Playing when you are old...

[Dennis Detweiler]

I"ll be 76 next month. I'm playing 3 jobs per month. Quick communication between my brain and fingers has dropped off, but learning to work around it. Trying to lighten my load as I go. Get to the job a little earlier and take a little more time to set up.

[Tommy Shown]

Guess I am the youngster of the group ,just made 66 this past Sunday SEMI- RETIRED from gigging , but wanting to back into it. If my health will let me.

[Jeffery Mercer]

I’m 69 just starting out and I gotta tell ya…after reading all these comments I’m beyond encouraged! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! To all of you!
RESPECTFULLY,
JEFF MERCER IN CLEVELAND OH.

[Bobby D. Jones]

When I turned 75, I started lightening gear. MSA Classic S10 to GFI S12 U. Peavey Nashville 400 to Tone Block 202 and lightweight speaker cabinet with a EPS-15C 26lb. combo. Now to find a lighter seat with a back.

I was playing every Friday night, Some Saturday nights to, Till COVID hit, Our band fell apart.

I turned 81 in October. I still go jam some with friends, I still help friends move their equipment at gigs. Just to stay in shape.

A local singer I jammed with some, Is putting his band back together. May get get a chance to go back playing shows.

[Bill C. Buntin]

I’m 63. Age was a small factor I guess. But I quit because of all the noise, smoke and stupidity. Some of it patrons of the venue. My patience and tolerance diminished. Not enough Zoloft. It became “not fun” and for me no longer worth all the hassle to make $100. I guess I really burned out. Sad…once I really loved it. Things change I guess.

[Kevin Fix]

I'm 71 and just got out of playing this year. Can't drive anymore or carry my gear. Play at home in my studio. I like working on original material. I played steady for over 40 years. I reached the top of the mountain and time to take a rest. No more commitments. Lots of great memories!!!

[Joe Bill Moad]

I tip my hat to all of you guys! I am 68 and still have that fire to learn and get better. I always played guitar and for some unknown reason just flipped to pedal steel. A Long way to go if the Lords Willin and the Creek don’t rise!

Respectfully

Joe Bill Moad
Oklahoma

[Shorty Smith]

I'm 92 and still playing my 1973 Emmon's, I bought in 73, Peavey nashville 112, 400, and 1000, and my Dobro model Dobro, I try to play at least 30 minutes to an hour each day. I also still play with the old timers Traditional country music pickers at the Moose lodge. My family loads at home, the moose lodge unloads and reloads my gear. With a 4 piece band, I play at the Golf Course a few times a year.,I have friends that come by and jam several times a year, just keep steeling

[Joe Bill Moad]

Shorty

You are what all of us want to be when we grow up! Congratulations on your Health and your Drive to entertain the people that depend on you to show up! I bet you are one of the best at what I call our favorite Sport! Wish I was closer than Oklahoma to come and watch you play. If I ever get back over in that country I will definately look Shorty up!

Let the Good Times Roll!

Joe Bill Moad
Oklahoma

[Jon Jaffe]

I will be 75 in January and am playing an 8-11 gig in downtown Austin tonight at www.bangersaustin.com. I'll audition my new Sierra(my children bought it for me, though they don't know it), which I received from Ross Schafer on Tuesday. I play slower than I used to, but my intonation is better. I passed the AirPods hearing test with distinction.

[Bo Legg]

WILL be 87 in January. Still playing at Iceman's Bar & Grill Stoutland MO. House gig no travel!

[Dave Russell]

I am 50 and just started playing Pedal Steel. I gotta say, I haven't felt like a pup in a long time but damn fellas! This is definitely encouraging to see ya'll still playing and knowing that hopefully I'll have many more years to learn and play. And that is good because being a new Steeler, it sometimes feels like it's gonna take that many more years to get it right....