59 and in two bands. You see a lot of guys our age playing because we have the time, kids are raised, careers (hopefully) on track
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How Old is to Old
- Thread starter Bassin4God
- Start date
I'm late 50s. 2 bands, arthritis, blown out back, a laundry list of other problems. I have a hard time lifting one of my legs so I've got to be careful moving around on stage.
My plan... stop playing a few days after I die. Preferably before they put me in the ground.
My plan... stop playing a few days after I die. Preferably before they put me in the ground.
My grandfather bought his last Gibson acoustic guitar at 86. So there. I intend to break that record. And, back in the 80s I played in a band and the drummer was old then. I heard that he actually died on stage performing years later.
Picked up the bass at 45, joined a band right before my 50th, celebrating band's 10th anniversary (and my 60th birthday) next month. I'll stop when I'm dead.
And, conveniently, there are lots of quality light-weight options these days.
As far as age discrepancy, I am 53 and do play with both old and young players, but the younger ones tend to be players of unusual skill and maturity. I might have 35 years ago, but I don't play with any lunkhead wannabes. Gotta have the chops and control. There are these three dividers of young and not-young: 1) generational difference of music tastes, 2) experience and skill and 3) ambition to "make it" or not.
To be clear, there are certainly many, many highly skilled young players. They are young, motivated, and go for it. Even those players will be better than they are now in 10-20 years. I also don't have aspirations to "make it" in the music business at this point. A lot of youngsters have visions of fame. Also, to still be playing out on a regular basis at age 50 or 60 separates dedicated (and skilled) players from the chaff of mediocre players that eventually quit because it wasn't really an essential part of who they are.
I will stop when I die, or, I suppose, upon suffering other physical incapacitation like a stroke or severe arthritis. For now, every day playing is a precious opportunity to be better tomorrow than today. There's no better tonic for age than a lively form of self-expression, and recent research shows that being a dedicated musician as you age actually helps prevent Alzheimer's, dementia, and other cognitive infirmities.
I know of few other things in life that, when you invest the effort, you get back a gift of additional skill that no one and nothing (save the will of God) can take away. If I watch TV, I am no better, and actually a little worse, than when I sat down. If I spend that time playing and practicing, I am even more entertained, and have a lasting gift-- a commodity that I exchanged for my time-- that stays with me.
Truly, continuing to play and investing mental effort into it is the healthy and smart choice. Never too old. You might not want to wear spandex when you're 60 though.
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People try to put us down
Just because we're still around.
Things they say seem awful cold.
Well we ain't dead yet and we won't act old.
And we're not gonna just fade away,
And it don't mean jack what you all say.
Just deal with it, to your consternation.
And don't be dissin' my generation.
Just because we're still around.
Things they say seem awful cold.
Well we ain't dead yet and we won't act old.
And we're not gonna just fade away,
And it don't mean jack what you all say.
Just deal with it, to your consternation.
And don't be dissin' my generation.
76 here and still playing at church 2 or 3 times a month. Play at a local jam 2 times a month and played in a Bluegrass band until 2 months ago when another member retired and the BL pulled the plug. I am actively seeking a new band to join and take the occasional sub job.
I have been playing bass seriously for 35 years and guitar for 60 years. Mostly bass and mandolin these days. I am relatively healthy and still do a sound job for other bands now and then. I have no intention to retire from music; only issue is lack of available time and the need to have lighter gear. I graduated from college at age 69 and wouldn't mind going for my Master's if I can find the time. Of course, that plan would have to fit into my music schedule.
Thump on,
One_Dude
I have been playing bass seriously for 35 years and guitar for 60 years. Mostly bass and mandolin these days. I am relatively healthy and still do a sound job for other bands now and then. I have no intention to retire from music; only issue is lack of available time and the need to have lighter gear. I graduated from college at age 69 and wouldn't mind going for my Master's if I can find the time. Of course, that plan would have to fit into my music schedule.
Thump on,
One_Dude
A few days before? What a waste of your last few days.
I'm trying to decide which bass they should bury me with.
I just helped my 90 year old uncle buy a Porsche Macan Turbo capable of 166 mph. The one that went 149 mph wasn't fast enough for him. He still wrenches on his hot rod VW Bug almost every day. There's not a bolt or screw on it that he hasn't turned. He says it's harder to get back up from laying underneath it on the cold garage floor than it used to be but he just keeps on going.
If you woke up this morning you're not too old to play your bass today.
- Sep 4, 2010
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- Endorsing: Martin Keith Guitars
On the night I turned 54, here's my wife performing with Marshall Allen. Marshall sounds huge and plays with the energy of a teenager; recently on another gig he walked into the audience playing for each and every audience member personally, adding another 45 minutes to the 2 sets of full on playing already under his belt. He'll turn 95 next month.
I went and saw the Mott the Hoople'74 show in Cleveland last Saturday. Ian Hunter, 79, Ariel Bender, 73, Morgan Fisher, 69. They brought the house down. Professionalism, attire, music, energy. They brought it. As they say, age is just a number. Now get out there and rock it!!!
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You are never TOO old TO work on your grammar and spelling (snark. maybe you are all thumbs like me).
At 55, I am imagining getting too tired of it all at some point rather than too old. As long as our bodies hold out and we love music I say go for it. It's an individual choice.
I knew an actor once who one day decided to stop acting. I asked how he could possibly do that (not being able to imagine labeling myself any other way than as musician).
He told me that he used to have that fear, but when it was time, and he was resolved to it, it just felt like a natural next step; freeing even.
Then I think about how many artists bloomed in their later years...
Good luck!
At 55, I am imagining getting too tired of it all at some point rather than too old. As long as our bodies hold out and we love music I say go for it. It's an individual choice.
I knew an actor once who one day decided to stop acting. I asked how he could possibly do that (not being able to imagine labeling myself any other way than as musician).
He told me that he used to have that fear, but when it was time, and he was resolved to it, it just felt like a natural next step; freeing even.
Then I think about how many artists bloomed in their later years...
Good luck!
My aunt sang in the church and municipal choirs until she was 92. She was a knowledgeable musician and knew how to make up in experience what she had lost over the years in vocal dexterity. She was still quite good, but no longer in the choir now, at 95. Only because standing for an hour or too became too much.
Too old when you're full of ego and being stubborn, not listening to other members of your band.
This is very encouraging. I will be 55 this summer. Just started playing the bass about a year and a half ago. Looking forward to playing/gigging as long as the good Lord allows. Developing some arthritis in my left thumb. Taking a supplement for it which seems to help a little. Just hope it doesn't accelerate. Music is my #1 joy outside of family and friends.
I'm 62, almost 63, and I have no plans to stop. I will play anywhere I can, for as long as someone wants me to!
