Age Discrimination

A. Roncetti · Post by **A. Roncetti** » 1 Oct 2006 5:42 am

Thanks Joe M. Not many gals take up steel. I don't know why,they're crazy I guess!! I have always dreamed of playing steel.Now that I own and play one I feel it's the best decision I've ever made. No matter what I'm going to stick with it.

Angie

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Purple Fessenden SD-10 4X5

Roger Edgington · Post by **Roger Edgington** » 1 Oct 2006 8:45 am

A. Roncetti, Go for it. If it wasn't for my mom teaching steel in the 40s,I probably wouldn't be posting anything here. Roger

Cliff Kane · Post by **Cliff Kane** » 1 Oct 2006 8:51 am

From the Flying Burrito Brothers, "Older Guys". RESPECT!

"The older guys tell us what it's all about
The older guys really got it all worked out
Since we got the older guys to show us how
I don't see why we can't start right now

The older guys get the ladies with the style
The older guys squeeze them till it makes them smile"

Emmett Roch · Post by **Emmett Roch** » 1 Oct 2006 12:35 pm

Like Shane Reilly mentioned, when I was young I always jumped at a chance to bring my guitar and pick with the "old guys". It put me under pressure to keep up, and to expand my chops beyond the licks I had learned from listening to The Ventures and Dwayne Eddy.

Don Barnhardt · Post by **Don Barnhardt** » 1 Oct 2006 6:04 pm

Old farts that still want to play out should get together with some other old farts, form a band and get bookings. End of problem.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 1 Oct 2006 6:32 pm

Yeah, and they should name the band, "The Old Farts" and their first CD should be entitled: "The Old Farts: You Got a Problem with That?"

Jack Francis · Post by **Jack Francis** » 1 Oct 2006 8:51 pm

I have ALWAYS been the oldest guy in the band. (I play lead guitar in a "Classic Rock Band" called "The Weezul Brothers".)

One day I was musing with my son, who plays Van Halen note for note, that I felt as though I was getting a little "OLD" to be playin' this ol' rock n' roll...He said; "Hell Dad, your "PEOPLE" invented Rock n' roll,,,,He's right, and I still get a kick out of "Young'uns coming up and asking for some Hendrix or some Skynard.

Nobody in the band cares how "Old" I am, but occasionally they tell the audience that we can't keep playing cuz they have to get me back to the "HOME"!!!

It's all good fun and a lot better than sittin' in front of the "TUBE".

Tom Quinn · Post by **Tom Quinn** » 1 Oct 2006 10:49 pm

They have all sorts of discrimination here in Tokyo, but just be yourself, and it usually disappears. Gonna be 61 10/09 -- same b-day as Jackson Brown and John Lennon... and a bunch of other pickers...

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 2 Oct 2006 2:36 am

it's like the add in the paper goes..

"Wanted, YOUNG Executives to join our aggressive management team, must have solid education , proven track record and 30 years experience "

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 2 Oct 2006 4:28 am

No problem.
At 58, I KNOW I don't know the songs they play.

A. Roncetti · Post by **A. Roncetti** » 2 Oct 2006 6:25 am

Don't mess with women who play purple steels!! he he he

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Purple Fessenden SD-10 4X5

Joe Miraglia · Post by **Joe Miraglia** » 2 Oct 2006 7:47 am

Angia I best stay down here in Westeren N.Y. Our band sometimes plays in Buffalo,but that's getting to close.

Joe

Fessender 12 string. www.willowcreekband.com

Fred Shannon · Post by **Fred Shannon** » 2 Oct 2006 8:01 am

The band I just retired from after 12 years practices age discrimination. If you're under 54 you damn well couldn't play with us. And strangely enough we could book 7 nights a week if we wanted. It aint in the years youngsters, it's in the hands and mind. Attained wisdom will eventually teach you that. Betcha' can't wait, huh?

Phred

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"From Truth, Justice is Born"--Quanah Parker-1904

Sam Lewis · Post by **Sam Lewis** » 2 Oct 2006 8:39 am

With the stage lights very low, the house lights almost off I look like I'm a lot younger than I am (76 + a month) but I can't tell any difference in the sound that the old steel produces. Turn the lights up and it does'nt get worse as I get older. Must be the pickin'

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 2 Oct 2006 8:54 am

I think it is less about how old you are and more about how old you look. If you are in shape and realize that live music is as much about attitude and look as music, there should be no problem. If you show up with your gut hanging out, sweating from the strain of setting up, and are wearing polyester, than no one is going to want you. Look at Willie Nelson. There is a guy who knows how to present himself for the crowd he goes after.

Gabriel Stutz · Post by **Gabriel Stutz** » 2 Oct 2006 9:23 am

If you ask me, the people with age requirements really have no business being involved in music. If they care more about your appearance than the music you're capable a making, it's their loss (actually everybody's loss). This is not uncommon obviously. I'm 31 and on my 31st birthday I realized I'm too old to join most bands in Chicago. They almost all say 25-30. I play steel in bands where most of the folks are older than me, and I love it. Those are the people that I can learn things from. Besides, steel is one of those instruments that take so long to really master that most guys with the real chops are 50+ or there abouts anyhow.

Gabriel

Keith Hilton · Post by **Keith Hilton** » 2 Oct 2006 10:39 am

A. Roncetti---GO GIRL! Show the guys what a girl can really do. I love the picture, and I love the color of your guitar. I have a daughter about your age.

Keith Hilton · Post by **Keith Hilton** » 2 Oct 2006 10:40 am

A. Roncetti---GO GIRL! Show the guys what a girl can really do. I love the picture, and I love the color of your guitar. I have a daughter about your age.

