• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

old guys playing originals?

Status
Not open for further replies.
#341
JumboJack said:
HOW? By crapping on their dreams? Just because you failed miserably at it does not mean someone else can't do it. Sheesh!
Click to expand...

Hi jumbojack,

I have never had the abilty or desire to write my own songs.

I was merely giving my opnion on the obstacle guys pushing 60 writing and peforming with band ( of guys nearing 60) with hopes of making it. I think there are some 60 year old guys that are not aware of the age barriors you can run into.

My post was not intended to spoil anyones dreams.Especially when I'm living mine.

I am doing the only thing and the exact thing I've always wanted, playing in a bar cover band that works steady, to cool appreciative crowds and by my standards receiving good pay.

I can say I never been happier and I'm right where I want to be.

And btw, I'm having blast.

So it's not evident to me where I've failed miserably.

Regards

Blue
 
#342
bluewine said:
Hi jumbojack,

I have never had the abilty or desire to write my own songs.

I was merely givingopinionnion on the obstacle guys pushing 60 writing and peforming with band ( of guys nearing 60) with hopes of making it. I think there are some 60 year old guys that are not aware of the age barriors you can run into.

My post was not intended to spoil anyones dreams.Especially when I'm living mine.

I am doing the only thing and the exact thing I've always wanted, playing in a bar cover band that works steady, to cool appreciative crowds and by my standards receiving good pay.

I can say I never been happier and I'm right where I want to be.

And btw, I'm having blast.

So it's not evident to me where I've failed miserably.

Regards

Blue
Click to expand...

Just a short time ago you used to look down on people that played in cover bands. When your originals bad failed you jumped on the cover band train.
 
#344
JumboJack said:
Just a short time ago you used to look down on people that played in cover bands. When your originals bad failed you jumped on the cover band train.
Click to expand...

Hi JumboJack,

This might be an interpretation issue. I don't look down on anyone for anything.

I have never had an originals band, I've only played in them. Neither failed by my definition, they broke up like many originals projects. However, they were not really good experiences for me.

At the time I was unable to find the right cover band opportunity, so I went the route of the originals band. In hind sight maybe it wasn't the best decision I've ever made. I'll tell you, I was very lucky to find and win the blues/rock cover opportunity, cause it wsn't easy.

So, I am not sure where I failed, probably never will.

Anyway, I appreciate your interest, concern and your knowledge base of my activity on the local music scene here in Milwaukee.

Regards

Blue
 
#346
bluewine said:
Hi jumbojack,

I have never had the abilty or desire to write my own songs.

I was merely giving my opnion on the obstacle guys pushing 60 writing and peforming with band ( of guys nearing 60) with hopes of making it. I think there are some 60 year old guys that are not aware of the age barriors you can run into.

My post was not intended to spoil anyones dreams.Especially when I'm living mine.

I am doing the only thing and the exact thing I've always wanted, playing in a bar cover band that works steady, to cool appreciative crowds and by my standards receiving good pay.

I can say I never been happier and I'm right where I want to be.

And btw, I'm having blast.

So it's not evident to me where I've failed miserably.

Regards

Blue
Click to expand...

Sorry my friend but the list of things that are not evident to you is very, very long.
 
#348
I highly doubt most people in the "older age Range" who go out to play originals are looking to make it. Let's face it that ship done sailed.

Take myself. I got back into music now going on 11 years ago after not playing in a "real band " since high school then over 20 years ago. So at almost 40 I was out there looking for anyone to let me get on stage, drink some beers and rock out!

Cool! I found a few bands that let me do this for a few years mostly all were coverbands and I honed my chops, got to play live and drink some beer. It was and outlet and to get out and meet some cool people. Money? Fame? Making it? pfft..... never crossed my mind.

Today I am 50 will be 51 (God willing) after the first of the new year. I have played in an all originals band with great musicians and men for 4 years. With this I have done two good albums and played some cool places, festivals etc.
I have been paid, sometimes well and sometimes not, but have had a blast. Making it? Again, never cared or crossed my mind.

Just a month ago I started a new journey in my musical quest. I started playing with a couple of younger gals in a noisey, garage, type indie band for the fun and to create new music. Where I can go and really rock out! A chance to play new and different venues then the other band plays and meet new people, to go back and "live it" a little again. I still don't worry about money, fame or "making it" Please!

