Just a midlife crisis or ar true life calling?

[GibsonLesPaul]

Got this burning desire to play in a band again. I'm 46, got some pretty bodacious chops (IMAO) and I have mixed emotions about getting a new band together and playing out. Got one son ( 18 in college) plays great bass. Another son who plays guitar. He's 16, doing current stuff on the radio, mostly into punk....? ( Have you heard the stuff where the singer screams at the top of his lungs and you can't understand a damn word he's saying..?)

I guess that this is a cry for help to other musically inclined, middle aged,
play on the stage, wannabees.

Do I sell my 1975 Gibson Les Paul and just settle down and be a typical 40 something father. Or. Dust the dust off of my rock n' roll gear and go for broke? Any advice?

[luvvinvinyl]

Before you decide, do your research. Is there a market for live music, in your area? That fits with what you want to play? Every weekend, or once-a-month, or whatever? Play with your boys, or a bunch of your pals? Level of musicianship of the whole band? Financial security of the band members...

Sounds like the beginning of a business plan. When you have asked all your questions, then you can start answering them. When you have answered them, you can read the answer to your original question.

[GibsonLesPaul]

Yes. You speak as though you have some insight on this particular matter LuvvinV.
My main concern. I am finally in a job where I am making decent money and can afford good equiptment. I have a strong desire. I have some talent and I have kids in college and bills to pay. There is no question that I will stay with my current employer because I must pay the bills and support our current level of living, but.There is something missing.

Long ago and in a galaxy far away, I played in a band, on a stage, with people seemingly enjoying my efforts. I still play to relieve stress but still feel the call.

Ignore this call and sell all of my musical junk or, act on this call?

[Rockmonton]

i'd say keep playing till the day you die, and why not be a weekend warrior kinda band, it cant hurt. but if you do decide the other way, you've gotta let me know about that LP

[Dennis Gardner]

Hang around the club of bands you like and ask to sit in with them. You will create the relationships needed to get back into it. Once you are back into it a little, you will know if it feels right or if the need is met with the occasional jam.

My Dad and I have done this for years. He's 67 years old and done sets with some of the best.

BTW, never sell your axe!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GibsonLesPaul]

Hang around the club of bands you like and ask to sit in with them. You will create the relationships needed to get back into it. Once you are back into it a little, you will know if it feels right or if the need is met with the occasional jam.

My Dad and I have done this for years. He's 67 years old and done sets with some of the best.

BTW, never sell your axe!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks man.... :thmbsp:

[WhiskeyRebel]

Playing is fun. Playing makes the player happy. Playing along with other musicians feels better yet and playing for an audience is the tops. Play for the fun of playing and don't expect anything more, and if anything more comes of it that's just gravy.

Just don't stop playing and NEVER shed your gear!

The best way to make a living playing is if you love the act of performing music so much that you can enjoy it no matter what music you play or for whom. That way you can play whatever's asked for whomever has the money to pay without being concerned about what the song is or where the gig is. If you find your enjoyment depends on playing music you would want to otherwise listen to, then keep it a hobby like I do.

Just don't stop playing!

[Yamaha B-2]

46.....ah, those were the days. Don't do anything rash. You'll get over this in ~10 years, give or take. In the meantime, strike up a 'fun' band and play when you can fit into your 'real world' schedule. Have fun and don't worry about it. The world has all ready passed you by, just like the rest of us. No matter your level of success. For me, the main thing in life is to have a good time. Not at someone else's expense, though. Just enjoy. And if that is a garage band or a weekend band or whatever. No big deal. Have fun.

[GibsonLesPaul]

46.....ah, those were the days. Don't do anything rash. You'll get over this in ~10 years, give or take. In the meantime, strike up a 'fun' band and play when you can fit into your 'real world' schedule. Have fun and don't worry about it. The world has all ready passed you by, just like the rest of us. No matter your level of success. For me, the main thing in life is to have a good time. Not at someone else's expense, though. Just enjoy. And if that is a garage band or a weekend band or whatever. No big deal. Have fun.
Thank you B-2 and Whiskey. You both seem to know right where I'm at and just what I needed to hear.... :thmbsp:

I just so happened to go to Craigslist and found someone with similar interests
who like me wants to get together with someone else just for fun. He lives local and thought I'd give it a go.

Truly appreciate everyones advice...... :D

[MikeO]

I am not a musician or even in my late 40's (I am 37) but I just had a similar experience yesterday. My job pays the bills but brings little real satisfaction in my life. I have been going through a bit of a mid life crisis as well I suppose. When I was in my teens and early 20s I spent most of my time playing hockey. I was a goalie and played at a fairly competitive level but stopped playing entirely when I started working.

Anyway, yesterday I was walking by a new sporting goods store in my neighbourhood which sells mostly goalie equipment. I walked in there just to see how things had changed in the last 15 years. After talking to the guy for about half an hour I am really thinking about playing again. I tried on some of the equipment, got talking about an adult league nearby, etc. Before yesterday I never thought I would play again but now I am really excited about it. I guess it is a way to recapture our youth. Anyway, my advice is don't sell the guitar, but don't quit your day job either.

