Certain bands’ music can withstand the test of time. They can continue producing new, innovative, timeless music for decades.
Bands like U2, Motley Crue, Slayer, Metallica, George Strait, and Pearl Jam have been putting out hit songs decade after decade, but sometimes, it gets to a point where bands need to throw in the towel, and call it quits.
According the U.S. Census Bureau website (www.census.gov), the average retirement age is 65. I can name countless active artists over the age of 65. Mick Jagger (66), Willie Nelson (76), and B.B. King (84) are just a few that come to mind. All of whom are well over the average retirement age, and still performing.
With age comes certain unavoidable changes. Voices aren’t the same, arthritis makes it difficult to play instruments, etc. But these artists continue.
In 2008, I attended the first “Crue Fest,” and was highly disappointed. Crue vocalist Vince Neil sounded horrible. By the second song he was out of breath, sweaty, and his voice was gone. Sadly, Vince is only 48 years old, a good 17 years away from the average retirement age.
If a 40-something-year-old rocker can’t perform anymore, what makes someone past the retirement age think they can? They aren’t doing their fans a favor, and they definitely don’t need the money. Why can’t they just sit back, relax, and enjoy what’s left of their lives?
Ronnie James Dio (67) released an album with former Black Sabbath band mates earlier this year, followed by an extensive tour with special guests Coheed and Cambria.
I did not attend any of the shows, but I watched several YouTube videos of a gross-looking Dio running around on stage, with a worn out voice, right after being entertained by a young, quality act like Coheed and Cambria.
Actor/director Clint Eastwood retired from acting in 2008 after starring in “Gran Torino,” but continues to direct films, with his newest “Invictus” being released earlier this month.
It’s rare to see a quality act over the age of 50. Only a handful of artists are able to pull this off, which is why others should hang it up, and just retire already. No more farewell tours, no more reunions, just enjoy the good life.