Hey there! This piece is partly a commentary about growing old, a subject and a sad reality that I can’t seem to stop thinking about. And, consequently, writing about. I don’t obsess over it by any means, but as I mentioned in an article a month or two ago, I am very aware of the grains of sand that steadily and relentlessly are falling to the bottom of my hourglass. Man, I’m 71, at least 20 years older than I’d like to be. But hopefully I’ll be around for many more years, hitting the Publish button for scads more stories on this website. And if not, well, c’est la f*cking vie, as they say in Gay Paree.
Doom and gloom, however, will not dominate the present proceedings. Nah, that’s not me. Age-wise, I may be nearing lofty heights. (Nearing? Shit, I’m already there.) At heart, though, I’m still kind of a rabid 20-something.
Which is why I was bouncing like a rabbit on amphetamines a week and a half ago, on the way back home from the supermarket. I was in my trusty, humble, beat-up Honda Civic, model year 2001. This car is well-known in my neighborhood for its pitted paint and for the fabric langorously sagging from the roof’s underside. Hell, I’m pitted and sagging too. Naturally, then, the Honda and I get along real well.
I listen to music a lot when I’m in the car, but it’s pretty rare for my body to react like it did on the short drive home. My hips, my shoulders, my head were jumping around excellently, fueled by the energy coming through the speakers. I couldn’t help myself, couldn’t contain myself, couldn’t believe that not one, not two, but three catchy-as-hell, blistering rock tunes in a row accompanied me on the drive. I hadn’t been blasted like that in quite a while. It was good to be reminded that hard, driving rock and roll is hard to beat, and that, old as I am, I love potent rock as much as I ever did.
The music came over 88.5 FM, the frequency of WXPN, a Philadelphia station. More important, these are the songs that I heard: Feels Alright, a brand new number by the young band The Nude Party; Do Anything You Wanna Do, a classic by Eddie And The Hot Rods that came out in 1977; Silver, from 2017, by the group Waxahatchee. You can listen to them now, if you wish, via YouTube. My epic tale continues below the YouTube offerings.
Yeah, ever since my late teens I’ve been under the power of snarling, soaring electric guitars, throbbing electric basses, and pounding drums. Not that I don’t like the less-wild forms of rock or other styles of music. I do. A lot. In fact, I’m into almost everything, except for rap, opera and Madonna-style pop. And I even get along with those genres at times.
But if I had to pick the one type of music that perfectly meshes with the hidden recesses of my inner self, there would be little contest. It would be vigorous, tuneful, guitar-driven rock. Were I a musician, that’s what I’d be playing. I’d man the electric bass, helping to hold the rest of the band together, and getting my rocks off stratospherically.
Alas, I have zero talent as a musician. Like most of the rest of humanity, I’m a listener, not a player. But there’s a lot to be said for listening when you have the capacity to go higher, higher, higher. What a rush! What a gas!
Why, then, don’t I listen to the recordings of powerful bands (The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, The Patti Smith Group, etc.) at home as much as I did when I was single? Well, my wife Sandy usually prefers that things be on the calmer side in the house, so that’s the main reason. And yes, I know I could listen through earphones, but I’ve always found them to be uncomfortable.
As for hearing the strong stuff in person, there’s not much of it in the burbs, where I live. Most of it is concentrated in clubs and theaters in The City Of Brotherly Love, an hour’s drive away. It’s tough to find a parking spot near those Philly venues, and the shows start late and aren’t over till after midnight. Which means that I’d arrive back home well into the wee small hours. Thus, when I attend concerts these days (I go to quite a few), they tend to be of non-hard-rock varieties in places within comfortable driving distance of my home.
But you know what? Those excuses in the above paragraph are lame. I know for a fact that a smattering of people in my age bracket go to the music venues that I’ve been avoiding. They’re not embarrassed to shake and groove among music lovers 40 or more years younger than them. And neither am I. That’s why, a few days into our new year, I’m making one resolution: I am going to start visiting some of Philadelphia’s rock meccas now and then. Johnny Brenda’s, Boot And Saddle, and Union Transfer, here I come! It will be fun. It will be soul-satisfying. And I’d better do it while I can, because those frigging grains of sand have no plans to take a break.
