You're right, of course.... age does that to us all.... but I'm not put off by it. Saddened, for sure.... but...
Their voices are still quite recognizable and I allow my memories and imagination to do the rest.
I heard Paul McCartney not long ago, (we discussed it on this board), and it was obvious, to me anyway, that his voice ain't what it once was... BUT... it was still Paul.
Went to see Lydia Pense some time back who once could hit notes that would shatter glass 4 counties away.... but no more. It was Lydia however, very recognizable... I enjoyed it.
Took a friends drum gear into Fresno yesterday where a drum store owner is going to appraise it and buy it. My friends wife wanted to get it out of the house. So I'm talking to the owner, good friend of mine, Dana... and I told him I was finally retiring from playing in a band. His first question was, of course, "you won't play at all anymore?". He knew the answer, just wanted to hear me say it. <smile> Of course I'll continue playing drums.. that will never end. I can't stop... that isn't possible. I think...
It's no different with all the famous musicians/vocalists.... the body may fail you but the heart never does. It's a never ending love. You can never 'retire' it. - JamesJM