We don't always like to talk about it but getting older affects almost everything we do. But sticking strictly to music, how has your life as a musician changed since you've gotten older, especially if you're, let's say, over 65. I stopped gigging several years ago and age was definitely one of the considerations. I also stopped riding motorcycles and flying small planes (general aviation). I may also give up porn (not immediately) . But seriously, I have noticed the following changes in my musical life that are most likely related to age.

1. I'm much less excited about new gear.
2. I spend much less time in my studio (and more watching football).
3. My stamina, especially playing organ, is greatly diminished.
4. I have much less enthusiasm for rehearsals and find that me and my equally old friends spend more time BS'ing than playing .
5. I find it harder to memorize new songs (and forget them quicker as well).
6. Just the idea of tearing down and setting up makes me nauseous.
7. I buy all my gear now with no consideration for weight or size. That's because I have no plans to move it .
8. AND THE BIGGIE...I am much less creative; ie. I find it harder and harder to come up with good solos...so far, comping is no problem, perhaps because it is so second nature.

I often regret that I did not get better trained when I was younger. When I look at the playing skill of some of the younger players today, I often think 'I could have been that good if only I'd been more dedicated'. As it turned out, college and the military soaked up that development time. I'd like to say "No Regrets", but that would be disingenuous. What about you?

chas

I find at age 72 I am actually playing more and more. I understand the energy level does change with age, but I exercise every day and watch my diet. That goes a long way to keeping fit and feeling as well as you can as age advances. I find musically I am more interested in learning than ever. I have not been, however, a giging musician all my life. I played in my mid twenties at lounges and supper clubs, but stopped in my thirties. At my age now music is something I look forward to doing every day. I think as life goes on you do need something to look forward to when you get up every morning.

I waited much too late in life to ever have an impact on the music world. It doesn't keep me from trying but my vocals drive me insane and all of life's little health issues, arthritis, sciatica, etc.... wear upon my work ethic. I'm probably the oldest "geezer" on this website... but as long as I'm enjoying what I do (write and record my own songs) I'll keep grinding away.
I tell myself, "All it takes is one!"

1. I'm much less excited about new gear. Ditto!

2. I spend much less time in my studio (and more watching football). And sailing, watching the new birds come to my bird feeder and suet block, fixing stuff around the house to make it safer for old codgers (both me and my wife), exploring new restaurants without thinking how much money I just pissed away, taking care of the cat, taking care of the guppies in the aquarium, and lots of other silly stuff.

3. My stamina, especially playing organ, is greatly diminished. Lost the stamina when my lungs went to hell along with my back. I still try to exercise daily, even it's just working out with light weights and doing lots of reps while watching TV.

4. I have much less enthusiasm for rehearsals and find that me and my equally old friends spend more time BS'ing than playing smile. Nearly all my old band buddies have long since passed away, and the only one other than myself that is still alive has never bothered to keep in touch. I still contact him once in a while, though.

5. I find it harder to memorize new songs (and forget them quicker as well). Never had this problem. Started drinking better booze and my mind became sharp as a tack and now the words and chords just seem stuck in my head. Of course, getting them out of my head and to my fingers is a different story.

6. Just the idea of tearing down and setting up makes me nauseous. Nah! Never has been a problem, since I lightened the load to it's present form. Sometimes it takes me longer to get the gear loaded on the Rock And Roller Cart than it takes to set up.

7. I buy all my gear now with no consideration for weight or size. That's because I have no plans to move it smile. Stopped buying gear, though I sold a lot of it during the past two years, and now I'm giving my music duds away to anyone that fits into an XL size format.

8. AND THE BIGGIE...I am much less creative; ie. I find it harder and harder to come up with good solos...so far, comping is no problem, perhaps because it is so second nature. I'm still very creative, though not nearly as talented as I should be since I stopped being a full-time entertainer. I really miss being on stage and enjoying all the fun with my audiences, but alas, I'm 78 years old and some things, sadly, just come to an end.

Great topic, Chas,

Gary

Come On you guys take a few blue pills fire up the keyboards and party hearty baby sheeeeesh....
How depressing...it ain't over till it's over Really..?

Hey Donny, I have a couple packs of those blue pills here - free samples from the gals at the Urology Office - they are a couple years out of date, but I'll be glad to send them your way.

