I did it, 53 years old and finally played a live gig

[MakoMan]

and it was an absolute BLAST!
Been playing bass for just over a year, right after I joined TB. Always wanted to play an instrument and have been working hard trying to learn to play. Not that good yet, but I have fun.
I have been jamming with some friends now and then, maybe once a month or every two months, just playing different songs all the time. Last week we got together and our singer mentioned he had some friends in another band who were playing in a local open mic at a bar the next week and they suggested he take his basement jam buddies out to play a few songs.
Anyway at the last minute we decided to go. We brought our guitars and used the house drum kit and amps. Our drummer arrived late from work about 5 minutes before we went on (he called and said just set up and I will be there!). We worked out a quick 5 song set list and jumped on. Our singer needed the lyrics because we had really only played the songs we picked a few times. We also decided to play a bit more uptempo than usual and really rock it out. We did not have a name, but Old Speckled Hen beer was on sale so we each had one and went on as Will & The Old Speckled Hens.
Anyway, the crowd absolutely loved us, we got all kinds of applause and some great comments afterwards. Had a great time mingling with the other bands that were there. The host told us he thought we were great and to come back anytime. They even gave us T-shirts. He said when he saw us setting up he thought because of our age and the guitars we were using that maybe we were a country or folk band and did not expect us to be rockers LOL!
We really enjoyed the other bands sets as well and cheered all of them on just like they had for us. All in all it was an absolute blast. We are just a bunch of middle aged guys who like to play music for fun and we know we are not that good, but it was really nice to get such a response. The night just flew by.
My wife videoed our last song of the night and she took a few pictures which I have attached. Here is the video link of us doing All Along the Watchtower to close out our set. We had only played this song once before and I really did not know it so I just kept it simple with roots and 5ths.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvDRktBUf1c

[mudpup]

Well done mate!
Its a blast isnt it.
Bet you cant wait for the next one now

ps Nice Yammy

[madbassplaya]

Congratulations, man! I enjoyed reading your post and watching your video. Here's to more jamming and gigging!

[MakoMan]

Originally Posted by mudpup

Well done mate!
Its a blast isnt it.
Bet you cant wait for the next one now

ps Nice Yammy

I would play right now if I could!
Yeah I love the Yammie. I just got it a few weeks ago and it is my first 34 scale. Not quite used to it yet but I love it so much I had to bring it out for this one!

[TomB]

For a crusty old gigger like myself, this post was a total blast to read! Carry on, young-un!

[Marko5657]

Awesome!

I just saw one of those Yamahas pop up in my local GC used dept, a BB415 (five-string version) and I may have to go check it out.

[Mound of Sound]

Good for you. Definite motivation for slobs like me to get off the couch.

Originally Posted by Marko5657

Awesome!

I just saw one of those Yamahas pop up in my local GC used dept, a BB415 (five-string version) and I may have to go check it out.

Yes, check it out. If its under $350 and in decent shape, get it. I love mine!

[gmarcus]

Old guys rule! You are never too old to rock and roll!!! I started at 42.

[warnergt]

Excellent!

[DSims63]

Congratulations. It's great when us "old guys" are still out there doing it!

[pbass6811]

Cool story, bro! I'm happy for ya'! Well played, sir...

[Astreaux]

Fantastic! Glad you have joined the ranks of the "experienced elderly" musicians! Keep on rockin'!!

[NYCbassist]

Very cool! I always loved jamming Watchtower.

[LozzieG74]

Awesome mate, well done!

I've been doing this way too long to remember how I felt after my first gig but I do know it was not as good as yours!!

Your post made me smile! :thumbup:

[Flabass]

Great! My first real gig I was 27 and I thought I was too old sometimes. I'm older than you, still playing out and loving every minute of it. You're never too old to rock and roll.

[Epidrake]

Awesome!!! Congrats. I would love to take my basement band on the road.

[dreads311]

Awesome Makoman! Feels great, right?!

[MakoMan]

Thanks everyone. It was awesome! I watch the video and I cannot believe its me!
A lot of credit goes out to what I have learned here on TB from gig stories, playing tips etc. This is a wonderful place.
I thought it would be a good idea to post the video and pics as an inspiration to other older beginner bassists who dream getting good enough to be brave enough to get up on stage someday. It can be done! And you do not have to be able to play like John Entwhistle to be able to rock with a band to have a great time.
The other guys in the band had a great time as well. Our singer has played in other bands as a guitarist, but never played live doing the lead singing. Our lead guitarist played the video for his girlfriend and she was floored. She had never seen him play guitar. It was quite a lot of fun for us all and it certainly went better than any of us ever expected.

[lomo]

Mako- ya done us local TBers proud!
Keep thumpin'.
See you at the next GTG

How are you finding the 34 this time?

[pacojas]

rock-on, Brother!

i'm 57 and just started gigging again after a 15yr hiatus. i'm the grand-dad playing with a bunch of 20-somethings and they love it! i'm sort of an "item" in the promotional ads, lol.