"Then the lights begin to flicker and the sound is getting dim. The voice begins to falter and the crowds are getting thin. But he never seems to notice, he's just got to find another place to play." Bread 1972
I'm a serious Phil Collins fan, read his autobiography and his health issues are legion. I watched several of those same videos James and even accounting for bad video quality.... you're exactly right...I was both sad and disgusted with the performances. In one vid, Phil even said to the audience "you can sing this better than I can"....truly pitiful. As for Keith, I expect him to play guitar at my funeral in 20 years from now.
It's not pitiful when its all you have that brings you joy, put yourself in his shoes....it's all he's ever known, performing...now someone tells you can't do it anymore...everybody ages differently, life is different for all. Many musicians have performed until shortly before thier deaths...I haven't seen some of his latest performances, so maybe I'm not being objective 🤷♂️
If they still sound, and look good, I'm all for keeping going if they want to. If it's because they have been unlucky with deals or bad management then it's a bit sad but it's practicalities. If it's purely for ego, or no one has had the heart to be honest with them, then no. If, as is clearly the case with Phil Collins, you're seriously debilitated, then it's just awful to watch, it's a disservice to their own health and certainly their hard fought for legacy. If you have hard core fans, such as myself, wincing at times, please bow out gracefully and retain some dignity. I do not want to witness the last dregs of a great performer.
I'm with you man. I have a friend who keeps inviting me to go with him to our favorite old rockers concerts, and my answer is always no. I want to remember my favorite music stars as they were in their prime, KILLING IT. I just can't handle watching them need help getting onto the stage, butchering their own great songs and the music being played by people who were never in the band to begin with. I would rather just enjoy the records and watch them in past great performances on RU-vid.
@@andrewbigelow1415 Saw him in the acoustic tent at Glastonbury back in 1992. Wonderful sounds; I watched his fingers constantly wondering how he could make such a fabulous noise and make it look so easy. He was actually tuning up and hadn't started the concert. :-D
Just saw Billy Idol several weeks ago, he is almost 66 years old and he was fantastic. He brought incredible energy, running around everywhere, singing great. A real winner of a rock show, ... which I wasn't expecting at all. Probably the best thing about the show (and Steve Stevens was just as great) was you could tell how appreciative Billy Idol was to be in front of 4000+ fans. It was like he was completely self-aware that here he is forty years later and he can still run around the stage and belt out tunes and completely rock and entertain his fans; moreover, you could tell how grateful he was that his fans allow him to live his dream. I love Billy Effing Idol!!
Interesting, I didn’t know he was still touring and still able to make his lips move after all that plastic surgery. lol. Just kidding. Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s great, saw him back in the early 80s on the Rebel Yell tour.
I have immense respect for Robert Plant. I hate it when interviewers STILL ask about a Led Zeppelin reunion. I'm sure in 2007 they could have done a short tour and made a ton of money, but it just wouldn't have been the same. The one classic rock guy I'll still see every time I can is Robin Trower; he's lost a few steps but his phrasing and tone are still great. I think guitarists and bassists have it a lot easier than drummers and singers.
Robin Trower is great live. I saw him in 1978 and then I didn't see him again until 2019, 41 years later and he was exceptional both times. Nobody has a better guitar face than Robin Trower!
Saw the Stones for the first time in summer of 2019. Glad I saw them before those guys hang it up… as for when it’s time to stop, whenever they can’t do it anymore. Rock stars lasted a lot longer than people expected in, say, 1965. God bless ‘em.
You have to remember, it’s all they’ve ever done. It’s who they are. To quit would be like losing part of your soul. They may end up playing to empty venues, and play anyhow. You know?
I’m 56 and was thrilled to hear Rik Emmett still singing clearly and hitting the high notes in his acoustic tours of small clubs just a few years ago. He has some great YT stuff if you want to reminisce.
Saw Jon Anderson a month or so ago. HIs memory is failing and he played with the School of Rock kids. They were great! Jon sang wonderfully! The place went berserk. But I know his days are numbered sadly. Worth every penny. God bless them all....
I saw The Rolling Stones this past Saturday in Nashville and yes even though Charlie (RIP) and Bill aren’t there, it was an incredible show. They all can still play very well. Mick was on point with his vocals and the other newer members fit right in. It was truly great.
@@teleguy5699 The argument isn't that everybody should hang it up at a certain age. The argument is if you can't deliver a competent performance and you're fleecing your fans, you should think about whether it's time to quit.
@@jamesjames9275 Nobody is forcing people to pay for tickets. I think most people know the deal when they go to see bands or performers they know aren't at the top of their game. It's up to them and the musicians to determine the market.