Gary

At 75 I find I'm as enthusiastic as ever. If I go more than three days without a gig I'm antsy.

Yep, the odd twinges are there getting the gear in and out, but then I just think of how it used to be and these days it's a piece of cake, really.

I guess part of it is that I've never been a navel-gazer, I just enjoy life in general and my music in particular. It ain't no more complicated than that for me.

Same age. I have made concessions. I don't have to move things often, and when I do I have help if needed.
I have lowered the keys on a lot of songs by one full step. I think this was more of the heart thing than age though.
I'm actively trying to stay away from even semi-weighted keys because the four hours are getting hard on my fingers.
On the positive side, I appreciate each and every night I get to work, more so that ever before, because I know I'm reaching the end, after 43 years of full-time playing. I'm most likely on the downward half of my career.

Take on about half the gigs I used to do.

I'll say ditto to most of the comments !! a word of warning to you Guys and the blue pills ,,,,,,,please please read the instructions very carefully …….you must swallow the blue pills very quickly ..otherwise all you will get is a stiff neck !!!!………….ha ha ha ..English humour !!

s-s-s-seventy six here. Down to 11 contracted gigs per month, plus the occasional country club banquet or private party. I look forward to, and appreciate most everyone of them and never expected to be playing out at this age.
Eddie

My chronological age is amplified by medical issues that make me have reservations about continuing to gig. I've had someone helping me with equipment lately but that's not always available. The age of my music, and shrinking core audience that appreciates it, is right now the biggest deterrent to continuing. I have no desire to learn anything current; we all have our opinions on "today's" music. I don't have the enthusiasm to perform as I once did and that's not fair to my audience; I do however feed off of them and their response enhances mine. Also, as I get older, friends and family have passed away taking the wind out of my sails often. At this point I am hesitant to continue doing what I'm not happy doing 100%. I'm sliding into grumpy old man mode ( a qualification for membership to Old Fogeys Brigade) And I've got about a week to make up my mind to continue booking or let it go..

Sometimes you just have to let the music and the magic make you happy inside, forget about everybody else, forget about gigging, forget about everything in the past, just remember the good times and keep going, let the magic of playing music make you happy in your heart and soul... all things come to an end but you can start another Direction and make yourself happy in many ways musically good luck to you...

I think you mean 'membership to SYNTHZONE' .

Sparky, so much of what you said in your post applies to me as well (except that I've already given it up - medical reasons, but not me personally). What rings especially true is " no desire to learn anything current". I find myself playing all the old familiar stuff (jazz standards mostly) over and over, sometimes not even bothering to vary it, just like hearing it.

Physically, sometimes my fingers betray me, thanks to arthritis and declining reflexes, but mostly it's my leg (pedals), arms (playing a second tier keybed), and back (sitting hours with no back support). Oh well, as everybody says, 'getting old ain't for wimps' , boy is that ever true.

chas

I heard a story of a man, who was mostly paralyzed, and restricted to bed. His wife requested viagra for him, and when the doctors asked "why?" she answered ... so he won't fall out of bed!

Whats the difference between Niagara and Viagra? Niagara Falls.

Well the good old gags are creeping out of the wood work .

I saw an old timer in the gents toilets on one of my little gigs pour 3 bottles of beer into the urinal …..I said after he poured out the contents of each bottle "that's a waste " the old timer looked at me straight in the face and said "no it will save me having to get up during the night to go to the toilet "

I did not read anything on purpose but i would say like wine because its Always getting better your love feeling and understanding grows and thats very cool atleast thats how i feel ;)))) thank you @ll my Friends greetings Rico

Getting back on track, I'm going to follow chas' thoughts ...

quote=cgiles We don't always like to talk about it but getting older affects almost everything we do. But sticking strictly to music, how has your life as a musician changed since you've gotten older, especially if you're, let's say, over 65. I stopped gigging several years ago and age was definitely one of the considerations. I also stopped riding motorcycles and flying small planes (general aviation). I may also give up porn (not immediately) . But seriously, I have noticed the following changes in my musical life that are most likely related to age.

