Very respectable! There are quite a few that would benefit from this approach. Tho don't we wish we had Mr. Wither's song royalties. "Lean On Me" alone would be a nice quarterly check.
Bill quit music years before that because he was just done. He made his musical statement and he felt it was time to move on. He stopped recording and performing and just walked away so by the time he was inducted he was over it.
yup once you sign that deal with the “master chief” you work for life. Who thinks the Stones wouldn’t rather be on a beach than touring playing songs i am tired of playing and i just played in jam bands. Almost all bands that were big in the 80s are still on the road often with one original member. If they had the ability to retire they would
@@sirbaronvoncount4147 A lot of those 80’s bands who are still touring (Stephen Pearcy and Don Dokken come to mind) weren’t very smart with their finances when they were younger and probably have to tour to earn a living as they never learned to do anything else. We all think the good times will last forever but sadly life moves on. 😢
I’m 57 and I see some of my peers out there still trying to chase the same dream as when we were in our 20’s. If it brings them joy then more power to ’em but, to me, rock-n-roll is a young person’s game. Rock-n-roll is very visual and the best looking bands were always looking half starved and emaciated because most of them were. I look at my peers now and they’re now either chubby and balding or have long grey hair and wear bandannas to cover their receding hairline.
I'm 67 and the idea of being in a band sounds about as appealing as diving into an airplane propeller. I do like practicing the guitar playing wide interval patterns, scales, jazz chords, learning is infinite. I take time out to noodle too, very important! I also like messing with synth vsts.
I disagree that it's a young persons game. I'm the same age as you and still play in a band that writes, releases music and gigs. I'm balding so I wear different goofey hats at the shows. It's part of the act. I was never a jumper. I consider myself a mature active musician. I'm playing, singing and writing better now than I have have. I've been blessed with good genes. People think I'm 10 to 15 years younger than I am.
I saw Frankie around 7-8 years ago. It was in a opera house where I was a volunteer usher. I wasn't close enough to tell if he was doing karaoke. Maybe that's why he sounded so good.
I saw him too about six years ago. Then it was difficult to tell whether or not he was lipsyncing, but he was. Nevertheless, it was a thrill to see the legend in person and his show with his new "Four Seasons." The show was great and well worth the price of the tickets.
When I attend a concert with a still legendary band/artist (once superstars) with core members having turned the age of say 75 or more - I never compare this present perfomance with the past. What I want to experience (apart from the legendary material) is how these ultra pro and experienced singers/musicians manage the material today and how they professionally are able to compensate for high notes or speed. NO BAND will continue if the total performance is deemed to suck! Some people ridicule Stones for carrying on, but I can tell you one thing: The will never be a Stones concert with a Jagger sitting down singing. When he cannot longer run about on stage they will wrap it up. I sincerely believe that old bands still performing will know how to quit. And until doing so there will good concerts and weak concerts - just like with young bands.
I pulled up a video of Frankie Valli. It's baaad. I saw a clip of that Unchained Melody with Elvis about a month ago when he was fat and obviously strung out - but when he started singing and playing the piano it gave me chills. He still had it.
I gained a bit of weight in my 30s. I thought my long hair looked stupid at the time so my brother hit me with the dog shears. Looked like I was ready for boot camp! I've kept pretty short since. I'm 55 now, don't gig too much, just here and there. I had my fun back in the day. I still have fun with music on a much smaller scale.
I truly love music. It must never stop. RU-vidrs need topics so this is a good one for them. I saw The Rolling Stones this summer in June and it was my first time I’d seen them live. I realized that what binds us all in the stadium whether it was the band or fans was a love of music. We all had that in common. The Stones were spectacular!