I was at the Nashville show and I agree, Great energy, especially for their age! Keith and Ronnie can still play all the parts. Neither was ever a virtuoso, its more about the attitude and energy they play with, even when they are almost 80! I hope I can still play at all when I get to that stage of life.
@@jamesjames9275 I agree with you, but with that said I would pay full price just to stand in a room with these guys for 5 minutes. They are part of my life, almost like family, in fact sometimes more like family than some of my real family.
For me it's a problem when old rockers sing songs written for young rockers. Someone like James Taylor sings songs suitable for his age and still sounds wonderful.
I saw the Rolling Stones at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena in 2019 and they were awesome! I literally thought I would see one of them die on stage, but they rocked!
I think Clapton is semi retired now. He does one off shows but won't tour again. I have seen him twice. First time I saw him on the Pilgrim Tour and he was GERAT. I saw him later and it was like he fell off a cliff. He seemed so much older and more worn down. The set was less lively and he seemed to be going through motions more than having fun. But I might have caught him on an off night. His upcoming show in Dubai might be a good one.
If making music keeps a person happy, let them be happy. We know our heroes are old now, and the glory days are far behind. We wont expect them to be their best. But we can let them be happy.
I totally agree with everything you said. I saw Johnny Winter years ago and he needed help getting on stage. It was sad what he kept playing the same thing over and over. Can't wait to see the stones November 23rd. They can still get it done and God bless them. I first saw them in 1966 it all I heard was a girl in back of me screaming Mick. The last few years I have been filling my bucket list with Bad Company, mark f of Grand Funk, John f of CCR. I am 70 and with your help I am playing the best guitar of my life. Thank you
At least with The Stones, Jagger is more than self-aware enough to know it's time. Keith can always settle back into playing slow blues with whoever's in the room. If Steven Tyler were Jagger...he'd STILL be wearing that jumpsuit from '69 telling the audience "“I think I busted a button on my trousers. Hope they don’t fall down. You don’t want my trousers to fall down, now, do you?"
He's not really considered classic rock, but Nick Lowe, IMHO, has figured out better than most others how to age gracefully as a rocker. Years ago he started toning down his style, opting to play more acoustically and adopting a soft croon in his singing. He also started playing up his old man appearance, going for full grey hair, thick spectacles, and a wardrobe that suggests an English country gentleman, rather than a pioneer of punk and bash-it-out rock and roll. Nick has found a way to stay active and even grow his fan base while continuing to produce excellent new material.
Totally agree with you! He wised up with a plan and has done beautifully and his writing has matured in an awesome way! I saw him up close when he went out solo, loved it.
I'm going to be 70 min a few months, and really, my guitar playing has actually improved lately. I learned to Travis -pick (3 fingers) during the lockdown, something I never thought I'd master. As for the aging rockers: I'd be perfectly happy to see my heroes sitting around their living rooms or garages doing low-key jams on RU-vid, rather than doing arena tours. I'll bet a jam session with Paige, Plant and Alison Krauss would be a lot of fun. (I have no idea if Paige and Plant are still pals though). People need to adjust as they age. The best example is probably John Fogerty's jams with his kids during the 1st Covid wave; they were so much fun! Their version of "Tombstone Shadow" was arguably better than the original!
Happy to hear you are mending James. You are a youtube treasure...and I hope you don't retire any time soon. I have to agree with you wholeheartedly about rock stars having enough objectivity to just stop when they can't perform any longer. Heck, I used to go to a lot of Grateful Dead concerts and in the mid 80s I stopped going because they flat out couldn't sing even decently any longer (in my opinion) and they were still in their 40s. I feel the same way about Bob Dylan.... He once could actually sing but that was so long ago that most folks who will read this hadn't even been born yet. He'd be better off just reading the lyrics of his songs (he did win a Pulitzer after all). Sadly, there are a lot of examples of once great singers who simply can't do it now, including rock royalty like Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney, Steve Perry, and Elton John. You're right...it's OK guys, you've given the world an incredible amount of joy in the past 5-6 decades...you can just hang out with the grandkids now. Some exceptions....Justin Hayward (he really knows how to take care of his voice), Eric Clapton (can still sing...he must have some kind of magic elixir handy), Roger Waters (a good example...I saw him a few years ago and he was amazing...just as good as he was in the 1970s), Roger Daltry, (as you stated, can bring it if he is not overworked, which is incredible because he used to scream at the top of lungs for decades), and Jackson Browne. Again, great to hear you are on the road to recovery, James. Thanks for all of the great videos, man. Cheers.
