Poll: Gigging and over 50 - When to quit?

[Groove Doctor]

Do young guy things, stay young. Do old guy things, get old.

+1,000,000.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Michael Peter Balzary 56
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John Patitucci 59

Marcus Miller 60

Steve Harris 63

Anthony Jackson 67

Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner 67

Stanley Clarke 68

Percy Jones 71

Leland Bruce Sklar 72

Jack Casady 75

Paul McCartney 77

Steve Swallow 78

Phil Lesh 79

Bill Wyman 82

He's sort of a local cat right now, non-electric...
Charles H. Israels 83

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Michael Peter Balzary 56
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John Patitucci 59

Marcus Miller 60

Steve Harris 63

Anthony Jackson 67

Stanley Clarke 68

Jack Casady 75

Paul McCartney 77

Steve Swallow 78

They all have Roadies.
It's very different to simply walk out on stage to a set up stack and tuned intonated bass.

 

[DJ Bebop]

They all have Roadies.
It's very different to simply walk out on stage to a set up stack and tuned intonated bass.

I guess, if you wanna go there.

Still, they are capable of playing. I bet they all could shlep a 1x12 and a class D amp into a coffee house
or a small tavern near you

You know, they make wheels and carts to haul things, and grandkids. That's what I use

 

[heynorm]

I turn 69 in just over a month and play bass in 3 bands, occasional sub jobs and guitar in an acoustic duo. Already 68 gigs this year, scheduled to end the year at 103. FYI, That Kustom belongs to and stays at one of the clubs where I play.

 

[DJ Bebop]

View attachment 3514566 I turn 69 in just over a month play bad in 3 bands and guitar in a duo. Already 68 gigs this year, scheduled to end the year at 103.

Kustom!

 

[GretschWretch]

View attachment 3513637

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.

What!?!?!?! In the land of Starbuck's? Haven't they heard of jazz trios up there?

 

[ELG60]

I attended a blues jam yesterday evening, and there were cats participating who were aged anywhere from their early 20's to well into their 70's. I'm not knowledgeable of their individual statuses regarding gigging, but every one of them could play to a professional level regardless of age or instrument. (Present company excluded, perhaps)

I suppose that it's up to the individual to decide when the physical and psychological toll is no longer worth the benefits derived from gigging, but as others have demonstrated, age is not necessarily a barrier to activities which bring one pleasure . . . and yes, I went there.

 

[DJ Bebop]

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.

But, can you play?

 

[eddiemac]

I'll soon be 69. I'll quit when I go deaf / can't concentrate / can't stay awake / can't walk / can't make it an hour without a break / can't carry my own equipment / can't groove / nobody wants me ---- any of the above. Until then, I think I benefit from getting out, thinking creatively, and contributing something positive to a world that needs more music.

 

[zon5string]

As a bassist, I am not ready to quit. I have a small Class D amp and a 212. No problem.

As a drummer, I _just_ (like, yesterday) gave notice to my band of almost 6 years that it is just too much to ask of me to work a 40-hour week, then pack, haul, set-up, play, break-down, pack and haul drums on a regular basis.

EDIT - I'm 56, by the way.

 

[DJ Bebop]

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.

I hear yah, at the same time. Part of me doesn't care as I have no shame

Old bass player with young kids...

 

[Hans Gruber]

I'm in my late 30s. Currently play with people in their early 20s and people in their early 60s.

And you know what? The 60 somethings totally kick ass and I love playing with them so much. There's quite an active scene and if you can play, just go out and play. Every demographic has something exciting to contribute. The 50-60 something audience is also a lot of fun and it's given me a new breath of life.

My idol was Ray Brown and I told myself I want to play that (ha) when I get to my 70s, even if it's at my local community college.

 

[Hankenstein]

I'm 66. I play in two R&B bands, a jazz trio, and a jazz big band. I'm in the process of forming a band to play Jeff Beck music. I still study. I still take lessons. I still practice every day. As long as it's still fun, I'm in.

 

[Rogatien]

Hitting 50 in october. I have no intention on stopping/retire/quit. I carry my 810 to almost all gigs I get. The more I get old, the more I have fun. It'll take a serious illness to make me stop.

 

[Malcolm35]

Gigging out - my fingers lasted till I was 83. First to go was rhythm guitar. Fretting the finger patterns became painful and CT was on the horizon. However, I was still able to play bass, but we then moved to the HOME. There are several ladies here that play piano, but no one has shown any interest in playing in a band setting.

So at 84 I play with a Vox headphone amp, just me and my bass guitar .

 

[DJ Bebop]

My fingers lasted till I was 83. First to go was rhythm guitar. I was still able to play bass, however, we then moved to the HOME where there are several ladies that play piano, but no one has shown any interest in playing in a band setting.

So I play with a Vox headphone amp, just me and my bass guitar .

I'd run a craigslist ad and see if anyone wants to come out to the home and jam.
Couldn't hurt. I'd do it!

 

[Xjenrbcjsmsbfjw]

Please don't say that where anyone other than a fellow musician can hear. Get that all the time. and YES, I do do it for the $$. My SS isn't enough!

Haha, oh damn straight, they're paying me for my time. I don't work for experience or exposure despite the rate younger bands keep trying to set. But there are perks to any job, and what keeps me doing this one is the perks.

 

[Xjenrbcjsmsbfjw]

Gigging out - my fingers lasted till I was 83. First to go was rhythm guitar. Fretting the finger patterns became painful and CT was on the horizon. However, I was still able to play bass, but we then moved to the HOME. There are several ladies here that play piano, but no one has shown any interest in playing in a band setting.

So at 84 I play with a Vox headphone amp, just me and my bass guitar .

Ask for a Theremin for your 85th. Cover some Beach Boys and enjoy.

 

[Xjenrbcjsmsbfjw]

I play with a guitar player who is literally twice my age, and I'm hoping he doesn't go giving it up any time soon. The floor for experience and skill just keeps getting lower and lower in music. We gotta keep the guys who know their stuff around.