THE TAKEAWAY

THE TAKEAWAY

RockStars of Aging

Marc Middleton We had a bit of Growing Bolder road trip recently. We piled into the company van and like a bunch of excited college kids drove to Tampa to see the Rolling Stones in a sold-out Raymond James Stadium. The truth is that the Stones could have phoned it in, and no one would complain. They could stumble through their many classic hits and their legion of fans would still be entertained and grateful for the memories. But they wouldn’t be selling out stadiums around the world and the lines to buy $50 t-shirts wouldn’t stretch forever. And maybe, most importantly, they wouldn’t be spreading an important message that transcends even their music.

Mick Jagger is 78, Keith Richards is 77 and Ronnie Wood is 74. And they don’t just phone it in. They explode onto the stage with total commitment. In Mick’s case, total abandonment. He struts, runs, dances, poses, and peacocks across the stage with the same passion and energy that he had 60 years ago. And why not? Passion and energy have nothing to do with age. They’re about a state of mind, not a date of birth.

The Stones don’t just entertain, they inspire. They sell out stadiums because they’re not selling out. They’re going all in. Unlike many aging acts, they’ve not become a novelty. They’re not some slightly sad reminiscence machine that allows us to reconnect with the wild days of our past but reminds us that we’re getting old. On the contrary, they show us the potential for our future. They remind us in a most unusual and entertaining fashion that more is possible and to continue doing what we love for as long as possible and with as much passion as possible.

The Stones are not only still a great band, but they have also become a great life lesson. I must admit that I didn’t see that coming.