Can’t thank u enough for sharing your perspective on this , was actually just having this same conversation last week w/a coworker . I’m 54 and share your belief , they owe us the fans nothing , I’ve lived a life completely fulfilled with incredible music and have been fortunate enough to see 90% of the artists I love . That being said I really wish KISS would call it quits !! Glad to see you’re almost ready to start rockin again
I agree with you. Had a sad experience watching Johnny Winter led out to a chair and being clearly a shadow of himself. I know he needed to make a living. God bless him. On the other end, a couple years ago i got free tickets to see Paul MCCartney....i didnt want to go becsuse i didnt like seeing my heroes in decline. But, man oh man....what a great performance! One of the best shows I've seen!
Well Vida, thanks for the advice? Love these public posts! All i can say is, I'm guessing four years ago, he sounded great. Not like his youth, thats gone, but he was a joy to listen to. Dave Grohl and some other FF's and Nirvana bassist joined him. A great show.
When Paul came to St. Louis in 17 ? he stayed on the stage for the entire 3 hours, voice declined ? yes but still one of the greatest concerts I ever attended. Saw him with Linda in the 90s and that concert didn't compare.
Classic rock will never die! It’s in a lot of movies we all like, it’s not going anywhere. In all honesty songs like gimme shelter, Born on the Bayou… Songs like that never age! Long live rock ‘n’ roll🎸
Good to see you out of the sling man. Hope you’re back to your usual self soon. Here’s the thing brother. And you touched on it here. A lot of us wanna see and be a part of history. I’m a really big Stones fan. And Iv become even more of a fan mostly because of this channel and when I picked up a guitar because I heard beggars banquet, let it bleed, sticky fingers and exile on Main Street. I was born in 1991 dude. But those albums mean so much to me. You said you saw the stones in 89 and they were past it then. But I wasn’t even alive ! So this is all we have brother. And like you said bro. The stones still can play and put on a respectable show. Iv introduced my girl to those albums and she really likes them now and would have never given the band a second look past like satisfaction and under my thumb. We drove down to Saint Louis from Chicago and the last hour in the car ride I put on the ‘Stones in Exile’ documentary on RU-vid. About how they recorded exile in the south of France what was going on at the time who was visiting the house and just how chaotic that time was. So it got us psyched for the show. And when my girl and I were in the crowd and Mick introduced Keith and he played happy it was really special moment. And Imo, I think he sang it well. I was not at the 2008 show at the beacon theatre. But Keith and Ronnies you got the silver is probably my favorite version. You can watch that on YT. But you’re right in the sense that. A lot of it is being a part of history and seeing the best band that there ever was. I literally said to my girl, you’re part of history ! Haha. But we had fun time at the show man. We saw them open with street fighting man i mean how sick is that. It was fun and memorable ! I saw them back here in Chicago in 2019 at soldier field. I stood next to a guy who saw them in 72 75 81. And he said nothing will ever beat 72 but he said that night in 2019 was his second favorite show all time. It was the second night in Chicago Tuesday night I believe. They ventured off the usual set list quite a bit. Monkey man was voted. Play with fire, they came out to the middle of the run way to play that. Lol we took and edible and enjoyed a really special band. I think the stones are really special and they brought a lot of amazing music to the world. What else would me and that guy who was way older than me have in common and could talk for hours about ya know. Stones bro. They are the best band that ever lived. Haha imo. Good topic for discussion thats just me. I get the genesis thing. But for somebody could mean more to them if they’re a big fan. Hey man and Iv said this before in the comments. You gotta come to the south side of Chicago and see ‘Rocks Off’ they replicate the mick Taylor years better than anybody Iv ever seen. Really a fun show. You can look em up at Rocks off tribute online and check out their calendar. I know you like that era as most do. These guys can really rip. Been busy lately but glad im getting back into playing my guitar. Your channel always gets me psyched. Thanks JJ
Dude you are a baby compared to me. I'm 69! But your enthusiasm and youthful energy is still vary familiar to me. I've been a Stones fan since the beginning - the sixties! My first show was '72 in Fort Worth, Texas. Yes, it rocked and yes, it WAS history. I've seem them several times since. They're music is fantastic but it is also a sort of state of mind and you got it! The concerts were great, the albums were great and the personal events surrounding them were great. For example - Exile came out just days before my high school graduation. Can you imagine the graduation party my rocker buddies and me had? Dude.
James James -interesting perspective, I appreciate your views as well as your instructional videos, including those on your previous channel - hope you keep those up, and keep em coming. Thanks!
