Baby boomers keep on rocking

James Hattori Correspondent

LOS ANGELES - Rarely has music been so intertwined with American culture — and even politics — as it is for baby boomers. The songs and lyrics they grew up with literally rocked a generation. So it's no wonder when it comes to reliving those moments, the boomers, many approaching 60, are as young as ever.

It isn't just music; it's the beat of a generation. Some of it coming from 63-year-old former Beatle Paul McCartney.

"It's a part of my life," says one male fan attending a McCartney concert. "I've been listening to him for 30 odd years."

"This is about my 20th time seeing him," says Tina. "Yes, it's nostalgic. Yes, it brings back a lot of memories."

"They want to be with the music they grew up with," explains Joe Levy of Rolling Stone magazine. "They also want to be with the community they grew up with."

From the sweet soul of Al Green to the social conscience of Bob Dylan, the rhythms of the 1960s saw the children of the 1950s through war and political upheaval.

“They saw rock and roll change not just their lives,” says Levy, “but the entire world.”

It is an experience they have now passed on to their children, like Josh, who at a McCartney concert credits "my loving mother, Emily, who introduced me to the Beatles."

Today, the so-called “geezer rockers” do big business. Rolling Stones concert DVDs are hot sellers, and concert tours can gross more than $50 million.

Even Mick Jagger jokes about it, telling a recent audience at the Hollywood Bowl that the last time he played there in 1966, tickets cost just $4.  For a recent show, they went as high as $450 at the box office.

But for boomers, it isn't so much about the money.

"These guys will keep rolling when I'm in a wheelchair," says one fan named Pete.

"It's only rock and roll, but I love it," laughs another female fan.

It's all about the timeless vibe.

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