Poll: Gigging and over 50 - When to quit?

[Bassndrums73]

Stop when nobody comes to see your band play anymore.

 

[MattFrost]

I think it's AWESOME when musicians who are older keep doing what they love. Music is great, whatever age you are.

 

[oldandbold]

I just started to learn bass at 68, now 69 and in good health, looking for my first project. My intention is to play out and keep learning until I can't.
Since joining TB I've found great inspiration from all of the "elders."
Keep thumpin' on!

 

[nozkcb]

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're who I want to be when I grow up.

 

[Pings Bass]

We all knew it was going to happen in the 70s, when it survived disco: rock 'n' roll was destined for the senior center circuit. Now here we are.

Enjoy it while you can.

I'm not rocker, but find myself playing in a rock band at 53 with guys in their 60s who think the bass player doesn't need to know if a chord is major or minor. Roots and fifths, man, roots and fifths.

And you kids get off my lawn.

 

[interp]

I’m 68 and just getting warmed up.

 

[Xjenrbcjsmsbfjw]

I gotta go with "when it stops being fun." Even those of us who do it for a living don't really do it for the money. There are more secure, higher paying options, but this is just too good to let go.

If I'm ever not having a good time (I mean in general, not for one crappy gig), that's when I hang it up. Hopefully, I die on my feet with an instrument in my hands.

 

[Ric5]

Poll: Gigging and over 50 - When to quit?

lots of guys still rocking it in their 70s

 

[groooooove]

depends on who you are and what role the live performance plays in your life. age may be a factor, but it's just one factor.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

We all knew it was going to happen in the 70s, when it survived disco: rock 'n' roll was destined for the senior center circuit. Now here we are.

Enjoy it while you can.

I'm not rocker, but find myself playing in a rock band at 53 with guys in their 60s who think the bass player doesn't need to know if a chord is major or minor. Roots and fifths, man, roots and fifths.

And you kids get off my lawn.

The bass player DOESN’T need to know if it’s major or minor.

 

[BergerHead]

... from my cold, dead hands!

 

[Jazzish]

I'm 58 and currently playing in a high energy dance band with 23 year olds every weekend. Fun! No plans on quitting any time soon.

 

[climber]

Even those of us who do it for a living don't really do it for the money. There are more secure, higher paying options, but this is just too good to let go.

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!

 

[Thumper]

I quit my Hard Rock band in 2005, I was 53, they were mostly 28. They are now 42, and recently asked me back (they have either quit or drastically cut back on their drinking which is why I quit). I'm 67 and am currently in a band (Classic Country/Rock), but am going back armed with a Mike Lull thunderbird T5 because I miss them and the music.

 

[Rob Martinez]

Paul McCartney is 77 and still gigs. Look at the Stones. Do it until you don't want to anymore. I am 55 and done with rock band gigs.

 

[dave64o]

Stop when nobody comes to see your band play anymore.

Well, that's when you find or start a better band that people WILL come to see!

 

[Doc Blue]

I first picked up my first bass guitar at 57. Just turned 59. At this point, I'll never quit gigging 'cuz I haven't started yet

 

[bound'n'blocked]

Im 52, have had a kidney transplant, and have diabetes. I have decided that when it's not fun anymore, that's when I'll stop. I'm not going to set an age limit and say "I'll quit when I'm (x) years old". If I'm still having fun and enjoying it, why stop? I've played for years where physically, I didnt feel like doing it. But it was still fun so I powered on through. The drummer in the last band was 64 when we stopped playing and still lugged his own gear and set it up.

BnB

 

[brianrost]

It really depends on the genre(s) you want to play. Death metal at 75? I don't think that's gonna fly

You can be practically mummified while still playing classical, blues, jazz, folk and country music and not be looked at as some weirdo. Physical infirmities are the only show-stopper.

 

[DavC]

when the cortisone injections stop working ..!