[Brasky]

I love them too.
But just because some bands tune down a 1/2 step or a full step doesn’t make it lame.
Up the Irons!

[DoodleBob]

Well....I've seen The Who and Maiden and these old geezers can still sing and play in the original tuning. The only exception is The Real Me which The Who have played down one half step for a while.

Meanwhile, Ozzy is tuning down a FULL step, and many 90s bands are down a half step.

Tuning down isn't ipso facto LAME, but if I'm spending $150 for a ticket, I'd like for my singer (he's working for me during the concert) to keep himself in shape and hit the notes.

So yes. It's not lame. But....Tuning down is a sign of inferior conditioning and not caring about the finishing product. Age takes a toll, and we are all built differently. But if Bruce Dickinson can hit the high notes in regular tuning, some loser in his 40s can hit the gym and hire a voice coach.

Your mileage may vary.