As I navigate my 40s, I’ve developed a newfound urgency to share my experiences with younger friends in Generation X. After all, I was among the first wave of this demographic, sandwiched between the Boomers and those just entering their adult years. But here’s the catch: attending live shows has started to take a toll on my body.
About six years ago, I noticed a persistent ache in my right foot that escalated into excruciating pain, ultimately diagnosed as plantar fasciitis. There was no accident or injury—just a day when my body decided to revolt. Gone were the days of stylish heeled boots and cute flats; from then on, it was all about heel stretches, custom insoles, and sensible clogs that prioritized comfort over fashion. I tried to remind myself that if the music was good, no one would be looking at my feet. So, I donned some black orthopedic shoes and went back to enjoying the tunes—note that I said “enjoying,” not “rocking” (the rocking chair kind is still a few years off). I was still able to dance at a Black Keys concert, sway during a Book of Love reunion, or lose myself in a Lord Huron encore at the Fillmore in San Francisco. Surely, I thought, foot problems were as challenging as it could get for me.
But my aging body had other plans. A minor strain in my right shoulder from tossing a pinecone for my dog (thanks to my husband for critiquing my throwing technique) morphed into a painful condition known as capsulitis, or Frozen Shoulder syndrome. And no, this isn’t the fun, sparkly Disney version—this is the kind that keeps my right arm glued to my side, making it impossible to reach for anything above my ribcage or zip up a dress.
Most frustrating of all? I can no longer wave my hands in the air as if I just don’t care—because it hurts like crazy. Just the other day, while dancing to “Blister in the Sun” by the Violent Femmes, I tried to demonstrate how a blister might go out and ended up taking a knee due to the pain. My shoulder specialist informed me that this is the most common ailment he sees in women aged 40 to 60. My hairdresser chimed in, “I had that, and menopause is next.” I half-expect an AARP invitation to arrive soon, marked “EZ 2 Open for Frozen Shoulder Sufferers!”
In the coming weeks, I’m set to attend five concerts—from The Replacements to Jenny Lewis, and even a house concert featuring folk artist Robby Hecht. Am I excited? Absolutely! Have I already mapped out the best spots at each venue to avoid shoulder bumping? You bet! I may have even practiced a few dance moves that keep my hands below waist level.
While the frozen shoulder is tough, the hardest part is acknowledging that one day, I’ll look back on this period as the “good ol’ days.” I can already hear myself reminiscing, “Remember when I didn’t trip over my walker trying to get to the front of the stage? Remember when I could hear the band without double hearing aids?” (Although if I do need hearing aids, it would likely be because of all those concerts, so I guess it’s only fair.)
So, to all the thirty-something music lovers who think they’re too busy juggling kids, work, and life: this is why babysitters and microwave dinners were invented. Use them! Enjoy live music while you can. There will come a day when you’ll listen to a love song about pain and find it resonates all too well.
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Summary:
Navigating the music scene in your 40s can be a painful yet rewarding experience. With physical challenges like plantar fasciitis and frozen shoulder, attending concerts requires strategy and adaptation. Embrace the joy of live music while you can, and don’t forget to utilize resources for family planning and home insemination!