People tend to go to concerts for a few good reasons: often, it’s wanting to see a favorite artist perform live so you could hear their music, experience their live performance and create cherished memories. For others, it’s an opportunity to experience a new artist and see for yourself what the hype is all about. Balancing those reasons lead me to a seat near the stage most every time.

2022 has been the turning point year in the recovery from the Virus.  The restrictions that came with the ability to enjoy a live show are gone and not likely to return soon. Our musical experiences these last three years have largely been influenced by where we live and who governs us. For me, living in coastal South Carolina, the doors have been open since late May 2020, albeit outdoors for at least a year.

The floodgates are open and it seems like every artist and band are hitting the stage nightly. Since the new year began, I have experienced many great performances in different styles of music. Thinking back on the year, it was evident that many artists who have entertained us for years are still out there giving memorable performances. But what stood out to me is that even as they age, these artists still bring it, such as:

*Little Feat with several members in their 70’s including Billy Payne at 73 and Fred Tackett at 77

*Alan Parsons project with Alan at 74

*George Porter/New Orleans bass player at 75

* Graham Nash, who turned 80 this year

*Bob Dylan at 81

*Comedian Lewis Black at 74

*Blues singer Mavis Staples at 83

*Sir Paul McCartney who turned 80 in June

*The Turtles’ Mark Volman (75), Gary Puckett (79), the Association, the Buckingham, The Vogues and the Cowsills. Most in these groups were in their 70’s

*Herb Alpert the elder stateman is 87 and wife/singer Lani Ham is 77

*Folk singer Judy Collins is 83

*Roger Waters, a surly 79 years old

*Carlos Santana is 75

*Willie Nelson, the Patriarch of Country music, is 89

* Jim Messina, 75

* Stevie Nicks is 74

*Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s founding member Jeff Hanna is 75 and Jimmie Fadden is 74

These artists have nothing left to prove yet most of them played as if they were auditioning for a slot on a big tour. Maybe that’s a reason I felt compelled to document these artists and recognize that they are still bringing it night in and night out. It’s amazing to witness the energy and the expertise by which they create memories.

I have experienced some dinosaurs give regrettable performances. Someone needs to tell them when they no longer have it. As it is with some athletes, they fail to notice fast enough when the lights go out. However, they are the exception-not the rule- for most who are on tour and coming to your town. We are fortunate to have the ability to see these talented artists available to create more musical memories.

I see this trend continuing as long as there are artists wanting to perform. I recall a Roger Daltry tour about 10 years ago that he titled,” the Use it or Lose It” tour. That was the advice from one of his doctors when asked about maintaining his amazing voice.  It’s sane advice and I am happy to report that many are following his advice.

Tell me, which dinosaur not on my list that you saw and enjoyed their performance in 2022!

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