Poll: Gigging and over 50 - When to quit?

[stringthrough]

I'm advancing in years (64) but continue to gig (~30 times per year). I was wondering what thoughts other bassists in my position have about when to hang it up.

[Edit]
I've decide to add a current picture of myself with my current band (doing modern country) for some visual context. (I'm the one wearing shades.)

 

[mapleglo]

I'm 63, so right behind you. I love playing, so I'll continue to gig until I either can't do it anymore, or people no longer want to hear me play.

edit - since people are adding pictures, here's me and the band at our last gig:

 

[TheDirtyLowDown]

Hey! I'm 58, and the second youngest in my main band (6 piece); the oldest
guys are 65. We've settled into a nice spot of a gig-or-two per month, and it's
comfortable. I want to keep playing until there's no more gas in the tank,
air in the tires, or spark in the engine (pick your metaphor).

 

[Lance Bunyon]

At 53 I hurt after standing for several hours.
Soon I will purchase a stool.
Possibly I need to dye my hair more grey.

 

[StyleOverShow]

Don’t know if I’ll be back next touring season as I wrap up a three active band summer. That’s me on the left.

My knees are shot, will replace this Jan and my thumbs hurt something awful at times. My 410 cab weighs a ton, not really but it seems like it, and days end on tour can’t come soon enough.

Besides the physical I think I’m taking some 20-40 yo’s Job who should be out here on the road making their bones.

Don’t know if I’ll continue to play out or just play for fun. Thinking of going all upright but here in the PNW that prolly means playing in string bands and I’m just too urban for that.

I’m 70 next April. Have been working paid gigs since 1965 including Vegas Reno Tahoe circuit in the 70’s. Been talking up retirement for 6 months, still can’t believe it myself.

 

[stringthrough]

View attachment 3513637 Don’t know if I’ll be back next touring season as I wrap up a three active band summer. That’s me on the left.

My knees are shot, will replace this Jan and my thumbs hurt something awful at times. My 410 cab weighs a ton, not really but it seems like it, and days end on tour can’t come soon enough.

Besides the physical I think I’m taking some 20-40 yo’s Job who should be out here on the road making their bones.

Don’t know if I’ll continue to play out or just play for fun. Thinking of going all upright but here in the PNW that prolly means playing in string bands and I’m just too urban for that.

I’m 70 next April. Have been working paid gigs since 1965 including Vegas Reno Tahoe circuit in the 70’s. Been talking up retirement for 6 months, still can’t believe it myself.

You've paid your dues, brother!

 

[stringthrough]

I'm 63, so right behind you. I love playing, so I'll continue to gig until I either can't do it anymore, or people no longer want to hear me play.

While I consider myself to be a competent hobbyist/ semi-pro, I am concerned it might be the latter, not the former that ends my gigging "career". With an audience generally in the 30-60 range (at my gigs anyway), and being the oldest member in my band, seeing an aging male on stage my not be the most exhilarating sights.

 

[Last Rebel]

I'm 55 and have seen many people older and younger than me who can no longer play for whatever reason ,bad backs mostly

I have made the switch to all lightweight gear

And it when it comes to the subs and heavy stuff,we carry that in pairs or on carts

 

[stringthrough]

I'm 55 and have seen many people older and younger than me who can no longer play for whatever reason ,bad backs mostly

I have made the switch to all lightweight gear

And it when it comes to the subs and heavy stuff,we carry that in pairs or on carts

I hear you... I've migrated to lighter gear so as to extend my gigging "period".

 

[Bodeanly]

I voted to go until physically incapable, which can come at any age. But my legs and back are dying after doing festivals all weekend, and I’m a spring chicken by TB standards.

 

[stringthrough]

I voted to go until physically incapable, which can come at any age. But my legs and back are dying after doing festivals all weekend, and I’m a spring chicken by TB standards.

Good point about possibly becoming physically unable to gig at any age.

 

[SgtHulka]

Excercise is key! Do it for yourself and your playing career!

 

[TomB]

67 here. I guess they’ll drag me off feet first - not sure when.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Take a look out at the audience - bet there are plenty of people out there your age. Never mind there are plenty of bands touring stadiums older than you.

As long as you are having fun and getting the kind of gigs and/or playing situations you want, why would you stop?

 

[woodyng2]

I’m 65 (at least for a few more monthes). I play out quite a bit less than i’d like, but enjoy doing so when the gigs come. (I live in a small,remote town,and have zero interest in travelling for gigs).
I’m still working a fulltime day job, so playing music has always been an enjoyable hobby for me.
I want to play as long as i find it fun for myself,my bandmates,and the audience. I have done a few things that help make it less like work for me, including using smaller amps/cabs for years, and now, going ampless, just using a sansamp into the PA. I’ve got several basses that are 8lbs or less. Also trying to watch after my general health and welfare. One direction i could see myself going in would be to get out of rock bands and go acoustic, but i really like playing with an electric band.
It’s just i have to wear hearing protection all the time now. Ah well....

 

[mapleglo]

It’s just i have to wear hearing protection all the time now. Ah well....

Yup, I started using IEM's last year. Couldn't gig without them.

 

[stringthrough]

View attachment 3513688 I’m 65 (at least for a few more monthes). I play out quite a bit less than i’d like, but enjoy doing so when the gigs come. (I live in a small,remote town,and have zero interest in travelling for gigs).
I’m still working a fulltime day job, so playing music has always been an enjoyable hobby for me.
I want to play as long as i find it fun for myself,my bandmates,and the audience. I have done a few things that help make it less like work for me, including using smaller amps/cabs for years, and now, going ampless, just using a sansamp into the PA. I’ve got several basses that are 8lbs or less. Also trying to watch after my general health and welfare. One direction i could see myself going in would be to get out of rock bands and go acoustic, but i really like playing with an electric band.
It’s just i have to wear hearing protection all the time now. Ah well....

BTW, nice bass! Citron?

My heaviest bass is 8.7 lbs and my desert island bass weighs a tad under 8 lbs.

 

[theduke1]

I turned 67 las month my regular trio, I fill in in my drummer’s other project, and my guitarist other project. Of the three (3) bands I mainly work in, in only one I am not the oldest player
I have no plans to stop
My kids say I probably have have 6 gigs on the calendar three days after I’m dead LOL
My trio
And my drummer’s project

 

[buldog5151bass]

I'm 54, playing in a rock band, a jazz combo, and a band that does blues and modern country.

If you don't like the band scene any more, there are other options - pit band for community musicals, church, etc.

 

[woodyng2]

Yup, I started using IEM's last year. Couldn't gig without them.

I would like to try them again someday. I tried them in a heavier trio band, and it actually made the guitar and drums louder (the opposite effect I wanted!)