Chris House · Post by **Chris House** » 2 Oct 2006 1:08 pm

the people with age requirements really have no business being involved in music. If they care more about your appearance than the music you're capable a making, it's their loss (actually everybody's loss)

Haven't been watching CMT lately or watched what's coming out of Nashvegas, eh? They're the record company execs you just described above.

[This message was edited by Chris House on 02 October 2006 at 02:08 PM.]

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 2 Oct 2006 1:59 pm

Well,.... hmmm... being that I'm almost 59, gray-haired, and overweight by 30lbs., I still must say this unpopular, and seemingly unfair reality, but...

Players, especially younger ones, generally like to play with people from their own generation. Even though older players might be *better,* fit the style they attempt to play more authentically, whatever, younger guys like to be around guys that are not as old as their dads or grand-dads.

There are those that appreciate the knowledge and experience that older players have, and those are the young pickers that can play every solo Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt, and Eldon Shamblin ever recorded. Unfortunately, those players are few and far between, for the most part.

Around Texas, Miss Leslie and the Juke Jointers (Ricky Davis) and Two Tons of Steel (Denny Mathis) are two of the bands that come to mind that appreciate the more experienced players. But they play relatively antiquated music.

Top 40 bands generally are as much, or more, about style as they are about substance. But so is the music they play. Does anyone really want a job with a band that only sees a *grandpa* behind the steel, and not an experienced player worthy of respect? I didn't think so.

There's no gig worth sacrificing your pride and integrity over. Just my HO.

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Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

John Macy · Post by **John Macy** » 2 Oct 2006 3:01 pm

This one just came up today on the Denver Mesaage Board...

quote:

Play Guitar? Lap/pedal steel?, Dobro?,
Posted 10/02/2006 at 1:26 PM by denverband

.... Email me.. I need ya!!

Need a lead electric guitarist who can also play dobro and lap/pedal steel who is also a QUICK STUDY!!! Backup vox and Harmonica would be cool as well.....

I am a local EXPERIENCED bass player who is starting a Country Cover band which will eventually include originals. Modern Nashville country with some oldies! Now.. when I say "modern country" I DO NOT mean that boy band crap!!! More like Josh Turner, Gary allan, Alan Jackson, Keith Urban and Tim McGraw kinda stuff! I want it to be some Boot Scootin', Cow Tippin', Honkey Tonkin', Knee Slappin', Ass Kickin', Name Takin', kinda stuff! I already have a pretty large list of songs to start with, suggestions would be appreciated!

Please be in the "not over 40" range! No offense to you older fellas! I know you can play!!! and damn well at that!!! I just want everyone in the group to at least "look" the same age... 'tween 25 and 40.

Be sure and EMAIL ME!!!! NOW!!!

Reply • Back to Forum

Tracy Sheehan · Post by **Tracy Sheehan** » 2 Oct 2006 5:55 pm

Color my world is one of my favorite songs i like to play.Wasn't there a movie The color purple?
Wonder if it would work callig it color my steel?

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 2 Oct 2006 6:42 pm

Bill M. has a good point. There's one reason and one reason only why the Stones are still drawing the masses - they take care of themselves (despite the boozy image) and have energy to burn. Like it or not, people hear with their eyes - not necessarily musicians, but the average person in the crowd. If a band is searching out broader success, physical image is up there on the priority list when considering candidates, more so than someone's actual age. If a musician is wanting to play weekends and pretty much enjoy their family life and non-musical career the rest of the time, then image is not so much a concern. Join a part-time band and enjoy your life. But if you're entering the arena of musical ambition in today's "sexy" popular music market market, you'd better wear the armor of a six-pack mid-section or you may get looked over for a player not as good as you but more suited to the uniform image. On the other hand, if you are 55 and look better than the 30 year-old next to you in the audition waiting room, I'd say the gig is yours. It all depends on how much you want to work on the non-musical elements of performance. Shallow but true.

I hate all the image crap - I've always had a bit of a gut going, and never really cared. I'd rather play - and eat - on my own terms.

And there's always the baggy shirt.

Say it loud and say it proud: WE ARE THE GREAT UNTUCKED. Could this be the new steel forum motto?

A. Roncetti · Post by **A. Roncetti** » 3 Oct 2006 3:52 am

Well said Chris. I don't even know what people my age listen to.I do know too much is based on looks and it sickens me. I'm told I'm a very old 28 year old. I'm proud of it. I listen to the stuff I was raised on,Hank,Gram,Ronstadt etc. Don't get me wrong there is good music today but I don't care what they look like. Take Bob Dylan for eg. He ain't pretty that's for sure but he still sells tickets. I'll bet many guys half the age of Mick & Keith are envyous of their energy and musical gift.So yadda yadda yadda. I don't like to look like a pop princess either. Can't y'all tell by my 80's Alabama shirt !!!

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Purple Fessenden SD-10 4X5
[This message was edited by A. Roncetti on 03 October 2006 at 04:54 AM.]

Klaus Caprani · Post by **Klaus Caprani** » 3 Oct 2006 4:10 am

"I don't like to look like a pop princess either"

You don't need to. You already got the princess part of it

Nice steel BTW.

Anyway. As women are said to be better multi-taskers than men in generel, I can't understand why not more ladies play the steel. It involves a lot of multi-taskin' and isn't that physically demanding. (Anybody who has played the bass in a power-funk band knows what I'm talking about.)

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Klaus Caprani

MCI RangeXpander S-10 3x4
www.klauscaprani.com

[This message was edited by Klaus Caprani on 03 October 2006 at 05:14 AM.]