I never comment on RU-vid videos, this one makes me sad. I saw the Stones in Seattle 2019 it was without a doubt the greatest night of my life. To see this generation of legends fade away is so sad, time waits for no one.
Loved hearing from you and that your getting better. Feel you on old acts needing to hang it up, but hey? They having fun who cares?? Psyched for new lessons. Peace Bro
You're absolutely right! It's sad more than anything else. We don't want to go to shows to be sad. Jeff Lynne's ELO at Hyde Park in 2014 (on RU-vid) was absolutely amazing, but that was 7 years ago and he might not be able to pull it off again. Jeff Lynne admitted that he was a bit nervous about being able to do it again after so much time, but he nailed it. It really is up to the performer to know when to call it. Some performers, depending on how good they take care of themselves and even the genre, can have a long career. Some types of singing are less taxing on the voice. Some performers are smart enough to change their style to compensate for their age.
I saw ELO in Philly in August 2018. I had seen them live in '79. The orchestra and other support musicians for the band brought a clean, clear sound to every song that '70s ELO could never have dreamed of capturing. They brought the whole package live without digital wizardry making things "seem" real. Of course the pedals may have been updated (or not) but tube amps and pure talent brought a great show! 👌
Hi love your channel, I suck at guitar, just learning. Have been checking out your older and new channel and can’t wait to get good enough to be able to use your video’s to play some songs! Anyway, I agree, I saw the Phil Collins video, and was floored at what I saw. Thinking about it, I would imagine that after all of those years of all of the fans, all of the “Your great Phil, your amazing”, the applauses the rush of it all is hard to give up. Myself I just wouldn’t go watch any band that is to the point past their prime. This sort of thing I suppose applies to everything. People just don’t know when they should just give it up. It’s just so sad to see.
Enjoyed this very much, as it's the same conversation I have with my friends about these old bands. I remember watching MTV when I was a kid thinking it was nuts that Aerosmith signed some sort of lucrative, 10 year recording contract that would require them to put out albums until Steven Tyler was around 50 years old. The thought of Tyler, or any of those guys, still coming off as a legit "rock star" at 50 years old was laughable to my 16 year old self. What did I know? These bands all lasted way longer than I could have predicted, but being a classic rock musician is one of the only occupations where you're salary continues to go up as you enter your 70's. I can throw stones all day, but if in the same position, I'd have them wheel me onstage in a stretcher!
Hey, JJ, thx for bringing this out; I'm 68 and have vivid visual memories of the stones/eagles/reo/skynrd/aerosmith,/elton/joel/u2, etc in their heyday; all the 70's superstars who can still fill up the arena's with several generations of fans. Kudo's to them all for blowing the music industry up with greatness off the charts. There is obviously a huge market for their shows, and it's their prerogative to satisfy their desire to play as well as the fans desire to see them. That being said, I much prefer to hear and see performers in their prime, which was 40 or 50 years ago in most of these cases. There is such a thing as retiring in grace before your skills are obviously eroded. It would behoove certain of these rock n rollers to saddle up and head for the ranch for a well deserved siesta.
Oh Boy, James James, thank you for this I caught the documentary on the recent Genesis tour (delayed by Covid) on Sky and couldn't bear to watch beyond about 30 minutes. The pictures of Phil Collins sitting on stage were just so sad. He reminded me of the character in the UK sci-fi series Dr Who called Skaro who was the creator of the Daleks. I'm 63 and a Brit and Genesis were part of that essential soundtrack from age 14 to 18. When Gabriel left some fans abandoned them but for me Phil Collins stepped into Gabriel's shoes as a singer perfectly. The voice, the wit, the creativity.. he kept Genesis's raison d'être alive. And what a drummer, up there with Bruford, Bonham, Baker... the band changed but kept abreast of the times and embraced the MTV revolution with skill, wit and pathos. Jesus He Loves Me is one of many great videos they made. So it was just awful watching that documentary. It should never have happened and Phil and the other members of the band should never have let it happen. They are heroes to me and a whole load of my contemporaries, and of several younger generations and that should surely be enough. Have some dignity! There is a place for some of these veterans. I don't object to Joe Bonamassa bringing Eric Clapton on for a song or two. That's respectful.. BB King sitting on stage and introducing (as if they needed it) John Mayer, Derek Trucks to his fans, that's cool... passing the mantel with dignity. And a few master craftsman still have something to teach.. Jeff Beck can still hold his head up high as an innovator. But please, everyone, know when your time is up.
Glad you are on the mend! There’s a lot to be said for quitting at the top of your game and leaving them wanting more. If you are still a good musician, continue to play, but not with expectation of being like a young be rock star jumping around and doing the big production stuff. And there are other life experiences to be had when you move along. I’m about to retire (closing on 70) and while I enjoyed my job I’m really done. I look forward to having time to do “hobbies“- paradoxically one of them is music-and some good works.
