For decades and decades, listening to music was a dominant activity in my life. The infatuation started in 1957, I think, when I was nine and a half or maybe ten years old. That year, by way of top-40 radio stations, rock ‘n roll and pop songs began to ring my bell vigorously. Wake Up Little Susie, by The Everly Brothers, for instance. I loved that tune. Still do. And I became totally captivated by Honeycomb. Sung by the little-remembered Jimmie Rodgers, it seemed as sweet as a warm, sunny day. I remember singing Honeycomb to myself over and over again, the first time, probably, I’d ever done such a thing. Music had hooked me, and the hook, as the months and years went by, penetrated deeper and deeper.
The Beatles sealed the deal. In 1964, their great songs and incredible charisma turned me into a music junkie. I couldn’t stop listening to Beatles creations and to loads of other songs on the radio and on the smattering of vinyl albums I’d accumulated. By the time I graduated from college, in 1969, my record collection was on the verge of becoming pretty substantial, and I’d become a bigger addict than ever. And the addiction grew even stronger one year later, as I began to attend concerts at an admirable pace.
I don’t know what the actual count is, but I’ve taken in well over 1,000 concerts in my life. Hell, in 2008 alone, determined to set a personal best I’d unlikely ever top, I went to 104 of them. And my collection of vinyl albums, CDs and cassette tapes is huge, numbering somewhere in the vicinity of 1,500 items.
But things have changed. Since 2020, I’ve gone to far fewer concerts annually than before (last year I caught nine). And during that time I’ve bought hardly any recorded music at all. Even more telling about my altered relationship, for these years, is this: I’ve listened to music at home for an average, I’d estimate, of an hour and a half per day. For many a moon, the figure had been two to three times higher.
So, what happened? Part of the answer is age-related. Meaning, I’m old as f*cking dirt, and with age has come what seems to be a need for longer periods of quiet. My mental and emotional systems function better when sounds aren’t around me all that much. Ergo, music plays at home on a fairly limited basis — in the evenings and on weekend mornings, primarily.
That said, I still adore going out to hear live music. But I’m not a fan of driving home late at night from a venue, unless the place is reasonably close to my home. Why? Because, as I just mentioned, I’m old as f*cking dirt. Alas, most of the venues I favor aren’t nearby. Which, along with other reasons not worth going into, accounts for my decreased concert-attending statistics.
Here’s the thing, however: When I listen to music intently, it can get to me the same as it did when I was younger and feeling my oats more frequently than I do these days. I haven’t lost any of my ability to groove mightily to rock, jazz, blues, R&B, soul, bossa nova and the other genres I’m keen on. I love to sync myself with the vibes and rhythms of strong, honest music, and let them carry me up, up and away.
Last year, my wife and I went to see Alejandro Escovedo, a rocker who has been at it for about 50 years. Criminally not as well-known as he should be, Alejandro is the total package: excellent songwriter, singer and guitar player. He remains at the top of his game. What a great show he and his band put on. I’m in the mood right now to be transported to the stratosphere, and to be enveloped by the take-no-prisoners powers of musicians who know how to deliver. Here, then, is the song titled John Conquest, the opening track on Alejandro’s latest album (Echo Dancing). Prepare yourself to be rocked righteously.
Yeah, Another Blogger 
Everyone needs music in their life. Right now I’m listening to a piece called “Fiji” written by a guy named Michael Torke. Sounds nice and warm on this snowy evening.
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Right — it seems to be innate for humans to respond to music in a positive way.
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Wow! 104 concerts in a year! That’s some major devotion right there. I don’t know what’s more impressive about that—the time or the economics.
I’m guessing I’ve been to maybe 25 concerts in my lifetime.
I’ll assume you had a musical background. What instruments do/did you play?
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Hi. I don’t play any instruments. Took piano lessons when I was young, but wasn’t particularly good.
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it certainly rocks , but I’m not hooked, not like the music we grew up on, Neil; they were golden times; if I want to hear a song now O o to YouTube; and I get what you say about periods of quiet; but I know a rocker, 81, who goes out to rock ‘n roll dances two or three times a week, admittedly not too far from home and lately he’s become single and he doesn’t like it —
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Hi John. I don’t keep up with the current music scene like I used to, but I keep up a bit. I hear loads of good songs on the radio by musicians in their 20s, 30s and 40s.
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it will keep you forever young, Neil 🙂
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My M has a huge love of music and an equally huge collection, too (I love music as well but not as much as either you or him). We’re both beginning to find that the pace and volume is now too much high as well; unfortunately a symptom of ageing. We just don’t handle anything as well as we once did. But my, it was a great ride when it was full blast, wasn’t it? 😊
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Those were the days!
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Wow, a real music fan – some impressive stats.
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Yeah, I used to be addicted to going out and seeing shows. Maybe I’ll try to pick up my concert-going pace in 2025.
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I look forward to reading all about it
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I cannot fathom attending nearly as many concerts as you have. That’s an amazing feat. Yes, I agree that with age, comes an increasing enjoyment of quietude. Yet, there are still quality works of music to indulge in.
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The live-music scene is very vibrant in greater Philadelphia. But most of the clubs and other venues are farther from my house than I’d like them to be. In past years, that didn’t bother me too much at all, so I went to lots of those places. But, like I said in the article, going home late at night from them doesn’t appeal to me now. I need to try and get over that, maybe.
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Perhaps a different mode of transportation would change your mind?
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A few times each year I catch shows at City Winery, in central Philly. CW is half a block from a train station. So, when I go to CW shows, I take the train from my town to that station. It’s very convenient, and I avoid driving late at night that way.
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I can totally relate to this post! I used to go to loads of alternative rock concerts, too, but now I’m over 40, I hardly go to any at all. I think it’s about finding the right environment for me; nothing too packed, and, like you, driving home in the dead of night is a no-go. Alejandro sounds great by the way! 😊
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Alejandro tends to play medium-size places. If he passes through your area, check him out!
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I understand the need for more quiet time than when I was younger. But yes, there are still times when the music gets ahold of me and won’t let go. I have also noticed that I spend more time going back to things I liked when I was younger and less time exploring new musical frontiers.
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I think we never get tired of the music we liked when we were in our teens and 20s. Those years shape people in major ways.
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You certainly are a music man, a great pastime!
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Hi Paddy. Music has been a major soundtrack of my life!
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I think I discovered the silence about the same time you discovered the music!
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I’m getting up there in age, as well, but music is still a mainstay in my life. It helps that I work from home, so I have music playing throughout the day. Keeps me motivated and moving.
Glad to know you’re still appreciating it and going to shows when you can. I’m a believer that music is an important part of human existence and we should try to immerse ourselves in it as often as possible. It’s a mood lifter!
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Hi there. I completely agree. The need for music is built into our DNA.
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A good song and a fine singer. Well done him going on for 50 years. Even though would be nice to be more appreciated.
I enjoy listening to music, and I also need the quiet time too. The quiet time has a great value for me.
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Hi. Alejandro Escovedo is a dedicated, talented musician. He’s doing what he loves. I don’t know who this is, by the way. You’re listed as Anonymous.
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Sorry to say I had never heard of Escovedo until I read this post. He is fantastic. I will be adding him to my Playlist. Thanks so much for featuring him. Rock on!
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Hi Laurie. Alejandro is one of my favorite rockers. He doesn’t always play intense, no-hold-barred rock, though — I once saw him when he had a couple of string instruments in his band.
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l also grew up listening to the top 40s. Also went to dances dancing to the top 40s…brings back fun memories. I must say l never heard of Alejandro Esco ego. Thanks for introducing him.
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Hi Joyce. YouTube has a lot of songs and albums by Alejandro. It’s a good place to listen to his music.
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I hear you on the aging thing! But keep truckin
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Hello there. Thanks for stopping by. I’m still doing my thing, but not as intensely as I once did. Maybe I’ll rev up my engine this year!
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I really love the Everlys and “Honeycomb”, too! But I definitely never came close to the number of concerts you attended. Very impressive! I’m a music lover and played drums for a long time in a couple of bands, but now that I’m 70 I’ve stopped playing (too hard to schlep drums around) and the shows I attend are usually quieter, sit-down shows (e.g., Rosanne Cash). I think that in my youth much of my love for music was about adrenaline and hormones. Now I appreciate songwriting much more and can enjoy a good song in my home rather than among thousands of hyped up fans.
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Hey there. I wouldn’t want to schlep drums around either! Or an acoustic bass, for that matter. As for concerts: Sometimes I’m at shows where some people have their phones out, talking videos of the shows. This can be very distracting and annoying.
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What I admire most here is your desire to commit to an activity which demands your full focus for hours at a time. How many in today’s younger generations can say the same thing? Music obviously transports you to a place of calm and reflection, similar to how I enjoy a good book or movie. I know entertainment is at its best when I have to kind of shake my mind back into reality when it’s over.
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Hi Dave. Right, it’s great when we’re brought into those different, “higher” realms. Those are good trips.
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Being born in 1957, my musical era was the 70’s. Although I like the 60’s as well. But then I discovered jazz which is as old as dirt and transcends so many generations. It is where my heart lies. As an introvert, I don’t like crowds but still attended a few concerts in my lifetime. My husband and I went to the Monterey Jazz festival about 10 years ago and to the Montreal Jazz festival a few times. Both of these had a selection of smaller venues where you could see some great talent. Many new artists.
I do find that as I age, I love the music; but I tend to want more peace and quiet at home. However, I still get my jazz fix via satellite radio in my car.
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Hello there. Who are some of your favorite jazz musicians?
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Wow. That is a really hard question to answer. Thanks for asking though. There are so many facets to jazz music. From blues to African and Latin jazz to the 60’s music of the Walt Disney’s animated movies The Jungle Book and The Aristocats, which were, I believe, my introduction to Jazz music although I didn’t know it at the time. I only knew that I loved that music.
And because my son studied jazz, I got introduced to so much music. I have to honestly say that I don’t remember most of these musician’s or groups names. What I do remember is how the music makes me feel. I mostly listen to jazz channels on line, usually when I am driving so I can’t really get the info on these artists without landing in the ditch.
On the other hand, here are some of the artists that are in my collection:
Miles Davis – trumpet. You can’t go wrong with Miles.
Emmet Cohen – piano. Got to see him at the Halifax Jazz fest last summer
John Coltrane – sax
Wynton Marsalis – trumpet
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Chet Baker – trumpet and vocals
Tom Harrell – trumpet
Oscar Peterson – piano
Diana Krall – piano and vocals
Etta James
Ella Fitzgerald
Davina and the Vagabonds – saw them at the Monterey Jazz fest. They are really fun.
Red Baraat also discovered at the Monterey Jazz Fest. Also fun.
I am very partial to instrumental jazz from countries all over the world. I love how each country brings their own culture and history to the music.
Plus I love the trumpet.
What I don’t love is some forms of really modern jazz. It comes across as unpleasant noise to my ears.
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Our tastes overlap to a good degree. I also like a lot of so-called avant-garde jazz. Here’s a short list of some of my favorite jazz musicians: Monk; Lee Morgan; Coltrane; Ornette Coleman; Sun Ra; Randy Weston; Ellington.
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There was always music growing up…father sang most of the time, schools encouraged it, and then came the radio! I used to catch concerts when working in London….but France was a cultural desert and the habit lapsed.
I’ve been introduced to a lot of music through your blog…so many thanks!
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On one of my stories, you commented that you saw the Stones in a club, before they became real famous. The music scene in London was great back then, and probably still is.
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Yes…the Epsom Baths Hall!
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I’m a few years younger than you &, apparently, have followed a similar trajectory thru the musical world. Turned on by the early 1960s then attending college concerts every other week for years, I was definitely hooked. I, too, am in a quieter place these days, now that the kids have grown & moved away, but I still listen & groove, albeit at a slower pace. In a recent deep dive thru my Captain Beefheart albums, the song “Brickbats” seemed to draw the birds & squirrels to my window as if to say, “Man, that old fart still has it!”
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Hi. I was talking about Beefheart with friends a few days ago. Is that song on his Trout Mask Replica album?
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No, it’s on the album Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller) which is, arguably, an easier listen than the unclassifiable but wondrous Trout Mask.
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Hey, Jerry. You probably know this already: Peter Yarrow died recently.
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I can so relate! I prefer silence now to a lot of loud noise…Does that mean I’m old as f*cking dirt???!!! :))))
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Hi. Is this Lilianne? — you’re listed as Anonymous.
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Nice post. I enjoyed it.
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Thanks a lot.
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Thank you, Neil, for the excellent post about importance of music as it resonates with me. Thank you for the music too!
Joanna
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Hi Joanna. Without music, our lives sure would be a lot narrower and less enjoyable. Take care. See ya!
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You are right, Neil!
Joanna
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Interesting post. Times changes all of us, but I bet those songs still play in your head.
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Hi Jacqui. You know, I hadn’t thought about Wake Up Little Susie and Honeycomb in a long time. But the re-entered my mind last week when I started trying to recall how and when I began getting into music.
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I can totally relate, and funny, 2008 was one of my busiest concert years too, over a 100 shows that year alone! Not nearly as much anymore!😉
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Hi, and thanks for stopping by. You’re a music junkie!
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I’ve had the same experience!
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Getting older has a lot to do with it. But it’s important for us to keep making a place for music in our lives. I think that listening to music can help keep us younger in a way.
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I too have same dilemma. Went to a lot of concerts when I was younger but don’t go much now. One thing didn’t change still listen to a lot of music mainly 60’s and 70’s stuff. Glad I still have that passion.
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Hello there. And thanks for adding your thoughts. Having a passion for music is important. I don’t know who this is, by the way — you’re listed as Anonymous.
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I can relate, as we are similar in age and musicale taste. Thanks.
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Hi, and thanks for visiting. Is this Denise? — you’re listed as Anonymous.
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I haven’t been to a live concert in decades now. I used to enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by other music lovers, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve become more introverted so going to a concert doesn’t appeal to me now. Of course I still listen to music, just at home, calmly.
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Hi, Ally. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
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The Stones, Grateful Dead, Santana, Jimmy Buffet— old school all the way, I guess. And seeing any of them in concert still wouldn’t be enough to get me to go.
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As Bob Seger said “rock and roll never forgets” I am in same dilemma I attended many show when I was younger. Went weekly to place called the Electric Factory in Philly. They had 3 major acts nightly for cost of $3.50. While I don’t attend concerts much any more I still have a passion for music. Listen to a lot of 60’s and 70″s stuff. Long live the great days of rock and roll.
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Hi Mike. One club I’d really like to go to is Johnny Brenda’s. That club kind of initiated the revival of Fishtown, I think.
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104 in one year is impressive, I’ll never achieve anything like that. I have been to 5 already this year, but as you know January is an exceptional month here. That will probably be about half my total for 2025!
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If you go to ten or so concerts this year, that will be more than 90% of the population.
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The last live concert I attended was probably in 2013. For me it’s the traffic and the drive home. There are no concert venues near my house and BART late at night is extremely dangerous. Also, to me, the light effects etc., are so unnecessary. I go to hear the music – not the fireworks.
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Right, it can be a big hassle to see a show. The things you mentioned are a big part of why I don’t see anywhere near as many concerts as I used to.
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Despite your need for more quiet time as you age, you can still enjoy attending live music events. Life does have its surprising and delightful moments even in our elder years 🙂 Keep on grooving!
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I should, and might, make a big effort to go to a fair number of shows this year. Twenty would be a good goal.
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Hi, Neil – Thanks for the Alejandro Escovedo recommendation—I’m off to give John Conquest a listen!
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Hi. He has made a bunch of real good albums over the years. He’s one of my favorite rock and roll musicians.
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I’m impressed with how many concerts you been to! And yes, music is one of the things that makes life worth living.
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You’re not kidding — the world would be dreary without music.
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I share your love of music, though not the genres, and have it playing constantly when I’m writing…..classical mostly, and folk/country from the 60s.
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Evening. Which folk/country people do you like a lot?
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I’m old, so…..The Seekers, New Christy Minstrels, Kingston Trio, Kristofferson, Cline, Cash, Traveling Wilburys…
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Old as dirt? Nah, just a good ol’ rocker! 🙂 Mel
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Hi. Even though I’m less involved with music than I used to be, I’m still into it. I’d be lost without music!
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It is powerful stuff.
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I thought I loved music but I do not think I have been to 104 concerts in my lifetime. Thanks for the introduction to Alejandro Escovedo. Rock on!
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Morning, Geoff. Alejandro started out playing punk rock, I think. That was in the 1970s. Since then, he has spread his wings. He’s really good.
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That’s a lot of music concerts you’ve been to! I’ve been to maybe 20 in my life! Including a few rock concerts, chaperoning our daughters when they were young, which I didn’t enjoy at all – deafening music is not my idea of a good time.
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Hi. How much do American musicians tour in your country?
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Not much – there may be one or two big names a year, if that. Since my kids grew up, I don’t keep track!
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Over the years I’ve preferred small venue live music; concert crowds just don’t appeal, and the best or most popular musicians draw the largest crowds for a variety of reasons. I did smile at your mention of “Honeycomb,” which started playing in my mind as soon as I read the title. I was another who couldn’t have enough of that one, along with other classics like “Wild Goose” and “Green Door.”
An interesting phenomenon of late has been my ‘rediscovery’ of groups I’ve always liked, but which mostly have been part of life’s soundtrack: playing in the background and familiar, but not really listened to. My current discovery is Maurice Gibb. No one could escape the Bee Gees in the ’70s, but of late it’s Mo as an instrumentalist that’s got me listening. Turns out he’s one of the most underrated bass players around; watching him in shades, coolly turning out that funky bass line in “Jive Talkin,” is pure pleasure.
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Morning, Linda. Your thoughts inspired me to look up Bee Gees in Wikipedia. Their recording career started in 1963, which I didn’t know. I first heard them in 1967. One of their hits that year was To Love Somebody.
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What’s the most memorable concert you’ve been to – the one that you would most like to relive again?
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Well, if I had to pick only one, it probably would be Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band. I saw them in 1974 at a club in New York City. Or maybe it would be The Kinks. I saw them in 1995. It was one of their last shows ever.
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I know Bruce is a popular Dude both sides of the pond but I’ve never been into his stuff. Interesting that you chose the The Kinks. I remember them from the day. They were right up there with The Beatles & Stones.
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Music is just part of who I am. I know what I like and what I really don’t like but often have no idea why. It’s in your gut! It’s evocative! And with the advances in technology I can now hear the actual lyrics of a lot of the songs of my youth…often they do not tally with what I’ve been yodelling all these years😁
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Hi there. Some lyrics are impossible to hear correctly. In the Credence Clearwater song Bad Moon Rising, it sounds as if John Fogerty is singing ‘There’s a bathroom on the right.” The actual line is “there’s a bad moon on the rise.”
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This resonates with me – I’ve always loved music and have been to a fair few concerts in my time and still have my vinyl collection, but I rarely feel the need to listen to music these days and much prefer the silence…
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Hi Andrea. As they age, people remain pretty much who they always have been, I think. But changes in perspective and orientation definitely take place too. Thanks for adding your thoughts. Take care.
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“When I listen to music intently, it can get to me the same as it did when I was younger…” That line made me smile, Neil. You’re out less, quieter more, but as long as you still feel it, you’re good. 🙂
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Yeah, I’m still rocking to a pretty satisfying extent.
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what a hoot hearing
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Neil, did you say you went to 104 concerts in ONE year??? How is that even possible? I’m not good at math, so was that twice a week?
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Yeah, twice a week on average. I was obsessed with trying to attend a crazy number of shows. Many of the ones I went to took place at noon — they were free concerts (rock/pop/folk/R&B/etc.) produced by a radio station in Philly. I worked in Philly and would go to a lot of these shows, using an extended lunch hour.
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😯
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Honeycomb!! I haven’t heard that song in 60 years—but I remembered the lyrics (well, most of them) right away. My little transistor radio was my best tweenage pal. So many songs from that era created long lasting emotional memories. And I still sing along to them!—Cindy
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Hi Cindy. I’m sure you remember another of Jimmie Rodgers’ hits: Kisses Sweeter Than Wine.
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Thank you for the beautiful sharing! I admire your over 1,000 concerts record 👍. Impressive
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I’m amazed that I’ve seen as many concerts as I have. It kind of blows my mind.
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It’s like running a marathon: you don’t count how many miles you’ve done while running 😁.
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A lovely trip down memory lane. I have not seen anywhere near the number of live shows as yourself, but did enjoy catching the Everly Brothers in the 1960s!
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Hi. The Everly Brothers were so very good. That’s a great act to have seen.
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Beatles,Abba and Olivia Newton John were favorite singers.
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Hi. You have good taste in music.
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