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?
Age matters. Not to everyone, all the time. But it does matter to people. For reason the OP posted and for the reasons in many other replies and comments. Not just age, looks, too...or the appearance of looking older or younger than a majority of your band mates or those who attend your gigs. There are always comments that are made that discriminate (the whole definition of the word, not just the negative) when the appearance of age difference in the band or even in the audience is present.
As I get older and look older (64 playing bass since 16, music since 12), I still am young at heart and mind. but, I am aware and sensitive to how "the book is more likely to be judged by it's cover" that most people subscribe to. I have a head of hair, it is silver. I am not tall, but I take care of myself with diet and exercise so my appearance demonstrates those disciplines. But, I look older.
Fortunately, there are a lot of 40-70 somethings that like to get out and enjoy an early show (7-9:30 pm) pretty much any night of the week and there are venues that cater to it. This early-gig time slot has been a recent development and I am happy to say that venues are seeing the value in it. There is small cover, but 4-5$ a head doesn't turn them away now (like it does for the younger people in my area). These folks come to see, hear and appreciate the live music for the talent and the memories the music induces.
It is a hoot when a bunch of experienced oldsters like me band-up with others of our creed (and appearance), practice-up a set of cover tunes and a set of originals influenced by our cover tune choices for the 7-9:30 crowd) and play out at clubs that have multi-bands and focus on a set of original tunes only (they don't want to pay ASCAP or other fees for cover bands...even though...wink wink, they have bands that do "their versions" of covers). We oldsters generally open. Locally, our band gets the word out. Other bands on the bill get the word out. They are usually younger, much younger and much less experienced, but full of hope. They don't "know" about us, don't care (before) about us. We are the "openers". We have the advantage loading in. Set-up, do a righteous quick sound check with the house sound and are ready when it's time. If there are band friends of the other groups or street crew, or even band members from other bands loading in after your group is set and they witness a decent sound check...it is not unusual for them to reach out and get their fans primed by exclaiming..."YOU HAVE TO COME SEE THESE OLD DUDES PLAY!!! ".
Yeah, a bit like the "what are you doin' here, dude?" question from people who think you should be pro and rich. Thanks for the accolades, but there is so much you may need to learn, pad-wan.