Not all of us here who go out and make music of any kind plan on fame or care about making money. I think the majority that do is small. Yes, those things are great and a plus and if it happens nobody would refuse it.

But to many here playing live music is an outlet, a way to escape and for a few hours a month and become somebody else. That is my reward. You can't pay me enough for this experience or the journey I have and will travel.

Making it at 50...60 or older? Who cares! Man some of us are just living it! So no matter what the age just "do it" and just be cool with it.
 
#349
Despite what the disgusting machine of the music industry would like musicians to be, it's not all about making money and "making it." Music is art you know, people express themselves through it. Just because someone is older doesn't mean they don't still have something to say, it may be different, or the music may not connect in the same way with certain audiences. If those musicians can still get a club or bar to get them play, and if an audience is willing to listen to them, why not?
I'm in my late 30s and just got myself into band that is writing their own material. There is almost no chance that I'm going to get anywhere with it, but I love the action or playing so much that I don't care. I would also like to get a least one good show out of it so my wife and my step kids can see me play. My folks died without ever seeing me play, so I want at least someone to have seen me do the one thing I really enjoy more than almost anything else. Is that so terrible?
 
#351
socialleper said:
Despite what the disgusting machine of the music industry would like musicians to be, it's not all about making money and "making it." Music is art you know, people express themselves through it. Just because someone is older doesn't mean they don't still have something to say, it may be different, or the music may not connect in the same way with certain audiences. If those musicians can still get a club or bar to get them play, and if an audience is willing to listen to them, why not?
I'm in my late 30s and just got myself into band that is writing their own material. There is almost no chance that I'm going to get anywhere with it, but I love the action or playing so much that I don't care. I would also like to get a least one good show out of it so my wife and my step kids can see me play. My folks died without ever seeing me play, so I want at least someone to have seen me do the one thing I really enjoy more than almost anything else. Is that so terrible?
Click to expand...

Amen brother! My Father passed away right after Christmas this past year..we never saw it coming. He never got see me play music but would ask me about it all the time.

On my 50th birthday this past year a few weeks after we laid Dad to rest, my sister brought our Mother to my birthday party/gig to see me play. At nearly 80 years old she saw me play for the first time ever.

The tears I cried on that stage that night (as I do as I write this) were real and something I will never forget as long as I live. She really enjoyed the show and after said I wish Dad could of seen you..she was proud of me. That is what I play for.... moments like that.
 
#352
I was once an old guy (55) playing originals. I stopped for three reasons: 1) The drummer in the band was horrible, and I reached a point where I could not tolerate his decimation of what I considered good songs. To this day, I don't understand why the singer/songwriter puts up with it 2) We were playing on bills with bands of kids. I started to notice that I was older than the dads who were schlepping their kids to the gigs. 3) I grew tired of putting in a lot of work and getting no financial reward for it.
 
#353
bassbully said:
Amen brother! My Father passed away right after Christmas this past year..we never seen it coming. He never got seen me play music but would ask me about it all the time.

On my 50th birthday this past year a few weeks after we laid Dad to rest my sister brought our Mother to my birthday party/gig to see me play. At nearly 80 years old she saw me play for the first time ever.

The tears I cried on that stage that night (as I do as I write this) were real and something I will never forget as long as I live. She really enjoyed the show and after said I wish Dad could of seen you..she was proud of me. That is what I play for.... moments like that.
Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing. Life isn't about money or fame; its about moments.
 
#354
busmandan said:
I was once an old guy (55) playing originals. I stopped for three reasons: 1) The drummer in the band was horrible, and I reached a point where I could not tolerate his decimation of what I considered good songs. To this day, I don't understand why the singer/songwriter puts up with it 2) We were playing on bills with bands of kids. I started to notice that I was older than the dads who were schlepping their kids to the gigs. 3) I grew tired of putting in a lot of work and getting no financial reward for it.
Click to expand...

Putting is allot of work for no financial reward can be part of the original music scene. I have never walked away from a gig with money or without and said "that gig would of been better if I made more (any) money." If it was a good gig it was a good gig. Money never makes a bad gig feel better... to me at least.

I will play the first gig with my new band this weekend. It's at a fun college area bar that only plays original music. The gig is looking like it will be a blast a pre-halloween party. I doubt I will get paid and even if we do get a little money (3 bands playing) I will give it to my bandmates. I'm going to play a loud set in a club my other band would never step foot in originals or not...that's so cool to me.

