As I venture into my 40s, I feel a new urgency to share this message with younger generations, particularly those born in the tail end of the demographic shift that separates us from the Baby Boomers. I’ve entered that illustrious phase of life where attending a concert can actually be painful.
About six years ago, a persistent ache in my right foot escalated into a debilitating condition known as plantar fasciitis. There was no specific injury; my body simply decided to protest. Gone were the days of stylish heeled boots and cute flats. Instead, I found myself in sensible clogs with arch support, heel stretches, and custom inserts. I reassured myself that if the music was great, no one would notice my less-than-fashionable footwear. So, I strapped on my black orthopedic shoes and continued to rock out—well, at least not “rocking” like a rocking chair—yet. I still managed to groove at a Black Keys stadium concert, a Book of Love reunion show in a dimly lit club, and even the thrilling second encore of a Lord Huron performance at San Francisco’s Fillmore. I naively thought that foot issues were as bad as it would get.
However, my aging body was only getting started. Last year, a minor strain in my right shoulder, caused by tossing a pinecone for my dog (my athletic partner quipped, “Well, I’ve seen your throwing technique; this was bound to happen”), gradually morphed into a painful condition called capsulitis, or Frozen Shoulder syndrome. This isn’t the fun Disney Frozen™ kind—there are no sparkles here. I can’t raise my right arm past my ribs, reach behind me to zip up a dress, or lift anything heavier than a can of soup.
Most painfully, I can no longer wave my hands in the air like I used to. Now, any shoulder movement sends sharp pains shooting through me. There was a recent party where I was dancing to “Blister in the Sun” by the Violent Femmes, and during the explosive moment when everyone shouts, “Let me go out! Like a blister in the sun!” I had to take a knee due to the pain my shoulder caused. The shoulder specialist told me, “This is the most common ailment I treat for women aged 40 to 60.” Even my hairdresser chimed in, “I had it. Menopause is next.” I expect my AARP invitation is on the way, specifically marked “EZ 2 Open for Frozen Shoulder Sufferers!”
In the next six weeks, I’m slated to attend five concerts, featuring acts from The Replacements to Jenny Lewis, and even a house concert with folk artist Robby Hecht. Am I thrilled? Absolutely! Am I already plotting where to stand at each venue to avoid bumping into my sore shoulder? Definitely. I might have even practiced a few dance moves in front of the mirror—keeping my hands firmly below my waist, of course.
While the frozen shoulder is tough, the realization that someday I’ll look back at this time fondly pains me even more. “Remember when I didn’t trip over my walker trying to get to the front? Or when I could hear without double hearing aids?” If the hearing aids do come, they will likely be a testament to my concert-going days, so perhaps there’s some poetic justice in that.
To all the thirty-something music lovers caught up in the whirlwind of parenting, work, and life’s demands, let me remind you: this is why babysitters and microwave dinners exist. Use them liberally. Relish those concerts while you still can. There will come a time when you’ll be at a show, and the lead singer croons a heart-wrenching lyric about pain, and you’ll nod in painful agreement.
This article was originally published on April 28, 2015.
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Summary
As we age, the experience of enjoying live music can be bittersweet, marked by physical challenges and the realization that these moments may become cherished memories. Embrace the joys of concert-going while you can, and don’t let the demands of life overshadow your love for music.
Keyphrase: Live music in your 40s
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