As someone who has hit his late 60s, I'm seeing more and more of my heroes stepping down or worse, dying, Some still having a show or two in their pocket. Some not stepping down soon enough. This year, Arlo Guthrie, John Mayall, and others have announced they're done touring. The Hair Bands, I don't care if they can still play, the persona that they made doesn't fly when you're in your 60s (or 50s) The Stones are doing it but I hope this is their last. After the Kinks went off the road, Ray's Storyteller tour was fantastic. (The To the Bone album was a fantastic way to go out) But, here I am, 68,working on another CD (for the money as the streaming revenue of the last one is all of $28 :-) ) because I'm writing some of the best songs I've written. BUT, and this could shut me down, I'm starting to have issues with my sinuses/voice. My gigs are going well now but there will be a time when things aren't meeting my standards and then I'll be done. I really wonder if bad money management might be why some musician keep pulling out new tours. The road is a crappy place to be when you're 60. Time to quit? When you have nothing left to offer... and that is a different point for everyone. I'm going through the same thing with my motorcycles. When I feel I'm not "all in" on the bike, it'll be time to become another grey hair behind the wheel of a convertible. Hey, glad you're healing well and hope you're playing again soon. Thanks for the videos.
@@fletcherchristian2254 thanks. My comment wasn't for self promotion but I'm glad you subscribed. As far as I'm concerned, JamesJames is the best thing on You Tube. (well, maybe next to Nick Zentner's geology channel)
After the Kinks ended, I was lucky to see Ray three times in concert. The 1997 20th Century Man/Storyteller Tour, the 2006 Other People's Lives tour and the Kinks Choral Tour in 2010. He shone in all three shows and sang in his original keys without straining. Sadly, Ray's health isn't the greatest anymore (heart and respiratory issues) so I don't think he will be touring anymore. However, I am thankful for the great musical gifts he has left us.
Hi James, I really hope you continue to recover/healing from your shoulder etc as I miss your lessons and playing, you are "one of a Kind" in your approach to playing the guitar. You are still very young at 53 years and plenty of musical time ahead. Your Post is very interesting, I am about to celebrate my 75th Birthday soon and still learning Guitar and songs as a hobby and have about 8 Electric Guitars including Acoustics, Amps and Effects etc, which our grand kids all love a Rocker Grandfather, I just have to have music in my life. During the 60's (one of the Best Music periods out of UK & USA), my opinion, I was a semi-pro drummer in cover bands, so I got to know, learn, play and enjoy a lot of songs and music for that period and beyond. My idols are the Stones, The Beatles, The Searchers, Paul Jones of Manfred Mann, Spencer Davis, Phil, and most of the Pop Bands of UK & USA. I still think that the celebrities of music, will always feel that they need to continue to fulfil their purpose and Stage Life & shows and as long as they can deliver their Hits to an audience during their ageing process, for the fans. The Stones & Paul of The Beatles are still great draw cards for shows. Paul often is a guest at Billy Joel, Bruce Springstein shows and that is really good for just one Hit song or two, but a whole show no longer cuts it. Obviously like Phil, it is not a good image of him sitting in a chair struggling to perform maybe he should do a retiring Album like the Stones. The Stones are still breaking all the rules of ageing but "Time is no longer on their Side!!.!. It is a well know fact that performing at shows brings in the money and faster than royalties and keeps the fans/followers active. Maybe they can re-ignite their past songs and image by sponsoring or mentoring younger bands (like The Young Rolling Stones) playing their Hits in a different arrangement to keep Mick & Keith happy with involvement. So in a Nutshell like they say in the Financial Industry, Get out while the shares/stocks are going higher, rather than going down. Leave their Image on a High!!
WNYer here love the genesee cream ale plug. Best bad beer ever. 54 years old and have never been more motivated to play and learn. Wish I had this motivation in my 20’s. Trying to start a band and get serious before I get too old to play out
Poignant topic. Just a comment to let you know I enjoy your videos, we’re the same age, got a friend from school who saw Beatle Paul last month and said he was fantastic, and he’s gonna be EIGHTY. Pretty much agree with all your points.
