The Golden Oldies

Eligible for a free bus pass and pension but some of the best artists I've seen live have been over sixty-five years old. You would think that as artists get into OAP status their performances may deteriorate, in some cases this is true but in others they are just as good. This blog post will look at four concerts I've been lucky enough to go to over the past two years. Some people have still got it and others haven't.

Randy Newman

Newman is an incredibly underrated songwriter and in my opinion a legend. Often known for his movie scores in Disney Pixar films such as the Toy Story and Monsters Inc he provides a memorable and iconic soundtrack. I've seen him twice at the Sage in Gateshead and both times has given a humorous and at times moving performance. No support act, no band and no fuss. Just a man and his piano. He chats to the audience, shows a sense of humour and gives a background to many of his songs. This is an artist who has written satirical masterpieces such as, 'Short People' and "Political Science' but also moving classics such as 'Louisiana 1927', 'Feels like home'  and 'Marie'. To many he is known for 'You've got a friend in me' and the Academy award winning 'If I didn't have you' and these are no doubt great songs. Nonetheless, he also wrote the often covered , 'You can leave you hat on', 'Mama told me not come' and 'I think it's going to rain today'. This short selection show a tremendous selection of songs. Interestingly, during his concert he suggested that he wrote the song 'Lonely at the top' in the hope that Frank Sinatra would sing it. A song about the difficulties of being so famous:

'I've been around the world

Had my pick of any girl

You'd think I'd be happy 

But I'm not.......

Oh its lonely at the top'

                                                                                     (Randy Newman, Lonely at the Top)

If you only know the Pixar songs I urge you to delve into his wonderful catalogue of evocative lyrics, stunning melodies and a dry humour. Newman is a pleasure to watch live, a 68 year old that is still captivating and you really feel as if you're in the presence of greatness.

Clevescene.com

Frankie Valli


Oh what a night! Franki Valli was one of the best concerts I have been to recently and he is an incredible 78 years old. He got everyone out of their seats clapping and dancing to classic hits such as 'December 1963', 'Can't take my eyes off you' and 'Working my way back to you'. Like Newman, he engaged with the audience and did every song you would expect. I've had the misfortune of going to some concerts and they've missed out many of their big hits to promote their new album. Valli was perfect. It would be hard not to enjoy the concert. I couldn't believe how good his voice actually was and it rarely varied from the iconic sounds of the 1960s. To have the stamina to put on such a quality concert at his age was phenomenal. If you love the classic hits from 'Beggin' and 'Sherry' to ' My eyes adored you' and 'Big Girls Don't Cry' this concert is for you. I wore a smile from start to finish.

The Beach Boys


Now this was a concert I went to several years ago but one that will always be etched in my mind. People dancing in the aisles! Hit after hit! I would jump at the chance to see The Beach Boys again. Every song I loved they sang, whether that be tunes such as 'Help me Rhonda' and the classic, 'Surfin' USA'. The Beach Boys will always put me in a great mood, the happiness in their music is infectious as are their concerts, even today.

'Aruba, Jamaica, ooo I wanna take you;  

To Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama 

Key Largo, Montego baby why don't we go 

Down to Kokomo '

(The Beach Boys, Kokomo)

Clashmusic.com

Paul McCartney

Hyde Park, July 2010. This was the best concert I've ever been to. I love the Beatles but also the Wings, and in his late sixties, McCartney didn't disappoint. There was no way he could do all his songs otherwise we would be there for hours but the diverse selection he performed was incredible. Classic Beatles hits such as 'Something' placed next to the energetic, 'Jet'. McCartney ensured he built a rapport with the audience, insisting they joined in and giving stories behind certain songs. For example, 'Blackbird' was a song written in support of the civil rights movement. The songs remain iconic, the goosebumps appeared with songs such as 'Let it Be' and of course the crowd pleasing, 'Hey Jude'. Two and half hours of legendary music, value for money was an understatement and McCartney thoroughly appreciated the audience's attendance. The best concerts achieve a relationship between the audience and the artist, McCartney still has it.

There are some artists I've seen that have been incredibly underwhelming, leaving out their biggest songs, with poor vocals and  zero chat to the audience. Nevertheless, the best I've seen of the older generation are those listed above. If Randy Newman, Frankie Valli, The Beach Boys or Paul McCartney are ever on near you I guarantee you'll have an unforgettable time. All over 65, all legends, all still amazing live.