Who's gigging with younger musicians? How do they respond to you?

[shrimp]

It's been a real trip after moving up here in VT from the more urban SW CT area. I've had alot of interaction with younger musicians, and they vary greatly in the ways they respond to me. Some have been very respectful, and seem genuinely interested in playing and discussing music. Others seem almost threatened and can't stay far enough away. I shower frequently and use deodorant and mouthwash (JK). Anyway, I get the feeling that among musicians the same age as me (59), I prefer to gig MUCH more frequently. The younger cats can't play ENOUGH, so could it be they see me as competition for gigs? Interested in any comments from fellow giggers.

[Lou Cicconi]

I'm 65...&...On a good day I look a little younger...The young guys keep me around because I remember just about everything song I've played since the 50s...And...Some songs that they think are NEW...We were playing before they were born...And...In some cases before their parents were born...And...I can teach them in five minutes...AND...I don't mind playing LOUD...That's what ear plugs are for...

[Tom Towle]

I just joined a band of 58 yr olds. FOUR of us just found out our birthdaze are within 6 months of each other. We were trying to figure out a name. I was scraping the bottom and came up with The Classy Croc band. They liked it. I bought the domain. http://ClassyCroc.com

We ONLY play music from 50s, 60s and 70s. Classy Croc plays Classic Rock!

[Mitchell Levine]

The definition of 'classic rock' is subjective as well. While I was waiting in line at the bank the other day, the "classic rock" DJ on the Manhattan AM radio playing in the background shouted out between songs: "And now here's another oldie...from the BANGLES..!!!"

I imagine that means I'm old. :(

[Shadow]

Everyone in my band "White Oak" is 50 or older except for our bass player who just turned 20. He is a great musician who is willing to learn and exicted about playing with guys who've been around and have seen the long gone musical icons. He takes instruction and criticism well and is happy to learn the classic rock, newer rock and originals we do. His parents are also happy that he's hooked up with older guys who are actively gigging and can show him the ropes, instead of getting high with his buddies in the basement. (of course, he may be doing that too!)

[Tom Towle]

Is that a new group? I actually still WEAR clothes that are as old as you. Beatles broke up by the time you were born. You have a very good point however, as is very evident when I look at the members of Cream in their recent concert and realize that they are 10 years older than I am and are still LOUD OLD GUYS. I guess "OLD" is relative.

[danno]

i'm 40, i sure don't feel young tom!

however, i would certainly sit and listen with rapt attention to you 60's and 70's stories. did you ever see aerosmith hopped up on smack!?

[Tom Towle]

I play in a Classic rock band with 30 and 40 something cats. They keep thinking that means bands like the Dead, Pretenders and Sublime. I think it means Stones, Beatles, Buffalo Springfield. They get lyrics and chords from the Internet. I try to convince them I learned it when it was done. All in all, I think they respect that I am musical like them. It is a trip to see the look on their face when I tell them I met Janis, went to a Jimi Hendrix concert, saw and heard Cream, Iron Butterfly play InnaGaddaDaVida, etc.