Wednesday, 20 June 2007

Talkin' 'Bout My Generation

When the Who’s Pete Townshend penned “My Generation” back in 1965, he didn’t figure that he’d live long enough to collect social security. In the hands of the Zimmers – the world’s oldest rock band (lead singer Alf is 90; Buster, the oldest member, is a neat 100, and the youngest of the Zimmers are 69 years of age) – this classic rock song takes on an entirely new meaning. Recorded by the 40-member collaboration of grannies and grandpas for a BBC documentary in an attempt to bring attention to the feelings of isolation felt by the elderly, the video is more than a nifty little piece of political theater. It’s also an illustration of the empowering spirit of rock & roll, right down to the smashed guitars and the drummer joyfully kicking down his kit. Hope I die before I get old, indeed!

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