My bass player and I had this discussion not too long ago. We're in our senior years (read: older that dirt). We concluded that rock and roll is a young man's game. Things that you can pull off when you're in your twenties look stupid on stage when you're in your 60's (scene from Spinal Tap when the guitarist is on his back and can't get up). If I squat down to adjust something on my pedalboard, I'm playing the gig from that position until I can get to a chair to help to get up, or somebody comes in with forklift (my knees are kaput). So, what is an age-appropriate music that people don't cringe when elder musicians are on stage. For us, the answer was easy-listening jazz and blues. Yeah, we keep some few rock tunes in the set because we like them, but our gig set is changing and so are the events we play. Which is OK with us; this is just a hobby now. Our after-gig parties consist of going a 24-hour What-a-Burger stand for a cheeseburger, fries, and a diet coke. The Stones said it, "what a drag is it getting old....". But it's the hand we are dealt. So, we will tune down a half step, play the songs that we can do well, and still retain our dignity.
When the key of your songs have been dropped a full step below what they were recorded and performed at, and/or the tempo of your songs have been reduced to the point it sounds like the original band is on qualudes or Valium, it's time to retire while you still have your dignity.
Just discovered your channel and love your 80's stories. Was just watching this video when you mentioned Temecula and my ears perked up. I live in Temecula. It's nothing like it was back in the 80's though. Population is over 100K now! Lots of wineries and hot air ballooning. You would definitely be in high demand to gig out here at the wineries and Old Town. Actually saw Warrant out here at one of the wineries not long ago. I believe Eric Turner lives out here as well. Probably a few others from back in the day. Love your stuff and look forward to many more stories and videos.
Wow man. I have such fond memories of that place back in the day. It seemed almost magical. Once jammed inside the theatre on the main drag....played a few gigs there. These days I would have been playing smooth jazz at the wineries.
Music is a drug once it's in your blood, it's there for ever, no matter what form it takes And that's a great addiction , because it heals more people than medicine , whatever form you administer it , either ,as a performer , or a listener, whatever your state of mind , It will ease your pain and soothe you and heal you As long as you enjoy music whether playing , or listening, or dancing you know you are alive Music Siempre ❤🎶🎵🏴☠️🎶🎵
@@badbrad I am a studio musician with my own music. The problem with the live thing is people talking over you and drinking and not really giving a shit about you up there giving it. Music is more sacred than that to me.
Im 61 , hobbyist gig 3 times a month , enjoy the heck out of it . Really enjoy hanging with my bandmates we are like family . I hate golf btw , love playing guitar .
@@maj1260 Now why would you waste a second of your day saying something like that? I don't get it. Who hurt you that you have to waste your time lashing out at others?
@maj1260 what I do it chase a white ball around a bunch of grass , water and sand pits ........I live in Asia , golf cost real $$$$ I would rather spend it on a box of Ernie Ball Primo Slinkys ,LOL
@@badbrad I assume you mean Temecula and not Hemet? 😂 Temecula was beautiful, although it has become insanely unaffordable, of course. Hemet was like if an armpit had an asshole.
There are so many angles to this. I checked out some of the Frankie videos, for me, they are tough to watch. But the crowd looks like they are getting what they want from it. Maybe it's something Frankie can't let go of. They do it until they drop mentality and as long as somebody shows up... I guess why not.
A few months ago a close friend begged me to see a Valli concert because he and his family overbought by one ticket. I went to RU-vid to see his shows and saw the lip synching and turned it down. Not worth the $50 bucks. On the flip side, I saw a free show by Starship with Mickey Thomas this summer and that guy can still hit the high notes at 74.
For me music is a TIME MACHINE. I like to remember Bands, and Band Members as they were way back when, when they were churning out the BACKGROUND MUSIC to the rest of my life. Music brings back GREAT memories of my youth, not necessarily memories about the bands. Having seen the Buzzcocks in '79, the Misfits in '80, the Clash in '82, Kiss, Stones, Def Leopard, Priest, Jane's Addiction (all 40+ years ago) etc play LIVE when my life was all about music, seeing them in later years just pops the Time Machine Bubble... This won't be popular on this channel.. But I hate to see a bunch of fat old men trying to bring it all back... Even if they still can play.
