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End of the Line

The excitement of being asked to join a promising band was soon replaced with the reality that my body no longer has the capability.

I accept that.
And you know
That you're over the hill
When your mind makes a promise
That your body can't fill
– Little Feat, "Old Folks Boogie" (1977)

May you cherish the memories and keep at least one bass on the wall to frequently rekindle them.
 
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Eventually, the body lets us down. I’ve been a motorcyclist since 1967, in the last few years arthritis has made using a clutch very painful. I decided to stop riding, sold my bike and gave it up. Now, six months later I decided I still want to ride. I’m going to buy an automatic motorcycle. No need to lose out on that feeling simply because I have to make some adjustments. It might be same for you. Bend don’t break.
 
I have hit my end point.

Tendon issues in my fretting hand have sidelined me again, and this time for good. It has been a issue for the last few years. If I backed off on playing, I could get it to be kind of OK. But, it never would go away.

I recently starting rehearsing with a new band and it did not take long for things to go bad again. I cannot see the pain / rewards ratio of gigging justifying the pain element any longer. The excitement of being asked to join a promising band was soon replaced with the reality that my body no longer has the capability.

I accept that.

I had a lot of fun. Met some amazing people. Got to do many things beyond my dreams. I also somehow managed to end it all on a good note, and am very grateful for that.


Jim

Damn!

So sorry to hear about your situation.
 
I have hit my end point.

Tendon issues in my fretting hand have sidelined me again, and this time for good. It has been a issue for the last few years. If I backed off on playing, I could get it to be kind of OK. But, it never would go away.

I recently starting rehearsing with a new band and it did not take long for things to go bad again. I cannot see the pain / rewards ratio of gigging justifying the pain element any longer. The excitement of being asked to join a promising band was soon replaced with the reality that my body no longer has the capability.

I accept that.

I had a lot of fun. Met some amazing people. Got to do many things beyond my dreams. I also somehow managed to end it all on a good note, and am very grateful for that.


Jim

Hey, buy a 100 dollar Ukelele and keep playing. There are tons of songs you can jam to and it's fun. You can scratch the musical itch and Ukes are very ergonomic.

Rock on!
 
In July of last year, I was in a bad motorcycle accident. About two weeks later, I had what seemed like a nerve attack of some sort and my left arm went dead. Had neck surgery in December to fix it, with a brutal rehab/recovery after, but the feeling hasn't all come back in my left fingertips. I've since kinda relearned how to play within that limitation. I can only do a couple of gigs per month, but I'm okay with that. I've moved most of my music work over to studio now. I already had a hand injury that gives problems, and both issues have definitely made me appreciate playing music a lot more. It's a bit of a crappy way to wind up in this position but I ultimately am happier now playing than I have been in 25 years. Not only that, I enjoy life around me a lot more in general.

I'm glad you're at peace with your decision, but sorry it had to come to that. Sometimes taking a step back can be a blessing, though. Hoping you do continue to play and maybe find some new inspiration through all of this. It's not the end of the road; it's a new one.
 
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In July of last year, I was in a bad motorcycle accident. About two weeks later, I had what seemed like a nerve attack of some sort and my left arm went dead. Had neck surgery in December to fix it, with a brutal rehab/recovery after, but the feeling hasn't all come back in my left fingertips. I've since kinda relearned how to play within that limitation. I can only do a couple of gigs per month, but I'm okay with that. I've moved most of my music work over to studio now. I already had a hand injury that gives problems, and both issues have definitely made me appreciate playing music a lot more. It's a bit of a crappy way to wind up in this position but I ultimately am happier now playing than I have been in 25 years. Not only that, I enjoy life around me a lot more in general.
I've been amazed and inspired by how many members here play regularly and even professionally with some serious adversity.
I'm glad you're at peace with your decision, but sorry it had to come to that. Sometimes taking a step back can be a blessing, though. Hoping you do continue to play and maybe find some new inspiration through all of this. It's not the end of the road; it's a new one.
 
I empathize. Facing the same thing myself. I voluntarily ended a six year, twice a week performance schedule October of 2018. Three surgeries and multiple cortisone injections later, I do a once a month "guest" slot and it's back to square one with the old man stuff for the ensuing few weeks.

It's tough giving up something you've loved doing for 56 years, but reality is near. And reality bites....at least in this circumstance.

Anyhow, sorry you're experiencing this....just wanted you to know you're not alone.

Best wishes.

Koog.
 
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I'm always sorry when these things come up, but I understand. I have tendon and hand related stuff going on all the time. I once sold all my equipment because I thought I wouldn't be able to play again. I found a way, but I had to adjust quite a bit. Hopefully you'll find that way, but if you don't, I hope you have a good journey, nevertheless, and I hope it doesn't end here.
 
Did you consider playing key bass? On a Moog or something?

I would echo this thought and also encourage the perspective that although your time on electric bass is short there is still a world of music out there. Seek other instruments that are less physically painful, help to record or produce music, write about it, talk to people about it.... instead of mourning an ending, find the ways it can open different paths for you to grow.
 
I have hit my end point.

Tendon issues in my fretting hand have sidelined me again, and this time for good. It has been a issue for the last few years. If I backed off on playing, I could get it to be kind of OK. But, it never would go away.

I recently starting rehearsing with a new band and it did not take long for things to go bad again. I cannot see the pain / rewards ratio of gigging justifying the pain element any longer. The excitement of being asked to join a promising band was soon replaced with the reality that my body no longer has the capability.

I accept that.

I had a lot of fun. Met some amazing people. Got to do many things beyond my dreams. I also somehow managed to end it all on a good note, and am very grateful for that.


Jim
Sucks. I know for me if I had a physical issue preventing me from playing at this stage I’d be really bummed out. So it’s at least good that you’re at peace with it, Hope you are able to continue on making music somehow. Perhaps it’s tome to give keybass a shot as you don’t really need your fretting hand for that other then maybe messing with the pitch wheel here and there. Either way wish you the best