Don’t End Up Like Me

[bluewine]

The same thing we talk about with our kids.

When I am with these kids it's something I don't really think about, I am never concerned about what I talk about them.I talk about whatever I talk about.

Don't get me wrong I am sure my life circumstances are not the same as theirs. However I am single (divorced twice) and I come and go as I please.

It's a tough spot though, I know what you mean. I have 2 sons almost out of college and they ask me the same kind of questions. Why are you doing this?

For me, I'm still at the "Whats The Big Deal" stage of the game.

 

[Sundogue]

When I am with these kids it's something I don't really think about, I am never concerned about what I talk about them.I talk about whatever I talk about.

Don't get me wrong I am sure my life circumstances are not the same as theirs. However I am single (divorced twice) and I come and go as I please.

It's a tough spot though, I know what you mean. I have 2 sons almost out of college and they ask me the same kind of questions. Why are you doing this?

For me, I'm still at the "Whats The Big Deal" stage of the game.

I said it kind of tongue in cheek because my oldest son is almost is old as my cover band's lead singer/rhythm guitarist.

And yes, I talk with him the same way I talk with the older guys in my band...no difference really.

But still, as the years go by, doing music that is more youth oriented will cause a gap between personal and musical interests. At some point the younger players aren't going to relate as well with you.

I know that our singer found it hard to get guys his own age doing the music my cover band does because most of that music was written before he was born and yet he's into it and others his age are not. So in a way, his position is similar to yours but in reverse. Doable, but not necessarily easy.

At some point it will become hard to find like minded individuals closer to your age who want to play what you do. Also, the older you get, the less more youthful players will want the "old man" playing bass for them. I know of at least a dozen guys I'd love to play with (and have over the years) but they don't even want to play out at all anymore, much less play a particular genre. Doesn't mean you have to give it up, but it will test your resolve.

 

[bassbully]

I have also seen the older cats who don't want the "kids" in their bands and put "Mature" in adds to distract them.
I hate to say it but music is age related in allot of ways. You don't see old tat'ed cats trying to play in a metal band unless they have been in them from their teens. Blues allows you to age gracefully as does jazz,country,folk, R&B and adds in allot of cases to the appeal. There has been young blues cats not excepted cuz they were too young although they were good players.

Pop music and some of the younger focused music styles like Emo rock,indie rock, focus on young kids with skinny jeans,weird hair,makeup and big belts etc. Me and skinny Jeans

 

[jive1]

A couple of things, I audition because it's the only way to get in a Pop Rock Band out here.

I'm 57 and I get calls from older guys my age, but it's always for blues or jazz bands. Most TBers in this forum know that I am not going to play in a blues or jazz band.

I have pretty much alienated a lot of the guys hat are my age. Last year when they would come out to our shows they would all say, " No way would I do what your doing". Playing Pop Rock with peoplle that are not even half your age.

Also I am from Jersey and I don't have much of a rep in this town.


I don't drink and I don't do drugs, I have never been stoned or anything in my 57 years.

If you turn down calls for gigs, it's gonna be hard to get a rep in any town.

Even though it's not your preferred genre, you can still show off your chops, prove your reliability and ability to learn material, and make connections for future gigs that may be closer to your dream gig.

 

[bluewine]

If you turn down calls for gigs, it's gonna be hard to get a rep in any town.

Even though it's not your preferred genre, you can still show off your chops, prove your reliability and ability to learn material, and make connections for future gigs that may be closer to your dream gig.

I am willing to live with the consequences of turning down blues and jazz offers.

 

[jive1]

I am willing to live with the consequences of turning down blues and jazz offers.

For a guy willing to live with the consequences, you sure do complain about them alot.

 

[bluewine]

I meant zero disrespect in my post bro....hope you didn't take it that way.

I play in a pop R&B band that does everything from Usher to Lady Antebellum.
We range from 30-50.

Play what you like. Jersey has to have guys that you can connect with that are totally on your level- musically & personally.

Detroit isn't a small town either. I've just jumped musical styles gig wise over the years. I've done the "new/pop" country thing for years and there are guys who only know me in that context, and then there are R&B pop guys who only know me for that and neither really knew I did the other.

But if you just want to play pop/rock, I'm sure you'll find something smokin'......

No disrespect taken.

Thing is I don't live in Jersey and I am restricted to the scene here.

I hope I do find sometung smoking. I did it last year, and I'll do it again. It's going to be harder this time around and will take longer.

 

[bluewine]

For a guy willing to live with the consequences, you sure do complain about them alot.

I think we forget how relative most things are.

For example, I don't think I am complaining, if I give that impression I'm sorry.

I have nothing to complain about. My situation is what it is. It's an interesting challange for anyone my age.

Maybe thats why it continues to be an interesting topic.

Like some of the older guys here have said, a lot of guys my age don't even care to play out any more, no less want to play Pop Rock.

My heart is really in this.It will happen for me. It's what I am supose to be doing.

 

[jive1]

Maybe thats why it continues to be an interesting topic.

Nah, we're just cruel and can't resist watching a wreck about to happen. Sorta like how people like watching car crashes in a NASCAR race. Or maybe it's more like watching Jerry Springer.

Anyway, a broken clock is right twice a day, and the sun also shines on a dogs arse, so no doubt you'll get your chance. Best of luck to you.