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I thought my husband Randy was crazy for getting tickets to this concert. It was Monday night. The venue was small. I’d rather be home watching Netflix. But there we sat in the third row, surrounded by other mid-lifers, raring to relive the glory days.

And then Edgar Winter came out. His band started, “Keep Playin’ that Rock & Roll.” Within minutes I realized this rock legend had some things to teach me…

You’re never too old to wear leather—While most guys in their late 60’s are in polo shirts and khakis, Edgar came out in shiny black pants and a hand-tooled jacket. Of course, he’s a rock star and different rules apply. Still, it was nice seeing a guy pushing 70 snubbing country club casual.

Lesson: If you want to get a little funky when you’re older, damn the torpedoes. Just do it.

The more you practice, the better you get – Wow, this guy can rock. And although Edgar Winter never reached the stratosphere of the Stones or Beatles, he and his late brother Johnny did pretty well for two Texas boys. Edgar showed what dedicating your life to something does. It makes you a master.

Lesson: Don’t ever give up on your dream. Stay true. Do it because you love it. Trust me, you’ll get really good.

Age is a number – Because he’s albino, Edgar’s always had white hair, but now he also has a snowy beard. I’m sure he gets creaky like the rest of us. But watching him, I learned youth is something that comes from within. Youth is spirit. Edgar jumped. He shimmied. He fell to his knees. He moved on stage like a young person. He may not be 25, but still has joy and exuberance. The audience felt that and responded.

Lesson: There’s no expiration date on being cool.

You’ve earned your right to be tough taskmaster – I’m no musician but even I could see he has high standards for his guitarist, drummer, and bassist. He’s earned his place as legend, teacher, and mentor. After the opener the show went from standards like “Free Ride” to an eye-popping free-form duel with his guitarist on “Tobacco Road.” Along the way Edgar oversaw grueling solos from drummer and bassist. I wouldn’t want to make a mistake. They didn’t.

Lesson: You have much to teach as you get older. You’ve earned your stripes.

Art is a gift – I believe we’re all artists. We all have something inside dying to come out. Some have always known this. Others are still seeking. For Edgar Winter, his art is a constant companion that stayed his whole life. And in return he’s given his soul to his muse. I sat there thinking what a great blessing to have something you can always turn to for comfort. What if everyone allowed the artists in themselves to emerge?

Lesson: We’re all given a creative gift. Nurture yours.

Inspiration is fun – Many of his songs I remembered from being wasted enjoying parties at college. To be honest, I was surprised how much I loved this show. After, I was jazzed to go out and do something! And maybe that’s the job of any artist –to make us think, feel, breathe life into our souls. It doesn’t matter if it’s painting or planting a beautiful garden, or baking a loaf of focaccia bread. What matters is how it invigorates you.

Lesson: We need inspiration for fuel and energy.

It’s all about passion, baby – Edgar played sax, keyboards, and drums. He also has an incredible voice. He and his band gave their all to that little Monday night concert.  In the end, they were sweaty and spent. And although fame and fortune are great, I doubt it’s the reason they do it. They couldn’t stop if they tried.

Lesson: Passion is what gives life purpose. It points us where we need to go.

After the concert, I found out Edgar and his band are off to Europe. Such is the life of a rock star. I wanted to thank him for pumping me up to go on with writing, with seeking, with life.

Strange, it started as an ordinary night. And yet it became so much more. It was a rallying cry.

Or as Edgar Winter put it at 68, raising his fist to the sky… to rock on.

 

Have you had an event that pulled you out of your rut? I’d love to hear. If you’d like to share, just push one of the magic buttons below. If you’d like to receive posts by email, just hit the subscribe link above. Thank you!

 

Comments(38)

    • Dana

    • 8 years ago

    Rock On! 🙂

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      So true, Dana!

    • Erik Erikson

    • 8 years ago

    This was great Laurie. I’ve been pretty good about catching the bands of the late 69’s and 70’s as they go back out on the road and agree with the lessons you talk about here. One thing that really impresses me though is the growth in musicianship in virtually all of these people I see. Just because we might not have heard from them in a long time, they have obviously continued to hone their skills through the years and play better than ever. That is what I enjoy most in going out to see these bands again. I’m us d to my wife saying, haven’t you seen them already? I just laugh and say, yep, and I’m going to see them again. And I will keep going as long as they keep coming around. Will catch Edgar next time from sure.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      He was great, Erik. And I agree these guys only get better with time. There’s something about doing something all your life (with love and devotion) that makes you really, really good.

