Comments

Teen Idols on Tour, or, Old Codgers Hit the Road Again — 18 Comments

  1. TO paraphrase Paul McCartney, without them who would we listen to, Justin Bieber? I’ve been to a few long-in-the-tooth revivals and been disappointed, but more often left happy as a bug on ABBA’s mic. I remember how shocked I was when the Stones made their first comeback after the disco and rap phases set them on the back burner, but they give me hope for my own aging bones.

    • Hi Anne, thanks for stopping by. You’re right about Bieber. It’s great that the older acts are still finding an audience. The 1986 Monkees reunion tour was a smash hit with both original and new fans. The classics never go out of style.

  2. I’m digging the fact these folks still “tour.” What is neat is they take the time to interact with their fans! Great blog today Sally!

    • Thanks, Chris. Most idols who do solo shows will do autographs afterwards. I’ve seen Davy Jones kiss the women standing in the autograph line! (he didn’t kiss me though).

  3. I’m an older old codger. My idols are from the 50s and so most are either retired or have gone on to that big show in the sky. But I did like going to appearances in the 50s. Of course my big idol was Elvis, who I was never lucky enough to see in person. I also liked a lot of country stars and saw Marty Robbins, Merle Haggart and a couple of others my old codger brain won’t bring up. Nice post.

    • Thanks, Velda. Many of the country stars perform (or else they did) in Branson, Mo. I haven’t seen many country shows advertised where I live (so. Calif.)

  4. I’m always surprised at some of the older music stars who stop by the casino in Albuquerque. It’s great that so many still enjoy performing for their fans.

    • Years ago I saw Mickey Dolenz at a casino in an itty bitty town in northern Nevada. Nothing but desert for miles around! He did a week’s worth of shows there. Years passed and Mickey released a CD of one of those concerts! Coulen’t tell if it was the night I attended.

    • I didn’t mean to sound so down, but having seen videos of teen idol concerts from the 1960s through today and shows I’ve attended, one can see a change in the energy and performance. Not a bad change, just different.

  5. Hi Sandy ~ Great blog. Years ago (late 80’s) when The Monkees was in reruns, my daughter became a great fan and would NOT believe how old the Monkees currently were! (Until I took her to a Mickey Dolenz appearance).

    • Hi Connie, Where and when did you see Micky? I’ve been to several of his solo shows. I enjoy him more when he’s dancing and moving around than standing still with a guitar.

  6. Sally, you know those indoor pop concerts can cost $125.00 and up. Retirees have a bit of a problem with those prices. I’m glad the bands are still touring, though.

    • Last year in my area seats for The Monkees ran about $45 to $65 and $15 to $20 for parking at the venue. On the “cheap” end as concerts go these days but still more than I’ve paid in the past. In past years I’ve seen Peter Noone and Micky Dolenz at outdoor concerts in the park for free! I got a front row spot each time too.

  7. This post had me think about how much fun it would be to sit at one of these concerts. I might dig up an old ’16’ magazine and get it autographed! Be still my heart. LOL.

    • Thanks for stopping by, Theresa. One of the more interesting concerts was Dean Torrance and a band performing at a free outdoor concert in the park. During intermission he hung out at a picnic table backstage. Anyone could walk up and talk to him!

  8. Hi, Sally,

    I do think the music of that time period was better. I also think it’s great that these groups are still performing. And they still have lots of fans. Good luck with your new novel. I hope you enjoyed mine. Best wishes.

    • Hi Jacqueline, thanks for your comment. Yes, I enjoyed your book very much. Thanks! I started reading it when I was on the bus for a group tour of the space shuttle at the Calif. Science Museum. Yep, the older musicians can still sing rings around today’s teen idols.