When did you stop gigging due to age?

[stringthrough]

. . . and why did you stop?

Also, if you're over 60 (please provide your age in the reply), are you still gigging?

I ask because at 66 I realize my remaining gigging years are few and that saddens me.

 

[el jeffe bass]

I stopped playing gigs at 50 but due to Multiple Sclerosis not age.

 

[ArtechnikA]

68.
Busier than ever, although compared to 2020 that's not hard...

I'm taking fewer sound gigs because that's a lot like being a furniture mover.

I'm in good health, for which I am thankful every day. That could change tomorrow, but that's true for everyone, every day. So I don't see why I couldn't still be doing this for another 10 years. I don't play punk, or metal, or other 'youth-oriented' genres. Blues, classic rock, jazz, R&R... Stanley Clarke is my age. Eric Clapton is even older. I've got 2 shows this month, 3 next month...

 

[bassicmike]

Over 60, still gigging. Not a lot, but still out there.

 

[FrenchBassQC]

I haven't stop gigging yet and I'm 65, not close to stop either... love it too much. I just noticed that I do not fit in the question you asked... sorry

 

[stringthrough]

I stopped playing gigs at 50 but due to Multiple Sclerosis not age.

Sorry to hear.

 

[stringthrough]

I haven't stop gigging yet and I'm 65, not close to stop either... love it too much. I just noticed that I do not fit in the question you asked... sorry

Actually you do "qualify". Check out the text of the post.

 

[2saddleslab]

Early 60's and still gigging 2 to 4 times a month. I'd like to continue as long as I can.

 

[44me]

62 next week and still gigging. No desire to gig every week - every 3-5 weeks is about right now - not due to physical limitations but rather just to keep it fresh and fun. I play better now than I ever have, and have no plans on stopping any time soon. Quality, light weight gear and sane volume levels address the issues that would have me considering stopping.

 

[Jeb]

57.
Last gig was late Feb 2020. Not because of age but the covid panic. I don't miss it anymore. World is upside down. Damn shame and truly unbelievable but it is what it is.

 

[BlackVincent52]

57.
Last gig was late Feb 2020. Not because of age but the covid panic. I don't miss it anymore. World is upside down. Damn shame and truly unbelievable but it is what it is.

You missed three letters there, big guy.

 

[All_Thumbs]

I’ll be 74 next month. Play in a worship band on Sundays. Jam when I can. Can’t imagine not playing.

 

[oren]

I’m 68 and still gigging several times a month (though it looks like it will be another slow pandemic winter). Mostly straight ahead jazz gigs on upright, though I recently started in a band that’s doing classic New Orleans R&B, which is on electric, mostly. I keep my gear lightweight, and don’t play lots of late-night bar gigs. I intend to keep doing it for as long as I can - it’s part of what keeps me happy and healthy!

 

[Johnny Fingers]

I’m 66 and still gigging if church counts; I don’t consider worship, Sunday School and prayer meetings as paid gigs. Might be willing to go on staff when I fully retire but prefer the artistic freedom I have now.

 

[2cooltoolz]

68, and I quit right before Covid due to upcoming back surgery. The surgery was delayed due to complications, then Covid, and I finally got it in April 2021. My band moved on with a new guy, but I am near ready to jump back in. Watching the CL ads and Bandmix. Know of any openings??

 

[bassbrad]

I'm 62 haven't stopped but am more selective and somewhat limited gigging due to mobility but still willing and able to play. I am doing more recording and production so there is that outlet.

 

[fretlessman71]

I stopped playing gigs at 50 but due to Multiple Sclerosis not age.

Wow - I turned 50 this year, and was DX'ed with SPMS in 2006. I split my time 98/2 between a powerchair and a walker. I can imagine what you're dealing with (random and individual nature of MS notwithstanding of course), and I'm sorry for your situation.

Having said that, I still gig (at least I plan to do so again when we finally have COVID-19 under control). It's a giant pain in the @$$, and I need a fair amount of help almost all the time, but I really don't have another truly viable source of income other than teaching, and I'm a fast learner as well as a reliable live player. I hope to be able (and willing) to gig for the rest of my life. We'll see, I guess.

If you're interested, I have a blog about all the crap I go through trying to maintain a music career with MS. A particularly pertinent post is entitled Communication Breakdown: adabassist.tumblr.com

 

[JRA]

if you're over 60 (please provide your age in the reply), are you still gigging?

still gigging at 71. i'd love to play/gig more than i do --- i'm thinking about starting another project just to have more 'outlet'.

i've been a musician all of my life (even when i had day jobs = i still gigged a lot). if i couldn't gig =

 

[Whale guy]

I'm the young guy in my 10 piece band. Im 60. One lady is 68, and everyone else.is mid 70s. The oldest is 77. We had 2 gigs last weekend amd 4 in October. Drama fades away, and experience amd maturity rule. I would want it no other way.

 

[Slevage]

62
Still gig selectively
No late bar gigs in the mix