For rockers, a major new story early this week involved iconic Rush drummer, Neil Peart, who announced he’s retiring…at least from touring. There is some ambiguity about whether this means the end for his legendary. But the undeniable truth of aging wasn’t lost on Peart who he has battled arthritis and tendonitis:
“It does not pain me to realize that, like all athletes, there comes a time to … take yourself out of the game.”
And speaking of sports, there are very few examples like Barry Sanders (who walked away from the NFL much earlier than necessary), and many more like Brett Favre, Willie Mays, and Michael Jordan who may have hung around too long.
Peart’s end of the touring road brings up very uncomfortable Classic Rock topics:
Which bands continue to perform, even though they’ve lost key members?
Which bands have stayed too long at the dance, to a point where they may be damaging their legacies by continuing to perform?
I felt the latter with the late great B.B. King. I easily saw him a dozen times over the years, but concert appearances in this new Millennium saw the bluesman sitting down, playing much shorter sets, and frankly, not living up to his inspiring legend. I stopped going, choosing to remember him in his prime years when he commanded theaters and auditoriums.
Earlier this year, former Jefferson Airplane/Starship singer Grace Slick took a shot at Fleetwood Mac for continuing to tour:
“There’s something about old people singing rock ‘n’ roll lyrics that bothers me – it just doesn’t match. I saw a film of Fleetwood Mac doing something, and I was okay as long as I didn’t look at them. I couldn’t look at them. They sounded great, and if I looked away and imagined young people singing I was okay with it.”
She’s been quoted – pro and con – about the Rolling Stones continuing to tour as well.
But as radio people – and music fans – what’s the consensus? Are there bands that you wish would take the Neil Peart route? Or as long as they can make it to the stage, will the Stones, Paul McCartney, and the Who continue to be satisfying acts to watch in concert?
One of the elements that has kept the Classic Rock format alive and vital is the fact that so many legendary bands continue to tour – from Sir Paul to Aerosmith to John Fogarty to the Stones. When the inevitable occurs, will it in any way tarnish the format?
The other truth about Classic Rock is that the music we grew up with will still sounds great after we’ve joined AARP and applied for Medicare. The doctored cartoon below is a preview of coming attractions for many of us.
When Pete Townshend wrote it and Roger Daltrey sung it, “Hope I die before I get old” made sense back in the ‘60s.
Today, it is clear that they were kidding.
Right?
For a great look at Neil Peart at the top of his game, check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MavlwR1z6hE
>Email recipients: click here to watch the Neil Peart video<
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Radio + Thanksgiving = Gratitude - November 27, 2024
- Is It Quittin’ Time For SiriusXM? - November 26, 2024
- Radio, It Oughta Be A Crime - November 25, 2024
Whether you’re an athlete or artist you should be able to continue to do what you love no matter what, as long as you can find someone who wants to let you play, or an audience that still wants to see/hear you. It’s entirely your decision – screw the detractors. The whole idea of “legacy” is overblown. Willie Mays’s legacy wasn’t negatively impacted by him continuing to play after his skills had deteriorated. Neither was Michael Jordan’s. Sure, we may lament these great athletes/artists staying “too long” when it’s happening. But ultimately that fades. There’s zero doubt that in his later years B.B. King was a shadow of his former self. But ultimately his legacy won’t be affected. He’ll still be remembered and revered as one of the all-time greats.
I think a lot of people will agree with you on this, Harvey. I think you’re right about legacy, but there is still that level of performance issue which Peart is bravely confronting. Thanks for the comment.
Hey, if an old time rocker, soul or country great can still belt out their hit tunes I say more power to them. We have now reached the point where rock and roll has become old people’s music. No more Perry Como or Lawrence Welk. Now it’s Paul McCartney and Aretha Franklin. When I was a kid I remember listening to my parents music and I couldn’t stand it. Now us kids from the 50’s and 60’s have taken over the seniors category. And we still want to rock & roll.
Curt, I think that’s the consensus. Thanks for the comment.
Great piece, Fred. I recently saw The Moody Blues. While Hayward & Lodge are still physically fit and energetic, the band has devised a ‘work-around’ for original drummer Graeme Edge, now in his mid 70’s and clearly suffering from physical infirmities. A younger guy does the bulk of the drumming during the most of the show while Graeme hangs back behind a smaller drum set. Mid-show Graeme makes his way center-stage to comment on the early days of the band, while a slide show is presented. He jokingly acknowledges his physical limitations due to aging and then transitions to deliver the poetry intro to Nights in White Satin..very well choreographed.
I’ve seen dozens of other classic rock acts live in the past couple of years -nearly always walking out of the show impressed with the music and my old heroes’ physical presence. I would imagine too that most aging rockers are encouraged by their medical professionals and loved ones to keep playing that rock ‘n roll for all the health and well-being benefits.
Dave, I love that treatment – respectful, honest, and insightful. Thanks for the story and the reminder that the music endures even if those who made it aren’t as young as they used to be. Good to hear from you.
I went to 2 concerts this year. Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones. Paul played for close to 3 hours, 42 songs, engaged the audience in some wonderful stories, was smiling clearly having fun. As was the sold out crowd. He didn’t sound or look like “Beatle Paul” of 1965, but I don’t sound or look like little Johnnie from 1965 either. It was a night full of smiles and memories with the man who wrote the soundtrack to mine and millions others lives. What’s wrong with that?
As for the Rolling Stones, they looked and sounded amazing. Amazing, and I compare this to seeing them a lot in my years of concert going.
Paul still plays a more melodic bass than anyone alive, and that includes any one, older or younger…Charlie is still the backbone of “the worlds greatest rock and roll band”. What they are FORGETTING, most “now” bands have yet to LEARN. I’m truly not trying to be the “get off my lawn” old guy. But if they still have fun doing it, and audiences walk away with smiles and MORE memories…isn’t that what its all about. In my opinion:)
I think you’re right J.P., noting that you’ve named two bands that are truly amazing in their ability to stay true to their musicianship and showmanship. Not everyone has been as fortunate, smart, or lucky. But I think your opinion reflects the majority of Classic Rock fans out there. And having seen Stevie Wonder last month here in Detroit, I have to agree. Thanks for taking the time.
Great chatting with Fred about this blog on my show today. Listen here->
https://wspd.iheart.com/onair/scott-sands-50988/should-rock-stars-retire-before-they-14197616/
Enjoyed it, Scott. Great conversation. Thanks for having me on your show.