How Old Can A Rocker Be

Motley Crue

Kirk Hammett - 47
Axl Rose - 48
Nikki Sixx - 51
Gary Numan - 52
Steve Harris - 54
Mick Mars - 59
Joe Perry - 59
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne - 61
Toni Iommi - 62
Keith Richards - 66

Ronnie James Dio recently passed away aged 67 and it got me thinking about the age at which rock stars can perform too. I've always been of the opinion that a rocker can be as old as he likes, as long as he still feels he can either play an instrument or sing a tune, and sometimes (in the case of Ozzy Osbourne) it's all you really know at that point in life.

In 20 years, when I'm in my mid 40's, I'd like to think I'd be boring my kids with stories of Metallica live - and if Kirk and the boys were still performing at 67 - then I'd go and see him and bring the kids!

The thing is, that unless your body let's you down (and even in Mick Mars case even when it does let you down) you continue to keep going and keep playing.

James Brown performed his last concert aged 73 and Ol' Blue Eyes was 82!

So why can't it be the same for Rock and Metal artists - since we're fast approaching a time where some of our older statesmen have already paid their dues in kind, and like artists of other genres, are now encompassing every age group.

NIBBS

Motley Crue wrote: »

Kirk Hammett - 47
Axl Rose - 48
Nikki Sixx - 51
Gary Numan - 52
Steve Harris - 54
Mick Mars - 59
Joe Perry - 59
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne - 61
Toni Iommi - 62
Keith Richards - 66

Ronnie James Dio recently passed away aged 67 and it got me thinking about the age at which rock stars can perform too. I've always been of the opinion that a rocker can be as old as he likes, as long as he still feels he can either play an instrument or sing a tune, and sometimes (in the case of Ozzy Osbourne) it's all you really know at that point in life.

In 20 years, when I'm in my mid 40's, I'd like to think I'd be boring my kids with stories of Metallica live - and if Kirk and the boys were still performing at 67 - then I'd go and see him and bring the kids!

The thing is, that unless your body let's you down (and even in Mick Mars case even when it does let you down) you continue to keep going and keep playing.

James Brown performed his last concert aged 73 and Ol' Blue Eyes was 82!

So why can't it be the same for Rock and Metal artists - since we're fast approaching a time where some of our older statesmen have already paid their dues in kind, and like artists of other genres, are now encompassing every age group.

Crue - I've thought about it a bit too in recent times, especially with the passing of Dio - he was just a true legend, and I really believe had he gotten through the cancer would have been performing at a top level well into his 70's.

I guess there are only 2 things for me, age is irrelevant - attitude is essential, and the other thing, especially with vocalists is their ability to perform - David Coverdale is 60 next year too, and I've noticed problems over the last 2 years - where before that he was excellent......but also as they get older they have more health issues which affect the Vocalists more than others too......

discussed this with mates recently and I'm 40 in a couple of weeks, missed the FF gig last night as I wasn't well (still would have been there had there been and poxy Dublin Buses around) so that's all that affects me really, was at Sepultura on Jul18th, High Voltage Fest Jul24-25th and then Maiden Jul30th - so I haven't slowed down much, if anything I'm going to more this year than the last couple of years........I can see myself bringing a kid or two to see the bigger bands - as long as I'm taking my vitamin supplements

I've seen a lot of people older than me hitting gigs in recent weeks, High Voltage was especially old, would have been a fair few late 50's early 60's.....so there's time for us yet - you have another 40 years ;-)

Black Magician

theres nothing more disgusting than an aging rocker/metaller/band who has long since passed producing music their fans actually appreciate. if Metallica werent so good live they should have called it a day ages ago

djScarey

Good topic. When I was a younger heavy rocker my taste was determined by what the large record companies filtered through the radio and music papers like Sounds and NME. This was a very limited range, but there was enough enjoyment to be had from the likes of Sabbath, Zeppelin, Lizzy, Deep Purple and Uriah Heep. It would be a miracle if (Lizzy excepted) one of these bands came to Ireland to play, so there was the odd rock/ metal covers band or touring obscure, but adept Swiss or German heavy rock outfit to sate the appetite. Occasionally, John Peel or Dave Fanning would unearth a gem you had never heard of and you might have to travel abroad to get the required album.