(As I always mention, please don’t be shy about adding your comments or about sharing this essay via Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
Yeah, Another Blogger 
Man, I love this post! I too, am a fan of good ole rock and roll, and I too am NOT a musician. I don’t know if it counts for anything, but I have three rock musicians in my family. My son, daughter, and a nephew have been in rock bands, and two of those dear people played professionally. So I’ve been lucky enough to witness the whole rock phenomena from close up. I love the guitar, but mostly I groove to the sound of genuine, rock driven vocals. Nothing like it! Sure enjoyed reading this…best part of my day!
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Hey there, Diane. Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it. You’ve definitely got a musical family. By the way, for unknown reasons, your comments went to my spam section. It’s a good thing I checked, or I’d never have seen what you have to say. There are plenty of glitches in WordPress.
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I thought that might have happened when it didn’t appear right away. Yes, lots of glitches in WordPress—glad you caught it!
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No – those grains of sand won’t be taking any breaks. Enjoy yourself and rock away! 🙂
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Yeah, very soon I expect to start hitting those rock clubs in Philadelphia.
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Oh how I love some good music in the car. I have been living in Germany for the past year, and I never thought that listening to music in the car would be something that I missed from home. But it is. No classic rock to rock out to here, just a bunch of German pop music, ugh. Yes, I can listen to my music at home, but it’s not the same as hearing it loud while cruising around.
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You’re right. Good music in the car is important!
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I can so relate to the aging thing. One day I was 30, the next . . . not. Time does soar, frighteningly fast sometimes. I remember when I thought, “Oh, I can’t wait to be 21.” That’s now a nebulous memory. “Oh, I can’t wait . . . ” – We need to cherish every minute and not rush it. And the music? LOL I can so-o relate to the music thing . . . . Have a fabulous day, Neil! 🙂
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Hi Tyler. I don’t know who said it first, but it’s true: Time waits for no one.
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Go for it, while your ears can still hear it!
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I used to go to rock shows right and left. And some of them were VERY loud. I don’t know how my ears have survived as well as they have.
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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Remember age is just a number, nothing more!
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I shall rock on!
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So you’d be the John Entwhistle of your group? 🙂
Yes, go rock and enjoy! We Wisconsinites do lick to brag we’ve got the world’s largest music festival. 🙂 Summerfest usually has something for everyone…but as I’m not an avid drinker, the venue still doesn’t appeal to me (SO. MUCH. BEER.). But Bo and I both are car-music listeners, as much of what we like can’t be heard by little ears. Still, we enjoy introducing as we can. Bo was playing a bunch of Van Halen for our daughter the other day. He’s a good music teacher. 😉 xxxxxx
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Hi Jean. I guess that the Van Halen group is no more. Still, I wonder what Eddie VH is doing these days. He’s a great guitarist, and you never hear about him. He should form a new band.
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He should! I think something’s going on with him/them…I’ll bug Bo about it.
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I just had a birthday and turned 69. Doesn’t seem right. Oh well, guess I’ll just go and get the headphones on.
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Ken, one day we’re young. And then, in the blink of an eye, we’re old.
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Love XPN. I’ve become familiar with some artists on this station that I otherwise would not have known.
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It’s a great station. I’ve mentioned them in probably 10 or more of the stories that I’ve written. WXPN is truly on top of things.
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Rock and roll is here to stay! And for a reason. I’m with you all the way. I grew up listening to the Stones and Led Zeppelin as well as to the great singer/song writers James Taylor, Carol King, Joni Mitchell. Love them all and the new musicians coming up, too. Long live rock!
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I wholeheartedly endorse that final sentence.
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P.S. Thanks for the YouTube links. Gave my morning a real kick.
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Rock on indeed. You may not have a musical note in your head, but you make up for it by being captivating with your words. I always believe age is a number, we are that age we feel. I run a bar in Dublin and age isn’t a factor there, young and old come to the live music. So get out there and enjoy it
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Hey, if I lived in Dublin I’d be a regular at your bar!
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I like your resolution, bud. I think I’ll join you. It’s been a long time since I snuck into a dirty dive bar with serious rock ‘n’ roll. Do they still exist in the age of Lady Gaga and rock Halls of Fame? I’m going to try to find one… as soon as my hemorrhoid clears up.
