Photo Credit: Melanie R. Jordan Chicagoland band 7th Heaven. I’m highlighting local bands in this piece since I won’t be able to get photo permissions from the big names. They can use the PR anyway!
Note: Part of this post was originally published by me as “Reflections on Aging: A Tale of Two Rockers” last August when it was my third post on Substack and hardly anyone saw it. I’ve added quite a bit of new material onto it and now am excited to have my much bigger audience enjoy the new and improved version.
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Sunday, August 23rd, is Rick Springfield’s 77th birthday, and I think he’s a prime example of how it’s true that the paths we choose to take with our wellness can certainly make all the difference.
Four years ago, taking full advantage of the Summer festival season in the Midwest, I was able to see two well-known performers back-to-back. I also recently saw another popular duo, in the same age group, perform just last month.
I love supporting artists who keep rocking the stage and especially those who keep putting out new music even if it doesn’t get radio airplay these days.
After the concerts, I couldn’t help but reflect on the difference between the energy and abilities in the performances of people who were all about the same age.
Three different concerts, three different takeaways.
This performer, who I won’t name, back then had just turned 73. They barely moved on stage for what was about an hour show and often resorted to leaning against a stool during some songs. They also did the same thing further back when some of the band members were in extended solos. Since the concert was in an open community area, you could also see the performer exit the stage.
I noticed that the performer was very slow and tentative and struggled coming down the stage steps. Then there was a golf cart waiting for them at the bottom of the steps which I’ve never seen happen before at this location. They were driven to an administrative building a few feet away looking spent and ignored the well-wishers along the way. For whatever reason they couldn’t or wouldn’t walk that very short distance.
Fast forward to the next evening which took me to a fair to see Rick Springfield, who had just turned 74 back then (73 at the time of the show). For two hours, Rick had uninterrupted energy moving around the stage at a pace that would challenge many people half his age, hard-strumming away on his guitar as he is known to do.
He danced around with his guitarists and was literally high kicking and jumping to emphasize certain song moments or to end a song. It seemed he could’ve gone on for at least another hour easily.
He also did take his shirt off towards the end in an “if you’ve got it, flaunt it” move to reveal he still works hard to stay in shape. Based on recent performance videos I’ve seen online, this hasn’t changed now that he’s about to be 77.
In fact, I was supposed to see him this past weekend, but unfortunately, the bad weather that seems to have taken hold of this Summer and won’t let go, spoiled it.
Photo Credit: Melanie R. Jordan Not Rick Springfield, but I knew Christina of Chicagoland band Hello Weekend wouldn’t mind the publicity :)
I know some of you may be saying “Air Supply, rocking?”
Then you haven’t seen them live. Even the ballads have powerful guitars and drums that you don’t realize until they’re doing it before your eyes.
And yes my musical taste runs the full gamut of soft rock, to hard rock, to some country, to dance!
Both lead singer Russell Hitchcock (77 years old) and Graham Russell (76 years old) are constantly in motion through most of the show, taking turns criss-crossing the lengthy stage. Russell can still hold a powerful note with the best of them.
Only one short acoustic segment had the duo on stools performing and this isn’t uncommon for that kind of music. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora have been doing that for Wanted Dead or Alive since their mid-20’s.
Although I do suspect that Russell benefited from the break he got during Graham’s short segment where he read one of his poems. Brave in front of a group of Chicagoland concertgoers.
While they are not the extreme health-focused performers that Rick Springfield is, I’d say they make an effort to be able to keep doing what they love. I expect we’ll still see them for a bit to come as a result.
That was the quote I read last year from Brian Clark that highlights the power of the 50+ consumer segment. Attending these three concerts with five performers of similar ages was absolute proof of that truth.
You can’t ever assume that someone’s age tells the whole story.
I don’t know all of these artists’ personal health statuses or detailed habits, but on the surface, one has struggled with their weight and appeared to be in one of their heavier phases. Plus, I would guess from the lack of physical ability and energy, other than an injury which may have occurred to contribute to the limitations, they don’t do much regular exercise.
On the other end of the spectrum, Rick Springfield, has always been slim and in interviews claims to follow a pescatarian diet and work out daily.
It shows.
Photo Credit: Melanie R. Jordan Chicagoland band Semple Band Fun fact: lead singer Keith Semple was the lead singer for 7th Heaven at one point before he tried out for American Idol but was disqualified because he wasn’t a U.S. citizen like he is now for 20 years.
Star Trek had it right!
None of us can control some of the genetic cards we’ve been dealt. Yet if there’s even a chance that controllable factors like nutrition, exercise, sleep and mindset can positively impact your quality of life, why not do all you can today to be able to still rock hard later?
I know I personally don’t have the best hand, but we can each do our part to put ourselves in the best position to not just live to an advanced age, but live well doing everything we love to do.
I recently reflected on the “why bother to stay on a healthy path” aspect for just a brief moment in my piece, When Serendipity Goes Awry, after the sudden accidental death of a colleague.
We need to bother.
Recently, Rick Springfield was quoted as saying “You can only put on the party dress, but what happens at the party is up to the gods.”
He still bothers to do all he can to maintain his best possible health, and look at what he can do because he puts in that effort. Even more importantly, Rick still does it knowing he may have some issues down the line, as he recently discovered he has some undiagnosed brain damage he sustained during a fall off a stage back in 2000.
I fully expect I’ll be able to see Rick Springfield rocking onstage with good energy at age 85 and maybe beyond. If so, I’ll be there!
Photo Credit: Melanie R. Jordan Chicagoland Band Goo Roos They’re not 75+ yet BTW but are local inspiration for performing their hearts out on a recent rainy night with a small audience.
While I’m not close to Rick Springfield’s age yet, I’m inspired by his active 77-year-old example, and those of many others still going strong in all fields. I need that because the examples of older age I’ve seen in my own family were of disease and disability. Just like the first concert performer I described. Although my parents wouldn’t have even been able to get on stage at that point.
I’m going to keep following his lead and put myself in the best position to dance around at his or anyone else’s shows. Unlike many local Chicago festival season concertgoers, I never, ever sit in a lawn chair!
And the proof of what’s possible doesn’t end there. It also doesn’t have to be celebrities.
I recently ran into one of my former Zumba students (she still does that after I introduced her to it, and line dancing), at a 7th Heaven concert. She has to be in her mid-80s by now. She’d been dancing around just like I was.
So was the 89-year-old grandmother of the band’s drummer, who was introduced and in the spotlight for a song. She happily danced with one of the band members who came off stage.
I want to be just like them when I get there. How about you?
Wishing you maximum health and happiness always!
P.S. What’s your takeaway on these concert stories? Who’s an active older adult who inspires you (musician or otherwise?)
Please comment. I’d love to hear who you look to for positive aging inspiration.
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