Hi Kids! It's how YOU see it. I'm not sure how important looks are although if you went by American Idol standards, it seems it's very important. I'm 53, and I'm in a band with four other guys , all in our 50's, and we are all better at what we do. None of us obviously intend to quit playing any time soon since the band is relatively new. It's kind of like the Beatles or Stones, Aerosmith, there are bands that live and last and there are the one hit wonders. It's a combination of passion and talent. How many of the young bands will last? It's like someone said earlier, there's some very mature and talented younger musicians out there and guess what? They will be US, someday! Whether they see more success, well, that depends on what you call success, but I think if you play all your life, like myself, it's a good thing. I also think that as an older musician, still at it, we set a new standard. We can break the norm. As a woman, I think it's even more difficult because of that whole looks thing but I don't look my age, so that helps me only for now. I intend to keep playing till I die, but who knows how things "play out" , no pun intended! I think this whole age thing is seen in the work place as well. That's why they are letting 50 something executives go after years in the company, blah , blah, and I bartended for years and it's so hard to find a bartending job now as an older woman. I really think you just gotta storm the gates and do this. Set a new standard, no matter what it is you want to continue to do. Hey, not to be corny or is it lame, now, but remember from grade school, "Give me liberty or give me death" ? Well, I want to be free to do what I want, for as long as I want. Especially, cos I'm doing it better than I ever have! AND, We will!