When is time to get off the stage?

[MegaSwing]

It depends on how much control you have over your gigging. If it is a band of equals, playing music you love and can bring something new to each time, play on until you can play no more. That keeps you young and looking forward.

On the other hand, if you feel desperation creeping in because the material is weak, or you're not getting the appropriate respect for your contributions, who needs that?

It's all about love of the craft and the respect of the audience and your peers. It should be an easy answer if you are being honest with yourself.

 

[Biggbass]

After the last song...

which comes at a different time for everyone. There's no protocol for retiring from
music...even Sinatra tried it and did a come back...that's all they know how to do.
What do you do after a lifetime of playing nightly and living on tour? Play golf?
Tinker around the house? Build ships in bottles? Catch up on Netflix binge watching? Start day drinking?

But, personally I'm ready for Sir Paul to retire...his voice has gone. And when the performance becomes compromised by age it's time to hang up the spurs.
Watching old, tired music icons try to keep the mojo flowing by continuing to perform in their elderly years is just sad. But I realize that's all they have to do
so if they're attracting audiences then more power to them. I always have the option to not buy the ticket.
But many classic rock era musical icons should do us a favor and spend more time with their grand kids. I'm not about to spend hundreds of dollars on a single ticket to watch a nearing 80 year old rocker play 50 year old songs.

Then there's Tony and Willie. They get a pass.

 

[Thumpin6string]

I believe the official age you should get off stage is 110 or dead, whichever comes first.

 

[Kmonk]

A good musician is a good musician. Age doesn't matter. If you enjoy playing, then play. I've toured with people ranging from 18 to 55 and never had a problem with any of them.

 

[groooooove]

depends..

everyones different... if your not having fun anymore, then try something new, if that still doesn't work, maybe theres nothing wrong with just playing at home / for yourself these days.

i've played with plenty of people my parents age and older over the years - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. if it means enough to you, keep looking till you find what you want

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

When are you too old to perform? Sure the legends are still out there, but they were touring when they were in there 20's. If you are a part time musician playing clubs, when should you realize you had your turn and retire? I am now in my late 50's and I feel a bit odd going to auditions where I'm the same age as the parents of the band members. I could restrict myself to only playing with people in the same age bracket but it's hard enough to find good musicians who are dedicated without limiting yourself to a certain age.

The real kicker came at my last audition. I thought I was going to the drummer’s house but in reality it was his father’s house. We were jamming melodic metal at 120db when his grandmother came waddling across the living room in her nightie to retrieve the mail off the dining room table. Awkward!

I'll get off when I fall off.
Of course that assumes I get on, in the first place.

 

[Kevin1960]

Donald "Duck" Dunn had been touring with Steve Cropper and Eddie Floyd in Japan during May 2012 when he died in his sleep in a Tokyo hotel on the eve of his return to the United States; He was 70 years old. I can only hope I go the same way.

 

[SteveBassJr]

The Derek Trucks band had a wide age spectrum. 20,30,40,50&60. As long as the chemistry is there, do it.

 

[Mvilmany]

I'm in a trio. My guitarist and I are 45. The drummer is 20 years younger than us. The 3 of us get along really well. That's the big factor.

All 3 of us are very enthusiastic to play with each other. I don't have issues with either of these musicians like the ones I've had to deal with in just about every other band. We are all musically supportive, open, and honest.

I formed this band with the drummer and another musician his age (who since moved out of state) then invited my guitarist.

Long story short, if you have like considerate musicians with similar abilities and goals, it will transcend age.

 

[avalancheMM]

I'm 56. I will play until I can no longer play. That'll hopefully be when I'm dead.

I'll add to that, too. In my 40s, when lots of people were telling me I should hang it up, I got signed to my first label. Also got my first endorsements, did my first international tours, and had the most fun I ever had playing. At 56 I landed the most heavily booked, best paying gig of my life. With people who's parents I'm older than. I also believe there's much more ahead of me. I keep an open mind, I keep pushing my comfort zones, I keep learning, and I keep believing the best is yet to come. I've yet to be disappointed with that mindset.

Tony Bennett is 90 years old and recently wrote a book Just Getting Started. He's accomplished more in the past 5 years than most people do in a lifetime.

I never would have pegged you for 56, Joe!!!! That being said, my dear departed dad was still playing well into his 80's- not doing bar tours, mind you, but giggng, nonetheless. I think you will get an irrevocable sign telling you when to hang up your strings, until then, let 'er buck, Billy!

Regards

 

[kjones]

The drummer in my band is young enough to be my son.

Oh yeah, actually it is my son! Heck, if he gets a move on, maybe we'll have three generations playing together.

