Posted on 07/06/2021 3:56:54 AM PDT by Kaslin
No one likes to think of their own mortality or realize they have more days behind them than ahead. But one sure way to realize you’re on the back 9 is when the music you grew up with starts showing up on the “oldies” or classic rock station. Personally, I don’t have to worry about that – the music I liked growing up was wildly unpopular in its time and will never make a classic rock station. But the music Baby boomers grew up on is also what we Gen X’ers grew up with, having it forced on us by age and a requirement to accept rides from boomers, and that music is coming to an end.
The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, etc., etc., produced some of the best music ever created. Sure, there are jerks and morons who like to be contrarians by claiming not to like them or call them overrated, but they’re either lying for attention or need to be publicly shunned for their idiocy. Those groups, and many more like them, changed music completely and for the better. And now…they’re going away.
I don’t mean to sound morbid, which is why I didn’t say “they’re dying,” but they are dying.
The other day I was listening to the radio and heard a commercial that made me think about this. It was for the farewell tour of Elton John. My first thought was it was a marketing gimmick, a way to put butts in the seats at inflated prices. Then I looked it up and Elton John is 74 years old. It’s not a marketing gimmick, it’s a necessity.
I hope Elton is in great health, as I wish the same for all the Mick Jaggers and Paul McCartneys of the world, but even the healthy die eventually. Sooner or later, the survival rate for everyone is zero, and most, if not all, of the people everyone grew up listening to, either as they were releasing new music or on perpetual repeat because the music was that good, is going to call it a day, one way or another.
I haven’t seen very many of them, mostly just Paul McCartney a few times along with a couple one or two hit wonders, but I regret not having seen more.
I don’t know if The Who will tour again, but I do wish I’d seen them. The Rolling Stones are easily the best riff band of all time and have some all-time classic songs, yet I’ve never seen them. I’ve never seen Elton John, Billy Joel, or any of the other performers who will leave the stage in the next few years.
It’s one thing to have never seen a rock star who died young – you pick any member of the 27 club and you have a ready-made excuse for having missed them – it’s another to have missed Kiss in their 50 years of touring because you never got around to it.
Whether you’ve seen these bands or missed them, time marches relentlessly on. We’re going to lose them, so take a minute and appreciate them before we do.
Crank up some Bob Seger the next time you’re alone on a patch of freeway, play some Creedence Clearwater Revival inappropriately loud next time it’s on the radio, or sing along with Bob Dylan like no one else can hear you (you can’t sound any worse than he does). The Eagles are touring, so play that drum part in Hotel California on your steering wheel like you’re Don Henley.
These people aren’t going to be around much longer, drink in the opportunity to appreciate them while you have it. It’s not a bad way to live life and treat your friends and family every day. You’re much more likely to be able to get someone you know on the phone than Paul McCartney (though I’d love to).
You can go and scream your love of Elton John on his farewell tour, and you absolutely should, if you’re so inclined. But you should do the same for the people you do know. They won’t have a farewell tour, but they will go away some day, or you will, without the benefit of a marketing team announcing it. Considering what we’ve just come through, appreciating those we have should be the top priority of everyone. Scream your love for the people who made the soundtrack of your life (unless it was Bruce Springsteen because he sucks), but let the people who were irreplaceable cast members know you love them too.
I totally agree with Derek Hunter. Bruce Springsteen sucks!!!
I most recently added BJ Thomas.
One of my daughters just told me that she regrets not joining me and the rest of my kids to see RUSH their last time. I need to make time to watch the DVD of the concert with her.
Well - maybe not the entire 3 hours in one setting.
But - maybe!
Good article. Missing a concert is one thing, missing opportunities with loved ones is another.
Meanwhile, Paul Rodgers (Bad Company) whose song, "Shooting Star," lamented the untimely deaths of young musicians is still rocking it at 71.
I’m confused. In a story that features Elton John the author claims someone else sucks? Doesn’t make sense.
There is NOTHING like a Grateful Dead concert. Never will be.
Hubby and I recently joined a nearby garage band, and we are attempting to play songs by The Eagles, Bad Company, Linda Ronstadt, etc. Our drummer is almost 80 and the youngest member is in his late 50s. We’re pretty bad, but we’re having fun and keeping the music alive as long as we can.
I never saw the Grateful Dead and not really a fan of their radio songs.
I did see John Mayer(?) with my daughter a few years ago (to drive her!) It was great.
At one point I could tell that they were just jamming and I mentioned to my daughter how great the “backup band” was. They were just feeling the music and listening to each other. “And they are just some unknown musicians.”
“Dad - they used to be in the Grateful Dead!”
“Oh. Okay - no wonder!”
I’m 36 and completely agree. I grew up listening to the red hots, Metallica, GNR, cypress hill and a slew of others, pretty much all of which are oldies now.
On a somewhat related topic, what makes me feel REALLY old is laser disc. I vaguely remember when I was a toddler, waddling over to our CRT tv the size of a freaking refrigerator and eject a big boxxy disk thing, roll it over, and shove it back into the machine just like my dad showed me. On the original star wars, moff tarkin saying “execute her. Immediately.” Was my cue to go flip the tape/disc thing.
I can only imagine how people in their 70s must feel
You only get so many summers in your life.
All those things we’ve been saying “someday”? Well, we’re all running out of “somedays”.
One thing to consider when making your bucket list. Look back from the imagined future, and think back on what you would regret not doing the most. I would think spending time with loved ones would be high on that list.
Besides that, I’m working on my book list - books I’ve squirreled away and always wanted to read.
Come thick or thin, keep your faith close to your heart and soul.
Can't figure out where to put the vise-grip so I can change channels.
Dead and Company. Haven’t seen that incarnation but Meyer does fit in with Weir well, and Billy and Mickey are the best drum team around..
I’m not the world’s biggest Dead fan. I ran into a thirtyish dreadlocked dude from Portland last year. He pointed to his dancing bear tattoo and said “You know what this is, don’t you?” I said I did. I’ve encountered a few people like him over the years. When he asked if I’d seen The Dead, I told him which show I’d seen. In the old days, I’d get a recitation of all the shows that any Deadhead I met had seen. This guy was completely envious that I’d seen them once. He was a little kid “when Jerry died,” and really wished he could have seen them. I got a two-fer, seeing them with Bob Dylan.
Your title song (if it can be called a song) makes me cringe whenever it comes on the radio. Some idiot screaming the same words over and over is not music.
Marty Robbins (A White Sport coat), Johnny Cash, The Ventures, Otis Redding and of course Elvis. Early rock was and still is the best, Bill Haley and the Comets (get out in that kitchen and rattle those pots and pans) and then The Beach Boys.
A friend of mine is/was a big fan of the Grateful Dead.
Was a corporate lawyer. Now a pastor. Go figure!?
I actually like all kinds of Music, except Rap, Blues, (it’s to slow for me) Hard Rock and Blue grass.
Or movies I saw as a kid or teen are now shown on TMC. Oy!
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