A Music Psychology Expert Talks About Why Ageing Musicians Refuse Retirement

Michael Bonshor, the Music Director of Music Psychology in Education, Performance and Wellbeing at the University of Sheffield, has written an article on The Conversation about why ageing musicians refuse to actually retire.

As he found in the piece, Ozzy Osbourne went on the No More Tours tour in 1992 and went on to gig for another 30 years. Elton John has tried retiring five times - this time seems like it's for good, though. Barbra Streisand and Phil Collins have also announced their retirement from touring before returning to the stage.

"For many musicians, the motivation to perform is intrinsic rather than extrinsic," Bonshor notes, with extrinsic performers drawn to external factors involved in the life of a musician, such as money or awards. Most artists perform "because of a strong inner desire to make music."

Bonshor adds, "For dedicated performers, achievement in the musical sphere can become an irreplaceable vehicle for attaining self-esteem, personal growth and the satisfaction of fulfilling their potential." 

In a section called "you're only as good as your last performance," the expert continues, "For retired musicians, it can be challenging to find a comparable way to channel the energy they once dedicated to performance." Read the rest of the article here.

"Elton John first played on an Australian stage on 17 October 1971. In the 49 years since, he has become one of Australia’s favourite international touring artists, something that has seen him return to our shores regularly, and not coincidentally, through the warmer months, John is known to enjoy cricket and tennis tournaments," The Music's 2020 live review of Elton John at Bankwest Stadium reads.

Reviewer Mick Radojkovic added, "Through renditions of singalong favourites like I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues and Tiny Dancer, the words seemed to flow back into your head. These are tunes so entrenched that you couldn’t help but belt them out. A clear highlight of the night, Rocket Man, was accompanied by a starlit planetary backdrop, just one of the many visuals that enhanced the performance."

Elton John is currently back in Australia touring "encore" dates - his very last shows down under. 

After John completes his January shows, he will have played 233 concerts in Australia throughout his career, the third most for any country outside the UK and the US.

During one of his Perth shows at the start of the 2019/2020 tour, he said: “I’ve had the best time; I’ve been so lucky, so fortunate to have had the chance to play music for a living. It’s brought me so much happiness, and so many wonderful things, and I’ve met so many wonderful people.

“From the bottom of my heart, I will never forget you guys…you’re in every part of my body, my soul, my heart – every fibre of my being. I’ve had enough applause to last me a million lifetimes.”