The new 30?
In a recent interview with Drum magazine, Stewart Copeland (drummer for the Police and other bands) said that "50 is the new 30."
What he was saying is that, at age 53 he feels mentally and physically like he did at age 30. He might be stretching it a bit, but the general meaning behind the comment certainly has me thinking.
Like, why-- at my age, would I be entertaining the idea of entertaining? Why, when so many variables seem to be against me ever playing again--would I continue to seek opportunities to play the drums. Why don't I just accept the fact that maybe my ship has sailed, sell my toys and take up shuffleboard?
Well, for one thing, I feel more mentally prepared to play than ever before. I don't have undue pressures and distractions sucking the life out of me (like I did at 30). I can better express myself in a band environment and I can devote more mental energy to my performance now than I ever could in the past.
One crude example: I'm not only way past stage fright--I actually covet and treasure my time on stage. I enjoy being on stage so much that I get depressed at the end on the night when it's over.
Secondly, for the first time in my life I have time and resources to devote to being a drummer. I can invest in great equipment and more quality time to prepare myself for a band. Earlier in life, (at 30) it was all about the family, the kids, the career. Those things can consume a lot of time and resources AND SHOULD. But now that those are somewhat behind me, I feel like it's my turn to be a little selfish. Not a lot of people can say that.
Third, I just think I'm playing better right now that I've ever played in my life (at 30). Maybe that's because I'm playing with better musicians. Maybe it's because I'm playing with more confidence and less pressure. Maybe it's because I finally realized that I have nothing to prove--but I know I sound better now than I did 20 years ago. I should!
Now, if I could only figure out how to overcome the unattractiveness that my age presents. I realize that that this is an image conscious business and that when given the option, someone would generally snare a younger performer. I know very, very good musical artists who still have great ability and have been put out to pasture because of their age. It makes me think there might be enough of them out there to form a great band to play to mature audiences.
Just a thought.
It all reminds me of something Sheryl Crow told Ed Bradley on "60 minutes" a few years ago. She said, "Music success has nothing to do with music. It never has and never will. It has to do with having something that can be packaged, marketed and sold". True.
I hope there are enough "boomers" out there who can take this concept of "50 being the new 30" and run with it. I think Stewart may be on to something. It sure has me thinking that it's not over---yet.
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