Bands That Should Retire
By Jesse Ross
@jessenr88 (35)
September 22, 2020 11:30pm CST
I'm interested in hearing from some classic rock buffs here. So many bands from the 60s and 70s continue to tour well beyond their useful years (in my opinion), and I'm curious to hear some additional thoughts on this.
Here's a list of bands and artists who I think should quit performing live immediately.
1. The Beach Boys -- more like the Beach Seniors nowadays, Mike Love is the only original member still using the name. It may be a fun show, but it's a far cry from the tight, harmony-filled family group that emerged in the 60s.
2. David Lee Roth / Van Halen -- Talk about lack of talent! Last time I saw David perform he staggered around the stage and mumbled all the song lyrics.
3. The Eagles -- AKA "Don Henley and Company" in recent years, they have become little more than a nostalgia act with Glenn Frey's son Deacon and Vince Gill, who, I will admit, are decent replacements, but it just doesn't compare.
4. The Who -- last time I saw them Roger looked like he could barely stand up!
5. Paul McCartney -- I'm sure I'll take heat for this one but Paul's voice is thin and raspy, and his new grey hair look does him no favors. To quote Paul himself, "there's a shadow hanging over me..." And that shadow is his former glory days.
What are your thoughts on these (or other aging bands)?
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4 responses
@dgobucks226 (34356)
•
24 Sep 20
Maybe we should put term limits on musicians. Seems many work way past retirement age. The Beach Boys are really haven't been the same group without Carl, Dennis and especially Brian. The Who seem to be having a contest with the Rolling Stones to see who can perform in their 80's. Maybe Sir Paul could hook up with Ringo's All-Star band who I believe still tour. Crosby, Stills and Nash in any configuration should retire. I'd add Bob Dylan. And As much as I like the Moody Blues they are slowing down too.
I think it's not their musicianship that suffers it the voice. They just can't hit the same notes anymore.
@dgobucks226 (34356)
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26 Sep 20
@jessenr88 Yes, Paul and Ringo on tour together would be awesome. Even heart surgery could not slow down Mick and the Rolling Stones. That guy and the band still has some energy!
@Roviansyah (257)
• Indonesia
23 Sep 20
My favorite rock band is just Queen, I know they are no longer active. but their music I always listen to all day long!
@jessenr88 (35)
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23 Sep 20
I've seen the surviving Queen members tour on and off with Adam Lambert and Paul Rodgers. Not the same without Freddie though.
@FourWalls (62120)
• United States
23 Sep 20
It’s dependent on the individual. I saw Neil Sedaka a few years ago, when he was 76 (he’s 81 now), and that old grandpa could out-entertain ANY twerking, auto-tuned “pop singer” today with one arthritic hand tied behind his back. I saw some “at-home” video of John Fogerty when all this started, and he still sounds good.
I have an affection for the Eagles that goes back 45 years and took me to Coffeyville, Kansas earlier this month, but I totally agree with you. Henley shouldn’t be charging that kind of money for what is basically him “and friends.”
Yep, Paul’s voice is getting quite thin, but he is Paul. We’ll take that from him. Paul SIMON, on the other hand....
I watched a video of him from a recent performance, and it was painful. Some people can’t let go. Grace Slick could probably still be out there packing halls, but she hung it up. Good for her.
I’m afraid that some of them who should have retired, and maybe thought about it, will be itching to get back on the road after all this COVID-19 stuff is over.
I watched a video of him from a recent performance, and it was painful. Some people can’t let go. Grace Slick could probably still be out there packing halls, but she hung it up. Good for her.
I’m afraid that some of them who should have retired, and maybe thought about it, will be itching to get back on the road after all this COVID-19 stuff is over.@jessenr88 (35)
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23 Sep 20
I respect your affection for the Eagles. I have always loved their music as well. The problem with some of these bands, I feel, is they've got their fans right where they want them. Every time they tour we think it might be their last tour so we clamor for tickets. Then they come back the following year and it's the same thing again.
Did you by any chance see Paul McCartney's performance in 2015 on the SNL 40th anniversary special? That was the first time I've ever turned off the TV on any one of the Beatles' performances. I know he's a Beatle, but even that can only carry him so far (in my opinion).
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