Is age just a number?

[LowNloud1]

I've hesitated from posting this but here goes.....some self-doubt at play here.

I am retired, getting Social Security and playing in a 90's cover band with three 30-somethings for the past 4 years. I love the music and the challenge of taking myself out of my comfort zone. I love the energy the younger band members show. Great chemistry. We are ascending in the local area. Gig venues are getting into the "prime" local area places and the money is getting good but none of us are into it for the money.

I am able to play for 4 hours. I don't have a problem with the late hours. I feel appreciated by the other members but I kinda feel that my lower energy level and age might affect the band's image. I move around. I don't jump in the air or run around the stage but I move to the music.

Sometimes I think I am a novelty. Some people have remarked that it is cool to see someone my age playing with guys a generation apart in age. I imagine some feel my age might be a negative.

Most of what I see is similarly aged band members playing music from their generation.

Am I cramping my bands image or does age matter?

 

[PauFerro]

If the band members accept you, and you are getting gigs, then I wouldn't worry about it. There is some evidence that in groups where there is a lot of diversity in age, there tends to be more conflict and less cohesion. But if that isn't impacting you right now, I wouldn't worry about it at all. Go out and enjoy the fact that you are in the young culture again.

I personally don't consider myself old. I consider myself young minded. When people make age jokes, I always reject them because I can talk music, culture, dating, etcetera with young people very easily. The only time age seems to affect me is when I have health problems that make me a bit tired hauling gear in our souther 90% heat and humidity.

Other than that, I say go for it!!! I've run into lots of older people who are cool at heart to the younger generation.

 

[hondo4life]

Some people want more of a visual show, and some just want you to play. If your band is cool with it, then it's cool.
I am more of a utilitarian. I say the best visual show is watching a talented musician play their instrument.

 

[sean_on_bass]

For me, age does not matter. I've played with people up to the age of 90. I am only 32. I play primarily jazz, so if i didn't get in with the guys who have been doing it their whole life, i'd be truly missing out on something. If they didn't accept playing with those younger and less experienced...well they just might not have a bass player.

Now to some, age DOES matter, as evidenced by the multitudes of craigslist ads that specify no one over the age of 30. They are free to do it, but it all comes down to the image of the band and the desire to hang out with people your own age. I don't think this way, but pretty much any original rock startup probably will(with founders in their early twenties). The thing to remember is that it has nothing to do with your ability to play the instrument, it's just for looks. Even at age 32, i am excluded from playing in a number of projects that want someone in their 20's. Normally these are groups playing music i am not interested in anyway, so i am not losing out on much.

 

[Spidey2112]

90's cover band with three 30-somethings

I get it... three 30-somethings=90.

 

[Joedog]

I've seen a saying (possibly on TB?) I like: "What others think of me is none of my business." If you and your band mates are happy, what's the problem? It's not like you can do anything about your age, so quit worrying and wasting good energy.

 

[Jrussblues]

I'm 8-9 years older than the other members of my main band. It's still a lot of fun. I dont really worry about the image thing, I just try to entertain and play well.

 

[tlc1976]

Great chemistry. We are ascending in the local area. Gig venues are getting into the "prime" local area places and the money is getting good but none of us are into it for the money.
I am able to play for 4 hours. I don't have a problem with the late hours.

Sounds like you're doing something right. I'd keep doing what you're doing.

 

[pacojas]

a few years ago i went on tour with a band of guys, average age was 25. i was 57. no problem with anyone and since i've moved on we've stayed in touch and plan to perhaps play out again. the main difference between them and i? i usually was the first to hit the hotel beds, lol.
the BL (23year old) said the entourage were sad i had to move, ha. btw, my 29 yr old son wants to start a band with me in it. i'm 61 now.
(it felt a little strange, at first)

 

[hrodbert696]

Really a case-by-case thing. If the band makes it work, it works, and if it doesn't, it doesn't. I've been in bands where I was the youngest member - mid-40s vs. guys in their 60s and 70s - and currently in bands where I'm the oldest. I'm 46, in one the others are 30s to 40, so not too wide a spread, in the other the guitarist is 40 and the drummer is 23. I think it works in both cases.

 

[JGbassman]

I don't think so, but I would determine that on a couple factors. How you "old" you look/act, and the type of band you are in. Both are definite factors in blending.

I'm older than most guys I work with, but I also trade a little youth for experience. My 35 years of playing/gigging goes a long way at times.

Last night we were killing it, where we push a song to its limits and flex it a little. It's a bluesy funk song, I change the groove at a break, and the band follows seamlessly. The band is made up of professional recording musicians, and seasoned pros, so we have fun. We do original songs, or covers massaged and tweaked to our sound. The drummer shakes his head after the set and says, I don't know how you do it, but you always know the exact thing to play at the perfect time. This guy is a heavyweight on the gospel circuit, and has fly dates about three days a week in various parts of the country. In another words, he knows his craft.

I of course take this as a complete compliment (this guy is a monster bass player as well) but the point I'm making is even though he is really good, my experience, pocket, feel, or groove more than offsets my extra years I have on him.

So beware of the old guy picking up an instrument. He may just know how to play it!

 

[Spent]

I've been the oldest (sometimes like your current situation) in most band I've been in. I compensate for my age with immaturity.

 

[Biggbass]

age doesn't matter until your body starts failing on you. But as far as 'looks' goes,
Ed Cassidy always looked older than the rest of Spirit, although he really wasn't that much older, but he looked very cool.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

I'm staring down 48, but been playing in bands with 20 and 30-somethings for several years.

Good chemistry between musicians is rare, but ageless - go for it.

 

[Frank77]

Age is mostly a state of mind - just keep on rockin', OP.

I play in a 8-piece funk band, members' age range from 23 to 50. What's cool is that we also hang out outside of band activities (like going to a concert, poolside BBQ, etc). It's the nicest bunch of people I've ever played with.

IMO, doing what you like and having folks younger than you in your circle or friends makes you feel and look younger. Most people are shocked when I tell them I'm 40. Maybe I just give out an immature vibe, who knows?

 

[Gougedeye]

I wouldn't give it a second thought. As long as you and your bandmates get along and are able to relate to each other musically, age is not an issue. I think you need to examine your role in the band. What do you bring to the table? Your contribution may be far greater than just playing bass. Experience, stability, perspective. The list goes on and on. Go with it.

 

[Renaissance]

I don't think age matters. I do think appearance matters a lot.

You obviously have the appearance part covered so I wouldn't let it bother me. The only real advice I could offer is: Don't try to act like you're a twenty something. Nothing more off-putting to me than someone trying to be something they're not.

I'm 57 myself.

Where's Bluewine when you really need him?!!

 

[ezstep]

Is age just a number? Yes. A large number.



I "retired" after 32 years in public schools back in 2009, but I haven't yet kicked the dirt not kicked the habit of music. I am not yet old enough for SS, but I would like to spend the first check on equipment upgrades.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

My age is nobody's business. As long as everybody is happy with what I'm doing, and I'm happy, I'm gonna keep doing it. Hit it, boys:

 

[ThuzzleFump]

Age is a number. A number that can kill you. But don't let it affect your opinion of your playing or your suitability to gig. If you can do it, you can do it.