyre out there, no doubt, as Ive heard countless others make mention of it.

Myself, age is not really a factor when it comes to bringing someone into the band. If theyre good, and we can hang, theyre okay with me. This of course would imply that the person is relatable despite whatever age gap may exist.

The last band I put together was me (25y/o at the time) playing with a guitarist (33), 2 synth players (35 and 37) and a drummer (34). Aside from one guy, not me, everyone got along just fine.

**MiJaKo** · #8 11-30-2011, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgolliher

I think the age issue varries with genres. For instance, I played in an Americana Band with a pedal steel player 20 years my elder-no big deal, but it would feel a bit weird to me if a 60 year old guy wanted to play in the rock band I was in. Some genres seem more image dependent.

+1 to that.
In my band we're all in our early- to mid-40s, but that doesn't matter because we play classic rock, so most of our fans are the same age too.
What always seems kind of "off" to me is a band full of 40-somethings doing modern rock or nu metal. (IMHO)

fingerbun · #9 11-30-2011, 05:32 PM

I have always mentioned the age thing when applying for bands. Saves wasted time if it matters to them.

I turned 50 this year. 40 is young.

I know a 60 yo who was asked by a bunch of 40-somethings if he could lug and set up his drums without assistance. People get funny ideas sometimes.

Nev375 · #10 11-30-2011, 05:34 PM

Well, what's a 40 year old supposed to play if he happens to be burnt out on classic rock and country?

Gaius46 · #11 11-30-2011, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiJaKo

+1 to that.
In my band we're all in our early- to mid-40s, but that doesn't matter because we play classic rock, so most of our fans are the same age too.
What always seems kind of "off" to me is a band full of 40-somethings doing modern rock or nu metal. (IMHO)

I had to opposite happen to me. I answered an ad for a bassist for a classic rock band and when I showed up the members were all in their early 20s. I was 45 at the time.

tekhedd · #12 11-30-2011, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nev375

Well, what's a 40 year old supposed to play if he happens to be burnt out on classic rock and country?

Exactly! Why is it so hard to find experienced musicians who want to play something besides what even I am starting to think of as oldies?

Although, age is an interesting indicator. I'm starting to think of the 30-39 age range as the "I'm going to bail on the band just when it gets going to focus on work and my family" range... ([edit] aka the "inverse midlife crisis")

Finally gave up and am playing in a blues band now. At least they *want* to play.

Marginal Tom · #13 11-30-2011, 05:54 PM

I'm 68, currently playing with a 30-something and two 20-somethings in an alt-rock band. I usually can't tell which songs are recent hits which are originals. But they love me. Perhaps I'm in my second childhood.

D1on · #14 12-01-2011, 07:07 AM

My band spans four decades, 20's, 30's, 40's and me

Our drummer just turned 21 and had his first groupie experience last Saturday, kinda freaked him out a little bit.

anderbass · #15 12-01-2011, 08:16 AM

pgolliher, If they're ad didnt mention anything about age dont worry about it. Just concentrate on playing well at your tryout. Good luck man, I hope you land the gig !

bassbully · #16 12-01-2011, 09:07 AM

I will be 50 in about 2 months God willing and will play with any age but will admit I wouldn't look good with 18- 20 somethings in a indie punk band. Since I play Americana, Folk rock age is no big deal. The guys in my band are from early thirtys to me at almost 50 to our elder a muti strings player in his early 60's.

JimInRadfordVA · #17 12-01-2011, 09:17 AM

If the age thing does come up, just do the best to assure them that you would be happy to slow down a little if they have problems keeping up.

"Guys, I know that I have a ton of talent and experience, but don't let that intimidate you. Let's play!"

fhm555 · #18 12-01-2011, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nev375

Well, what's a 40 year old supposed to play if he happens to be burnt out on classic rock and country?

The same thing a 20 year old or 60 year old should play...whatever the heck they want.

Just don't expect to get a gig with a band full of teens in spandex if you are not a teen who can rock spandex.

Bredian · #19 12-01-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nev375

Well, what's a 40 year old supposed to play if he happens to be burnt out on classic rock and country?

Hear ya.

My boredom in the jazz group I'm in lead me to a classic rock band bout 6 months ago. Unfortunately, "classic" rock to the BL means Clapton all the way back to the Yardbirds, and his wife/singer loves Patsy Cline. She's 3 years younger, he's 3 years older than thou and I'm feeling out of place at 53, plus, even though we're tight and execute it well, most of those fans are even older.

New project has a 35 year old female singer, a 40 ish Metalica lead guitarist refuge and a great drummer in between. The set lists include "new" country (Katie Perry, Underwood, etc.) blended with Vixin, Jett, Petty, Pink, etc. As the guitarist said, "distorted guitars=good". Without a twang in her voice and banjos in the mix, our 3 pieces+ singer will rawk rather well.

Thinking a little hair color and a knit cap.

Muttleybass · #20 12-01-2011, 11:14 AM

I usually throw my age in there just so they know what they're getting. As much as I like to rock, playing thrash metal with a bunch of 20 year olds doesn't appeal to me. Playing with someone who's old enough to be their dad probably wouldn't appeal to them, either.

If you want to rock, finding the right fit gets tougher as you get older. The younger they are the more hung up on image they seem to be. ...Not that they're wrong, I suppose.