I have done gigs with others bands that were younger but never with kids or parents bringing them to gigs.

I do understand this and it can keep some from going this route. For me its all about the experience and playing music I like and believe in. When I was in a coverband in the past some of the experiences were great but I could not believe in or get to excited just playing covers...but that's me.
 
#355
busmandan said:
I was once an old guy (55) playing originals. I stopped for three reasons: 1) The drummer in the band was horrible, and I reached a point where I could not tolerate his decimation of what I considered good songs. To this day, I don't understand why the singer/songwriter puts up with it 2) We were playing on bills with bands of kids. I started to notice that I was older than the dads who were schlepping their kids to the gigs. 3) I grew tired of putting in a lot of work and getting no financial reward for it.
Click to expand...

But couldn't you take some joy in thinking to yourself "Hey van dad, I'm on a stage deafening your kids, what are you doing besides playing taxicab driver?"
 
#356
In the music we play, so called "Texas Music", we play on festival bills with people from teens to 70's +. In my band three of us are in our fifty's, one 30 something, and one 60 something. Not trying to make it in our old age but our CD ( our first ) is now are getting airplay on at least 4 stations in Dallas, Denton, Greenville, and Corsicana all in north central Texas. We don't make tons of money but I've gotten to play on some big stages and meet lots of people who have made it / are making it. I have a great day job so I don't need to make a living with the bass. But I am having more fun playing now playing originals than I ever did playing blues/ rock covers in bars. We just started recording another CD and already have a number of festivals already lined up for next year.
 
#357
JumboJack said:
Just a short time ago you used to look down on people that played in cover bands. When your originals bad failed you jumped on the cover band train.
Click to expand...

Hi JumboJack,

Neither original band failed by my definition. They just sort of ran their course. Both were in exsistance for at least a year, which is not unusual for originals start up band/projects.

I am also thinking you might gave me confused with someone else. I commend all orignals bands, regardless of age the originals arena is very challanging.

Regards

blue
 
#358
jazzbill said:
In the music we play, so called "Texas Music", we play on festival bills with people from teens to 70's +. In my band three of us are in our fifty's, one 30 something, and one 60 something. Not trying to make it in our old age but our CD ( our first ) is now are getting airplay on at least 4 stations in Dallas, Denton, Greenville, and Corsicana all in north central Texas. We don't make tons of money but I've gotten to play on some big stages and meet lots of people who have made it / are making it. I have a great day job so I don't need to make a living with the bass. But I am having more fun playing now playing originals than I ever did playing blues/ rock covers in bars. We just started recording another CD and already have a number of festivals already lined up for next year.
Click to expand...

Great story, excelent. I'm playing blues / rock covers and having fun as well. Nothing lasts forever,

I'm not sure what the next chapter of live performance will land me.

blue
 
#359
I'm rapidly approaching "too old to play originals" (almost 40) but I've been blessed to work with a band for 10 years, where the writing is inspired enough that just letting people hear it is a great reward.

There's been money enough, but mostly we worked our way into a little local/regional niche to the point that we can play as often as we like, in front of a reasonable number of people.

I've played in cover groups too. But composers who have it in their blood never stop writing, and composers who are really good often increase in skill/subtlety over the years. Maybe that's part of the reason I like playing originals; I write as well, and have huge respect for high-quality composition.

That, paired with a lack of desire to be a front-man (I'm best supporting other people) keeps me doing originals. I'll likely never "make" it by whatever criteria the powers-that-be use to gauge success.

All music was "original" once. Maybe in recent popular music young people have done the lion's share of the publicly acclaimed work, but over the course of music history older folk have created much of great value.
 
#360
socialleper said:
But couldn't you take some joy in thinking to yourself "Hey van dad, I'm on a stage deafening your kids, what are you doing besides playing taxicab driver?"
Click to expand...

Interesting, it was sort of weird for me when I found out I was older than our BLs parents. lol

For many of us older players financial compensation becomes more of an issue and deal breaker in some cases.

Not nesessarily because we need the money but out of respect for your craft, hard work and the overall investment you put into a band.

When I was a 20 something, I just wanted to play in front of people I didn't care about pay. At 59, I do.

Respect

Blue
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back