Issues with my back (which I am currently taking PT for) have slowed me down considerably, as well as some pretty bad arthritis in my hands. I have always enjoyed doing my own landscaping and yard work, but tomorrow I am going to pay a guy $275.00 to clear the first wave of leaves from the lawn and back yard. Fortunately, 3 gigs will cover that.

1. I'm much less excited about new gear.

Me also. My current KB provides me with everything I need for the clientele I play for - 90% IL/AL/NH gigs. While I find the thought of Don's Pa1000 very interesting, I ask myself 'Do I really NEED it?" and the answer is NO !

2. I spend much less time in my studio (and more watching football).

I don't have a 'studio" but my KB is always set up and far more often than not it is the first thing I go to when I come down to the family room

3. My stamina, especially playing organ, is greatly diminished.

Well, yes, at the age of 77 my stamina overall has diminished considerably, but that's primarily because I've gotten too damned lazy to get my ass to the gym !!! I have to do it though because December is a 'wild ride' gig wise for me.

4. I have much less enthusiasm for rehearsals and find that me and my equally old friends spend more time BS'ing than playing .

Unfortunately, the guys I gigged with for 26 years live too far away to get together to rehearse or play gigs with often. But my enthusiasm for playing different tunes - not necessarily 'new' tunes still remains.

5. I find it harder to memorize new songs (and forget them quicker as well).

Thank goodness for tablets, etc. eliminating the need for those monstrous books.

6. Just the idea of tearing down and setting up makes me nauseous.

Yeah, I hear you. Often when I'm packing for a gig I wonder why I'm still doing this, but then I play the gig and get my answer. I still get excited about new gigs. In fact one really nice Independent Living venue just gave me a monthly gig. This will help keep me inspired because I know i will have to have a new playlist every month.

7. I buy all my gear now with no consideration for weight or size. That's because I have no plans to move it .

I'm not buying any new gear unless it helps me 'downsize'.

8. AND THE BIGGIE...I am much less creative; ie. I find it harder and harder to come up with good solos...so far, comping is no problem, perhaps because it is so second nature.

I never had the training for taking really good solos (see below), and I guess I always relied more on my vocals that instrumentals.

I often regret that I did not get better trained when I was younger. When I look at the playing skill of some of the younger players today, I often think 'I could have been that good if only I'd been more dedicated'. As it turned out, college and the military soaked up that development time. I'd like to say "No Regrets", but that would be disingenuous. What about you?

Planning to get married at a young age led me to get my military service behind me, which in turn led me away from the 'music education' environment. So I do regret never having that training. But I still thank God for the talent I was given, which allows me to continue entertaining people at my 'advanced' age. I read the newspaper every day and look through all the 'obits', and just feel so fortunate to be doing all that I still can do, while so many people much younger than I have passed from this life.
So that's my story and I'm sticking to it ... now I will have another Grey Goose martini and watch some football ...
And, GO PACKERS !!! (Sorry Steve )
Thanks for asking, chas
tony
chas

Hehe Rico, just wait and see when you grow older .... LOL
I'm not playing R&R anymore, too fast, now it's only slow ballads,
slower and slower for each year that passes away ...

My Friends thats funny what the hell is old then hahahha,
?for me music is without age in feeling that is i just turned
50 noone believes i am but it is and i am but music is not
about age it only gets better with ages because you feel the music better
but thats how i see it so i cant fill that in for anyone else but MUSIC is ALWAYS COOOL and brings people together so never forget that !!!
And sorry for my englisch its not that good but i hope you understand what i am trying to say ;)))))

So Fun and beautiful Music is a special thing
PS I never asked anyones Age i also dont know anyone's Age so who gives a ???? its only about what you do and feel and represent in my opinion

Sooo in Other words Go for IT

We sound like twins except I already quit.

Tony, I don’t mind at all I’m down on Boston after the Sox took the series

1. With a Genos, Pa4x , Clavinova CVP 307 and an s970 not thinking about any more gear, enough is enough. When I’m not gigging I enjoy switching off playing the Genos, 4x or Clavinova. I use the Clavinova for piano solo and don’t use it’s arranger features. S970 I use when we are in Florida.

3. I have plenty of stamina at 66, at my annual physical this week the doc asked what are you doing to be in such a healthy state. I told him drink a lot, smoke a lot and don’t eat. ( just kidding with that part). Actually I don’t drink, smoke and try to eat in moderation.