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Pete, attend to those hemorrhoids! And yes, there are loads of smallish clubs and theaters that have rock bands. In Philly, anyway, and probably in your neck of the woods too.
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I have to wait until my husband goes out before I can play those You tube vids…just as I have to wait until he goes out to play the hard rock which I enjoy….he can’t stand the noise!
I saw the Rolling Stones when they played the local baths hall….and they opened my eyes and ears! I’m reading Keith Richards’ autobiography just now and discovering the technical side of how they produced those sounds….
I might be old, but I’m still alive!
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Helen, you’re a rocker!
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I like your plan. Music is such a powerful mood maker, isn’t it? I also play most of my music in the car, it somehow seems to fill the space in a way that doesn’t happen at home. I quite like it when other people pass by and I can hear the beat before the car appears. Age…who’s counting?
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We’d be in sad shape if it weren’t for music, there’s no doubt about it. And you’re right about age. I’m counting, but trying not to do that too much!
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I have some great tracks on my playlists but hardly ever seem to listen to them, except when they come on the car radio.
I’ve heard from many writers who like to play music in the background while writing, but their playlists must be different from mine. When my old classics are thumping out (and even a couple of newer ones) I just want to move along with them… it doesn’t make for a focused prose output.
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I agree. When I’m writing, I can’t concentrate if music is playing.
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“That kind of music just soothes the soul.” (Bob Seger) And that’s the truth!
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Hi Marie. There’s so much good music, of all genres. In the rock realm, big numbers of terrific young bands are at it today.
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When I lived in a city … decades ago … I would see bands two to five times a week. I still remember especially wonderful shows that made the 2 hours of sleep before work the next day totally worth it. I’m in a much smaller place now … so shows don’t come by the handful. But, when they do, I try to go. And, yes, I’m the older person who has to (sigh) sit down from time to time because standing on concrete for three hours is hell on my back. But, you know, I like being the oldster in the crowd. People step aside for you … they even (occasionally) apologize when they jostle or bump you. And, sometimes they’ll talk to me … and I’ll tell them about the time I saw … Patti Smith or REM or Scruffy the Cat or whomever in a teeny-tiny venue long before they were born. And, I think, “Yeh, getting old’s not so bad.” And, then my back makes me sit down again.
Enjoy your resolution … more music makes everything better!
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Thanks for adding your thoughts, Jackie. I really enjoyed reading what you wrote. You’ve inspired me to make an even stronger effort to start going to rock clubs once again (I used to go to them like crazy up until about 10 years ago).
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Good tunes! I know that Eddie & The Hot Rods from one of my father’s ’70’s-’80’s car-trip collections, always followed by Wreckless Eric “Whole Wide World” and Plimsouls “Million Miles Away” – – that’s a good resolution, get out and shake the sand off.
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Man, the Wreckless and Plimsouls songs that you mention are terrific. I haven’t heard either in quite a while.
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A great thing about gigs these days (well, the ones I go to anyway) is the range of age groups, from teens to geriatrics, that rub along together quite happily whether it’s for an old band or a new one. Even family groups: mum, dad and the kids. Would never have happened in my youth!
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That’s a very heartening thing. It’s good when people mix and mingle and get their groove on!
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wishing you happy
healing music
blasting thru
those speakers 🙂
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Many thanks!
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From one hopeless swing/cool-jazz fan: You are just a kid. My 60s were the best decade of my life, my 70s just about equal. Today, halfway through my 80s, I’m reserving judgment (caregiving is the pits) but mostly just appreciating and enjoying every day. Rock on.
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Hi Fran. I’m very into jazz too. There’s so much freedom and expression in all of its various styles. Have a great rest of the week. Be seeing you —
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I always associate Philadelphia with the Letter by the Box Tops. I think because I was in the city when I first heard it. Just think in ten years you’ll wish you were 71!
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Yeah, if I make it to 81.
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“At heart, though, I’m still kind of a rabid 20-something.”
Hey Neil, me too. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that. In fact, as I’m writing this, I’m rocking to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Hey Tonight!” Girl, we gonna get religion all night long. YEAH!!!
And I just bought a pair of Doc Martens.
You’re as young as you rock!
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Amy, once a rocker, always a rocker!
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As New Years Resolutions go, resolving to rock out more earns big respect from me… and it’s years since I heard Do Anything You Wanna Do by Eddie and the Hot Rods.
