I’m 62 and play in a band that gigs about once a month. I sub in a large church several times a year and in a local big band.
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When did you stop gigging due to age?
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I'm 57 and plan to keep gigging until it's no longer fun. Maybe that'll be tomorrow. Maybe it'll be 20 years from now.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
56
I'm less interested in bar gigs, but I still like playing in front of a good audience.
I'm less interested in bar gigs, but I still like playing in front of a good audience.
74 and playing a lot. As an example, the 5 Saturdays of July this year were each booked with a different band. Private parties, festivals, bar gigs, and occasionally even a church gig. I love it all. I drive distances and use modern lightweight gear. Maybe I’ll slow down when I reach 80.
I'm 74, and in season in SW Florida I play out 2 - 3 times per week.
I play doublebass, and have had to make one concession due to some age-related foot issues: I added a Yamaha SLB300 EUB to my stable. It is getting harder to safely move my 3/4 or 7 /8th size instruments in to and out of a gig. Now I can pick up a 15 lb case, and an 8 lb Phil Jones Double 4 to use as a stage monitor and I'm all set. My playing partners are OK with the sound from the Yamaha.
I play doublebass, and have had to make one concession due to some age-related foot issues: I added a Yamaha SLB300 EUB to my stable. It is getting harder to safely move my 3/4 or 7 /8th size instruments in to and out of a gig. Now I can pick up a 15 lb case, and an 8 lb Phil Jones Double 4 to use as a stage monitor and I'm all set. My playing partners are OK with the sound from the Yamaha.
I am 69
I have been giggling since 1978, 1-6 nights a week while having a day job
Retired May 1, 2019 after 48 years same company
8 years ago I joined a trio that is the best band I have ever played in
We gig several times a month from May through October when our drummer goes to Az for the winter
I also have a jam band that meets weekly and play at church
Duke
I have been giggling since 1978, 1-6 nights a week while having a day job
Retired May 1, 2019 after 48 years same company
8 years ago I joined a trio that is the best band I have ever played in
We gig several times a month from May through October when our drummer goes to Az for the winter
I also have a jam band that meets weekly and play at church
Duke
71, and still active. Church, trio and rock gigs, subbing etc. I have been actively playing since ‘63, with no end in sight. Music is life… why quit?
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Intersting seeing people's perspective's. I'm coming from a differnt POV than most here. I played my first gig two weeks before I turned 55 in 2019, got about 12 gigs in before the pandemic, and then went on pause. Two of our guys quit during the pandemic break and we finally filled those spots and are now rehearsing to get back out ASAP. So even after technically being in a gigging band for two years, I'm still just getting started.
Our gigs are generally four sets from 8:00 to midnight and that hasn't been a problem for me, but I know that I got a late start and that I won't be able to play forever. But I'm hoping to play for as long as I can and be able to enjoy it even more once I retire, for as long as I can make it last.
EDIT: I should also brag a little about my dad. He turns 94 in three weeks and still plays violin in a gigging band. They're just starting back up after being on pause during the pandemic and he had multiple medical issues in that time, so he definitely sees the end of his playing days coming. But, as of now, he's still going. I sure hope I got good genes from him.
Our gigs are generally four sets from 8:00 to midnight and that hasn't been a problem for me, but I know that I got a late start and that I won't be able to play forever. But I'm hoping to play for as long as I can and be able to enjoy it even more once I retire, for as long as I can make it last.
EDIT: I should also brag a little about my dad. He turns 94 in three weeks and still plays violin in a gigging band. They're just starting back up after being on pause during the pandemic and he had multiple medical issues in that time, so he definitely sees the end of his playing days coming. But, as of now, he's still going. I sure hope I got good genes from him.
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72 and still playing. Band #1 never really stopped. Band #2 resumes rehearsals this month after everyone finally being immunized after an 18 month layoff due to Covid.
I'm 70 and still gigging in clubs, events, etc. But, I have a bad back and can see the day when I won't be able to lug the gear. Also, gigging drains me more than it used to; I played gigs this past Friday and Saturday and was toast on Sunday.
My great uncle is 81 and still gigs on bass. My dad is 74 and gigs on guitar. There is hope for me. I am 50 and trying to get back to gigging after taking a pause to raise my kids. Currently I play at a church, but it is just not the same.
66... retired from job but not music and bass.
I am in several bands, each one only plays out once or twice a month or less and I help lead on the worship team once a month at church.
Where I live is not a real big metro area so there is not a really exciting music scene around here but there is some thankfully.
I love music and all things bass related more than ever since I retired from working. Also try to buy and sell basses here and there along the way lol.
I am in several bands, each one only plays out once or twice a month or less and I help lead on the worship team once a month at church.
Where I live is not a real big metro area so there is not a really exciting music scene around here but there is some thankfully.
I love music and all things bass related more than ever since I retired from working. Also try to buy and sell basses here and there along the way lol.
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X2. 62 and gigging as much as possible, but no regular 9 to1 deals. 2 to 5, 7 to 10, or similar, that's our slot. The players I know who have stopped did so for health reasons that took their ability(sad). I don't know any who stopped because they reached a certain age. I'm one of the younger ones in a couple of the bands I'm in, there are some 70+ still doing it.
And a few years ago went from a 53lb amp to a 5lb..
And gotta add, the closest I ever came to quitting a couple of times was due to bandmember bulls#it.
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63 and still at it. Three straight starting tonight. Had to shed some hair for the summer so I went Miami Vice
May 2021:
June 2021:
May 2021:
June 2021:
Greetings from the North,
I'm not dead, I'm just pining. I've got some new tunes and stuff to play on and I'm ready to put a new project together and start playing again.
Trying to be safe and screw the New Normal too
Rezdog
I'm not dead, I'm just pining. I've got some new tunes and stuff to play on and I'm ready to put a new project together and start playing again.
Trying to be safe and screw the New Normal too
Rezdog
I intended to retire at 50 to focus on other hobbies and life priorities.
Was convinced to give it one more year then afflictions related to age and lifestyle caught up to me.
Last regular gig was a couple months shy of my 51st birthday.
Been a few years and having the extra time for my other hobbies has been great. Still collaborating with my musician friends - more writing and recording than gigging and that’s OK with me. Been developing content for YouTube as well. I do it when it suits me as opposed to a bar’s schedule.
I’m glad I got out of it before Covid hit - I feel zero angst not gigging. Not sure I’d feel the same if I was still in the mix.
Was convinced to give it one more year then afflictions related to age and lifestyle caught up to me.
Last regular gig was a couple months shy of my 51st birthday.
Been a few years and having the extra time for my other hobbies has been great. Still collaborating with my musician friends - more writing and recording than gigging and that’s OK with me. Been developing content for YouTube as well. I do it when it suits me as opposed to a bar’s schedule.
I’m glad I got out of it before Covid hit - I feel zero angst not gigging. Not sure I’d feel the same if I was still in the mix.
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Turning 60 next year, and I'm just getting started.
Still gigging at 77, but I just broke my 2nd hip. Not sure what that bodes. Definitely no standing while playing, may need help setting up. We'll see.
