Just some observations, but retirement for musicians comes slowly in stages or sometimes suddenly. You can stay in the game as long as you want if you take good care of yourself or if you’re just very blessed. It happens. If it’s His will, of course. Now some good choices have to be made or it’s a long hard climb. Believe me I know.
Unless you’re a hard worker, have a lotta passion, persistence, talent and a good personality, music is mostly a side job. There’s a fine line between making a living playing music in a rural or mid-level market and just making enough to buy bigger equipment. So a good day job will be required. I started playing in the 70’s, where the credo for the bands was “bigger was better”! The ultimate for a PA was Peavey SP-2 and an 8 channel Head. The speakers took 3 band members to put them on stands. And there were no monitors, just playing by instincts and guts. The Bose system was oughta reach for most. They used them lil’ bitty 2 inch speakers. For guitar you had arrived if ya had a 100 watt Marshall or a stack of Marshall amps. I played thru a Fender Professional 300 on bass. Super heavy in weight and almost too much for a 100 seat late night club. Now, a trailer or a van was required. The whole band could ride in a van, right? Ahhhhh, but we were young and strong and still had good hearing.
Approaching middle age, playing 2-3 nights a week was still pleasant and if ya figured the time spent against the paycheck, you were making close to $10 an hour. Retirement was for our parents so no need to worry bout that. And there was the “Only the good die young” attitude. Then some did.
Somewhere between 50-60 years old, we started looking for a much lighter setup for gigs. The back problems, pulled shoulders and weak knees were more of a problem. Moans and groans were louder than “Are ya having a good time”! Much to our surprise, we realized that we were getting older.
Retirement began to look more approachable. There were subtle changes in our playing. Cutting back on nites played, giving up on singing some songs, getting stools, setting down to play, being a lil’ hard of hearing and Reading glasses. Old age was creeping in and we talked about retirement, someday. Most never have to completely stop playing, just cut back on nights on stage. Now more use the talents that God gave you for good, not evil. Wisely, they use their skills to be the very best in entertainment. Now and then, when we get together, to tell our stories of fame and glory on stage. Glory Days.
Support local live music and enjoy the experience that a live band brings you. Whether it’s seasoned and tight or has the exuberance of youth. Show’em that you appreciate them by donating in the tip jar. Kudos to all those musicians still gigging in their prime of life. Keep on rocking. I miss it.
Hillbilly Vegas is doing another England tour for the next two weeks with the biggest night is in Scotland at the three night music fest. The band is riding a wave of several streaming charts with their latest single, Let It Ride. It’s been in the Top 20 for 3 weeks now.
Live music this week- “The Tribadours” will play at Joe’s Cantina on Taco Tuesday 26th. Music starts at 6 pm.
“Wess is More” lives up to the name. Wesley Trout brings the very best Country Dance music for Muldrow City Limits on Sat 30th. Wesley draws from his friends and it’s top-notch music that wafts thru the dance hall. Be prepared for a night of fun. The dance kicks off at 7pm. That ain’t all I got to say on this subject but it’s a good place to stop. Coming from the sidelines, enjoying listening if not playing, from retirement, TJW. Contact me by text or tj.wiles61@outlook.com. Thanks!
Get Local News!