I used to play professionally in the hard rock/metal scene. I got out of it quite a while ago. I had a lot of fun, made a little bit of money, met cool people, partied and hung out with women. It's a different world now, way too politically correct. On top of that the money isn't there. It feels like it was a different lifetime to be honest. I still play guitar, write, record, but for fun. I always took my musicianship seriously and I avoided the posers. I leaned towards the shred side but I was always able to write a tune and sing. Which IMO is very important.
@@badbrad It's a big plus. Fortunately I have older brothers so I grew up listening to The Beatles, Zeppelin, etc.. so I got a good sense for melody. It's crucial.
New guy here. Really enjoying your content. Ya know, I can't help but think that "somebody" is making him go out and do shows. I was reading recently about Gary Rossington being "made" to go out and play Lynyrd Skynyrd shows when he was really in no shape to do so. I mean,,,,I hope I'm wrong!
I saw a Doo Wop review recently in Ft. Lauderdale. Many using walkers on stage. It was a heavy New York croud that loved it. The guy that sang "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" sang evidently live and on key. Pretty awesome. Didnt matter how faithful it all was or wasn't, just fun and nostalgic for the crowd. Average age on stage had to be 85. Fine with me. My sister bought my ticket, 60 bucks.
Love your channel Bad Brad! This topic makes me think of the recent Aerosmith news.. Steven Tyler being such a legend and knowing it’s his time to hang his hat up! It sucks, but it’s the right thing to do sometimes. Cheers!
Some goes out in dignity while others become immortal in the temple of youth. Hendrix stays forever young. Gregg Allman had a different journey with his dignity intact.The road goes on forever as the gypsy rests on his bed of clay.
If bands and singers can pull off performing and still do a good job they should go for it ,but not everyone can pull it off.People tell me that im not old and that age is just a number and I tell them...Yes I am old and age isnt just a number and that I cant do what I could when I was 18 .
I was surprised how good The Who held together when I saw them in 2015 and 2017. Still, as you're approaching 80 should be the absolute limit, even if you keep yourself in good condition. And the last of the two great super groups (Stones, Who) are there.
Steve Perry, Rick Emmet, Steven Tyler, David lee Roth, i could go on and on, singers especially have a limited amount of years to hit those high notes usually. I mean just using Roth as an example, i dont think he could hit those squeels anymore in the 90s, much less today. A lot of bands just leave out those parts, as the later van halen did, but at some point, its just obvious you cant do it anymore.
Hey Brad! Thank you sir, for another "mini Hollywood story " about DLR. Wow. That's ridiculous, about Frankie Valli. And people are paying to see him? Good grief. Cheers, bro!
DLR was the consummate showman! Sammy is a much better singer but DLR had the swagger that was perfect for the early VH days. I saw them on the Diver Down tour and it was a powerful show.
The Eagles have recently been accused of lip syncing their live shows... Why would they do that when they have Vince Gill on stage? Makes no sense unless they just can't sing anymore. Vince sings in the same original keys at the age of 67 and sings better than ever!
@@badbrad I think they sing. Look at the documentary of the band, and in the beginning they are all doing vocal warm ups acapella. The video camera is the only "microphone" in the small backstage room. They nail it. I was VERY impressed. They do sing that well still.
Honestly …..as far as a old man Playing rock guitar and wearing kids clothes , I think setting down and playing acoustic versions and embracing their age is the option.
I'm not making fun of Frankie Valley, but dude at timestamp 9:04 I just lost my shi# laughing!!! I don't even think you were trying to be Funny but it just cracked me up! 😂😂😂😂 Type in "low thyroid and def leopard, Leanne Morgan!! It's along the same lines of your subject today and it's hilarious! You brought up a good point about the finances. A manager is making money off of Frankie too....of course he's "fine"....isn't that what Colonel Parker told Elvis and his family? Yeah, let him go on stage....he's fine! Managers are making money off entertainers. Of course it's going to be "fine"! I also think a lot of musicians are still trying to financially recover from the lockdown!