Rock and metal has never been in better shape for the fan - young and old- than it is now. Punk added to the mix greatly for a short period, but then imo became commercialised and heavily watered down by "New Wave." Happily, the underground punk movement was sustained and progressed to where it's at now. The advent of the Internet has been simply wonderful, opening listening doors never or very rarely touched before, especially the Scandinavian, Brazilian and East European metal scenes (from my standpoint), as well as all the exciting new varieties of metal. There has never been so much rock and metal to choose from and so much to enjoy. There are metal festivals all over the place and here in London, you can find a decent metal gig any night of the week.

I have tried to move on and become more cultured (Dylan, Seger, Young, Waits, American country rock etc) like some of my more "mature" friends. But killer riffs and walls of sound still knock me over and I just can't like middle-aged ex rocker music no matter how hard I try. As NIBBS implies: age can be just a number. I'm in my 50s and continue to lose hair through rocking. Long may it last.

candy-gal1

Aw! Theres no older female rockers list, suppose it would consist of Blondie (65)..................................................................................................................and thats it lol
Any more?

Black Magician

candy-gal1 wrote: »

Aw! Theres no older female rockers list, suppose it would consist of Blondie (65)..................................................................................................................and thats it lol
Any more?

....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanessa_Warwick

dont think she count but :pac:

candy-gal1

Hmmm, shes kinda funky!
Cool thanks there!

Black Magician

candy-gal1 wrote: »

Hmmm, shes kinda funky!
Cool thanks there!

no problem brought me back to my puberty posting that one :pac:

3DataModem

Suzi Quatro?

Rocking at 60.

PMI

Whats funny is there is no one following them all...

Twilightning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQy0lliCNqE

Not that old but still :P

ride-the-spiral

Well Les Paul was playing every week until his death at 94, but he wasn't really a "rock n' roll" guy.

candy-gal1

Twilightning wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQy0lliCNqE

Not that old but still :P

Shes pwetty though, and blonde :D

Black Magician

candy-gal1 wrote: »

Shes pwetty though! and blonde!

ill second that :rolleyes:

Twilightning

Ah she'd get it and all

Max Power1

Black Magician wrote: »

theres nothing more disgusting than an aging rocker/metaller/band who has long since passed producing music their fans actually appreciate. if Metallica werent so good live they should have called it a day ages ago

Not so much.

Bands like slayer, maiden, acdc etc will always have a following. if theres people willing to sell out stadiums/arenas to see you play, why the hell wouldnt you play?

kona

candy-gal1 wrote: »

Aw! Theres no older female rockers list, suppose it would consist of Blondie (65)..................................................................................................................and thats it lol
Any more?

Janet Gardner
Jan Kuehnemund
Share Pedersen
Roxy Petrucci

Also known as Vixen

How about girlschool too? and The Runaways, Lita Ford and Joan Jett and Cherie Currie

Black Magician

Max Power1 wrote: »

Not so much.

Bands like slayer, maiden, acdc etc will always have a following. if theres people willing to sell out stadiums/arenas to see you play, why the hell wouldnt you play?

oh lord I wouldnt pay a cent to see maiden and id actually pay for ACDC to stay from Ireland

lord lucan

Lita Ford is still in good shape!:D



Once an artist/band can still go out and perform i don't see why they should stop based on what their birth cert says. Whilst i'm not the worlds biggest Rolling Stones fan,i admire Jagger for still going out and strutting his stuff and putting on a performance. Same goes for AC/DC. They've adapted their live show a little as they can't hop around the place like they used to but they still put on a great show.

Malice

Don't forget Fratello Metallo. He's in his mid-sixties and a monk to boot! Here is the band he does the vocals for.

Max Power1

Black Magician wrote: »

oh lord I wouldnt pay a cent to see maiden and id actually pay for ACDC to stay from Ireland

fair enough.

This is a rock and metal forum. You have just insulted the worlds greatest rock band (ACDC) and one of the best metal bands (Maiden)

You are either trolling or serious, and Im not sure which is worse!

Motley Crue

Black Magician wrote: »

theres nothing more disgusting than an aging rocker/metaller/band who has long since passed producing music their fans actually appreciate. if Metallica werent so good live they should have called it a day ages ago

really, is this not a troll? I mean, I can't think of how it could be disgusting that the members of Aerosmith and the likes of Iggy Pop are able to perform live, inspire and make new impressions on teenage music fans into their 60's?

