New... or Old Music Tuesday?

Senior Writer Jeff

Every Tuesday, I work behind the scenes to help Robin tell you about the new CDs in stores. We call it “New Music Tuesday."

But, this week, the team joked it should be called “Old Music Tuesday.”

The Rolling Stones have a new concert DVD out called “Shine a Light.” (It was directed by the great Martin Scorsese.)

Once upon a time, rock’s motto was “Hope I die before I get old.” But now, when rock stars ask, “Will you still need me, will you still feed me when I’m 64?”… the crowds—of all ages–give an emphatic “YES!”

And they don’t care that the artists aren’t coming out with great, new songs. In fact, the crowds want the tried and true. On “Shine a Light,” every song is at least 25 years old. Billy Joel, age 59, hasn’t come out with a new rock album in 15 years. Who cares?! He just sold out the final 2 concerts ever at Shea Stadium.

Here are some numbers to help put it in perspective:

Pete Townshend is 63. Mick Jagger is 65. Paul McCartney is 66.

Besides feeling a bit old myself when I think about their ages, I’m amazed at how they can still thrill crowds. The Who gave a “farewell tour” in 1982. So much for that. Pete and Roger have a tour planned for the fall. I remember seeing the Stones in 1989, and wondering if I had just seen their last tour. Hah!

On our show this morning, Robin talked about how she really wanted to see a Stones concert one of these days before it’s too late. Apparently, there’s no rush. The Stones just might be around forever. Time is totally on their side. And that’s cool by me.