Poll: Gigging and over 50 - When to quit?

[SteveHeissner]

Rock on, old geezers! That includes me.

 

[Volker Kirstein]

I'll be 60 in November. I like to think I can still pass for 40, and that my silver acts as "highlights" to my thinning hair. Tho I can't stand for prolonged periods, I'm good for the 20 minutes or so I play at the jams. I'll sit when the feet scream too much. I can bike all day long, but not walk. Prolly be using a wheelchair by the time I'm 70.

Anyway, to quote Charlton Heston... "when you pry my cold, dead fingers"

 

[mstillman]

Gigging is still fun and I don't do it for income. I'll stop gigging when:

• I can no longer play the lines (or sing) the way I want
• Audiences stop dancing/attending
• Health issues force me to

I'm 56, experiencing some annoying physical issues: plantar fasciitis in both feet; Achilles tendonitis in one; transient trigger finger the past few months. My primary bass is lighter than my Ric 4003, which sees the stage less often than it used to.

Never subscribed to the "I'm in the way of a younger player" way of thinking. If you're better than I am--not too hard to find--then beat me out at the next audition.

 

[Kmonk]

I'll be 59 next week but most people say I look like I'm in my early to mid 40s. I have the energy of most people in their 20s. I'll continue to play until I no longer have the desire to do so. Age is just a number.

 

[TonyP-]

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

This all the way...
I man at my gym is 84 this fall and in excellent shape...Plays handball 4-5 times a week, and has basicially a six pack still.
Not to mention a 50 something girlfriend.

Your health is everything.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

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 66 soon 67. Working with two bands with 2-3 gigs a month. I’m still hauling 150lbs of amp rack and speaker cabs, although I had a mishap on the last gig that messed my shoulder a bit. Seeing the orthopedic doc tomorrow.

Musically they are diverse and challenging, and surprisingly I’m playing better than I ever have. Visually, a potted plant might provide more entertainment value. The good news here is I’m not the show part of the band, both are larger ensembles, one a vocal band with 5 singers, the other a high energy corporate event 8 members with two lead singers. In both cases, the songs require the bass to be solid, foundational, and logical to make them work.

Anyway, I’ll probably play until I can no longer haul my gear.

 

[nautipaul]

Never, ever quit. Never, ever give up. Live and play as long as God allows. I'm going on 74 and the band has gigs booked thru 2020.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

gig till you're frikken 90- just don't wear shorts onstage

 

[jnewmark]

I'm 71 and always said, when it gets to the point where I can't stand up anymore for an entire night, its time to hang it up. But, after playing 3-4 nights a week for the better part of 30 years, the gigs are getting fewer and fewer, and my energy level is getting less and less as the years go by, so maybe things are taking their natural course. I started getting involved in studio work a few years ago, and right now, that's got my interest level up more so than playing live anymore. Ironically enough, I sit down when doing the studio gigs.

 

[RustyAxe]

Uh, when I’m done?

 

[39-Bassist]

Play till you Die!
You have been given a gift, use it!

 

[stevecaronna]

They call me Moses in my band because I am always the oldest person in the band. I am 63, the youngest person in the band is 26 and we have someone in their 30's 40's and 50's. We play Country so it's not unusual. We play almost every weekend and travel normally 3 to 5 hours to gigs. I hope to play until I either die or lose my mind....

 

[Sparkl]

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 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

First of all congratulations on your activity and rich career (by now surely)!

Second, I think the poll result speaks for itself

I turned 27 this year so I cannot afford to be smart regarding these discussions but I have a strong feeling that the day I stop engaging musically will be the day I will degrade into oblivion. Music is a strong drug yet one of them drugs that only complement you as a person and intellectual being.

Long live the diversity and if I may quote Lemmy on this special occasion: "if you think you are to old for rock'n'roll, then you probably are"!

 

[Wesley R]

My father gave up playing with a group at bout 65 years old, gave up playing when he hit 80, yet he was still loving music and played his stereo loud. I had to get the speakers re-coned. At 65 I haven't gigged in a while, jam a little, but no gigs. One of the items on the bucket list is to do one easy gig and one tough one with early set up, to loud, late tear down, get home about 3:00am, wake up with amplifier hangover, etc.

 

[el murdoque]

 

[pappabass]

Hey, I have a friend who is 76, plays shows 2 to 3 times per week, and he sings about third of the Leads. And NEVER misses a note!

 

[2saddleslab]

Recently reached 60 and have been playing consistently for 33 years. Hope to retire from work and go back to music full time in a couple years.

I’ll give up music when I'm no longer able, no longer wanted, or no longer want to, whichever comes first.

 

[bearhart74]

What I wanna know is, WHO ARE THE FIVE JACK-WAGONS THAT SUGGESTED RETIRING THE GIGGING AT ANY ONE AGE.
JACKASSES.

Your post suggests that you have watched Corner Gas at some time

 

[One_Dude]

I am in my 70's and have no intension of stopping any time soon. I play two or three times a month at church, and play at three jams each month. My most recent band was a Bluegrass/Americana/Olde Time band that folded because one member wanted retire and the BL wanted to pursue other things.

I am currently searching for a new gig and getting some sub work. I also play guitar and mandolin and do a little singing. I believe that I am continuing to improve in all of those areas. We all develop health issues as we age, but stopping is not an option I will entertain. I do not play hard-rock so there's no jumping around the stage for me, but then, there never was. In the most recent bands I have been in, I was the oldest member. With the new lighter equipment and the acceptance of stools on stage, my motto is, "Press on while it's still fun and while you still can".

Thump on,

One_Dude

 

[buldog5151bass]

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.

Make sure you look the part. I'm not saying try to look 25, but dress well, get a trim on your hair, and try to stay in shape. Presentation is important for everyone, but it means more as you get older.