Growing older gets more and more fascinating every year you get older. It could be considered a cruel process, but thankfully it’s slow. Changes in our mind and body often go unnoticed since we lack self-perspective, but get together with peers after just a few years apart and changes in appearance can often be dramatic. Looking at old photos of ourselves can be equally revealing or even shocking.
Speaking of perspective, we already know that “the older we get, the better we were,” as we begin to assess our accomplishments rather than simply accumulate them on our resumes. We were once stronger, faster, and smarter, but most of us have now mellowed with age like a fine wine. Also, just as some wines get better with age, others turn to vinegar. Nothing was more evident than at last night’s concert.
I would have loved to be a rock star, but I never learned to play an instrument or had confidence in my voice. It’s probably not fair to be critical about musicians, but I can share some observations. Aging rockers seem to be good gauges on mortality, as they continue to push for one more world tour. The question is how and when do you stop? As Keith Richards is credited in saying, “the older you get, the older you want to get!” He just turned 74 and is going strong, while we’ve lost others this past year including Tom Petty at age 66. I was fortunate to hear one of his final encores. The Who’s My Generation lyrics include the line, “I hope I die before I get old.” Surviving members, Roger Daltrey is 74, and Pete Townshend 73, Keith Moon was only 32 when he died young and John Entwistle was gone at 57. So, what’s that fine line between a sweet and sour note?
I heard some really sour notes last night from Donald Fagen, to the point where the strain in his voice made my throat hurt. He’s a legend, but at age 70 was a disappointment, and looked like Albert Einstein imitating Stevie Wonder. He seemed lost without Walter Becker, who passed away last December at 67, despite the back-up of some of the finest musicians in the business. Steely Dan was supposed to be the headliner of the double-header at the Moda Center, but was badly overshadowed by the younger Doobie Brothers, including 69 year-old Tom Johnston, who’s voice was strong, body in great shape, and had the moves of an enthusiastic teenager. He made us grey-hairs proud, and made me want to get older.
Tonight it’s 70-year old James Taylor, but 68-year old Bonnie Raitt will not be joining him due to health issues. We’re in a suite entertaining some of my wife’s clients, so we won’t be nearly as close to the stage as last night. We will, however, be isolated from the masses and will know the people around us. Our concern last night (and any time we buy a ticket) is who around us could potentially ruin the experience? Will “dancing girl” block our view or “spastic guy” try to steal the show? Will someone get sick or disrespect the performer with incessant conversation? Will we be surrounded by “screamers” or bad karaoke? As we all know, a seat is only as good as those around you. Last night, there was no one in front of us and everyone was well-behaved. At other people’s expense, there were those that were up and dancing, and a guy who used the railing like a stripper’s pole. I wasn’t forced to stand at any time and was rarely interrupted by people getting to and from their seats. It was a great experience, elevated just 5 rows above the floor, and the sound levels were perfect. I wasn’t close enough to see the wrinkles, so at times there were flashbacks to these same performers when they were just getting started back in the late 60’s and early 70’s.
As a side note, when I think about the late 60’s, I continue to commiserate about my upcoming 50th high school reunion. I’m particularly disturbed about the fact that my high school may soon cease to exist and there will no longer be Blue Blazers (See Post #548). There will still be Trailblazers in Portland and other “Blazer” nicknames in sports, but the one-and-only “Blue Blazer” is about to become extinct. I realize that all things must change – especially old things. As George Harrison wrote the year after my graduation:
Sunrise doesn’t last all morning, 
A cloudburst doesn’t last all day. 
Seems my love is up 
And has left you with no warning.
It’s not always been this grey.
All things must pass, 
All things must pass away.
Including the “Blue Blazer.”
Yes, you can still wear a blue blazer, as they’ll probably never go out of style in the fashion world, but you’ll no longer cheer for or against one, at least in my hometown of Elkhart, Indiana. Instead, you may be supporting the “Old Mangy Lions,”and what many believe to be a really pitiful name for a sports team. It was initially the rivalry trophy given to the winning football team each year. Who even wants a mangy lion in their trophy case?
This “Old Mangy Lion”
The lion, a symbol of strength and honor, is awarded annually to the Elkhart High School football champion to promote the universal spirit of friendly competition.
To the winner goes this token of perseverance and victory representative of the teamwork and commitment necessary to realize the goals of dedicated service.
The Elkhart Noon Lions Club, “We serve.”
Of course, the Lions Club would love their local team to have a Lion mascot. Once you graduate from high school, you can continue the tradition and join the club as a lifetime Lion, just as I’m a lifetime Blue Blazer and Hoosier. I am old but I’m not mangy, so maybe the Elkhart Memorial Chargers and Elkhart Blue Blazers can come up with a better name than something shabby or in poor condition.  
 
Sculptor
James A. Holland, 1972