da skunk wrote:it's not about playing with younger folkes. i've met many a 20+yr old that was an animal behind there instrument. I also am proud to say i've taught all types of folks from womans self help groups to handicap individuals and believe it or not a three yr old(not mine). and the normal all around students. i've been very blessed to be sorounded by all ages. seriously. 69 the oldest. so let me say i did not understand the jokes i'm just feeling alittle 37 as of jan 13th. my apologies. just seems as if i have insane drive and latter 30 somethins seem to be alittle less driven than me. the younger guys in there 20's seem to love original stuff and no covers. older guys no originals. i'm in the middle i believe i still have a whole lot left as an original musician and have learned that its a whole lot easier to play covers an a casino making 60a yr min. while throwing out cd's of originals. its a frustrating situation. that's what i mean by revolution. do both. what an amazing concept! 
Not to be contradictory, but I am only 19 and I feel the same way you do when it comes to doing both. I want to do covers and originals in a concert, actually though mainly covers. The reason I choose mainly covers is because I do not want to really go anywhere with it, it is just a hobby to me. But for someone who takes it seriously I can see the concept of wanting to do both, and really get out there with the originals.
Look, you are 37, you are not over your hill, as you have said. Kirk Hammett is 45 (Almost 46) and James Hetfield is like 44, and these guys are still writing. Hey, Joe Perry is 47 and Steven Tyler is 59 (Almost 60). If guys those ages can keep writing and dreaming, then I think we all can. The only thing that makes it rough these days is if you have a family, which is what Irish Anthony was saying. See, that is where being young has its advantages. Not only do young people have more stamina but we do not have a family holding us back.
It is not a bad thing to have family, in fact if I was over 30 I would gladly give up the idea of being a professional musician just so I can be with my family and be a good husband, and father. You can live both dreams, but it would be very hard and not fair to the family.
Your devotion should always to be to your family in my opinion, but never ever give up your instrument, lol. Now I do not want you to be offended or like "This kid is a pest," I am just offering advice. I am that younger generation you are referring to, and I can see what you are talking about. But may I say, we could use some older veterans out there creating music, because our songs suck.
The people of my time cannot write worth of crap. The guy I jam with wrote a piece and I thought it was awesome, and I like my stuff it is rather unique sounding (But I guess everyone says that). However, I have heard some peoples stuff of today and I think to myself "Put down your instruments, go to college and never play again, please." Welcome to the world of music, it's a theme park of doom.
Whatever you choose to do, I wish you luck.
Peace out, GuitarAnatomy.