Mike O

[GibsonLesPaul]

Hey MikeO! Welcome to AK!!!!Seems to me something may be catching on here.
People coming to terms and getting back in touch with stuff they loved once.

Cool... I say go for it Mike and my best to you! :thmbsp:

[Dennis Gardner]

You go for it Mike!..........you'll be catching elbows under the chin, while the guitar player catches perfumed panties. :thmbsp:

I guess we all have our dreams........... :D

[fotno]

Don't sell your Guitar! Whether you play out, or play on the porch for the dogs, don't sell your guitar. I've found my sanity, and my inner peace inside a guitar case for over 20 years now. I even have an acoustic that sits by my desk, and I reach out for that guitar daily, I can't imagine what it would be like to reach out, and have it not be there anymore.

Don't sell your Guitar!

[GibsonLesPaul]

Fired off an email to that guy from Craigslist. He said he plays Beatles and likes the blues. According to his bio, he's 16 years younger. I told him that Beatles wasn't a problem but that I live the blues.... By the time I'm through with 'em, he'll gladly eat the worm at the bottom of the bottle..... :D

[clint e.]

Rock On, Gib!!!

clint. :thmbsp:

[fotno]

Good goin Bill, play on brother!

[OldSkool]

I guess that this is a cry for help to other musically inclined, middle aged, play on the stage, wannabees.
Im kind of in the same situation you are in; 42 and my 19 year old is a freshman in college. (and he plays bass) But my leanings are more towards getting some guys together to play, but just for S&G's. I dont think I want to do the late nighter, hauling the gear around thing. But I do miss playing stuff with other guys who like the same genres of tunes I like to play. Its funny though, there seems to only be two kind of musicians I am finding to play with. One, experienced talented guys who act like they are above playing covers. "Oh gosh no I don't play covers, only original stuff".

OR, guys who dont mind doing covers, but arent very good and I end up being 'teacher' most of the time. Oh, and of course theres the young kids my sons age,, they are all fulla fire and energy, but have NO clue about the stuff Id like to do and anything beyond 3 chords and a chorus is too complicated for them. To them, Phil Lynott could easily just be a character on 'The Simpsons'. LOL



Do I sell my 1975 Gibson Les Paul and just settle down and be a typical 40 something father. Or. Dust the dust off of my rock n' roll gear and go for broke? Any advice?
Noooooooo, never sell the LesPaul. Sometimes you just gotta pick up the ole six string and get it out... Ya know?

[GibsonLesPaul]

OldSkool...wish you were in my neighborhood bro! I know what you mean about the late night and lugging heavy equipment. Did that in my teens and twenties. Not at all appealing to me in my 40's. :no: Get a twinge from my back every now and again. Just a reminder that I'm not in my twenties anymore, I guess. Thanks for your post. It's good to know someone else can kind'a relate... :thmbsp:

[fropiler]

http://www.drummerworld.com/wishlistdrummers/Glynes.html

This woman STARTED playing when she was 52.

I know where you're at. I'm basically in the same boat. I'm in my 40's, kids, day job, etc. I still play almost every night on my Pro-v kit just because I love to play. My kids wonder why since I'm not currently in a band. It keeps my chops up. (For that matter, I continue to improve).

I would never consider selling any of my gear, and will play as long as I'm physically able to do so.

Ed

[GibsonLesPaul]

http://www.drummerworld.com/wishlistdrummers/Glynes.html

This woman STARTED playing when she was 52.

I know where you're at. I'm basically in the same boat. I'm in my 40's, kids, day job, etc. I still play almost every night on my Pro-v kit just because I love to play. My kids wonder why since I'm not currently in a band. It keeps my chops up. (For that matter, I continue to improve).

I would never consider selling any of my gear, and will play as long as I'm physically able to do so.

Ed
Right on! I feel like I'm ten times the guiter player that I was as a kid. I'd like to join a senior citizens band one day... :sigh: The way things are going.... :scratch2:

[Sandy G]

All I can say is if you DON'T scratch this itch, you'll always wonder "What if...". Don't give up yr day job, but play w/the kids on weekends & nights & have a ball. They can learn a LOT from you. And, if after 6 months or a year or so, you find its not yr cup of tea, at least you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you gave it a shot. -Sandy G.

[Jovinyl]

Hey Gib. It's not a mid-life crisis. Just a love of music. I'm 50 and still trying to learning how to play the guitar. One day I hope to feel good enough to play in a blues jam. Go for it!

[GibsonLesPaul]

Hey Gib. It's not a mid-life crisis. Just a love of music. I'm 50 and still trying to learning how to play the guitar. One day I hope to feel good enough to play in a blues jam. Go for it!
Yeah, love the blues! :thmbsp:

[OldSkool]

All I can say is if you DON'T scratch this itch, you'll always wonder "What if...". .
Good advice. Nothing wrong with going out and having fun. That EasyBoy recliner will always be there when you get tired of smokey late nighters!

Go for it fella! Get some pics and let us live vicariously thru you. HA :banana: