Poll: Gigging and over 50 - When to quit?

[getrhythm]

When it's no longer worth what little time you have left.

 

[TH63]

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.)

View attachment 3513665

I'm 56, I'll quit when it isn't fun, or i can't play, or nobody wants to listen.

 

[Mark Ellis]

It depends on the style you are playing.
If you are doing tween pop, you past it by 25 years old.
Jazz or Blues it is still cool if you are 106.
For a covers band 5 to 10 years older that the band you are covering or the audience is reasonable. Remember that band and their audience gets older at the same rate do. But as a bass player you can be a sideman to a much younger singer quite successfuly.

 

[Adrian waite]

Four in our band.72 .73 and two late 60s.we do stones.kinks Paul welder etc.i don’t think age matters.as long as peaple enjoy your music that’s the main thing.

 

[bbh]

A lot of guys sit. Did bb king ever stand?

 

[jerry]

A lot of guys sit. Did bb king ever stand?

The first couple times I saw B.B., he was still standing.

 

[QORC]

you only quit gigging when you lose the passion to do so, physically cannot gig, or nobody hires you to do gigs with them. there is no age limit.

 

[DaveDeVille]

... i'm 64 , but i'm having too much fun to even consider slowing down or quitting ...

 

[Jimmy4string]

Bring on the carrots! I am in gig retirement mode at 53!
Here picture at my latest gig with the parents!

 

[electracoyote]

 

[Rumpleforeskin]

57 and playing in Portland's premier 'Dad Punk' band, Six Sundays. The only way I'll stop is when I can't strap it on anymore.

 

[Danny O Danny]

I just turned 57. Been playing since I was 14. I hope I have at least another 20 years. But as I get older I'm making little adjustments: No more four set nights. No more staying out 'til 1am. No more loud volumes. I'm using lighter, more compact equipment. I recently switched to electric upright bass (which I love) and it feels great not having 8-9 lbs hanging around my neck.

 

[DJ Bebop]

57 and playing in Portland's premier 'Dad Punk' band, Six Sundays. The only way I'll stop is when I can't strap it on anymore.


View attachment 3526356

 

[Sav'nBass]

I'm 64 and I took a long break and started playing again 18 years ago so I feel like I have to make up for lost time. I love to play and I will gig as long as I can and there is a band that I can work with. At this stage in my life there are things I won't compromise on ... I don't want drama .. I will only do so much for free... and I prefer to deal with folks who think similarly to me in things like how to conduct one's self professionally and types of music ..

For me as long as I can play adequately and my bandmates and the audience enjoy what I do I will gig.

 

[DJ Bebop]

When the wheels fall off!

 

[Old man]

I'm 56, I'll quit when it isn't fun, or i can't play, or nobody wants to listen.

I will be 69 in a few weeks and have no intention of retiring from my day job (I am only part-time) nor will I retire from playing.I am actually playing more gigs now than I have since my mid twenties. I have neo cabs and a stool. And a hand truck!

 

[acleex38]

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Wayne Shorter - Wikipedia

Make them carry you off the stage.

 

[zontar]

The first couple times I saw B.B., he was still standing.

He stood for most of his career.

 

[BillLee64]

I'm 55. When the women quit throwing panties with $3 bills and their phone numbers scrawled across the butt at me, I'll hang it up. For now, the show must go on.

 

[Old P Bass Guy]

Went to see Stanley Clark several weeks ago and he opened with his ebass and closed with his ebass standing and everything else in between was on his double, perched on a stool.