I'm 81 British and still play in 3 rock bands in Prague. If I can no longer hit a high note I just change the key. As for lack of hair my main worry is the odd bit of arthritis in my thumb which I have to ignore. I will stop when I drop. This music was the first youth music so there is a sort of paradox going on as there haven't been old rock and rollers before. Nobody stigmatizes the jazz guys for getting old so there really is no logic in this particular fixation. My voice still stays in tune most of the time - everybody hits the odd bum note even Elvis. Catch Frankie Lane in his 90's you may get a pleasant surprise. Here I am jamming a song the band had never played before. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_pY9MaKs7F4.html I didn't know all the lyrics but this just added to the fun.
Man, that Frankie Valli video was hard to watch. I get it that he's 90, but it looks like he has some other pretty severe health issues happening. I have to agree with you - at some point you just have to walk away and say - that's all, I had a good run. You'd think that Frankie Valli would still be getting some decent royalty checks and doesn't really need the $ but who knows. Not quite the same scenario due, but I respect the fact that Steven Tyler called it when he did. I can remember when BB King was 89 and in his final days. Those last few shows of his were hard to watch. Makes a person wonder how 81 yo Mick Jagger is still jumping around onstage like he's 20-something. Oh well, Father Time waits for no man. 😐
Mick had a dad into Physical Fitness and Mick stayed in shape....I think that is his secret plus Mick has a voice not based on standard ideas of greatness.
I've seen this footage. He came here in dayton for a show and a friend took video of it. This was in 2023 and I said back then, he couldn't lip sync back then. Now he pretty much stands there. I didn't know if he was trying to keep the band working, but he shouldn't be doing shows IMHO. I guess to each thier own. I wouldn't want to be on stage during that stage of life...if I even make it to Frankie's age. I'd be lucky to even be able to do a string change.
Brad, there are guys we played with on the Strip in ‘87 who are still at the Rainbow going “the band’s gonna make it.” I live in NorCal now and when I’d travel to LA to do gigs, my wife (who’s from up here) would be with me and ask “is it Halloween or something?” Some people lack the self-reflection to know it’s time to hang it up.
Wow. It is a bit of a shock seeing the old rockers hanging out there. It’s a time warp, I love it but there is a lack of youth in that scene and that means it’s gonna die off for good at some point.
When you can’t perform at a level to be respected anymore, I’d rather bow out gracefully than be a disappointment to the audience. But then again I’m no rock star.
I’m 52 and I consistently perform in front of thousands of people at a time. I’m in the gym 5 days a week and in the same shape as when I was 30. With that being said, I expect to phase out of performing some time in the next 10 years. As fit as I am, I’m sore as SHIT for 2 days after a gig after playing for 2-3 hours and loading/unloading all of our gear when we provide production (which is 80% of the shows). My vocal health is still good, but it’s getting harder to hit the big power notes on Journey, Def Leppard, and the other big bands of the 80’s…especially on back-to-back nights. I’m a realist, so I might do an occasional show, but mostly I’ll just be running the backend production after replacing myself with a younger guy.
Man I’m glad to know even if your in incredible shape your sore as hell the next day. I was 57 doing 4 hour gigs and would just be wrecked the next day.
I don’t want to see groups in their 60’s and 70’s pretending they are in their 30’s, time for them to play golf, it’s great to play, but I wouldn’t pay to see the old folks play.
The one guy who still kinda amazes me is Dion Dimucci. When you think about it the guy was on the same show/tour with Buddy Holly and he's still pretty damned good and I've never once seen him lip synch.
This is a tough one. There are definitely performers who should hang it up but a few seem capable to carry on. I saw ZZ Top in 2015 and they were tight, a couple of people sitting in the rafters it was so sold out. I would probably pay to see David Gilmour in the present day or Pat Travers. Otherwise its younger bands that I would go see, many from outside the US. Aging is not a door all performers can pass through. Knowing when to retire is important for their health and for their fans.
Here's a tip for additional content. How about some of these RU-vidrs beside yourself, continue on their hair cuts or lack there of. I've been noticing for quite some time now that some of these guitar players should pay a little attention to their hair.