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You know, because of hearing Feels Alright by The Nude Party (one of the three songs I wrote about in this piece), I bought their album. It came in the mail today. Haven’t listened yet, but I’m pretty certain that it’s real good.
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Hi Neil, If Paul and Ringo and Mick and Keith can keep rocking in their 70s so can we!
All the best – Jerry
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That’s very true. They are inspirations to me. Take care, Jerry. It’s always great to hear from you.
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I’m so glad I got to read this. I’m sure you’ve seen the development of rock’n roll, and it’s cool that you have an appreciation for the classic and the new.
Keep posting! 🙂
-Beth
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Hi Beth. Right, I try to keep up somewhat with young/younger musicians, in rock and jazz and in other genres. But I can’t keep up like I used to — the amount of music out there is just so overwhelming!
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Yes, I agree! Today, musicians can play their music to millions within seconds of recording it–or perform live. Cool, yes, but very overwhelming. 🙂 In my day, we thought getting our camera’s film developed in one hour was an expensive luxury. :p
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By all means, go to those concerts! I’m 60, and have many friends my age who still go regularly whenever one of their favorite groups are in town. As you say, those sands of time aren’t slowing down one bit……
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I’m going to go! If I don’t, and you find out about it, get me back on track!
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No worries, I will!
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Going to be cheeky here and add a link to my post about going to see Eddie & the Hot Rods back in 1978. One of the first concerts I went to:
Sadly, like you, I find too many reasons nowadays not to go to live gigs (parking!?) but should really make the effort. As for the grains of sands they fall at the same rate for everyone and no-one knows at what point they will run out, so just make every day a good ‘un.
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Here’s to a rocking 2019, Alyson!
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Indeed!
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Here’s to keeping the passion alive! Intensity DOES feed the soul. Happy rocking!
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2019 is the Year Of The Rock (And Roll).
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Rock on young man… 71 is not old anymore. As long as you have your health, age is only a number.
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Thanks, Eden. You’re making me feel better!
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Enjoy all the concerts on your list, Neil. Can’t see any incompatibility between music and age. You’re not old at all. My husband’s grandfather turned 92 last month, and his eye vision is better than me, sigh…
Happy New Year and catch up soon, Isabelle
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Philadelphia is kind of a goldmine for rock music. I dip into it now and then, but I’m going to start dipping a good deal more. See you!
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I’m not that much younger than you Neil AND my husband is the same age as you. All I have to say???? ROCK ON!
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Hi Lynne. I forget who sang the song from many years ago called “Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay” — but, that song’s title says it all.
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I particularly like the third song. Obviously not a big name group, but good groove. Reminds me a bit of the old Bangles stuff from the 80s/90s. Happy New Year, old man (I can say that because I’m not that far behind you)!
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We’re old, but we’re rocking! Take care Mitch. Thanks for stopping by.
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Watch out, Philly! Here comes Neil, ready to paint the town red.
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Just like I did in the “old” days.
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It will be your second (or third?) youth, Neil. 😊
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I liked “Silver” a lot. I also listened to Nude Party and enjoyed “Feels Alright”, but I was home alone doing dishes and didn’t get to the TV, which was cycling through suggestions based on these two songs. “Water On Mars” by Nude Party was the next song to come up, which I really liked! From there, I just listened to whatever played…
I’m also one of those who loves almost all music, and I’m always looking for something interesting. Thanks for sharing your tastes with us, Neil! Enjoyed listening!
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Hi Des. I bought The Nude Party’s album. Listened to it today. Real good. Their influences are 60s bands such as Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, Country Joe And The Fish. Take care. Thanks for visiting!
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Great post! My husband and I have often wondered how the old folks homes will transition from the “old time” music they play now, to the rock we love. They better not play those polkas if we end up there!
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Long live rock!
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Keep on rockin’ in the free world, Neil! I could go on forever about this post, but in short, I concur! On Saturday I have one of my rare opportunities to play in a rock (well, country punk, but it’s still rock n’ roll to me) band, – Isaac Brutal have a support slot at Henry’s, a dive bar in Edinburgh’s Morrison Street. What a buzz!
