I don't think "forever" is doable, but look at The Rolling Stones, for example. Or Ringo Starr. Or Bob Dylan. It's certainly possible to do good shows when you're 80 years old. Now, Mick Jagger at 80 is about as fit as MK at 55, so no wonder he had to stop sooner. I bet MK would've had another tour or two in him if he had looked after his body a bit more. I guess that'll be a lesson for all of us.
Yes, look at Bob Dylan! The last time I saw him live was when he was on tour with MK in 2011 in Manchester. By the time he was on his fourth song people started leaving - he was so bad! I would hate that to happen to Mark. As for Mick Jagger, he looks ridiculous, still trying to look 19 when he is 80 and Keith can hardly play guitar these days because of his arthritic fingers. I would hate Mark to end up like these. I'm glad he has stopped touring, because he seems to have had some health issues over the last few years.
In all fairness, Bob Dylan has miraculously developed a lot since 2011, especially vocally. Maybe he's not like he was when he was younger, but he sure sounds great these days, at least up until now. He has new tour dates for 2023 and he sounded great in 2021 and 2022. He also plays barely any hits, if any at all, plays exactly what he wants, mostly stuff from his latest album which is his best in a while. The shows have been pretty good. It's more focused on the lyrics probably than the music, at least on the recordings, but people who go to see him, who are "true" fans, they describe the shows as captivating and hypnotic, a mesmerizing experience.
I guarantee many of Dylan's contemporaries would love to be on his level.
I'm gonna hold myself back from more praise, as I hope I don't bring any bad luck to Bob going forward. At that age, minor issues can affect a lot.
I would like to say that, as for Mark, whatever I said previously (on this topic I believe) doesn't really matter. What matters most is how Mark feels at the end of the day. If he feels comfortable and safe touring and if he still loves to do it and wants to do it - that's all that matters and he should keep doing it.
Fans who go to see him want to see him enjoy himself at this stage of his career and life. That's something that you can't fake in front of an audience, they can see and recognize that.
And if the big tours are too much, just do shorter tours instead and do whatever you want.
I love Mark's taste in music, so I know no matter what he plays out there, I'm gonna feel a certain connection to it no matter what it is. As long as he enjoys it and it's evident in his body language and facial expressions, that's enough for me.
If those things are a stretch for him, then he shouldn't tour. It's okay.
I know that even with his worst physical appearance possible, Mark is still better than the most average person at his age. No one could possibly convince me otherwise.
Can't wait for the new album, I know it'll be a smash.
