Senator Dianne Feinstein passed away late last week. If you’re a politico from California, you probably know quite a bit about her amazing career, first as mayor of San Francisco, and later the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from the Golden State.
Her accomplishments are many – a trailblazer, a fighter – for women’s rights, stricter gun laws, conservation, and myriad other issues. Feinstein was an old school politician who prided herself on reaching across the aisle, and getting things done working with Republican office holders.
(Given the “continuing resolution” that miraculously passed over the weekend, averting a government shutdown, maybe Feinstein wasn’t out of step with a little bipartisan cooperation needed today in Washington).
But if you’ve been following the news during the past year or so, all you’ve read about Feinstein is that she’s too old, out of touch, falling asleep in meetings, barely lucid, hardly present, and unable to do her job. Worse, she has no recognition of her slippage and her diminished capacity.
Critics – including several from her own party – had urged her to step aside and let a younger person take the helm. Of course, Feinstein doggedly refused and was at least trying to conduct Senate business right up until the end.
She’s not alone. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell‘s effectiveness has been questioned this year due to two very public incidents where he literally “froze” while talking to the media. His doctors says he’s just fine, but we know all too well that a physicians signature means little when it comes to the true state of a politician’s health. As the leader of the U.S. Senate, the senior Senator from Kentucky is unparalleled – he has done more to help his party accomplish his agenda than perhaps any of his predecessors.
But all anyone talks about these days is his health. What happens if he has another “brain freeze?” Who’s going to be the one to tell Mitch McConnell to initiate his exit strategy. And even if someone was crazy enough to do it, would he listen anyway?
Of course, age is very much the narrative of the impending presidential election that’s just 13 months away. President Biden, in particular, continues to fight of perceptions he’s too old for this job – especially another four years of it. “Before and after” pictures from 2021 – when he took office – and today tell you all you need to know about the toll this job takes on its occupants.
And then there’s candidate Trump – not much younger than his rival. While he is feistier and considerably more combative, Trump has looked and sounded confused on the stump, often getting basic facts very wrong. His defenders can argue “that’s just Trump being Trump.” But even casual observers can see his mental acuity has slipped a gear or two.
These are all players in their eighties – in actuality, well into the ninth decade of their lives. While each has been a standout, none ever seem to hear that quiet music they play on awards shows, signaling the long-winded that it’s time to leave the stage.
They don’t know when to walk away.
But it’s not just politics. It’s the music world, too.
I was (and still am) a huge B.B. King fan. I loved going to his shows
in the 80’s where the “King of the Blues” would command the stage armed with his guitar named “Lucille,” and a voice that made you cry and laugh – sometimes during the same song.
But near the end, B.B.’s concerts changed. There was a lot less of him, and a lot more of his amazing orchestra. But truth be told, fans came to see him. And as he grew tethered to a stool, unable to stand, much less walk around the stage, it became clear his capacity was limited.
I finally stopped going to his shows, opting to appreciate the performer I had seen in his prime, rather than the one huffing and puffing to get through a song.
They don’t know when to walk away.
Fast-forward to last week. As Miguel Cabrera’s Hall of Fame career finally wound down here in Detroit over the weekend, two rock legends each shelved their tours for the foreseeable future, unable to perform the schedule their management teams cooked up.
There’s Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, battling vocal issues for the past
many months. Over the weekend, the band announced they’re forced to cancel all remaining tour dates this year.
At best, their “Farewell Tour” (seriously?) may resume in 2024, assuming Tyler (now 75) recovers from a reported larynx fracture, in addition to a vocal chord injury. Of course, all that assumes no one else in the band has a health issue.
They don’t know when to walk away.
And Bruce Springsteen’s fans find themselves in the same leaky boat. After a series of cancellations already this year, the band announced last month they, too, have postponed all performances until next year as the superstar battles peptic ulcer disease.
Those who have seen the 74 year-old on this current tour with his vaunted E Street Band have remarked he’s on his feet for three hours, never sitting down, much less drinking a whole lot of water during the show. How long can that go on?
They don’t know when to walk away.
Now, I know some of you “what about-ists” are pointing to the Rolling Stones as proof positive my “calling it quits” theory doesn’t hold water. After all, they’ve got a new album coming this month, and the eponymous “Hackney Diamonds Tour” will support their music.
The band is leaning heavily into their 60th anniversary, staring the Grim Reaper right in the face. Mick Jagger, who survived an aortic valve replacement back in 2019, turned 80 over the summer.
The other “Glimmer Twin,” Keith Richards, will celebrate the “Big 8-0” this December, defying all medical logic. The ultimate health unicorn, Keith is the poster boy for age defiance, dodging calamities of one sort or another for decades.
Mick and Keith have survived the death of band members, including drummer Charlie Watts who passed away last year. The show must go on, apparently.
The will to continue at a high level apparently knows no bounds. After his passing in August, the New York Times’ op-ed columnist, Maureen Dowd, wrote about her friendship with Jimmy Buffett.
“Mr. Margaritaville” confided that age is not just a state of mind. As he wrote Dowd:
“75 is NOT the new 5o. Thinking younger doesn’t quite do it. You still have to do the hard work of, as the Toby Keith song says, ‘Don’t let the old man in.’ And that is my job now, the way I see it.”
Keeping the old man out can get to be a full-time job. Just ask any of the aforementioned politicians and rock stars. Toby Keith, battling stomach cancer, says the song was inspired by Clint Eastwood who explained his vitality by saying “I just don’t let the old man in.”
