eDiets Director of Marketing
What on earth is a 47-year-old, 300+ pound guy doing going to a 20-something, four-day camping and music festival?
The short answer – LOVING IT!
Ok, I’m old. I admit it. And frankly if one more long-haired hippie kid called me “Sir,” I probably would have lost my mind. But when I went to the Langerado Music Festival (www.langerado.com) here in
So why is it, that when people grow up and become adults, they must continue to listen to the music of their childhood? To me that doesn’t even make sense. It’s like there is an unwritten rule stating that after the age of 25 you are banished from listening to anything new.
Face it pal. You’re just too old to listen to anything cool!
Or is it the fact that people will look at you like your immature if you still like rock concerts in your 40s (except for the seniors tours like The Rolling Stones… sponsored by Depends of course). I have friends who will spend a couple of hundred bucks to go see the Eagles sing Hotel California. Me, I love the song, but the reality is, the Hotel California was knocked down long ago and a condo development now resides in its location!
There is SO much incredible music out today that my friends stuck in classic rock radio hell, will never listen to.
I can’t even turn on so-called classic rock stations. I mean how many times in my life can I listen to "Stairway to flippin’ Heaven" over and over. Every time I turn on the radio, no matter where I am, I hear the same songs. "Comfortably Numb" has put me into a coma I’ve heard it so many times! "Highway to Hell" indeed!) Enough already.
So yeah! Call me immature, but Langerado was awesome. Great music! I got to listen to some bands I love like Gov’t Mule, Umphreys Mcgee, Medeski, Martin, Scofield and Wood, the Funky Meters and more.
There was something for everyone there, too (from roots rock to jazz to electronica). People from the '80s got REM, The Beastie Boys and Arrested Development. From the '70s there was Phil Lesh and Friends (the bass player from the Grateful Dead).
And I got to find some new and future favorites. Citizen Cope, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, Jonah Smith, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals!
So here’s my point: I could easily have NOT gone. I could stick with the "classics" and be bored out of my mind -- or I can get out and check out something new. I got a lot of fresh air, absorbed some vitamin D from the sun’s rays. My wife and I got to spend 3 hours in the dark bonding while trying to set up our tent with 20-mph winds (priceless!).
And I got PLENTY of exercise. The camping area was a quarter-mile away from the venue. Each stage (there were 5) was about a quarter-mile apart, so we walked a lot. And as far as food goes, yes it was plentiful, and a lot of it was bad for you, but if you looked you could find enough healthy items to get you through the weekend and not be tempted to eat the wrong stuff.
If you are the adventurous sort, there are plenty of music festivals coming up this summer. For more information check out http://www.jambase.com/Festivals/.
So do you still go to concerts and festivals? What guilty pleasures from your youth do you STILL do? (I promise not to tell...)
My name is Jim Gilbert, and I approve this message!
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 7:41:00 AM - 
said...
I love the new music but i also love the old. One of my 18-year old daughts favorite bands is the beatles. Although some of her favorites are songs they didn't play on the radio. there's some great music to be heard from every generation...and some pretty bad stuff too
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:01:00 AM - said...
Well, I've got nothing against some of the newer stuff, but the fact is, I just think the older stuff was better, lol. AND I never get bored or "numb" when listening to the old rock classics. You're a little young to be a real "hippie" and maybe if you were my age (58) you would appreciate the the music of my generation more. Alot of it was sending a message or making a statement about the turbulent times then. Others just bring the memories of those times to the front of my mind. Yes, I still go to concerts, but mostly of the old bands and the new, and sometimes totally awesome, tribute bands. But each to their own....just enjoy the music, my friend and, oh yeah, peace and love to you.
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:13:00 AM - said...
Jim Good For You!!!
I last summer went to ozzyfest and have been before I am forty and I dont care what others think. If you love music and enjoy the crowds have fun we only live once. Deb
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:46:00 AM - said...
Never stop doing the things you love.
You are never too old to do anything.
We can teach the young people and share the ways things were.
Peace
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:57:00 AM - said...
Thank goodness there are people like you out there!
I'm 10 years younger than you, and am a professional musician with brightly dyed hair, which gives me licence to do whatever I want.
That being said, it's nice to know there is an audience of people of all ages out there that aren't sitting around waiting to be spoonfed their music, or are stuck in the past.
All musicians need an audience, and it's hard to get it when people are stuck listening to Classic Rock!
If I bump into you at a festival in Canada, I'll be sure to say 'hello!' I'd be lucky to meet people as cool as you and your wife!
Marie-Josée Houle
Canada
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:27:00 AM - said...
I am a fifty-one year old chick and I love the new heavy metal. Occasionally I'll listen to the classics, but I'm sick of hearing Led Zeppelin every time I turn the dial. Gimmie some Tool, Seether, Ashes Divine or Korn! Yeah!
Rock on dude! You're cool!
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:38:00 AM - said...
I think it's awsome! I'm a 38 yr old mother of a 13 year old son. I still listen to Alternative music. Nothing else! Just like he said, there is amazing music out there. I'm going to EdgeFest on April 27 in Frisco, Tx. Alot of my favorite bands are going to be there & I can't wait! Yes, I'm taking my 13 yr old...
So yeah, ROCK ON! Leave the classics in the dust, I'm sure there is a reality show out there for those old rock stars from the 70's & 80's...lol!
Sandi~
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:41:00 AM - said...
I still go to concerts and I love music! All kinds of music from the old songs to the new ones. If I hear it and like it then I like it. To me music is ageless. I do still go to even small venues to check out music also but only difference is I don't join them in the moshpit anymore! (afraid of breaking something now) lol
I loved this blog!!!
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:45:00 AM - said...
What a great article! I live in Chicago and every week (in the summertime) there is a neighborhood fest or music fest going on. There is older people and younger people alike who attend these gatherings and it is always a great time. Can't wait for the shows and fests to start!
