Rocking Out At 60: My Journey Into A Girls Band

Let’s face it, rock and roll isn’t exactly known for its embrace of AARP-eligible members. But here I am, a proud 62-year-old woman, living proof that age is just a number when it comes to shredding on guitar. 

It wasn’t always glitter and power chords, though. After raising a family and building a career, music became a distant echo from my youth. Then, on a whim, I signed up for a local “Rock n’ Roll for Beginners” class. Let me tell you, the air crackled with nervous excitement – most of the class was in their 20s, and here I was, a lone silver fox amidst the sea of ripped jeans and band tees.

But guess what? Age didn’t matter. We all bonded over our love for music, our desire to learn, and maybe even a touch of rebellion.

There was Sarah, a shy librarian who surprised everyone with her killer drum skills, and Emily, a young marketing whiz who turned out to be a natural on bass. Before we knew it, the instructor suggested we form a “multigenerational band“.

That’s how “Crimson Sunset” was born. We may not be touring stadiums (yet!), but the joy of creating music together is pure magic. We started with classic rock covers – think Stones, Joan Jett, and, of course, some badass female rockers like Stevie Nicks. We discovered a wealth of online resources for learning new songs and even dared to write some originals.

The idea of joining a band, however, was intimidating. Would anyone want a sixty-year-old rookie in their midst? Would I be able to keep up? Here’s what I learned on this journey, and some tips for any woman out there who wants to unleash her inner rock goddess, regardless of the age on her driver’s license.

Finding the Band

First things first, how do you find your crew? Online classifieds and musician forums are a great place to start. These platforms can be a great way to connect with other musicians and find potential bandmates. Be upfront about your experience level – you’re not looking to fool anyone. Be clear about the kind of music you want to play so that you can find a band that aligns with your goals. Do you want to play for fun, or are you looking to perform and record? This isn’t just about finding people who need a rhythm guitarist, it’s about finding compatible musical tastes. 

Websites like Bandmix and Join my Band allow you to create a profile and connect with other musicians in your area. You can also search for bands looking for members and apply to join.

One of the best ways to find a rock band to join is by networking and getting involved in your local music scene. Attend concerts and open mic nights, and strike up conversations with other musicians. You never know who you might meet and what opportunities may arise. Also, look for ads and notices in music stores, venues, and rehearsal rooms.

You may also find musicians looking for people to join their band on social media. Facebook and Twitter are the most common social media platforms to look on, but musicians also tend to be active on Soundcloud, Bandcamp, and Reverbnation.

Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number

Don’t let age hold you back, but be prepared to brush up on your skills, or even learn a new instrument from scratch! There are fantastic online resources and even teachers who specialize in working with adult learners. My fingers weren’t exactly nimble at first, but the joy of learning a riff I loved kept me motivated.

Another option is to join workshops specifically for women musicians. These programs often offer opportunities for women to form bands and perform together. Plus, you’ll have the chance to learn from experienced musicians and improve your skills. Be willing to learn from your mistakes and have fun.

The Gig is On!

It wasn’t all sunshine and power chords. There were moments of self-doubt, scheduling conflicts, and the occasional equipment malfunction. But then came the day of our first gig – a local bar with an enthusiastic crowd. The energy was electric. We weren’t perfect, but we played with heart, and the roar of the audience was pure magic.

So, if you’ve ever dreamt of rocking out, don’t let anything hold you back. Grab that dusty instrument (or buy a new one!), crank up the volume, and unleash your inner rock goddess. Talent is timeless and the joy of music transcends it all. 

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