I Age, Therefore I Rock (Still)
Posted by Kate on 14 Jul 2008 at 04:27 pm |
Ageism is what it is. And I’m not talking about teenage-backlash or a twentysomething’s glib naïveté. Most of it comes from within; sabotaged by our own kind.
Think about it.
It’s not that we grown-ups ever lost interest in music. Music (as dictated by industry mafiosi, radio, media, etc.) lost interest in US.
The result being that now, our once exalted status of “fans” has turned, less desirably, to “old.”
These days, age alone apparently predicates a biological incapability to rock. Don’t believe me? Check out what was supposed to be the AARP’s dedicated music site. Sadly, looks like they had to pull the plug as it’s now MIA. Although if you browse the archives, it’s clear that even the flagship of grown-up clubs is musically clueless.
Um, AARP? That oft-referred to “generation” defined by music? Yeah. Those are YOUR members.
What’s more is that occasionally when “fans” and “old” coexist, it’s all tiptoes around the proverbial elephant: we are NOT young. Hence the term “late adopter” (whispered like Woody Allen would “cancer”). Or “fans of a certain age” (thank you, Wall Street Journal— whose median age, ironically is 50 — for additionally going so far as to celebrate how stupid we look when rocking in public). Is it me or does anyone else notice a slight bit of negative connotation here?
At least there is always “aging hippie,” right? Not exactly an insult but really, is this a compliment?
All I’m saying is I prefer “fan.” Whether I’m in the mosh pit or sidelined sucking wind, I’m still, and most importantly, a fan.
Although today, after hearing this:
“tree-hugger” works too.
Hi, Kate let me say first that I enjoy this website very much. I am lucky to live in a area where we get 104.7 Wncs. They have great music and wonderful Dj’s. But outside of this area the majority of stations are formula driven. You are right I am 40 something but still love to hear a good song. Why cant most radio stations go beyond their playlists?
Hi Kate,
I was told by a record label A+R guy that people my age only spend money on boxed sets of Led Zeppelin or “newly discovered” Hendrix material. He was not interested in a (then 45 now 51 year old) middle-aged songwriter. I replied that maybe that was there was nothing out there that music lovers my age like enough to buy. Politely ignored that one.
Now my children are almost grown up, I am returning to music and I write really good songs. Will anyone care?
Victoria
I always love reading your blog. So funny and so poignant. The mother of two teen aged daughters I rock out with them in my very 70’s fashion and that’s the way it is. I have turned them all to the very best of our time and they have done the same (smaller pool) but just the same. There is some great music still being made. Just have to look harder for it. But I hear you loud and clear. I think it is important for the young ones to know that we ARE the reason they have music today. It take that stance and don’t let them forget how cool we are and where it all began!
Where it all began? The 70s? Uh, no. There’s no telling “where it all began,” but certainly, great music, music we can’t forget, has been made in all eras. If we’re talking about rock music, it “started” with rock and roll, which was a crazy riot of all kinds of music, too, from jazz and blues and so-called country to…to… well, basically, it boils down to sounds that thrill and delight us for any number of reasons. And you’re right, it never stops. There will be somebody singing a tune to themselves if nobody else, and somebody who loves to hear it. Don’t need a music industry for that. It’s great that we can get music so readily now through all kinds of media, but there’s still nothing quite like homemade music, made in a small space, connecting one on one. Wow, it’s just the best.