Friday, December 11, 2009

Do aging rockers need to pack it in?

Jim Dyson/Getty Images

Jim Dyson/Getty Images

Rob Loud/Getty Images

Rob Loud/Getty Images

Growing up, I remember being a little embarrassed at some of the young looking outfits my mother would wear. She dressed cooler than the other moms and looked much younger than the other moms and was much younger-minded than the other moms, but a good part of me just wished she was like everyone else. Of course, now that I'm an adult, I realize the freedom of being able to dress the way you want and be whoever you want to be is an important and awesome liberty I'm grateful both my mother and I have. (I'm not mad about having her good genes either.)

When I saw this this picture of The Cure's Robert Smith the other day, my first thought was, "Ugh, this guy really needs to put away the makeup and give up the act. He's too old!" My mind turned to another aging rocker back on the scene this year, Axl Rose from Guns N' Roses, whose career at this point in time seems futile. But look at this picture of Blondie's Debbie Harry taken one month ago. Sure, the outfit may be pushing it, but the woman has still got it! She looks great and loves performing, so who are we to tell her when to quit?

U2 remains one of the top touring bands in the world, and no one thinks they should stop. Rock legend Bruce Springsteen was requested to perform at the Super Bowl this year. But what about the Rolling Stones? Audiences are split on saying they're way too ancient to be singing about sex and drugs, but as classic rockers who not only lived but basically created that lifestyle, no one can stop the endlessly energetic Mick Jagger from jumping around on stage several decades later. As for Madonna, is her ever-changing trendy pop status growing weaker if she can still put out solid hits with contemporaries like Justin Timberlake?

Do you ever feel like certain rock stars have grown to old to keep doing what they're doing? If so, which ones? Do you think if they enjoy putting out music and performing they should keep going until they no longer can?
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From the Community…

Comments 11-20 of 41
  • ladybella04's Avatar
    Posted by ladybella04 Sat Feb 28, 2009 5:27pm PST

    If you can still sell enough tickets to be able to tour, then why not? Use it or lose it. In some cases though, um, yeah, please do cover up a bit. They might still sound as good as they did when they were 20, but a lot of rockers really don't look as good...all that hard living and partying catches up in time, even if you know a good plastic surgeon.

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  • mrscolbert's Avatar
    Posted by mrscolbert Sat Feb 28, 2009 8:01pm PST

    I'll go see Pete Townshend when he's 90.

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  • __A_YAHOO_USER__'s Avatar
    Posted by __A_YAHOO_USER__ Sun Mar 1, 2009 8:00am PST

    Hey, if you got it, flaunt it! There are a lot of "older bands" that still rock! With the crap we have today, someone has to. I want to be buried with an Aerosmith cd. At least they can still fit into their girl's size 5 jeans!

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  • __A_YAHOO_USER__'s Avatar
    Posted by __A_YAHOO_USER__ Sun Mar 1, 2009 8:05am PST

    Oh, and BTW, Axl Rose is not OLD! He rocks it old school and that is all that matters! LOVE GNR!

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  • CarolB's Avatar
    Posted by CarolB Sun Mar 1, 2009 3:19pm PST

    I am inclinded with Nurse Di, the music today just doesnt do it for me like it did when I was young. I am 56 now and I love the music of the 50, 60 and 70's. There was a freedom and a cause, you know us baby boomers pretty much started rock n roll. Ironically I hear today alot of rap songs that are repeats of old songs. Old school and old time rock n roll for me. Also, alot of the younger generation knows Pink Floyd Led Zepplin, the Beatles, Eric Burton, the Animals, Eric Clapton, etc., just goes to show the youngsters have some taste, lol. Dont get me wrong I dont mean to pick on todays music, there are a few artists and songs I like.

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  • Caitlin's Avatar
    Posted by Caitlin Sun Mar 1, 2009 5:18pm PST

    Guys who wear makeup are either pretty boys or freaks sorry but it's true. I don't care if they are rock stars thats just wierd!!!!!

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  • David's Avatar
    Posted by David Sun Mar 1, 2009 7:44pm PST

    rock on whoever you are. some bands sound better now then they did years ago.

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  • 2 Damn Defiant's Avatar
    Posted by 2 Damn Defiant Mon Mar 2, 2009 1:48am PST

    Hang it up Brett Michaels!!!!!!!!!

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  • mike's Avatar
    Posted by mike Mon Mar 2, 2009 7:21am PST

    hell no dude they influenced so many people haha its music and everyone likes music i mean u cares if they get old haha they are all going to kick ass execpt guns and roses lol

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  • Am I there yet?'s Avatar
    Posted by Am I there yet? Mon Mar 2, 2009 8:06am PST

    These people are still making money doing what they do and looking how they look. Their true fans actually EXPECT this look from the performers...so why should they change their formula at this point in the game?

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Comments 11-20 of 41

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