Well... looks like I'm the Oldest out of everyone Posting. I'll be 53 next month and have been playing since'68. I've married twice, have 4 kids and 6 Grands, and have been in a giging Band for 4 years. Can I Shred? Not really. But I've never given up on trying. Things came to a real slow down when the kids were born. But now, it's just my wife and our weiner dog. And because she supports me in what I do, I've been able to keep my playing up a bit. I'm the IT guy for a Company of 22 and have been since 1995. It's still a balancing act, but my wife says, " if you can do it, then go for it". What a Gal.
She's my Manager. She makes sure I get my Practicing in at home, and grades what we do as a Band, without holding back.
Will I ever make it to the "Big Time"? Who knows, but it's a great Trip to go in that direction. It's great playing with other Musicians and learning the things they know. Heck, I had Nick Cantanese from Black Label Society stop by at Practice on night, and we had the best time! He's a Gifted Musician and one of the nicest guys I've ever met. And he showed me a lot that I was missing.
I like this Journey. It's challenging, rewarding, crushing, can be an amazing high, and at times, can rip your heart out.
But when you have support from Family and Friends, you'll have very little to regret.
IMHO,
LB