A Journal Of Musical Things
The Oldest Musicians Who Refuse To Fade Away
By Alan Cross
Jan. 1, 2026
As we go into 2026, here are the oldest musicians who are still recording and touring
“Don’t trust anyone over thirty!” “I hope I die before I get old!” Those slogans haven’t aged well, have they? Here’s a list of the oldest working musicians as of January 1, 2026. Additions and corrections welcome.
Willie Nelson: 92
Frankie Valli: 91
Herb Alpert: 90
Buddy Guy: 89
Ringo Starr: 85
Cliff Richard: 85
Tom Jones: 85
Dionne Warwick: 85
Smokey Robinson: 85
Bob Dylan: 84
Paul Simon: 84
John McLaughlin: 83
Paul McCartney: 83
Andy Summers: 82
George Benson: 92
Barry Manilow: 82
Mick Jagger: 82
Keith Richards: 82
Roger Waters: 82
Steve Miller: 81
Diana Ross: 81
Roger Daltrey: 81 (although The Who seems to be done)
Peter Cetera: 81
Rod Steward: 80
John Fogerty: 80
Deborah Harry: 80
Eric Clapton: 80
Pete Townshend: 80 (see Roger Daltrey above)
Ian Gillan: 80
Bette Midler: 80
Van Morrison: 80
Roger Glover: 80
Neil Young: 79
Dolly Parton: 79
Robbie Krieger: 79
David Gilmour: 79
Cher: 79
Barry Gibb: 79
Patti Smith: 78
Iggy Pop: 78
Steve Howe: 78
Brian May: 78
Don Henley: 78
Joe Walsh: 78
Carlos Santana: 78
Elton John: 78 (Well, semi-retired)
Ian Anderson: 78
Sammy Hagar: 78
