"What a drag it is getting old."
Mick Jagger, 73, first sang those lyrics in 1965 when he was just 22. "I'd rather be dead than singing 'Satisfaction' when I'm 45," he said at the time.
But like a lot of legends, Sir Mick changed his tune as he got older. Today, more and more musicians are touring deep into their golden years -- not because they need the cash, but because they still have their health, their chops, and their love of performing
When it comes to performing live, 80 is the new 50: Why stay home and play golf when you can play your hits and still attract groupies?
As we await Tony Bennett's performance Wednesday night at Bass Hall, here are 10 performers 80 and up who still tour regularly.
1. Tony Bennett, 90
(born Aug. 3, 1926)
Like a lot of musicians, the former Anthony Benedetto used to smoke cigarettes, drink excessively and snort cocaine. But he kicked those habit years ago. Today, Bennett has enough lung-power to put down the mike and send unamplified notes soaring to the balcony.
2. Loretta Lynn, 84
(born April 14, 1932)
The Coal Miner's Daughter once cut a single titled "Country in My Genes." Apparently, she was talking about longevity genes. Her melancholy alto continues to pack a punch, and she still cuts a striking figure in her trademark spangled gowns.
3. Willie Nelson, 83
(born April 29, 1933)
"Funny How Time Slips Away" indeed. The pride of Abbott, Texas, sounds much the same today as he did 50 years ago. His sweet nasal whine is a bit more weathered and his guitar notes are rougher, but his timing remains impeccable.
4. Wayne Shorter, 83
(born Aug. 25, 1933)
One of jazz's boldest improvisers, Miles Davis' former right-hand man continues to coax magic from his sax on his own and with others. In August, Shorter announced a new supergroup, Mega Nova, featuring Carlos Santana and Herbie Hancock.
5. John Mayall, 83
(born Nov. 29, 1933)
"The Godfather of British Blues" (and Eric Clapton's mentor) is a well-oiled touring machine, performing in 27 European cities this month alone. Mayall remains the consummate live bandleader, handling lead vocals while switching from guitar to keyboards to harmonica.
6. Frankie Valli, 82
(born May 3, 1934)
Famous for his sky-high falsetto, the Four Seasons frontman now relies so heavily on pre-recorded backing vocals when he "sings" onstage that nobody knows what his voice actually sounds like anymore.
7. Johnny Mathis, 81
(born Sept. 30, 1935)
Chances are, he'll never stop touring. Like Bennett, Mathis had to overcome alcohol and drug addictions in order to hang on to his velvety voice, which sounds almost as smooth today as it did in 1957, when he first hit the charts with "Chances Are."
8. Buddy Guy, 80
(born July 30, 1936)
The blues guitar whiz no longer leaps offstage and storms into the street as he plays a solo, but Guy can still scorch his Stratocaster like no one since Jimi Hendrix.
9. Charlie Daniels, 80
(born Oct. 28, 1936)
"The Devil Went Down to Georgia" singer keeps working like the devil, playing every county fair and festival that will have him. He'll perform at the Off the Rails Festival in Frisco on May 7.
10. Kris Kristofferson, 80
(born June 22, 1936)
Freedom is just another word for singing till you drop. Kristofferson still performs two-hour concerts, but considering how many classics he's written, he could stay onstage and sing all night long if he wanted.
Going to Tony Bennett? Details on his show:
Tony Bennett performs at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15 at Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St. Fort Worth. Sold out. Details here.
