How Old is to Old

[The Owl]

59, not playing live anymore but actively writing/composing and recording. My muse came back after an unplanned 6 year pause.

 

[bass62]

Your body will tell you, if you choose to pay attention. I worked with a drummer in his late 60's and it was tough to see his physical decline. He went from being the baddest fatback time machine to where he couldn't stay with it anymore. I really miss what he used to be. Granted bass is different, but my hands feel good and the sound is good so why stop?

 

[lbbc]

Never....as long as you enjoy it and can still play a room a physical perspective

 

[Rob Martinez]

Bassed on all these responses, clearly it is a matter of desire. As I said earlier, if you want to do it, do it. If you don't, then don't. There is no real "right" answer. To each his or her own, may those who choose to ROCK in their 50s, 60s, or 70s, do so to the max!!

 

[bass62]

I went from being the youngest guy in the group for every project I've been involved in, to being the oldest guy in every one. I admit it's a little strange. Something to be said for longevity I guess.

 

[Pirate Captain]

nah - you can just play quieter music (classic rock? jazz?) or play with a band that doesn't play as loud.

 

[Lync]

I agree with playing until you're dead. Thing is...late nights and what comes with them seems to shave some years off your life. I guess though I'd rather not have a few bonus years in a diaper.

 

[LBS-bass]

Talking about age, this one is too funny...

I hope I get old enough that I can forget how old I am and still be that sharp

 

[LBS-bass]

Too old when you're full of ego and being stubborn, not listening to other members of your band.

I must have known people who were too old to play when they were in their early 20's then.

 

[Bassin4God]

Well I guess I better get to work I've got a lot of years ahead of me, thanks

 

[pcake]

View attachment 3383591

luckily for me, i don't take lifestyle advice from the nuge... ;-)

or i'd have had to stop playing after i damaged my ear, but i can still play - just not as loud. most bands didn't play as loud as the last one i was in anyway

 

[TonyP-]

I’m 66. Our guitar player is 67 and our drummer is 64. We do 4 hour gigs with two 15 minute breaks, and usually start early and play late.

We show the young bands how it’s done.

I like you Steve...

 

[stretch80]

Keep playing BUT get good hearing protection if it's going to get loud ... It seems easier to damage your hearing as you get older ...

 

[Spacecase]

Dead is too old.

It's the new 80.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

I will be 69 in June. Still Rockin’!!
ZZ Top Tribute Band! I play Billy and my brother in law is our Dusty!

 

[Hahaha]

I play in a jazz trio with an 84 year old pianist. He's a dream to play with. He used to teach music theory at the University of Indiana, and has incredible depth in his playing and doesn't seem to have any issues with his technique. He glides over the keyboard effortlessly.

My double bass instructor continued playing until he was 94. Why quit if you can still make good music? I know musicians in their mid-seventies who are just as passionate about improving and learning as they were when they were teenagers, and they still gig regularly. Being too old to play music is like being too old to fish. "Sorry grandpa, nobody wants to eat the fish you caught."

 

[Quinn Roberts]

Just sitting here thinking so hear is my question. I’m 56 almost 57 and I play gospel. I’m wanting to either start a band or join one. How old is to old? Just want to hear some thoughts and opinions.

I'm 22; went out to jam with my buddies 69-year-old step-father last night, man had so much energy he was playing circles around me!

 

[Tjazz5]

56 and counting! I don't climb mountains or hike trails for relaxation or therapy. Playing bass does that for me along with other life balances. Playing bass has introduced me to some great musicians and some of them have become friends. So as long as playing bass keeps me moving I will play bass. Plus I love to see the crowd when the bass hits them with a funky groove, nothing like it.

 

[Nick von Nick]

I'm at the tail end of the "18-34 Demographic," and this range seems to be the only one that really cares about age. That said, I've been playing for 20 years and have no plans to stop. In fact, my current gigs are my most lucrative ever (and we're playing mostly original music).

I've definitely "failed" auditions with folks in their 20s because I was simply too old (at 33). I won't lie and say I didn't feel that way at times, but it was me being a dumb kid.
~Nick von Nick

 

[DJ Bebop]

Death.
Death tells you, you are too old.
Short of that, nothing tells you to stop.

Edited: Or physical limitation. Even then hopefully you can, still think and teach music and bass...