Here's the way I look at it. If you're already well off and you haven't had to work a real job for most of your life, why stop?
And I don't mean to downplay the amount of work involved in big concert tours. There's a lot. But if you control it and you set up gigs at your convenience and, perhaps most importantly, if people keep paying you to do it, why stop playing the music that you love?
Originally Posted by Crock
I get your point, Crock.. however... from my perspective, your post applies to, say, an Artist between 65-75, roughly speaking. not an exact range that fits everyone, but a good thumbnail.
after that, you must consider the Artist's ability to continue performing.. every singer loses range, few can truly deliver at an advanced age.. I go back to that 75 "cap".. it might be 80 for a few artists.. it could also be 65.. it depends.
it matters, too, what and how you sing.. Willie Nelson can keep going with a voice like his, the songs he has always performed.. not a lot to it. Patti Labelle? different story.. she is still remarkable for her age, but no way can she last to Willie's age.. Tony Bennett, yes, easy listening, light vocals that don't strain the cords much.. for the most part.. but God Damn, 93?
it isn't about what they love, or want to do the rest of their lives.. at a certain point, it becomes a cash grab or an ego massage. somebody in your Camp, your handlers, need to say "this needs to stop, you can't sing worth a damn anymore".. maybe say it more gently, but it's no different from telling Grandma she needs to hand over the car keys, after T-boning 2 vehicles last week.