4. I was a late comer played my first gig at 55 and never played with a band or other musicians, so the rehearsals aren’t in the picture.

5. Memorization was never a strong point but I play quite a few tunes from memory for piano solo that I learned in my late teens early 20s. Great to have tablets in 2018, especially when you can call up the lead sheet from Songbook or Playlist

6. I travel pretty light and with a Rock N Roller dolly I don’t mind. Thanks to Gary for the suggestions on quick set up break down time.

7. I’m finished buying gear for the immediate future and maybe forever.

8. Creativity? I never had a lot of it and the little I had probably went down the drain when I spent my early 20s to mid 30s riding the train to where ever there was a party. Regrets? I have a few but then again to few to mention .... but if I had to do it over I would have never jumped on board that party train. The good news I got off it 34 years ago.

Bottom line I’m a frustrated musician but have to be grateful for the many, many blessings in my life.

Tony, you NEEEEED the PA1000!

... tell my wife !!! ...

Didn't know she played!!

Ditto

Tony....
Negotiate.
No money down....take years and years to pay.
Don may go for it. I bet he even does the song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sdutns1wWXg
Eddie

Love me some Joe Diffie!

1. I'm much less excited about new gear.
- I'm still really excited about new gear, Genos/PA4X. But i've come to terms with the fact that i'm not able to afford any of that in the first 2 years of release


2. I spend much less time in my studio (and more watching football).
- I still enjoy playing music for YouTube but i'm not nearly as much recording as i should have.

3. My stamina, especially playing organ, is greatly diminished.
- Still have a lot of stamina although my fingers are sometimes playing tricks on me and that's demotivating.

4. I have much less enthusiasm for rehearsals and find that me and my equally old friends spend more time BS'ing than playing smile.
- Ever since we got a saxophone player in the band and rehearsing just for the sake of rehearsing and not actually playing gigs my enthusiasm dropped down to almost zero..

5. I find it harder to memorize new songs (and forget them quicker as well).
- Thankfully no real problems there although i tend to make a lot of small mistakes on songs no matter how much i play them


6. Just the idea of tearing down and setting up makes me nauseous.
- That's why i started playing guitar in a band, was tired of walking 3 miles with a 25lbs keyboard.

7. I buy all my gear now with no consideration for weight or size. That's because I have no plans to move it smile.
- Same for me, it's no problem picking heavy things up, but i find it better to have it all set haha.

8. AND THE BIGGIE...I am much less creative; ie. I find it harder and harder to come up with good solos...so far, comping is no problem, perhaps because it is so second nature.
- Still pretty creative when it comes to improvisations, and i have a pretty good ear so i can fingure out lots of stuff on the fly, but when it comes to actually being creative in songwriting? Don't get me started LOL

Oh, and i'm typing this at the ripe age of....................................... 27

At the age of 77 1/2, I, thank God, don't have any physical impairments, and still take my Audya and Pa4X out on gigs. What I have noticed is the change in mental attitude as I am getting older. I quit the rat race of jockeying for position to get jobs. I play my old jobs with friends of 20 years with the band, my weekly Karaoke I put on, one NH, and annual dinners during the season. I maintain my few gigs to have something to prepare for. It is a slower pace, but gives me a purpose other than my own enjoyment. This has given me time in my studio to explore features and new combinations I was too busy to explore.

My wife thinks I should downsize, or at least have more light weight rigs, in the event I get too old to carry the heavy stuff. Consequently, I have my SD40/SK1, Roland Lucina, and am getting back to my vArranger2, which is so improved relative to the 2010 version when I bought it.

We are all different in many respects, but what we have in common is our love of music. So it should be.

At 50 I played racket ball with the twenty-years-olds in my band – it was the first time I felt myself aging, and I was going to stay ahead of it. From age sixty to seventy-five I added a Yamaha keyboard --- played parties, weddings, and slowed down gradually.

I played my first NH job when I turned 80. I did my best to keep my energy and drive going, but it was coming. A musician must excite the people he is playing for, and my energy level and drive was slowly leaving.

