Advice For The Aging Rocker
Can rockers age gracefully? Bluesmen do it. Why not rockers? To help rockers age with style, I have compiled some helpful tips and advice to ease the inevitable.
Address Your Age
You’re getting older, don’t fight it. Take heart; your fans are getting older too. They will still like you. They know how you feel. Embrace your age. It would be silly for a 50-year-old man to write a song about going to a high school dance, but it would be fine to write one about taking a woman out dancing. By the way, don’t try dancing onstage unless you actually can. Or you’re going for laughs.
Dress Your Age
It is also silly for a 50-year-old man to dress like a teen. Dress appropriately for your age. You may need baggy pants now, but leave the hip-hop clothes to the kids. And do I even need to say, keep your shirt on?
Don’t Try To Be Hip
You’re probably not. You may have been once, but now the best you can hope for is “Your Dad’s pretty cool for an old guy.” A hip replacement doesn’t count.
Lose The High School Haircut
Check your high school yearbook. If you are still sporting that same cut, RUN to the nearest hair salon or barbershop and get a new style. Don’t worry; they have trained professionals that can help you out.
Going Bald? Deal With It
The country guys can hide baldness under cowboy hats, but you will just look like your going bald and trying to hide it. If you must wear a hat, pick a cool one, not a trucker or farmer ball cap.
Honestly, most people didn’t come to your concert to watch your hair. If they did, you’re beyond my help. If you’re not brave enough to show the real you, shaving your head is a good option. People will think you’re being radical.
Don’t Follow Trends
AC/DC with rap beats? I don’t think so. There is a great temptation to jump on the latest trend. But if it doesn’t fit your music, it will be a disaster. Do what you do best.
Don’t Ignore Your Past
People came to hear the old songs. Play them. Play some new ones for your own mental health, but mix them in with the ones people came to hear. Remember who is paying your salary. There is nothing wrong with making your fans happy. I doubt if Bach or Beethoven worried about becoming a nostalgia act.
Laugh At Yourself
Don’t take yourself so seriously. Have some fun at your own expense. People love that stuff. You’ve probably got a lot of stories to tell. Tell them.
Learn To Play The Blues
Hey, it works for the blues guys!
Legal Notice
These are just suggestions (although they are quite good.) Do not base your career on them (unless you want to be successful.) Do not sue me if they don’t work (they will unless you were washed up anyway.) What do I know? (I’m not a famous rock star. Although I play in two bands and I am old.)
Photo by Nicola Gypsicola
