by Lisa Pickering

Created on: June 06, 2009   Last Updated: June 07, 2009

Let's face it, when musicians become legends like Paul McCartney or The Rolling Stones; they are NEVER too old to rock. For fans like me, who are only in their mid-20's it is the only opportunity we have to see these superstars in concert. Paul or Mick could keep performing until they need walkers and I would still want to go see them. Look at Bob Dylan. He just came out with a new album and started a summer tour. Some say Bob sounds like crap, however some would argue that he has always sounded like crap. He is, in all fairness, an acquired taste. For me, I think Bob Dylan still sounds great, just different. Age has affected his voice in a way that to me isn't bad, just eclectic.

Most of my favorite bands consist of senior citizens. I don't see anything wrong with that. Should they not be allowed the opportunity to partake in rocking out venues? I have had the most fun seeing bands such as these. They are the bands with the most die-hard fans, the fans that will knock you out unknowingly with their crazy dancing and get you high from their second hand pot smoke. In my opinion, being old is just an excuse for being lazy. It is my firm belief that you should keep doing what you love until you don't love doing it anymore.

One of my favorite bands of all time is The Band and the drummer Levon Helm lives near my town. I go see him whenever I can find a cheap show because I'm somewhat obsessed (you can ask anyone who knows me). He must be about 70 years old and he puts on one of the best shows I've ever seen with his band. He rocked out the Beacon Theatre in New York for almost 3 hours. He sounds amazing and he is still an amazing drummer. AC/DC was probably the best show I've ever seen. They were phenomenal and I kid you not, they had the most energy of any band I've ever seen. I had a blast at the Rod Stewart concert I went too and the Allmans are always fun to see. I haven't seen a Rolling Stones show, mainly because a) they aren't touring and when they were I couldn't afford it and b) if they were touring I could still never afford it, but it is definitely something I would like to partake in. Ditto for a Paul McCartney show. However he was at Coachella this year and I heard that was fabulous.

Basically I am saying that there is no room for age discrimination in music. Keep rocking and don't stop until it is absolutely necessary. It pains me when good bands "retire." There are so many legendary musicians I have yet to see and I definitely don't want to miss my chance.

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