5 Lessons Learned from a Bunch of Old Rock Stars

Music has always been a huge part of my life. It was one of my Dad’s passions and though he didn’t always agree with my taste, he definitely taught me about a song’s ability to speak to your soul. For me, no music does this more than the bands that I listened to in high school. They wrote the songs that guided me through love and heartbreak, friendship and grief. They are still the songs that I go back to again and again. So, you imagine how excited I was to recently see 4 of my favorite bands over two nights at Classic West.

The first night was:

• Doobie Brothers (lots of kissing with Chris Pesek to these songs)
• Steely Dan (not a favorite but still…)
• Eagles (“Wasted Time” is one of the single greatest heartbreak songs of all time)

The second night was:

•  Earth, Wind & Fire (“September” always makes me smile)
• Journey (never really listened to these guys)
• Fleetwood Mac (“Landslide” still brings me to tears)

There were quite a few lessons learned at Classic West such as no woman over the age of 25 should wear a romper, but the most important was the secret of youth.

Secret of Youth is Passion

We live in an era that is obsessed with youth. Where at 50, it can be hard to get a job because you’re considered “over the hill”. Yet I would guess that the mean age on stage at Classic West was 65. And far from being ready to retire, every member of every band got on stage and kicked some serious ass.

Sure, maybe they’d lost a little bit of their vocal range, but they jumped and danced and played the guitar like people half their age. How? Passion. These guys still love what they do and it shows. That is the secret of youth. Passion keeps you engaged. It gives you focus and purpose, and that keeps you young.

Good Writing is Timeless

Great songs, the ones that stand the test of time, all have one thing in common: really good writing. A good song tells a story, yes, but more importantly, it creates a feeling. For me, “Boogie Wonderland” is joy, “Hotel California” is sexy and “Don’ Stop Thinking about Tomorrow” is hopeful. I felt that way in 1982 and I still feel that way today. With the world changing so fast, there is something reassuring about songs that can ground you.

Women Rock

For years, I worked in the entertainment industry where there were very few women of power. Couple this with the election, and it’s easy to see why sexism has been on my mind. So, I can not tell you how awesome it was to watch Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks up on stage.

Two totally different women with totally different sounds, but ah — the power. These women owned the stage. Fleetwood Mac literally wouldn’t exist without them and the men know it. It was really nice to see that kind of power dynamic. It gave me hope.

Stick to Your Style

It is impossible to talk about Stevie Nicks and not talk about style. She found hers early and has been smart enough to stick with it. Part 70’s hippie and part ethereal witch (think flowing dresses, fringe, platform boots and a bit of gold glitter for good measure), it’s as much a part of her identity as her voice.

Fashion changes but her style has remained the same. It became part of her “brand” long before there was a word for it so there is something to be said for not kowtowing to trends.

Change is Good

As anyone who follows the Eagles knows, one of the founding members, Glenn Frye, died two years ago and it looked like the band would be no more. But instead of throwing in the towel, they brought on board Glenn’s 24 year old son, Deacon, and country music vet Vince Gill to take over Glenn’s songs. Fresh arrangements put a new twist on many of the old tunes, and the result was a totally rejuvenated sound.  Life is constantly going to be throwing us curve balls, but the lesson to be learned is that change can be good. For me, this is another secret to youth. Stay flexible in all ways: body, mind and spirit.