After watchin genesis's 2021 vids...I realized I would rather watch phil collins sing in a chair and bond with his son playing drums playing incredible music rather than watching younger crazy twurker dances with cuss words and nothing of value to say..I particularly love the fact he wanted to continue to make a memory for his future fans and kids and grandkids....its not sad...He has family connection..that he made memories...He will live forever in the hearts of those people who love him....I think that people thinking Phil being a sad crippled man..might be true...He can sing!! Close your eyes and listen and he still is wonderful to me..He sang in key making memories with his son! I think he should keep doing it with his family for as long as he can....Glen Campbell in his last days..And it gave them something to truly to live for...I hope we all have something to live for in the end..
We saw the Stones in LA Sunday night, and they were great! So glad they were able to make this encore. The place was electric, Mick, Keith and Ronnie were terrific. We loved seeing them!
This is one of the reasons I have such great respect for Robert Plant. He realized early on that doing the same thing over and over again until you die is like living in a self-built prison. He also realizes Led Zeppelin songs are about youth and sex (and Hobbits) and he can't portray that character anymore. Imagine him singing something like Sick Again "One day soon you're gonna reach sixteen...: How gross would he feel at his age? I personally feel bands should stop performing when they stop producing and representing what they set out to be.
I have to agree with everything you have said. As a huge WHO fan I will see them until one of us can't any longer! One of the "British" bands you did not mention was the Moody Blues. Just last week we saw Justin Hayward here in Atlanta. He played and sang nearly like 50 years ago when I first saw them. I wish you would include some Moody's in your lessons. Love your channel. Get well!!
Nobody seems to want to admit that Paul McCartney has lost his voice. Yes it is sad but he needs to retire and play with his great grandkids and stop singing. He is painful to listen to now.
In person it’s great. But listening back to my recordings I didn’t feel showing it to anyone would be helpful to describe the experience. Im personally glad he toured the past year. But just for the selfish and probably silly reasons for hearing and seeing Paul himself so his and The Beatles music.
FABULOUS video James. Love all the comments, most are spot on, as well as your observations. I don't see classic rock type bands flourishing in the future or present even. The music world has changed so much and to me it sucks. Too many computer programmers and synth'ers with zero playability or music theory has rotted the rock world. Yes there is some bonafide great music still being created but it's more the exception than the rule.
I can definitely agree with what you're saying. I'm a huge Zeppelin fan and, even though I never got to see them live, if they did a reunion of sorts today, I don't think I would go either. I'd rather just see them through video in their heyday instead. It sort of like what they say about dying people where I'm from whenever they get mean. 'Remember them for how they were, not how they are now. It isn't them.' Great video as always, James. I'd love to see your opinion on what makes a band a good live act. You've certainly seen a lot of concerts, so I'm betting you'd have some great insight into that.
A word that stands out in JJ's talk, for me, is "dignity." But, so heart-wrenching for each of us to find that dignity has slipped away, then clamp down a lid on what had been the most important activities of our lives.
Agree, seen Dusty's last show which was sitting on a amp. And I also agree late 70's early 80's was the best era for rock which Iam 56 and can relate. Hope you heal quickly ! Be safe and thx for sharing !!!
Interesting thoughts James. I actually reckon the Stones have sounded way better than they did in '89 since about the Forty Licks Tour. I saw them in 2006 and 2014 and they were on fire, with the exception of Keith's lead playing because of his arthritic fingers. Definitely on this 2021 tour, from what I've seen, it sounds like it's beginning to fall apart. I think Bowie did it best - he went out with one of the best albums of his career. I'd love to see the Stones do that. They've been putting together an album apparently. If it's good, I say put it out as a last hoorah. Blue and Lonesome was fantastic too.
I think a lot of what is going on with them has to do with getting their hearts ripped out and going to work the next day without having time to absorb.
No. Go see them, then talk. I was there recently and I have seen them 7 times and this was one of their best shows ever. Excuse me. I agree with you on Phil Collins though.
N.B. I'm in my mid-30s. As someone who has loved classic rock since childhood, I look at it just as you described; seeing these guys is a box to be checked. I was never able to see a lot of these bands in their prime. Hell, I wasn't born until many of them were in the twilight of their careers. It was cool to see the Stones on the Forty Licks tour simply because they aren't known for playing Podunk, MT often. I had no real basis for comparison, and it was great. I worked at a hotel for a few years and the highlight of that experience was meeting Plant. I know I'm one of the thousands of hotel workers he's had brief interactions with for ages, but to me it was cooler than seeing him perform, somehow. I don't hate his latter day output, but to me he will always be Zeppelin's front man. Again, probably because I wasn't around when they existed. So, I dunno. I would happily go to any of these aging rockers' shows cuz I don't know any better. Sorry for the novel. Heal up fast, amigo.
Good to see you're getting better. There are a few who can sing past 65, but only a few. Things slow down, even if you work to stay in shape, and then there are the classic aging aliments. Not everyone get arthritis, but then they don't run a forty like they did when they were 18.
