by Barbara Stanley

Created on: May 30, 2009

Mick Jagger, bless his heart, could never be found guilty of being handsome. Fine wine might get better with age, but Mick just looks like an old Mare that has been ridden hard and put away wet one too many times. His voice isn't what it use to be and gives out way before the old coot is willingly to leave the stage. His band members bring to mind a group of old men who found the gate open at the old folks home and made a dash to freedom, finding that staying up past nine o'clock isn't nearly as much fun as it use to be. In younger years, they may have left the stage for a waiting party that was wild and crazy. These days, they are doing good to make it to the bus and get their shoes off before their feet swell. Paul McCartney is not believable as he sings about finding love for the first time or being the party animal all night long. No one is saying that older rockers have lost their voice or their ability to write poignant songs, but they have lost credibility when presenting themselves as able to keep up physically with the kids. There comes a time in the career of every person when it is simply time to retire and turn the reigns over to someone younger and more energetic.

It is sad to watch a man in his seventies trying to look sexy in his tight leather pants. Today's generation is not impressed by old men trying to gyrate on stage to the beat of the music. Everyone old enough to be a long, faithful fan is home in bed after a rubdown with Capsaicin. They don't mind listening to their old rocker albums now and then, but they hurt too badly to be screaming fans in the audience of a rock performance. Any televised performances would rake in big money for advertisers of Viagra, Geritol, Laxatives, and herbal teas.

If big name rockers have not made enough money to retire from the road trips, they may as well cash in their chips and take a taxi home. Sure, they will need a hobby or new interest in life, but do you think they still need the money? My guess is no. Still, a few old boys are addicted to adoration and being made to feel as though the world is their oyster. No doubt, this is the reason they cannot hang up the guitar or stop touching the piano keys. Wouldn't it be better to slip away from the public scene before the age of sixty and leave everyone with the mental picture of someone still who is still tall, strong, and sexy?

No one wants to see an eighty year-old chorus girl on the stage, trying to kick that leg up high enough to count as foot off the floor. People would not pay good money to see David Bowie as the main character in a romance film. People who love the old time rock and roll music will probably always love it. Old rockers should remain behind the scenes as they make new albums. Their adoring public will forgive them if they stop the tour in favor of a warm bath and soft bed.

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