Too old for gigs?
Discussion
I think I am.
Yesterday was my birthday and Mrs B&B had been wanting to go to see the 'Steel City Tour' of groups from her teenage years (Heaven 17, ABC, The Human League). All seater at Shefield Arena and we had seats in the floor block towards the back.
The audience were, well put politely, on the older side (average age about 45 I would say). More bald heads than a Phil Mitchell lookalike competition and some ladies with haircuts from the 1980's. Blokes in Peter Storm waterproof Kagoules, women with muffin tops in inappropriate clothing. You get the picture.
Anyway, odd groups of 40 something women stood up and jigged like embarrassing dinner ladies, complete with the bingo wings right from the start, forcing everyone behind then to do the same (stand up, not dance ike dinner ladies). We all pretended this was all part of the experience but as we left 3 hours later I could hear people moaning about aching backs, stiff legs, wished they could have sat down on the seat they had paid for etc. I suspect there will be a few lie ins and long soaks this morning.
So does there come a time when we should all gig gracefully, perhaps just stand up for the last few songs out of appreciation and dance in the aisles or at the back to let others rest their ageing backs/legs?
I go to loads of gigs (often with my 18 & 13 year old daughers) and we normally get down the front and dance. The girls just accept it.... 
I have to say though, that having spent over 30 years going to see bands I would describe as 'dance bands' (Punk, rock, indie, R'n'B, etc...) it really is like a drug. I want to see the band so I go along, but I simply can't, try as I might, stand still...
I have to say though, that having spent over 30 years going to see bands I would describe as 'dance bands' (Punk, rock, indie, R'n'B, etc...) it really is like a drug. I want to see the band so I go along, but I simply can't, try as I might, stand still...
Punkfit ! far better than going to the gym 
Went to see Stereophonics last night and they rocked! Stood up a few times (and I was right at the back in the seats out of the way) if the music and atmosphere makes you want to do that, then why not? You're there to enjoy yourself and have fun, that may not mean sitting in a seat politely listening to the act on stage and occasionally nodding your head.
I went and saw these last year.. Certainly a little bit crazy with flying waterbottles,glasses of beer and anything else that would fly!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NEssY7Xhj4I
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JGMFzvvsrpg
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NEssY7Xhj4I
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JGMFzvvsrpg
MonkeyBusiness said:
Lemmy is still rocking well into his 60's (and drinking JD and smoking Malboros)
I saw Motörhead live 2 weeks ago in Germany - fantastic.Why are people bothered by age? As long as you enjoy the gig, who cares? The evening after Motörhead I was at an electonics music party full of either a) snow board types - wooly hats, jeans below their arses or b) thin black roll neck sweater types with designer glasses. We didn't care, my mate there is 12 years younger than me. We got back at 7am after buying 2 6-packs of Becks from a gas station and then stayed up until 2pm playing music on his Mac - brilliant weekend
.......and I'm well into my 40's 
Racefan_uk said:
Went to see Stereophonics last night and they rocked! Stood up a few times (and I was right at the back in the seats out of the way) if the music and atmosphere makes you want to do that, then why not? You're there to enjoy yourself and have fun, that may not mean sitting in a seat politely listening to the act on stage and occasionally nodding your head.
I remember when Kelly Jones was a cocky young lad, just had his first big hit, walking around Aberdare like he owned the place.Strangely, he still did his weekly shopping at Iceland.
Used to think he was a cock at the time, but the years have mellowed both me and his attitude. Would love to see them live sometime - but it just won't be the same without Stuart 'Animal' Cable on the drums.
holes.Go see current bands for decent atmosphere.. nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
The exception seems to be bands that were fairly mental in the first place - even decades after they were filling stadia, they manage not to attract the blue rinse brigade. Some people just seem to know how to party.
Avoid all seater events, being right at the back, and huge arenas. Doesn't matter how young you are, you'll still be let down - you get more involvement from watching a second hand VHS on a small television.
The exception seems to be bands that were fairly mental in the first place - even decades after they were filling stadia, they manage not to attract the blue rinse brigade. Some people just seem to know how to party.
Avoid all seater events, being right at the back, and huge arenas. Doesn't matter how young you are, you'll still be let down - you get more involvement from watching a second hand VHS on a small television.
Gassing Station | The Pie & Piston Archive | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff