Never too old to Rock 'n' Roll

"Yo, you can't hang dude! You need to be in a wedding band." This was the quote of one of my co-workers circa. 1997. Well, here it is thirteen years later; and now I'm even older, yet still managing to "hang."

I'm not sure which I relish more, the fact that I've proven him wrong, or that I'm still able to play with the same drive and desire that I had 30+ years ago. Fortunately for me, since the inception of ROCK ON RADIO, I've come in contact with many incredibly talented people. Meeting and networking at open mics. and showcase events has afforded me the opportunity to reconnect with my one true form of enjoyment....music. I've begun playing my drums in earnest once again; doing kit work in the recording studio, percussion for various artists, and I somehow have even managed to get myself back into an amazing band situation.

I can honestly say that I'm enjoying being a musician again. I look forward to the late nights, the atmosphere, the smiles of the crowd as well as being part of a "community" of players who all support and feed off of one another.

I write this piece because I often think about the younger musiscians whom I come across; those who have young families, or jobs that curtail their efforts to play. I often look back on the days when my kids were small, remembering how, for a period of ten years my drums sat collecting dust as they were rarely used. I made the mistake of not following my dreams and desires. I remember thinking, "I'm a family man now, can't be hanging in bars 'til all hours and playing." These are ten years of my life that I'll never get back. Now, as we all know, hindsight is always 20/20. I don't regret putting my musical aspirations on hold; but looking back, I wouldn't do it again. I would attempt to find a balance, a happy medium of sorts.

So here I am many years later, and I've found myself. My kids are teenagers, they are totally self sufficient and independent. I even include them now in my gigs, my radio program and whenever I can do so. They are my fan base, my roadies, and my best/worst critics. It's funny how it all comes full circle.

So for those of you who think that you may be too old to Rock 'n' Roll....I say never! Just like Bob Seger sang "So come back baby, 'cuz Rock 'n' Roll never forgets." To my former co-worker I say..."Hey! Look at me, I'm still hanging!"

ROCK ON!