My favorite band is Genesis. The most magical member of Genesis was, in my opinion, Phil Collins. Not only did he rock drums and vocals with the squad, but he continued past Genesis as a solo artist and added his own hype, passion, and style to '80s pop music.
So I'm a 19-year-old college student whose paper-writing and apartment-cleaning endeavors often run on the sustainable power of Genesis's and Phil Collins's rhythmic drive. Sometimes it's the weird transitions in "Domino," sometimes it's the jaunty keyboard riff of "Doesn't Anybody Stay Together Anymore," but I can always find what I need. When on a drive with my friends this weekend, I had to stop the radio on a song that no one else knew... belting the lyrics to "Misunderstanding," from 1980, still felt current and relevant to me. These songs have immortality as far as I'm concerned.
But if your favorite band is old, too, then you may have run into these problems before.
Most people only recognize a tiny fraction of the band's work.
Most people my age just know Phil Collins from the "Tarzan" soundtrack. I'm not complaining; those are some epic songs! But Genesis started with prog rock. There's a whole spectrum there.
You're jealous of people who were your age back then.
Your favorite band probably won't go on tour anymore!
And they won't make more music videos.
Well, I'm just kidding within the context of that GIF. We all know that Pet Shop Boys will keep on making music forever (their newest album, "Super," just came out).
You might seem out-of-step for loving old music.
Some of your faves might even die.
Rest in peace, David Bowie.
But there are upsides to loving an old band, too.
They might tour again... and you'd be so happy-surprised!
When I read that Phil Collins had gotten a miraculous surgery and was able to drum again, I freaked out in joy! My dreams could come true!
No one can argue that they haven't stood the test of time.
A new artist might seem cool at first, but then grow annoying quickly. If you can see a band's complete body of work and still declare that you love them, you have a confident bond that will last.
You might get to wear vintage band gear.
There will be new bands who emulate your fave old ones.
For example, the band depicted above, The Struts, captures everything about glam rock that's still relevant with their attitude and fashion. Their full album, "Everybody Wants," was released this year!
As artists grow old, younger ones will honor them...
Lady Gaga paid tribute to David Bowie at this year's Grammys.
In the end, the benefits outweigh the detriments. I love many old bands and feel overjoyed that the music they recorded so long ago is still bringing light to my life!