For many of us, it’s difficult to look at the likes of Keith Richards (aged 77), Roger Daltrey (aged 77), and Mick Fleetwood (aged 74) without remembering their prime years as rock gods. However, time creeps up on all of us and many of us will look in the mirror and at our idols and simply feel old. Yet, I am reminded of a quote by the French author and member of the Académie Goncourt, Jules Renard “It’s not how old you are. It’s how you are old.”
Although our heroes of yesteryear may not be at their exceptional best, many are still going strong and will continue to defy the stereotypes that define anyone over 50. So, let us look at some things they do and that you should be doing to maintain your cool rock persona as you add candles to your birthday cake.
“RogDaltreyRAH220318-38” (CC BY 2.0) by Raph_PH
Just because you’re over the hill doesn’t mean you need to stop being a rocker. No one is forcing you to put on the slippers and pyjamas to settle down in a rocking chair watching the world go by. Rock phenomenons of the past are still relevant today, as we have seen with Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Halford, and Lemmy featuring in the real-time strategy video game Brütal Legend by Electronic Arts. The music of the past is still ubiquitous in all the entertainment industries today, with the noticeable addition of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin to the soundtrack of Marvel movies to the less perceptible classic sounds employed by https://games.paddypower.com/ to create popular casino slots such as the Spinal Tap Slot or Danger High Voltage Slot, both of which employ rock music to suit the influential theme. You don’t need to become something else just because you’ve reached a ripe old age. Grow old and grow up, but there’s no need to grow into something else.
Given his many notorious exploits, people often ask “How is Keith Richards still alive? Even the BBC pondered this question over a decade ago https://bbc.com and he’s still going strong. There are many factors to assess, but a key consideration must be that he still loves and is passionate about the music. There is a tendency to become stuck in the past and only listen to music you know is great and in doing this you could miss out on a new group or artist that you’ll love. Our taste can also change, it’s possible a band or artist that you didn’t like back in the day is now just what you need. So check out the podcast, read the reviews and find out what like-minded people are listening to and you might just reignite your passion for rock.
“StonesLondon220518-65” (CC BY 2.0) by Raph_PH
You’re getting older, stop fighting it. Embrace your age and fit your look to show everyone that you remain unperturbed by what others think of you. Bowie went from wearing clothes that were rock glam to slick tailored suiting and was never in danger of being anything but stylish. Jagger is still a style icon and can currently be found watching Downton Abbey https://theguardian.com while wearing suits with Nike Air Max and a silk scarf. Don’t try to be hip or follow the latest trends, just know what suits you and makes you feel comfortable and you’ll be effortlessly dapper.
There are some fundamentals such as exercise and diet that we’ve blatantly ignored here, but there are plenty of sites that can help you with advice on those issues. For us, ageing rockers, be you, love it, look good, and remember “The best tunes are played on the oldest fiddles!” (Ralph Waldo Emerson).