I hate to say it but Ian Anderson of Tull should have retired a decade ago! One of my top favorite bands of all time, but his voice is totally shot live. Sounds good in the studio, but the last time I saw him about 5 years ago I felt bad for him and can't see him live anymore. Fantastic musician and if we keeps going, at least do something different - orchestra, string quartets whatever but stop singing songs that you can't come close to anymore!
But in some rare cases you have the opposite. Just take Stryper as an example. Micheal Sweets voice is phenomenal. Some even say better than ever. And they all still have hair 😀
Not cancer. He overused Prednisone on tours and it melted his bones. Now he is an invalid with savage nerve root pain in his entire spine as his bones crumbled.
I saw the clips of Frankie. It’s a disgrace what they are doing to that poor man. Let him spend whatever time he has left with his kids, grand kids and great grandkids
Aging Rick stars should just learn new repertoire and play blues bars. Hopefully, they saved some dough when they were younger. Aged musicians can be wiser and better than they were when they were young guns. Love old blues voices.
@@badbrad I agree, but there are many forms of the blues and lots of room for many types of players and composers, as you well know. Personally, I could listen to Joey Defrancesco or Oscar Peterson playing their versions of blues all day long, but I was thinking of something more basic and more in the gut, something that seems to sound better when the record crackles are as much a part of the music as anything else. I am no blues fascist/purest, btw. I just love what I love and other people can love what they love. It seems to me that sometimes a most performers have to live a bit before they get to a Howlin’ Wolf/Sonny Boy Williamson/ etc depth. Besides, when I look at the crowds for the Edmonton Blues Festival, I see that the cotton tops rule. In my comment, I was kind of thinking of Steven Tyler. I saw him and Perry do a clothing commercial once, stripped down to drums, guitar and vocal. It was a good sound with Tyler’s voice and I wondered what they might sound like doing an album that way…and then their band released an awful (IMO) rock-“blues” album. “Come on guys; commit!” 😄 I just came across your videos yesterday and enjoyed the content.
@@piktormusic2538 Thanks for checking out my channel. Man you know your stuff. Yeah Tyler could have extended his career by not singing Back in the Saddle and doing pure stripped down blues. I love Joey and Oscar!
I saw Paul McCartney last year and it’s so sad to say that he is still trying to sing all the Beatles songs in original key, don’t sound good which is such a shame BUT he is 82
Honestly, I do RU-vid for the attention and views. It’s fun. It’s something to do. I refer to it as “monkey business”. I know I am irrelevant. I remember when I was 58 I was still physically capable. Ten years later things have changed. Fun is all I have left. My friend and I kid each other that we are in the ninth inning.
Duuuuude, I always knew that DLR was wearing a wig during the Eat’em era. You can see his hair isn’t as thick as year past, in the Jump video. Then all of a sudden if thick as hell and a totally different looking texture in the Yankee Rose video. And he was only 29-30 at the time. I’m no knocking him, I’m 54 and hanging on to whatever I have left but for a rock and roller in the 80’s….ooofff.
If you continue to play the same setlist every night then its time to pack it in. In the meantime Bob Weir continues to play and I continue to go. No better fans of a band then dead heads.
Some singers in their 80s can still sing well - IF they have taken good care of their voices. Aside from avoiding excessive recreational abuses, not using one's voice properly shortens the career of singers. Put another way, there are technically correct ways to sing and there are gimmicks that too many singers use especially to reach the high notes. Lionel Ritchie could still sing well as of recently, and Neil Sedaka could sing well in his 80s. That's sadly the exception rather than the rule, especially for rockers who have led a rocker life. I've noticed in recent videos that 80-year-olds like Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, and Willie Nelson (even older), to name a few who are still performing, appear to be unable to sing as well as they once did. Neil Diamond sang fairly well in his last few concerts but knew when to quit. Nevertheless, along with millions of other fans, I would go to see Paul McCartney one more time if he tours again and comes to town.
Besides the lip synch (man that's bad) it's that vacant look in his eyes while performing. Sorry & much respect to Mr. Valli but time to hang it up buttercup.