I agree with your assessment. Watching these old rockers on one hand I respect their perseverance, but on the other hand it is sad to watch them struggle with the stuff they used to do. Money is one of the motivator as well as ego. When is the cutoff point good question, I'm 65 and I still think I'm the same until I look in the mirror! LOL The fans do need to acknowledge that we collectively force them to continue. I went and see Bob Dylan (lifetime fan) and It was painful to watch to say the least. I guess I can say I seen him in concert. Love your stuff JJ!
I totally agree with you. These great icons of our past can't simply quit. Thats the life. And i suppose a lot of it has to do with that magic feeling being on stage in front of thousands is like a drug. And when its gone life is kinda dull. I'm a bit older than you and I've seen so many great shows, been backstage, Fllmore, Winterland etc. hanging/drinking with the guys and I feel lucky. I don't want to see them in a chair or worse wheelchair. I'm going to see Boz Skaggs Hope his voice is still there. Anyway really appreciate all the vids. I'm inspired. Keep up with all you do. Hope the shoulder is 100% by now. Thanks Brother
When you can't do it or when it's just embarrassing because of the nature of the act. She's not a "rock star" but Madonna reached the point of being the later. No one want to see grandma grinding in a g-string. 80's hair band that STILL dress like it's 1985. The spandex and hair dye aren't needed. I think Grace Slick was pretty smart about stopping. Not many people or fans, myself included, what to see great-grandma singing about acid trips. If you really want to see something embarrassing, take a look a the numerous Vince Neil "singing" Dr Feelgood. He can't remember ANY of the lyrics, he's too old to deliver...and he clearly doesn't give a shit. Once I stopped laughing...I felt bad for anyone who paid to see that. McCartney's latest album III, was VERY telling for me. I liked it...but he can't deliver vocally like he used to. "Lavatory Lil" would have been a great song 10-15 years ago, but at 78 what are your going to do? For me it's sad that Collins can't play drums anymore. I like a few early Collins' era songs...but his drumming was great. This decade is going to suck for us classic rock fans...they're going to be dying off and/or embarrassing the hell out of themselves.
Slick was aware of this, and stopped - even after admitting she stayed too long. Your old dog metaphor fits quite well. “My Generation” should NEVER be performed again - by anyone! That era has passed. The drugs, the planes, the hedonism, the bombast. Last one to leave, turn out the lights. When the Red Sox’ David Ortiz stood for the last time at Fenway Park, he didn’t hide his tears. It was good-bye and everybody knew it.
Nobody seems to mind Mick Jagger prancing about like someone a third of his age, but woe betide if a woman does it. >;-< Saw Madonna at London Palladium in 2020. Her voice and energy were great and she looked fantastic. However, as (energetically) fit as she is, her body is beginning to work against her (I nicknamed the tour The Battle Of Wounded Knee) and that's age.
Good discussion JJ, a topic I consider often these days as the careers of our favorite rock n roll musicians are nearing the end. It certainly is a mixed bag and one I think you’ve discussed well. I’ve seen those Genesis vids and feel the same way, love the band - but found it hard to watch. I felt similarly seeing BB King toward the end. His band was hot, BB still could sing well, but his guitar playing seemed to be restricted to a few bends and slides. Buddy Guy is nearing that place too. In contrast, Jeff Beck is about 77 and seems to be playing as good as ever. Alice Cooper and Springsteen were killing it the last time I caught them a few years ago. Jon Anderson sounded better than ever in 2018. And Pete and Rog in 2019 were maybe the best that I’ve seen over the last 40 years. I’m grateful for all those musicians, and like you, they’ve all given us so much. Get well soon - I’ve appreciated all your efforts. You’ve given me a lot. The Rain Song vid was great. And BTW - your Guild acquisition led me to the same model and I’m loving it.
Great taking points. One artist that is on the cusp is Bruce Springsteen. I think one difference is he try's new sounds and music. He dabbles in the genres with rock as the core, blues, folk, country. I haven't listened to his new album, but his prior one western stars I really like. Its one of those albums for me that you can listen to from start to finish. Granted, Bruce's voice is one that lends itself to older age..... :).. As a side note I am reading Steven Van Zandt's new book. He is a very interesting dude with lots of good stories. I would highly recommend it even if you are not a big fan.
Seeing Genesis go out like this makes me give Robert Plant more credit for not wanting to do a Led Zeppelin reunion tour. He knew when it was time to leave the party!!! Too many of these rock stars go on WAY TOO LONG!!!!
