What Keeps You In The Game ?

[Bluewine]

This probably is more for you guys that are over 60 but not necessarily limited to that range.

 

I'm 71 and most of the musicians I grew up with and started playing with are no longer gigging and have zero interest in it.

 

Share your thoughts and position on why you're still gigging and why you think some guys lose interest.

 

Daryl

[Len_derby]

Well, I’ll start off with a quote I first heard many years ago and still holds true.

”playing music with other people is about the best fun you can have with your clothes still on”.

I’m just about to turn 67, actively gigging in two bands and getting involved with new musical ventures where I can. I don’t plan to stop until I have to.

[Bluewine]

12 minutes ago, Len_derby said:

Well, I’ll start off with a quote I first heard many years ago and still holds true.

”playing music with other people is about the best fun you can have with your clothes still on”.

I’m just about to turn 67, actively gigging in two bands and getting involved with new musical ventures where I can. I don’t plan to stop until I have to.

 

Great perspective Len.

 

I realize that I have a pretty sweet thing going for me with Maple Road. Fantastic bandmates,  for the most part  decent gigs and good money.

 

Daryl

Edited 2 hours ago by Bluewine

[jezzaboy]

I usually enjoy the gigs but it`s all the associated guff that surrounds many bands that folk decide that it isn`t worth the payback of gigging. If it wasn`t for the fact that 2 out of the 4 I play alongside I really care for, I could happily knock it on the head.

Edited 2 hours ago by jezzaboy

[Merton]

@Bluewine you are looking marvellous for 71. I reckon playing music is helping! I hope I am still playing in my 70s

[Len_derby]

6 minutes ago, Bluewine said:

 

Great perspective Len.

 

I realize that I have a pretty sweet thing going for me with Maple Road. Fantastic bandmates,  for the most part with decent gigs and good money.

 

Daryl

I think the realisation you have there, Daryl, is a good one. If we’ve got good band situations going it’s important to nurture them. Be reliable, not a drama-queen etc. As you get older it gets harder to start over.

As to why guys (and gals) give in, my experience is often physical aging. The driving, parking, gear loading, standing playing for a couple of hours etc. gets harder. Luckily, I’ve been blessed so far with good health, but I don’t take it for granted.

I also have a drummer friend who now has carer responsibilities for his disabled wife. I try to cut him plenty of slack, as he did many years ago when I became the father of twins!

[warwickhunt]

Yep, playing music with others to receptive audiences is what it is about for me!  

 

I hated the Covid period because I couldn't create music (even covers) with others.  I've also stopped doing gigs where it is 'paid rehearsals', I'm less/not bothered about financial gain as I am to how much I've enjoyed the gig/reception.   

[Beedster]

I play music because I love playing music. I hope that never changes 👍

[Beedster]

2 minutes ago, warwickhunt said:

I'm less/not bothered about financial gain as I am to how much I've enjoyed the gig/reception.   

 

Too many musicians get this wrong, that is 100% the deal 👍

[Bluewine]

20 minutes ago, warwickhunt said:

I'm less/not bothered about financial gain as I am to how much I've enjoyed the gig/reception.   

 

Unfortunately that's not an option for me. I need the money. And  for me I'm not sure it's a gain. It's money to survive and pay bills.

 

Daryl

 

 

Edited 1 hour ago by Bluewine

[Bluewine]

25 minutes ago, Len_derby said:

I think the realisation you have there, Daryl, is a good one. If we’ve got good band situations going it’s important to nurture them. Be reliable, not a drama-queen etc. As you get older it gets harder to start over.

As to why guys (and gals) give in, my experience is often physical aging. The driving, parking, gear loading, standing playing for a couple of hours etc. gets harder. Luckily, I’ve been blessed so far with good health, but I don’t take it for granted.

I also have a drummer friend who now has carer responsibilities for his disabled wife. I try to cut him plenty of slack, as he did many years ago when I became the father of twins!

 

So true Len.

 

When I arrive at a gig my mindset is, what can I do to make this gig fun for my bandmates.  Not argue over the set list, lighting,  monitor mix, weather , how loud someone is, ect...

 

Daryl

[warwickhunt]

7 minutes ago, Bluewine said:

Unfortunately that's not an option for me. I need the money. And  for me I'm not sure it's a gain. It's money to survive and pay bills.

 

Daryl

 

It has been a consideration at various times in my life; it was my sole income for 4 years of my later life when I went to university as a mature student but I'm lucky that at this point in my life I am playing music for 'me'!

[msb]

I’m 73 , I’ve been playing in local bands since the mid 70’s. Mostly blues bands , years ago I decided to stop travelling , and today I mostly stay in town. We were caring for my 99 year old mother-in-law for some years and I did cut back on the gigs I was taking , she has passed , I’m available to do more now but I’m not looking , if things pick up , they pick up. I’m retired , I’m not dependant on the money. If I don’t feel there’s going to be some fun , I decline. 
Still do a weekly blues jam every Sunday , I’ve been in the house band for around 27 years now in the main blues dive downtown. A good Sunday gig has both extremes , some absolute misery , some absolute joy. I still love that feeling when things are working. I still practice every day. Some days I even think I’m improving. All the reason to keep at it. 
Never thought I’d be still at it at this point , still capable of feeling absolute joy playing. Still nerdy about gear. 

[ezbass]

Like @msb, I’ve been gigging since the mid ‘70s. What keeps me at it? Force of habit certainly has something to do with it. If I didn’t play with others, what else would I do? I’m not sure I’d actually keep playing much at all. Maybe that’s it, I keep playing because I play.