The more I think about it, the more I am envious of the career of a successful musician.
I recently attended a concert by ‘The The’ a band whose glory days were in the 1980’s. They had just released their first album in 24 years and were on the road promoting it.
The format of the gig was very straightforward. The first half comprised the band playing the whole of their new album to a polite, if slightly twitchy middle-aged audience who sat attentively in their seats. There was the occasional glare of mobile phones as members of the audience updated themselves of life outside.
After the interval, the band played the recognisable music that the audience had come to see. No more mobile phones, no sitting patiently. It was as if a bolt of lightning had electrified the venue, and all was good in the world again.
The band was finally delivering what we had come for. Nostalgia, familiarity and some good tunes
There was a lively conversation on the tram on the way home. A highly opinionated gent was expressing his view that the first half of the gig was a waste of everyone’s time, and we just wanted to hear the old stuff. A very erudite lady was expressing the opposite view that we need to respect the artiste and if the artiste wants to share their latest work, then we should show our appreciation.
Several years ago, we were at Ascot for a summer race meeting after which there was a concert by various bands of the 1980’s. I always remember Nik Kershaw bantering with the audience and playing some of his best-known tracks. During a lull in proceedings, he said ‘right now for something off my new album’. Before adding, with exquisite comic timing ‘I love seeing people’s faces when I say that. Don’t worry, and now it’s back to 1984’.
A few decades ago, a long-term career in popular music seemed utterly imaginable. Yet, being a rock star has turned out to be probably the most lucrative long-term career choice, and more importantly, you don’t need to change and do anything new. In fact, if anything, you really should not do anything new.
When the Rolling Stones go on tour, they perform to rapturous audiences all around the world. I stand to be corrected, but I suspect that hardly any of the songs on the set list are less than 40 years old, and the vast majority are well over 50 years old.
If you look at successful politicians born in 1945, such as say Ken Livingstone and Steve Norris, there is no doubt that they have had an impact on the world, but they faded from view to be replaced by up-coming younger models. Compare them with say Rod Stewart, born the same year, who, without ever having to reinvent himself, is still going strong, and can pick and choose whatever he wants to do. He is not going to be replaced by any up-and-coming young things in the hearts (and wallets) of his fan base.
He has recently been announced as the headline act at Glastonbury. I do not suppose he will be spending the next 6 months scrambling around writing new songs with which to entertain the onlooking millions.
What a career! If you have the talent, you grow with your audience and continue to give them what they want, which is pretty much the same as you have given them for decades.
By Neil Coupe
