BoomerGirl Diary

What consistently strikes me is that older rockers almost always wear the same incredibly harsh, predictable and unflattering uniform. There are oh so few exceptions. “Dare to be Wild”? How about “Dare to be different!”

I recently went to one of those concerts whose featured performer used to have a hugely successful band and string of hits in the '60s. Now he tours on his own with a new and much younger drummer and two guitarists almost 40 years his junior.

But, what I’m about to describe is the not-so-stylish story of not only the '60s rock groups but also spans the ages through the '70s and '80s, too.

The color of choice is always black (maybe there's some burgundy thrown in). The uniform consists of a hat of some sort (so no one would guess you're balding — right?) then small sunglasses (to look cool, man). Then a black T-shirt is a must (or you may not be perceived as an "artist"), which is layered by the ill-fitting sport jacket or black leather vest, along with tight black jeans or light-blue jeans. The “look” is finished off with some black boots (with a heel for essential height) or black sneakers.

The younger guys in the band had only their better physiques going for them ... for they, too, were already on the fast track to this ubiquitous style.

Black and denim — united we stand, divided (or reconsidered) we’d fall?

Too bad.

If these guys were only as good to look at as to listen to. The star still actually had his unique voice and sound. So much room for improvement and individuality with style I thought …

But their audience rarely cares. Why would they?

Because after a look around, all I saw were baby boomers (and older) who also subscribe to the same look (men and women). No doubt wishing that time had stood still — the harsh macho look that really bloomed in the '80s was all around me.

The crowd reveled in the music of their heyday. Dancing in the aisles and vying to get on stage (then ready to jump on their Harleys?) ... and utterly unaware (I'd wager that only my own eyes seriously hurt, and no one else's) ... that style-wise they need a long hard look in the mirror.

Even with the my book's positive title, I wondered what it would take for these folks to consider reading "Forever Cool" with an open mind. I interpret “cool” as the ability to age while truly being modern and true to yourself with a personal stamp. It’s cool to take into count your changing physique and consider what looks great on you NOW.

Yeah,I know his songs were not rock and roll, but he had it right: “Times — they are a-changin!” (Bob Dylan). Why can’t we?