 

[bassliner50]

I intend to play as much as I can for as long as I can. I am 67. I have played near all genres and re programmed myself a few times. . For the past 10 years or so, all I play is traditional straight ahead jazz. Much of the music is from the American song book of standards or classic jazz standards. These tunes were composed a generation or 2 before I was born. Gershwin, Rogers & Hart, Jimmy Van Heuson, Cole Porter etc. I never feel like the audiences' grandfather playing this stuff. Smaller lighter gear, seasoned literate musicians. Very very satisfying music. (think Woody Allen movies) If I were still doing a steady diet of strict pop or rock, I might be thinking of throwing in the towel.

 

[dls59]

I'm 58 and busier than ever. I also sing tenor and my voice has never been higher. No clue why I haven't lost any range. I'll quit when I'm tired of playing. I don't see that happening anytime soon.

 

[madbass6]

When are you too old to perform? Sure the legends are still out there, but they were touring when they were in there 20's. If you are a part time musician playing clubs, when should you realize you had your turn and retire? I am now in my late 50's and I feel a bit odd going to auditions where I'm the same age as the parents of the band members. I could restrict myself to only playing with people in the same age bracket but it's hard enough to find good musicians who are dedicated without limiting yourself to a certain age.

The real kicker came at my last audition. I thought I was going to the drummer’s house but in reality it was his father’s house. We were jamming melodic metal at 120db when his grandmother came waddling across the living room in her nightie to retrieve the mail off the dining room table. Awkward!

lol.. that kicker Sounds like a scene rite out of a real bad adam sandlers comedy!

 

[Alivefor5]

I'm 70 and was recently hired by a production company that sells a variety of shows. I'm playing a Springsteen show, a Diva R&B show, a Birth of Rock and Roll show, a 70's disco show and a Christmas show when that rolls around. I work with a talented group of 30 somethings and they love me because I lived and played through all those styles and still have the chops. I've gone to Neo cabs and class D heads. I smile alot and help with equipment. Life is good and I intend to keep it that way as long as I can.

 

[Billoney]

I've got 38 years of guitar/bass experience under my belt, and my body has more miles than a worn out freightliner. I'm broke down pretty bad, all over. But what really started bringing me down was arthritis in my hands and wrists. I got to where I couldn't take advil anymore, and had to hang it up. But now my doctor prescribes Voltaren gel, and it works- Problem is, I don't smell like a rock star anymore, but I guess it could be worse. (depends of course)

Rheumatoid arthritis put me out of action for awhile. I lucked out because my doctors came up with a combination of meds that worked. I've never been close to big time but I do OK. I'll keep going as long as I can deliver and still want it. I'm just south of 65.

 

[Pbassmanca]

When are you too old to perform? Sure the legends are still out there, but they were touring when they were in there 20's. If you are a part time musician playing clubs, when should you realize you had your turn and retire? I am now in my late 50's and I feel a bit odd going to auditions where I'm the same age as the parents of the band members. I could restrict myself to only playing with people in the same age bracket but it's hard enough to find good musicians who are dedicated without limiting yourself to a certain age.

The real kicker came at my last audition. I thought I was going to the drummer’s house but in reality it was his father’s house. We were jamming melodic metal at 120db when his grandmother came waddling across the living room in her nightie to retrieve the mail off the dining room table. Awkward!

Man.....just play until they kick you out or......................until you kick the bucket.
#Bass until death!

 

[twinjet]

When are you too old to perform? Sure the legends are still out there, but they were touring when they were in there 20's. If you are a part time musician playing clubs, when should you realize you had your turn and retire? I am now in my late 50's and I feel a bit odd going to auditions where I'm the same age as the parents of the band members. I could restrict myself to only playing with people in the same age bracket but it's hard enough to find good musicians who are dedicated without limiting yourself to a certain age.

The real kicker came at my last audition. I thought I was going to the drummer’s house but in reality it was his father’s house. We were jamming melodic metal at 120db when his grandmother came waddling across the living room in her nightie to retrieve the mail off the dining room table. Awkward!

Play 'til you die. @Gravedigger Dav is in his seventies, I think, and still plays around in various Texan venues.
I know a few good bass players in my local area who are in their 60s and 70s, as well, and are busy every weekend in addition to a week packed full of lessons and other music goings-on. No reason to stop now.

 

[Pbassmanca]

My band ranges from early 20's to 60+. Music truly knows no age.

 

[red_rhino]

Tony Bennett is 90 years old and recently wrote a book Just Getting Started. He's accomplished more in the past 5 years than most people do in a lifetime.

I had the joy of seeing him perform about 5 years ago; our company hired him for an after work event. He made it look so effortless, so smooth, so easy. I came away inspired. I understood right then that there is no expiration date. Any notion that you're too old for something, especially music, is artificial and arbitrary.