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Too old to rock and roll, too young to die. The saying is as true today in our time as it was when Ian Anderson first uttered those words in 1975. 2023 marks a turning point in rock music. Several members of the old guard are hanging up their guitars, putting pianos away in storage, and even locking away their wardrobes. There are currently six beloved artists going out on their final treks. Despite the sadness, it is, after all, a time of celebration. A time to reflect on the music and legacy of these oldies acts.
KISS
KISS touted that the End of The Road has been coming since 2019. The band, Gene Simmons (bass), Paul Stanley (guitar), Tommy Thayer (guitar) and Eric Singer (drums) have been trekking the globe for the last six years on their final run of shows. The band has been active since 1973, when they formed in New York City. Back then the lineup was a little different. Guitar legend Ace Frehley was in the band from 1973-1979 and drummer Peter Criss was in it for that time as well. Since then, the band has had rotating line ups, but Simmons and Stanley have remained its core members. The band have amassed 14 Platinum Records and have influenced a generation of shock rockers including Alice Cooper, Slipknot, Marylin Manson and more. The band’s final shows will take place in New York this December.
Aerosmith
You think Aerosmith were just going to roll over after several setbacks in 2022, including impacts to Steven Tyler’s health? Dream On! The band, Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (lead guitar), Brad Whitford (rhythm guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass) is going on their final tour this September. Former drummer Joey Kramer is not taking part in the final trek due to personal reasons. The band was sidelined from their Vegas Residency last year due to Steven Tyler’s health issues and sexual assault allegations. The band have been around since 1973, so it makes sense for this to be the year of their final trek. Tickets, including those for a singular bar stool have been on sale for as much as $400. It is unknown currently how long the tour is expected to last. To date, Aerosmith have sold over 150 million albums and have influence bands including The Black Crowes and Dirty Honey.
Dead & Company
The music never stops, until the band calls it a day. The band formed former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir (guitar), Bill Kreutzmann (drums) and Mickey Hart (percussion) in 2015. The band formed due to touring member and famed pop star John Mayers’ (guitar/vocals) love of the Grateful Dead’s music. He invited Bob Weir to join him at a Late Show performance. From there the duo hit it off. He hit it off with the other Grateful Dead members. Mayer in the meantime, learned their back catalogue by heart. That August, the band was fully formed with keyboardist Jeff Clementi, and bassist Oteil Burbridge rounding out the line up. The band has primarily stuck to touring, selling out arenas and stadiums since 2015. This summer marks the final run of shows, with Kreutzmann sitting out due to personal matters. The band’s tenure is expected to last until July 16th.
Foreigner
British-American are taking part in their “Historic Farewell Tour.” Historic this tour is as the legendary 70’s band will be touring a grand total of 32 dates (confirmed so far). The band over the years has since seen a rotating lineup. Original vocalist Lou Gramm is long gone, but his spirit is there due in part to singer Kelly Hanson. The original member remaining is lead guitarist Mick Jones. His presence alone makes the tour worth the price of admission. Foreigner have sold 80 million records and counting, making them a must-see live band. The band will be accompanied on this final trek by fellow late 70’s stalwarts Loverboy.
Elton John
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road takes on a whole new meaning when Sir Elton John’s tour wraps up this year. The legendary classic rock artist wanted to retire for a humble reason, to spend time with his family. John has embarked on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour since 2018. Everything Elton John has done on this tour has been for the fans. He partnered with Peaks, a sound engineering company to ensure personalized volume experiences for fans. He has also had the soundboard audio recorded for each show, so fans can relive each concert. Elton recently played his “Final United Kingdom” show in Glastonbury this year. The performance drew a record breaking 7 million viewers on BBC when it broadcast. Elton reportedly only has 7! Remaining shows before putting away the piano one last time.
Kenny Loggins
With an extensive and expansive career that Kenny Loggins had embarked on, it’s only fitting that he say farewell. From his start in the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, to Loggins & Messina and his own chart-topping success in the 80’s, Loggins has done it all. While he may be hanging up his guitar, music intends to be a part of his life. Like Sir Elton John, Loggins cites his age as a factor and wanting to spend more time with family. The aptly titled “This Is It” tour features 90% hits and 10% deep cuts. So, for fans of the song Vehevella, could likely expect to hear that tune one more time!
Buddy Guy
The words “Living Legends” do not get tossed around lightly these days. So, when it was announced that Buddy Guy, announced his “Damn Right” final tour, its cause for reflection. Having toured his first batch of dates in February and March, the 87-year-old blues musician can’t get enough of life on the road. When most people his age enter a retirement home, he enters a tour bus. Even at 87, Guy can still write like the best of them. Performing hits from a storied career including a recent Number One album, Guy has proven that age is just a number.
So, there you have it folks, the complete list of oldies artists going on their final tours. See them while you can, when you can, and if you can’t, appreciate the legacy and influence that they have left behind.
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