Played my last job when I reached eighty-four. For the next two years I turned to buying and programing the new keyboards I bought, I thought I would still be able to gig. Part of my nature is to accept, move on and stay positive. I played professionally for over sixty years, I was blessed by my music career, but it was time to move on. I now play my guitar and keyboard for enjoyment. I am selling a Pa4x or a S975, either one makes no difference, just trying to clean house.

Being age eighty-seven places me in a special position in my church. I get invited to speak and share with groups, and get to mentor those who are doing well. In this I’m still important and needed, and that makes me feel good. I guess I am still performing, but to a different audience.
I’ve had a great life filled with music and good friends. I reach eighty-seven this past September, I have been blessed.
John C.

Sir, i will have to add that reading what you've done until well into your 80s and now sharing your stories and expertise at age 87 with this forum is really fantastic to read!

John C is a Mentor to Me...Harold

1. I'm much less excited about new gear.

Me too but I like keeping up on new releases
2. I spend much less time in my studio (and more watching football).

I still play almost every day but sometimes its just piano and no Arranger.
More of a get into the music feel to it.
3. My stamina, especially playing organ, is greatly diminished.

We all go thru that as we get older but so far so good.
4. I have much less enthusiasm for rehearsals and find that me and my equally old friends spend more time BS'ing than playing smile.

I don't know if I could put up with rehersals anymore. I just want to do it my way
DAMN IT ! And get off my lawn !!!
5. I find it harder to memorize new songs (and forget them quicker as well).

Never had good memory skills. thank God for the IPAD
6. Just the idea of tearing down and setting up makes me nauseous.

We all hate it but I've gotten down to a managebale size with my stuff. Except
my keyboard stand. I hate it but can't find anything better .
7. I buy all my gear now with no consideration for weight or size. That's because I have no plans to move it smile.

Just the opposite. all my stuff is a s light as can be to get the job done. I move
everything except the FP90 but I do have a case for that if the right gig
comes along.
8. AND THE BIGGIE...I am much less creative; ie. I find it harder and harder to come up with good solos...so far, comping is no problem, perhaps because it is so second nature.

Actually i think I'm getting better. Playing more solo Piano is helping a lot with harmonization and solos. Nothing to hid behind.

I often regret that I did not get better trained when I was younger. When I look at the playing skill of some of the younger players today, I often think 'I could have been that good if only I'd been more dedicated'. As it turned out, college and the military soaked up that development time. I'd like to say "No Regrets", but that would be disingenuous.

I often think that too. the things I spent so much time and energy on instead of
music but at the time they were the most important to me. I wish the Internet
and YouTube were around then. The progress I could of made if I only had all
that info available.

Just turned 72. Ladies look at me in a totally different way when playing.

Know when the current job ends I won't look for another one.

Studio sessions that last up to 30 hours (film scores)are BRUTAL.

Need to decide whether to giver up music or refuse a new Italian door manufacturer as a client
Simply can't add to a 100 plus hour work week schedule.

Lowering the key of many vocals.

Been offered a "writer in Residence" job at the University, which will tie up about 20 hours a week. Something's got to give.

DAMN!


Russ

Wow! So much to ponder in these posts. I don't know if it's good or bad but it probably is healthy to stop and access where we are at this point in our lives. Donny is correct; it can be depressing as we watch the things we used to value so much become less and less important. But John C. is also correct in that we can view the musical experiences in our past as a BLESSING, even if we can no longer recreate them. What IS interesting are the different perspectives expressed here and realizing that each of us approaches the inevitable in our own way; some hopeful, some resigned, but all seem grateful to have had (or still have) music in their lives.

chas

BTW ... In yesterday's newspaper there was an article about Petula Clark who is still touring at the age of 85 years ! ... She will be appearing at a theater venue in RI this week

She performed in the cousin Bruce R&R show vol 2 in Sept here at PNC great show•!

Cousin Bruce I remember him on 77 WABC, great disc jockey and he is still on Sirius XM on the 60s channel. Yea I did read about Petula Clark coming to RI this week.

Cousin Brucie !!! He must be about 110 years old, no ?!? ...

He's 3 years younger than Petula Clark actually

I always felt he was much older than I, even though I knew he wasn't ... perhaps it was the fact that he was a radio celebrity ...

He’s 83.

https://youtu.be/984F6rdhE4g