And credit where credit is due. I often think of hometown hero Bob Seger at moments like this. He may never sing “Turn the Page” again in concert. The Ann Arbor-born rocker is now 78. And when saxophonist Alto Reed passed away a couple years back, Bob told the Detroit Free Press: “I don’t think I could go out (on tour) without him.” So, it’s not just about our own health.
Ultimately, we all deal with the same pressures as we grow longer in
the tooth, get pelted by offers to join AARP, and sign up for Medicare. For some of us, the signs to “fold ’em” and “walk away” are obvious ones, leaving you with no choice but to head for the exits.
For others of us, the will to endure, while remaining vital and relevant, lasts decades after our “born on date.”
Hopefully, we’ll know when to call it quits before it becomes mandatory – or worse.
Maybe I will show up for Aerosmith, Springsteen, and the Stones in ’24.
It could be the last chance to see ’em all, right? And it might be inspiring.
Those of us of a certain age can rally around the idea of “keeping the old man out.”
Thanks to my friend, Alan Burns, who “gets” this. – FJ
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People trying, so hard to keep the old man out, rather than letting the young people in, will be the death of many industries.
It’s what the consumer is willing to pay, Brandon. It’s not an old vs. new thing.
“Know when to hold ’em…..know when to fold ’em.” – The Gambler.
“Turn, Turn, Turn” – The Byrds
“Adaptive radiation” – Darwin.
All that, Clark.
Thanks Fred! I work at keeping the “Old Man Out” everyday. I’m fortunate to pegged at 10-15 yrs younger than I am but have massive room for improvement!
Keep at it, Rob!
Fred, I just can’t stand it, I just can’t watch Paul McCartney or Elton John singing live anymore.
I prefer to remember them with their fresh, powerful, clear voices and not see how their images are damaged. It really disappoints me.
And the same thing happens to me with Madonna: she lives clinging to the post of youth, and I think that no longer looks good.
Other artists have understood this very well. They take care of their image, they choose their repertoire, they know how to adapt to their current state and, if they want to continue singing, they do so by recognizing their shortcomings without creating high expectations.
You have to know how to grow old with class, and understand that the good times are over. It shouldn’t be a shame.
Anyway, I suppose that these great luminaries will not have major financial problems and can live the rest of their lives in peace.
And although we know that as radio presenters we may be able to be on the air until a very old age, we should also know when to stop and give way to the generations that come behind us.
We should not allow, because we do not want to abandon the radio, that the public starts to see us with sadness, compassion and even some shame…
That’s not the image we should give to our fans.
We agree on Madonna – you just can’t pull of the “vogue” routine when you’re 60. But I’ve seen Elton and Paul in recent years, and IMO, they delivery. And as Harvey Kojan points out, that’s the thing. If they’re willing to tour and fans are willing to pay…
There’s another perspective on this. I don’t have an issue with artist making a little money playing small venues and festivals. An intimate setting where they can almost talk to the fans. Artist who like to play or make music should do so, realizing their limitations. For example Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings (BTO and Guess Who) played small festivals last year, and while musically not brilliant, I’ve never seen a crowd have more fun. We need to get away from the multi hundred dollar stadium shows for bands that haven’t had a decent album in 40-50 years (see: Rolling Stones). Far be it from me to tell an artist as influential as Madonna, that when you’re 60 and trying to compete with 20 year old’s, the 20 year old’s win every time, particularly for female artists. It’s a societal curse. Artists have to realize their limitations. I too saw Mr. King when he could still own the stage and when he had to perform from a chair. It still worked for me and he knew what he could and couldn’t do, and played to his strengths and the crowd expectations. I confess to holding Springsteen tickets for one of his cancelled shows. There’s so many more E Streeter’s that Bruce just has to sing. He’s no longer has to chase Clarence around the stage or dance on the piano. He doesn’t have to be THE SHOW, everybody else can pick up a bit. I’ve never seen the Stones, and have no intention of ever contributing to Mick and Keith’s and Ronnie’s kid’s trust funds. However if someone is going to play a couple of hours from where I live at a reasonable price, for a night of fun with no expectation of musical brilliance other than memories, I’m fine with that.
Crag, I appreciate the perspective. I’ve seen Randy in a similar setting. His storytelling schools make up for whatever vocal shortcoming he now has. And I agree a late in life small tour of more intimate venues might be perfect for core fans who have put up with stadium shows.
Unfortunately, I think that many of them really don’t know how to do anything but the big tours anymore. Sticking with a few festival dates, a residency, or scaled-down, intimate shows can be a lot better.
I would think the residency concept works for everyone, especially those 70+. No travel and still a sold fan experience. Interesting that both Aerosmith and Springsteen have done them, yet continue to tour.
Maybe Cleveland could be the new Branson?
Love the idea.
I have ZERO problem with a musician wanting to continue doing what they love. Let them do what they want to do for as long as they want to do it. YOU have the choice to pay to see them or not. They don’t want or need your pity. Nor should they give a crap about “tarnishing their reputation.”
I respect that. As consumers, we can decide whether you want to pay. Thanks, Harvey.
This reminds me of something I remember reading a few years ago about Annie Lennox. She was critical of radio for only focusing on younger artists and not giving older artists airplay. I remember thinking at the time that, while I think she has a point and I don’t necessarily disagree with her, I also wondered if she felt that way when she was 21, when it may have been a 55-year-old that took a Eurythmics spot in rotation. A little off topic from today’s post but just a reminder of how OLD 55-years sounds when you’re 21…and how YOUNG it sounds once you pass it!
Just saw Jeffrey Osborne in concert (again) … it is always spot on musically and energy level that is unabated throughout … at 75. Don’t walk away yet, Jeffrey!
Peggy, some still “have it.” It’s always a treat to see an “old friend” perform again and again.