I have nothing against old people (like me) performing. The only reason I don't is that I never have - I was never a great singer, though a clever one (and a good producer/arranger). I simply did not have any performance skills. But it's sad, I find, when old people try to replicate younger vocals or performing. The best example was Elton a couple of years ago at Glasto when he could clearly hardly walk anymore. Sounded OK but looked frail; but that was fine as he just sat and played. Cat Stevens on the same show was far better though - adapting his old hits to his 70s persona.
Mutton dressed as lamb - no. Mutton being mutton - fine.
As for the young newbies - I really miss good melodies, clever hooks and different lyrics. Not easy (we did it all, originally, in the 60s and 70s - there's not a lot new to do). But I do feel those missing ingredients are vital in music.
Galstonbury and festivals show up the missing magic. They can still be great fun - gatherings have a joy of their own and there's a kind of mass hypnosis that overtakes individuals in a crowd. But rteplacing genuine mass appeal tracks and artistes by manufactured outfits may have allowed the music industry to continue to exist but it's become a specialist, luxury area instead of a vital element. In my 60s and 70s it was as essential to humanity as water or breath.

It's good when the legends go back on the road. Peter Hammill is doing a mini tour but hopefully he will extend or do a new one next year.

Music was essential when we were young, almost everyone had had a music magazine if you were girly you had Jackie and drooled who ever Teeny Bopper star was in the issue. Mostly David Cassidy or the BCR. I did smuggle in the odd David Cassidy or Partridge Family record from time to time. Rainmaker is a brilliant record.

It's very nostalgic when I read people buying their first records with pocket money going to Woolworths or Boots to buy records. Boots stocked stuff Woolworths never had in.

When I was in the car boot Sunday, I saw younger people especially kid's are buying vinyl. I haven't been to to proper concert a several month's but Fish had a diverse age group of fans.

Glastonbury is more about white middle class, not the working classes. They know about boarders and barriers but we are not allowed them on the Kent coast.

When I hear the absolute garbage blasting out from young men's cars it makes me very sad. I remember being a youth and blasting out Whitesnake, Tracy Chapman and Nirvana. Lord knows what they are listening to today but it mainly sounds aggressive, boring as fook, and so repetitive. I never though we'd see the day where music was being given a state funeral.

Nirvana could be quite aggressive. I know what you mean Cat. Youth seem to listen to distortion with added clipping. When the lads speed of you can't really hear their music but more noise from their hairdryers.

I do thinks it quite cringe when you hear metal from cars. My late father did blast out George Formby and Gerry and the Pacemakers with the car windows rolled down.

When I'm Cleaning Windows at maximum volume driving down Regent Street is pure paradise GM.

From what I saw at Glastonbury, Rod Stewart was the stand out performance. It has great charisma and a multitude of hits. Not to mention 3 great special guests. Lulu looking great at 76. Oasis have little stage craft. Liam stands on stage with is hands behind his back, sneering at fans. Rod was far from hobbling around, still being able to do 100m in 19s.