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:10:00 AM - said...
I am a 32 year old female. I totally agree with and approve this message!!! Rock on Sir Gilbert!!!
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:12:00 AM - said...
LOVE this story! I wish I could get my fuddy-dud husband to listen to new stuff. My problem is when I hear something new, most of the time I have no idea who it is! I know there are websites out there that you can use to listen to pieces of music but I'll be darned if I can find them. Any help out there?
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:47:00 AM - 
zanylady08 said...
I totally agree- age should not keep you from new music.
I believe there is so much music out there, why stay in a time warp.
I hope I will always keep that mentality!!
Rock on!!
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:55:00 AM - ranjela said...
Jim: I am in total agreement with you on this subject! I listen to 'current' music and still buy new music CD's. I've even gone to (outdoor/metal/alternative) concerts with my daughter's brothers - ages 15, 18 & 24!!
And I am 59....just call me Randi
or 'Gramma' if you like
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 1:07:00 PM - said...
HEY JIM GILBERT , I APPROVE YOUR LIFESTYLE! ROCK ON! MY FRIENDS PLAN THEIR VACATION SCHEDULES AROUND TOURS AND WE ARE ALWAYS LISTENING FOR NEW ROCK MUSIC BUT IF LED ZEP IS TOURING WE WILL BE THERE ALSO. SEE YA THERE. METALGBEAR@AOL.COM
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 1:51:00 PM - said...
I am a 39 mother and PTA member and I still hit the shows! Even underground ones in church basements. I LOVE THEM!!! I been to shows where it’s been mostly kids and they look at me strange at first but when the show starts and they see me jamming like all the rest they accept me there. Even have protected me from the pit. Who says kids now days have no respect just needs to get to know them on there own ground. I will never give up my music or my youth no matter how old I get!! The Dragons Dame
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:20:00 PM - said...
Hey guys, Jim here. Thanks for your comments! By the way, I still love clas-sick rock, but would much rather listen to the deep cuts rather than the 3 or 4 songs they play from each band on the radio.
If you want to check out new music and concerts in your area go to www.jambase.com. A great resource for you!
Thanks again and keep on posting comments!!!
Jim Gilbert
Director of Marketing,
eDiets.com
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:49:00 PM - said...
Awesome, keep on checking out the new music. There's so much out there that's great, Citizen Cope and the like- HJS
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 5:05:00 PM - Roy said...
More Power to you. I'm glad I'm not the only one. I'm 44 and enjoy trance and electronic music.
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 7:35:00 PM - katou said...
well i'm 46 and i still love going to music festival. even brought my daughter a few years ago to her first major one, we had a ball , slept in the car that night and planning to go to many more. I love any type of music and I kind it neat to see at times my kids going nuts over a "new song" which I sing to and watch their faces drop when I tell them that song is from ""my time "" as they say hahahaha . Never loose the kid inside yourself and keep going what you love and never let age stop you, it never has or ever will for me
Keep on smiling :)))))))))))))))
Comment: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:56:00 PM - debB said...
I agree with all of you. I listen to all types of music. I do agree though that Oldies can get boring, particularly when the DJs play the same 5 songs from any group prior to the 70s. It would be different if they mixed it up. I like the newer music too and I have great discussions with my 20 yr. old niece who is openminded. Found her digging some of the old stuff and learned that it is played in the dance clubs she goes to. I go to concerts all the time, particularly in the summer months. The mixture of music I listen to is bizarre---even to me. Continue to rock and listen on.
Comment: Thursday, March 27, 2008 8:59:00 AM - said...
You go, Jim!! I give you a lot of credit for braving the festival.
I don't go to shows much anymore, but I do make it a point to listen to new music -- I have friends who are "stuck in the 80's" but I refuse to listen to only the music of my youth -- there is so much good stuff out there now. It keeps one young :-)
Comment: Thursday, March 27, 2008 6:15:00 PM - said...
I'm 59 and love ALL kinds of music as long as it is not too loud and the lyrics can be understood. I guess I get it from my Mom who was in her fifties when the Sones came out and she loved them. I am also a nurse who works with the elderly. I get annoyed when people try to tell me that only music from 20's and 30's are appropriate to play for them. They also enjoy any GOOD current understandable music.
Comment: Friday, March 28, 2008 1:19:00 PM - Oldie but Goodie said...
More power to ya - we have a Rockin the Hills concert every summer and my husband (also 47, pushin 48!) camps out for four days every summer with his friends. Our friends range from ages 30 on up.........there are people in their 60s there. There is no age limit on loving rock and roll, or any type of music, and if you have to camp out to hear it and have a blast doing it, then rock on brotha! Our kids listen to a wide range of music from stuff I listened to as a child (dad is now 79, so take yourself back, back in time!), so they know and love anything from Floyd Cramer to the Beatles, to the Osmonds, to White Snake; I could go on and on. You're never to old to appreciate good (or even bad) music. Camp on buddy......enjoy.
Comment: Saturday, March 29, 2008 2:20:00 PM - said...
Glad to know I'm not a "freak"! I'm 41 and I love BREAKING BENJAMIN, HOOBASTANK, KORN, 3 DOORS DOWN, VELVET REVOLVER, NICKLEBACK, tons of the newer stuff. (I am still a die-hard Iron Maiden fan though!)
ROCK ON!
Comment: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 1:49:00 PM - said...
I dont like most of the new stuff myself..music from the 50s to the 90s was fun..it had a tune..you could sing along to it..it had a soul.
In the 90s it started to die..now most of it is done on computers, or is rap, it sounds so dull and depressing..music to hang yourself by...all the good stuff has been done...now they are just making up any old jumble of sounds and hoping to make money from it.
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