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Am I too old and fat?

#23
I joined my current band when I was 37. I'm 42 now, and in the last five years I have recorded two CD's, been on television, and played live sets for the radio. More importantly, I've met lots of awesome people that I never would have known otherwise.

The band only plays originals; in other words, we're nobody important. And that's just the way we like it. We play and record our own music, we're all very close friends (we have not had a single conflict that I can recall), and we're having a blast.

Playing in this band has been one of the greatest things I have ever done in my life. I would not trade it for anything.

Originally, I was thinking that I might be too old. I am really glad I didn't listen to that advice. I think you should play.

FWIW, my bandmates are 32, 29, & 23.
 
#26
I don't know, I'm 39 myself and my favorite bands are all at least in their 40's, age doesn't seem to stop good music. Being in good shape is a great thing though, I've been in the health club twice a week since I was 17, it's a part of me like eating three times a day. Being in good shape also makes you feel younger/better, and getting compliments never hurts either.
 
#29
Thanks for all the replies. Sorry to be a whiner. Just not sure how to jump back in...also, I read my OP and it seems kind of rude.

There's nothing wrong with hawaiian shirts and man shorts and Eagles covers; it's just not my thing really.

I'll definitely look into getting together with some folks in the near future. I'm just in the process of finding another job and it will entail a move anyway. My current job is killing me.

Lots of sound advice and supportive comments here, and I do appreciate that.
 
#30
You'll have to accept the fact that time stands still for no man.. make the appropriate adjustments, lose the idea (snobbery actually) about the image of 'tubby adults' in Hawaiin shirts and "man shorts", and ask yourself what the real priorities are? Playing & honing your craft, or pretending that you aren't aging? I'm past 50 already... I play all the time... I've also stopped drinking ANY kind of soda, cut way back on bread, only have salad as a 'side' with meals, and do some consistant walking. You'll WIN on all fronts that way.. You'll be playing, you'll lose some tummy, gain back alot of energy, gain self-confidence about your appearance/age... and secretly please your spouse!
 
#31
Good posts...like they said -- good bass players are hard to find, so there will be people looking. My advice:
= Don't play in classic-rock cover bands if that's not your thing - there's more out there than that.
= Look for musicians that like what you like -- if you find a few, start something yourself. It doesn't have to be a "band" - could start as a weekly jam session, or a recording project, or whatever.
My band ranges from 40s to 60s and we play what interests us and get gigs cause we do it pretty well. Jimmy Buffett covers are not involved.
Have fun!
 
#32
I'll be 68 in not too many months. I can still play and in many ways, better than when I was younger and working all the time. Luckily I didn't get fat, I just got old. No matter. I still enjoy playing and I play what I want when I want now that I don't have to do it to earn a living.
 
#34
If getting in a band is a social thing, then, yeah, your looks, may seem more important. If it's about the music, play your ass off, start getting into shape and keep on keepin' on, bro.

Look at Jagger, Richards and all the old blues players. Over sixty, seventy, eighty, doin' it till they die.

Good luck.
 
#35
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´Nuff said. :smug:
 
#37
You got it man.

I dont even pay mind to it. Sure, I cant bench 500 lbs anymore, and my hair is near gone, but my mind is more nimble, sharper, my soul more developed, so I dont know why being 47 instead of 27 means much, OTHER than being further along the timeline.

And two sons that ARE my Pride and Joys.

So , if ANYTHING, you should be more aware of your mortality, and therefore must pursue your passions with vigor. Time waits for no one my friend. I only gig once a month or so, gigging is not my passion, I have no ego need to fill with it.( another benefit of being 47 and having been around the block more times than folks twice my age, I know what is important to me, and what is not.) I just like making music and being a groovemeister. Dont care if its in a basement or in front of a 1000/10000 folks. But thats me. I need to get out of a rock and roll band is all, or add a rb/funk one to the mix. Its starting to bore the heck outta me, and that's hard to do with music.

the only chics that "dig my look" out at clubs are , um, lesbians. SO I dont know what that means!? Likely that I aint no hot hunk, but.... I can sure play....
 
#38
Age is something that you can't change but your attitude is what really counts. I'm 63 and I still gig 3 to 6 nites a week. I work out 3 to 4 days a week so that i can lift the damn gear and be able to keep up with everybody. And I don't attempt to act like I'm more experienced and give advice as some older guys do. I do my job and try to keep my mouth shut. I guess it's got something to do with the genre of music that you play. If it's Pop, age might be a factor but in Blues and Jazz nobody cares how old or how fat you are.:)
 

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