Age gaps in bandmates

[neonblack]

What is everyone's opinion about playing with people who are a good bit older or younger than you? There's a drummer that wants to play with me, but I'm 27 and he's 19. I don't typically hang out with people that much younger than me and I worry that we won't be able to relate very well. On the other hand, he's a killer drummer from what I've seen, and he could be a cool dude. Maybe I'm just being a grumpy old fart.

[Chankgeez]

I think this question has been asked here before.

I wouldn't put much into somebody's age unless it becomes a problem.

[backwardsvoyager]

I don't think age gaps matter at all if you can relate to someone musically, if he's a nice dude and can play well you shouldn't worry about it at all. It might be awkward at first but it doesn't mean you can't become good friends.
(speaking as a 19 year old here, it can be annoying when older people don't take you seriously, I've been overlooked because of my age before even though my playing level and commitment was more than adequate)

[Big Mon]

Yeah, I always had no problems with age gaps. I played in a band with a guy in his late 20's when I was 16. I was in one band at 18 and the drummer was in his early 30's. Our bass player was 15, and the other guitarist was 17. It worked out fine.

[GardenoftheDead]

I can't stand people my age but I can't stand people in general

[Ghost Hip]

In my new band, my bass player is 31 and I am 23. A decent age gap. We jive pretty well. The most important thing between bandmates is that you each have similar expectations/goals. If someone wants to be a musician, and another just wants to have fun playing music... you're going conflict. One of the first things I do after jamming with people two or three times and we are creating something worth talking about... is to well... talk about it! What are everyone's intentions with this? Do we take it further? etc.

I say jam with the dude, if it goes good, take it from there. If nothing great happens, talk about it, be honest, and move on.

[retinal orbita]

When I was 32 I played with a death metal band full of 20 year olds. I left because I couldn't relate.

However when I was 17 I played in a band with guys in their 30's. One guy in our band is 45, one is my age (34) and another is 27 and we are all best bros and I would take a bullet for any of them.

What you can draw from this is that I am awesome.

[theavondon]

If they're 18, they're legal, maaaaaan.

[Jeff-7]

In my new band, my bass player is 31 and I am 23. A decent age gap. We jive pretty well. The most important thing between bandmates is that you each have similar expectations/goals. If someone wants to be a musician, and another just wants to have fun playing music... you're going conflict. One of the first things I do after jamming with people two or three times and we are creating something worth talking about... is to well... talk about it! What are everyone's intentions with this? Do we take it further? etc.

I say jam with the dude, if it goes good, take it from there. If nothing great happens, talk about it, be honest, and move on.

You make it sound like a romantic relationship Age doesn't matter as long as they can play and be able to get into the venues you're playing at (ran into that problem before).

[Chankgeez]

In my new band, my bass player is 31 and I am 23. A decent age gap. We jive pretty well. The most important thing between bandmates is that you each have similar expectations/goals. If someone wants to be a musician, and another just wants to have fun playing music... you're going conflict. One of the first things I do after jamming with people two or three times and we are creating something worth talking about... is to well... talk about it! What are everyone's intentions with this? Do we take it further? etc.

I say jam with the dude, if it goes good, take it from there. If nothing great happens, talk about it, be honest, and move on.

You make it sound like a romantic relationship Age doesn't matter as long as they can play and be able to get into the venues you're playing at (ran into that problem before).

Too much talking, not enough fuzz?

[Greenfuz]

If they're 18, they're legal, maaaaaan.

[Bellyheart]

I'm 27. Drummer is 20. Definitely have to remember how I was at the age at times but it doesn't matter usually.

Some priorities maybe mixed up but overall it's fine.

[neonblack]

Well, he's a better drummer than I am a bassist. I just see a lot of idiots his age. But then again, I see a lot of idiots my age. I'm just gonna jam and see what happens.

[AxAxSxS]

I prefer over 21, other than that, doesn't matter.

[D.o.S.]

Either you can play or you can't.