It's Only Rock n Roll And I Like It!
By DB
@dgobucks226 (37621)
May 30, 2017 12:07pm CST
As some of these 60's and early 70's groups continue to tour I was wondering when it is time for them to retire. The original band performers like the Rolling Stones are now in the 70's and their musical quality can't be as good. I saw some 60's groups on tour last summer and it was a mixed bag. Some still sounded good others not so much. Although I cited the Stones as an example, I would still pay to see them, but other groups probably not. Maybe you have had a similar experience you might like to comment on.
6 people like this
5 responses
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
30 May 17
Why ask a Stones to retire because they have slowed down in their 70s when we don't ask a concert pianist or violinist to retired in their 80s.
3 people like this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
31 May 17
That an interesting way to look at it. If fans enjoy the Stones performance and still feel their relevant it makes sense. DB
2 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
3 Jun 17
@JohnRoberts that is a great point. Do you know there are still groups on lots of cruise ships and on land that are dressed like the Beatles and sound and look just like them. Last year I saw two groups like that on two different cruises. They were great and I was actually up on stage with them on one of the trips, and no, I was not drinking much.
2 people like this
@FourWalls (86755)
• United States
31 May 17
It depends on the act. I saw Neil Sedaka in 1976, and saw him again in 2014. Both times he was excellent. Granted, he's not a punk rocker, so that may not be a great comparison. Chuck Berry performed well into his 80s.
I think a lot of it isn't so much the act as the price they charge. Definitely the vocal quality isn't there in the 70s the way it was in their 20s or 30s (unless you're talking about Dylan, he never had vocal quality! 
), and it's certainly not to be expected. However, when they're charging $150 per ticket, that's a little excessive.
Some are aware of the fact that the magic isn't there any longer, and they're to be commended for passing up the opportunity to tour for a ridiculous amount of money. Led Zeppelin was offered somewhere in the neighborhood of $860 million to do a reunion tour, and they said, "NO." Good for them.
), and it's certainly not to be expected. However, when they're charging $150 per ticket, that's a little excessive.
Some are aware of the fact that the magic isn't there any longer, and they're to be commended for passing up the opportunity to tour for a ridiculous amount of money. Led Zeppelin was offered somewhere in the neighborhood of $860 million to do a reunion tour, and they said, "NO." Good for them.2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
31 May 17
Great analysis. Some groups definitely can maintain their ability. I saw Hall and Oates and they were fantastic. Elton John and Billy Joel are other musicians who have maintained their quality over time. Your right about ticket prices they can be excessive. Yeah, Dylan has maintained his unique vocals. DB
1 person likes this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
3 Jun 17
I was a big rock and roll fan of the late 50's and 60's. Even though I am old now, I can remember all the groups and still remember the songs. I was always at the sock hops. I won lots of contests by naming the songs and the artist. I am still pretty good at it and so is my grown daughter and her sons. Must be a family thing. My dad loved imitating Chuck Berry by playing a fake guitar.
I saw Elvis in New York and couldn't talk for almost a week after that. I saw Barry Manilow at least 10 times and many of the oldie singers like Fabian and lots of others.
1 person likes this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
3 Jun 17
@dgobucks226 I love seeing all the "old" rock and roll stars. I can never get enough of them.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
3 Jun 17
I saw Dion once at a Great Adventure Amusement park. Obviously, he was well beyond his peak musical heyday, but you know what, he did 3 of his hits and he was really good
Thumbs up
Thumbs up
@teamfreak16 (43617)
• Denver, Colorado
31 May 17
I saw Devo about ten years ago. They were great, despite getting up there in years. Thats about all I can come up with off the top of my head.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43617)
• Denver, Colorado
2 Jun 17
@dgobucks226 A lot of these "geezer" bands are still out-drawing younger, more energetic acts.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
2 Jun 17
@teamfreak16 Fame and song recognition sells tickets!
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
2 Jun 17
No problem, Devo was a different band for sure De-evolution, Whip It Good!
De-evolution, Whip It Good!
@magnumopus (1644)
• Singapore
30 May 17
Yes you are right even musical band members grows old and has past their prime.
2 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
3 Jun 17
@dgobucks226 Not only that, there are a lot of people like my age and we can relive the past that was so great for us.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
31 May 17
I guess they continue because it's hard to retire from something you enjoy doing and has been a major part of your life. DB
1 person likes this