At the same time, being on the other side of the stage can be just as awesome an experience too: I saw a band called the Filthy Tongues a couple of weeks ago, and it was a fantastic night.
Although I mainly play acoustic guitars, I now possess a beat-up Telecaster copy, and I have to admit there’s a kind of magic happens when you sling an electric across your shoulders and make a noise with it…
Happy New Year from a kid of 56 with all these crazy dreams!
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Hey there, Andrew. The world changed when electric guitars came on the scene. I guess this all began back in the 1940s with blues musicians, tho I’m not sure about that. Anyway, if you like catchy, driving rock, then go to Amazon or such, and find a webpage where you can listen to samples from all the songs on The Nude Party’s album. That’s the band whose song Feels Alright is in my story. The whole album is great I bought it. Bye till next time!
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Thanks Neil – I’ll do that!
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Did you see Bohemian Rhapsody? Oh, that movie made me smile. And I felt like I was at a Queen concert for part of it. Lot of toe tapping and head bobbing in that audience:).
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Hi. To be honest, I was never a Queen fan. But I’ve heard good things about the movie, so I’m probably going to see it. Thanks a lot for stopping by. Appreciated!
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How timely… this week, my hairdresser informed me that I should start thinking about covering my grey… ouch! I look forward to reading about your visits to the rock meccas… it’s been awhile for me!
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Hi, Annika. I’ve been checking out the listings for upcoming shows at various places in Philly. Soon (I hope) I’ll get myself back into the concert-going swing of things. See ya. Take care.
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Terrific post and hey! I’m 73 and still rocking. I don’t listen to the old stuff any more but listen to JJJ which streams worldwide. They play contemporary stuff: Australian, of course, British, American and some European acts. I am probably its oldest listener 🙂 and btw I can’t play a musical instrument either 🙂
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John, I think I might have said this to another person who posted comments. But even if I did, it’s worth saying again: Once a rocker, always a rocker. Rock on!
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I have witnessed the intense enjoyment of music in my sons but I am as musical myself as a fence post. I sing, to my wife’s dismay, for my songs are always a medley of bits and pieces as a line of one song leads to a line of another and the words will be inaccurate but I keep going anyway while she groans in the background.
On the other topic, related to the Honda and the grains of sand: I visited my doctor last week; went for an X-Ray and MRI scan that afternoon and had the results yesterday – hip replacement!
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I hope the hip replacement goes well. That’s no fun at all.
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No! I’m not settled to it yet. It all came on me quite suddenly as I didn’t imagine I was at that stage but my wife tells me I have become quite the hobbler over these past few months so, I suppose…… I’ll be back dancing again soon – we’ll hit the discos together! LOL
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The great thing about concerts at my age is I don’t need to use ear plugs.
If only Deep Purple would tour again…
Rock on, brother.
Paz
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Smoke on the water . . . !!
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I enjoyed listening to the songs here. I think they’d be good companions while doing the daily humdrum routine of life. The upbeat rhythm will add the fun to daily chores.
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You’re right! And they’d make us move fast while vacuuming, etc.
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Neil, as long as you keep on finding new things to do (like blogging!), appreciating new music, and doing stuff you used to that still makes you happy, you’ll never be old!
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Hi Cindy. I like your advice!
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You are the best. That opening cut says it all Neil. Nude Party is going on the spin list. You can’t resit it. I’m in. I’ll meet you at those Philly clubs. ‘Long Live Rock’
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From one rocker to another: Thanks, CB!
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Gosh Neil: The older I get, the more I realize life is an adventure and a gift and, hopefully, fun. Grab it! Cheers. Muriel
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Muriel, I’m with you on that!
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A wonderful New Year’s resolution, which is also a valuable public service. I would love to learn more about Phillie’s rock meccas. This will be terrific!
Let’s raise a glass to 2019! *clink!*
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Yes indeed, here’s to a rocking 2019. Have a great week. Thanks for adding your thoughts to this essay.
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Reblogged this on dugoutdiscs and commented:
Great observations by a kindred spirit. Eddie and the Hot Rods rock!
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Thank you. Much appreciated.
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Well, that was a joyous post with some good tunes thrown in sir if ever I read one. Thank you for the positive boost it has given me up here on the Cloud.
– Esme waving from upon her Cloud
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Hi Esme. I’m waving back to you!
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