Im 67 and most of my guitar idols are the same or older. Look at Leslie West with one leg sitting in a chair. You do what you love until you die and that's all there is to it. Your not there yet James so tell me the same when you're my age. Keep Rocking, lol.
Interesting to listen to you today ... when the last Stones tour was so brilliant and now I've got my ticket for their first gig in Madrid next June. I think they play much better now than in the mid-seventies (after Taylor left) or in the eighties ..
I completely agree with you. Phil Collins used to be amazing , but , USED TO BE! My favorite Genesis stuff is Phil on drums and Peter Gabriel doing the singing. All our rock heroes are going quick. When Jimmy Page leaves us it will probably kill me too.
If your old and hurt,what better thing to do than do what you love to do close to your end on this planet,even if your not hurt! Love the Genesee sign behind you!
I recently saw Prter Frampton (in his 70's). He looks frail and definitely older, but I was pleasantly surprised that his voice and his playing was still good. His performance was good. But, like you said, most of the others have lost it and should have quit long ago. And it gets worse when these old guys can command such a high ticket price. I still like some of them and have respect for them, but it's such a rip-off. Keep on rockin' man, thx for your videos.
Yeah, James...considering I'm in my late 50s now. I totally agree with you 100%. Why not step down and go out with a bang. I think your also right...they need to be relevant. I still jam on Thursday evenings with a group of buddies. They are 69, 70 and the drummer will be 74yrs old soon. Sometimes we think we'll get out and do a gig or two..sometimes we're just sad. I saw Jimmy & Robert in 2007.. they did a great job. Thanks for your opinions...sometimes feelings get in our way. Thanks for your hard work with the channel. God Bless..by the way I've been through most of the same surgeries except for the cancer scare. Keep rock in.🎸
R.E.M. didnt want to carry on without Bill Berry, which was commendable. I'm glad that they didn't force it just for the sake of doing it. One of the last great bands that I grew up with and I'm glad I get to remember them at their peak.
Yes, what Joel said. They kept going long after Bill Berry left. Frankly, REM should have stopped much sooner than they actually did. Monster was the last album of theirs that actually had some great tunes on it.
On the other hand it is really great when an older hit maker comes to a small venue, maybe with just an acoustic, and does a one man show talking about his hits and where they came from..l.Have gone twice to see Donovan solo and he was so outstanding with the bare bones of his songs and stories behind some...Cat Stevens (with his new name) also with some great stories behind the songs......I even heard Joe South before he past doing his songs solo on acoustic what a wonderful treat....
The point I agree with most is, it all depends on performance. Musicians-and not only the top of the heap stars-are doing something they were born to do, for the most part. None of us start out with money or fame as the goal. It’s something we found that made us happy to do especially with friends or other like minded people. It’s a spiritual and emotional outlet, too. I am almost 75 and have been playing for audiences since age 13. As you age, the things that really make it difficult are physical challenges. In my case, I’m still active in public and on studio recordings. I can still play well and love to do so. But carrying that shit around and driving for an hour or more at 2:00 AM to get home … That’s what will stop me. It’s not the playing-it’s all the rest of the crap that drives us crazy. And at some point that’s what will keep me home on a Saturday night. For those far more famous than I, the punishment of touring is some- thing that can put a damper on the most ardent of performers. It is a very personal decision on any level. We’ll all be fortunate if we go out on our own terms, that’s one thing I know. As for The Stones, I have seen them over the last two decades and they have played well, perhaps better than anyone could expect. But when they take their bow at the end of the show, it seems sad there are now only three, not four. It is not the same without Charlie and they must feel it every night. Sometimes the audience, or lack of such, makes the decision for you, I think. I saw B.B. King at least once in every decade starting in 1969 and loved him. By the time he reached 80, though, it was plain to see he could not play the way he wanted. We saw it in his face; he began to rely on the same things over and over and obviously was disappointed in his performance. Oddly enough, he could still belt out that great voice. The last time I saw B.B. was in 2009 and I decided that was it for me. i didn’t want to see him like that; I wanted to remember the greatness and humility he brought to the stage all the previous times I’d seen him. I heard people booed him in some venues on his last tours, and that must have really hurt. He had a lot of pride and always gave the audience more than they came for. B.B. died six months short of 90, in 2015. He once said, “I don’t mind if I die on the bus, I just don’t want to die on stage. I’ve already done that.” Amen, Brother “B,” amen.
Jazz and blues artists really have it easier as they age. Their art isn't all about youthful rebellion. Rockers have it tougher. Can anyone imagine, for example, the Sex Pistols, on a farewell tour at the age of 70....