David Bowie and Iggy Pop are the same age, and I would give anything to see Bowie live in concert. I had a ticket to see him in 2004 and he cancelled due to his heart attack scare that year, and he hasn't really toured since, but I wouldn't care if he was 70 - I'd just love to hear that voice

Black Magician wrote: »

oh lord I wouldnt pay a cent to see maiden and id actually pay for ACDC to stay from Ireland

I'll give AC/DC's accountant your number then - I'm sure he'd love to get some money from you so the band don't have to do anything

Black Magician

Motley Crue wrote: »

really, is this not a troll? I mean, I can't think of how it could be disgusting that the members of Aerosmith and the likes of Iggy Pop are able to perform live, inspire and make new impressions on teenage music fans into their 60's?

David Bowie and Iggy Pop are the same age, and I would give anything to see Bowie live in concert. I had a ticket to see him in 2004 and he cancelled due to his heart attack scare that year, and he hasn't really toured since, but I wouldn't care if he was 70 - I'd just love to hear that voice



I'll give AC/DC's accountant your number then - I'm sure he'd love to get some money from you so the band don't have to do anything

sorry if im coming over all trollish not my intention. perhaps your right with post that such shall we say, seasoned bands, can and do inspire the youth of today. I cant say ive ever saw the appeal of the bands you mentioned above though and the fact that they draw in such large crowds isnt the be all and end all, I note that Take That and Boyzone could sell out large venues too but I wouldnt pay to see them either :pac:

Black Magician

Max Power1 wrote: »

fair enough.

This is a rock and metal forum. You have just insulted the worlds greatest rock band (ACDC) and one of the best metal bands (Maiden)

You are either trolling or serious, and Im not sure which is worse!

Im serious and not a troll. ACDC i never liked and could never see the appeal. Their songs to me seem like the same thing over and over. I use to be into Maiden but they seem very very dated to me now. sorry.

blastman

Coupla questions then, BM, what age are you (roughly, if it's a sensitive subject) and what bands DO you like?

Black Magician

blastman wrote: »

Coupla questions then, BM, what age are you (roughly, if it's a sensitive subject) and what bands DO you like?

im 32 and I like mainly heavy/thrashy/death metal bands that dont come offf as sounding 'gay' and will always have a soft soft for Metallica, Slayer, Deicide and Morbid Angel. ive only started getting back into metal in the last year or so after about a 15 year break, was at the two Metallica gigs in Marley (didnt want to go) but since then ive just gotton back into metal.

Max Power1

Black Magician wrote: »

im 32 and I like mainly heavy/thrashy/death metal bands that dont come offf as sounding 'gay' and will always have a soft soft for Metallica, Slayer, Deicide and Morbid Angel. ive only started getting back into metal in the last year or so after about a 15 year break, was at the two Metallica gigs in Marley (didnt want to go) but since then ive just gotton back into metal.

So do you like Judas Priest then? Painkiller is a great heavy metal album.

blastman

Black Magician wrote: »

im 32

Really? Cos statements like this one:

Black Magician wrote: »

I like mainly heavy/thrashy/death metal bands that dont come offf as sounding 'gay'

mean you don't sound it.

Black Magician

Max Power1 wrote: »

So do you like Judas Priest then? Painkiller is a great heavy metal album.

honestly i never heard it so cant comment. Though, at the risk of being eaten alive id say it probualy sounds to much like its from the 70's :eek:

Black Magician

blastman wrote: »

Really? Cos statements like this one:



mean you don't sound it.

look i dont like ACDC, sorry if your offended but I like loud aggressive grab u by the throat and slit it music :P

Max Power1

Black Magician wrote: »

honestly i never heard it so cant comment. Though, at the risk of being eaten alive id say it probualy sounds to much like its from the 70's :eek:

If you are 32 how could you be a "metal fan" and not have heard of Judas priest, and hate maiden?

Black Magician wrote: »

look i dont like ACDC, sorry if your offended but I like loud aggressive grab u by the throat and slit it music :P

Right - that last comment seals it for me. Im not going to out and out say you are a troll because to do so is against the charter and I enjoy posting here. Suffice it to say I shall put you on "ignore"