BLOG-Should Artists Stop Writing New Tunes?

While on tour in the islands, we, as a band, had this discussion about when an established artist should just stop writing.  At first, I was shocked that somebody would suggest the concept of stopping, but then I started thinking about it. 

Can you write so many hits that you just cannot compete with yourself?

Let’s look at Paul Simon. Great songwriter.  So many hits and fantastic lyrical lines. Now, he just came out with a new album and let me tell you…I am not a fan.  Could Paul have stopped and I would be as happy as ever? YES.  Would I still go see him perform his old hits?  YES!  So, yeah, I am ok with Paul just stopping the new song development process. 

Once I started thinking about Paul, I ran down the list of several other well established artists and came up with the same answer:  Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Journey, Tom Petty, Eagles and a others. 

Now, I know it seems unfair to say they should just quit while they are ahead, but if they don’t, won’t we disappointed if they come up with something that is just not as great as the hits they produced before?

As much as I crave new music, I am ok with some of the greats playing their oldies … all the time.

Keep shopping…you still have a week left until Christmas!

<p><span style="font-family: Lucida Handwriting; color: Gold; font-size: x-large;">FX</span></p>