    • Jeffrey Reilly

    • 8 years ago

    It’s all about passion baby, INDEED! So jealous you guys got to bask in his amazing love for life!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Great way to put it, Jeff. He does have a love for life and its contagious.

  1. I love the lessons you got out of the concert!! Great to keep in mind!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Thank you, Kathy!

  2. I agree with you about age being a number. The Rolling Stones are now coelacanth-like living fossils, but they just keep on going.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Yes, the Stone’s are certainly coelacanth-like living fossils. You took the words right out of my mouth!

    • Jo

    • 8 years ago

    I love the take away lessons Laurie! So true. And we can get so set in our ways and just stay at home thinking old rock legends are just well, old whereas they still ignite old fires within us and have lots to teach us still.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      So true, Jo. I’m always inspired by “older” people who still have that rebellious spark.

  3. Sounds fun!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Thanks, Christine!

  4. I felt the same way after my husband and I saw Peter Wolf (J. Geils Band) at a small venue a few years ago. Good gosh…could he sing and weave a story! And he pulls off black cool with a fedora so awesome!

    I loved this lesson – Edgar showed what dedicating your life to something does. It makes you a master.

    Here’s to what we’ve chosen to dedicate our lives to!

    • Laurie Stone

    • 8 years ago

    Peggy, It just goes to show we can be cool at any age. Its all about attitude. Thanks for reading.

  5. This is great! Who knew? I love your picks. Great lessons all around.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Thanks so much. Who knew Edgar Winter would be such a sage?

  6. I think I might be pulling my black leather pants out of the back of my closet. I have never been able to let them go…

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Do it! Maybe I’ll wear my real high heels again some night.

  7. I saw Carole King in concert in July at Hyde Park, London – she maybe 75 but she sure rocked the joint – and wore stunning heeled boots too!
    PS You’re never too old for leather 😜

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Linda, I love people who push back the aging boundaries. We also can’t forget the good old Rolling Stones for showing all of us how to rock our later years!

  8. Damn it! I agree, leather pants might need to be back in my wardrobe (Well, vegan leather for me). F’ it! And who cares, especially here in LA there are no rules.

    Great reminder to rock on!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      LA is very cool since there seem to be no rules. It makes me want to go back and visit. Thanks for reading.

  9. It’s so true about art of any kind getting you pumped. For me, too, music really kicks butt in this regard. In recent years, a Roseanne Cash concert just slayed me and got me out of a bad place in my mind. Great post, Laurie, great life lessons here. P.S. Superb editing job on the wasted reference. 😉

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Lee, Thank you for appreciating my deft editing on the “wasted” sentence. I agree how music lifts us out of our doldrums. I hate to admit it, but it might be a higher art form than writing since it reaches more primal places. You never know. (Don’t repeat that to our blogging friends).

  10. My daughter and I went to see Cindy Lauper and Boy George this year and it was awesome! They made me feel like I was back in the 80’s rocking out…these older bands and people still have it and the still enjoy what they are doing…unlie some of the new ones out there….

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      I love hearing artists who have dedicated their lives to making music. It really shows. I’d love to see both Cindy and Boy George! Will have to look out for them.

  11. I need this. A New Year to get things done and ignore some of the negatives. Thanks.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Beth, I’m beginning to realize that ignoring the negatives is a big part of happiness. Glad this resonated with you!

  12. “Art is a gift – I believe we’re all artists. We all have something inside dying to come out.” This is exactly why I made a sticker to put on my bumper: “ART SAVES LIVES”

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Laura, I believe art does save lives. We know there’s someone out there who feels like we do. Thanks so much for commenting.

  13. Inspiring! I needed this push today!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Diane, Thanks! I can always use a fun role model.

  14. Hi Laurie – no you are never too old for rock and roll! My husband and I were groupies and followed Roger Waters and The Wall tour in Germany. We went to two shows in Brisbane, Australia then it was such a fantastic show we worked into our itinerary for our Europe trip to see him in Dusselfdorf and Berlin. Fantastic experience! Yes we can still wear leather for sure!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Sue, I love the idea of following a rock band around. We have the freedom in this time of life. Why not?

  15. Take what life gives you and keep on pushing and growing! 7 lessons for any day, but especially for today!
    Thank you so much for this, Laurie!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 4 years ago

      Thanks, Diane!

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