by Emily Buziewicz

Created on: March 08, 2008

Let the old guys rock as long as they can! The whole generation that is responsible for these aging rockers is different. They are former hippies, Vietnam veterans and protesters, and, most notably, they were the first group of teens to be influenced by rock and roll. Their senior years and senior entertainers are going to be atypical. Did anyone quibble with Frank Sinatra when he was still performing in his eighties? He wore a tuxedo instead of tie-dye but he was still a grandpa. (Well, maybe there are valid reasons no one quibbled with Sinatra.)

Who is to say what is appropriate for a particular age group? Does anyone expect Mick Jagger to do anything but prance around in tight pants? It's not pretty now but, if we're honest, it wasn't pretty then, either. Has Keith Richards EVER looked well? No. Beer companies do not sponsor their tours anymore, either. The Stones's last tour was advertised by an investment firm, or something equally as non-counter culture. They are catering to the same audience with different needs. They should keep going as long as they and their audience can.

Not to mention this first crop of senior rock stars inhabits a profession that celebrates creativity and talent, or, at least, gutsy flamboyance. They do not need to retire, to fade into reruns of "The Ed Sullivan Show." These sixty-somethings can still touch their fans with their music. And they can reach younger people who are not jaded by ageism. Everyone has something to say and should be heard, after all.

Dylan and his cronies prove that being a senior citizen does not mean one's life has ended. The radio dial (what's a dial?) never has to be tuned to Muzak. The songs of youth still play on "oldies" stations and touch the soul, bringing levity to everyday life. So why not take in a concert while McCartney remembers the words? He still puts on a good show. And he's still "the cute one" from the cheap seats.

Besides, this is my parents' generation being scrutinized. The older I get, the younger they seem. Will my music make sense in thirty years? R. E. M.? Red Hot Chili Peppers? How much sense does it make now? Not much. But I'm looking forward to spending my childrens' inheritance on being entertained by my favorite rock stars.

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