Feeling like you are too old to chase the beat? I am here to tell you that no matter your age, you belong and are welcome on the dance floor!
These days you may be feeling like you are no longer a spring chicken and are simply too old for the party. You look back on your early years of being a raver in the scene and reminisce about the wild ragers that placed you at the center of attention as you danced until the sun came up in the sky.
Back then, you could easily make it through the night with ease but today, the story may look a little different. You are no longer in your twenties and the pressures and experience of life may have begun to take a toll on your body, mind, and spirit. You begin to ask yourself, as an older generation raver, “do I still belong in this scene? Do I still have the stamina and passion that once pulsed through my veins in excess?” But if you love electronic dance music there is no reason that you still can’t be part of the party!
Life is short and there is no time to talk yourself out of living it to the max. So, it is time to put all of your concerns and insecurities to rest and show how the OG raver still has what it takes to unleash the groove on the dance floor. I’ve narrowed down some of the most important problems and topics that older ravers face, so take a look and get to groovin’!
Respect your body and know your limits.
First and foremost, we can’t be ignorant of the fact that there may be new physical limitations that need to be respected when we venture out into the festival or club scene. For me, this comes in the form of clicking knees, stomach sensitivity, and brain fog. While we may not be able to shuffle, headbang, or grind low like we used to, there is absolutely no limitation when it comes to enjoying the music that we connect so deeply with.
Does this mean adjusting our dance moves to ensure that we preserve our energy and protect our bodies? For sure! It’s all about finding what works for you. Listen to your body and respond appropriately. This may mean that we need to slow down on or abstain from alcohol or other party favors. Substances have a way of wreaking havoc on our system and while we could bounce back easy as pie when we were in our early twenties, we are now dealing with multiple day hangovers after one night of heavy partying.
But how can I possibly have any fun without indulging in the fruits, you might ask? I can say from personal experience that the music can be a drug all in itself. As the beat lifts you to the next dimension, so does a feeling of euphoria that seems to wrap around your soul like a warm blanket.
In the end, the ones who continue chasing the beat well into their golden years do it because they can’t imagine a life without their favorite music as the backdrop. So, don’t ever feel out of place if you realize your party favor days are over. There are still boundless amounts of fun to be had! But, if you do decide to partake, do it at your own pace, remember to test everything before ingesting, and stay hydrated!
Related: For a great read, check out Erik’s article about harm reduction.
![Tonia Semeraro and fiance Nic Grecas](https://edmidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Older-Rave-generation.jpg)
Opinions are like assholes. We all have one.
Now, I may only be in my mid-thirties but I can’t even count the number of times that I have been asked if I was going to continue to attend festivals and club events now that I am past my raving prime. I roll my eyes every time I hear this question because when you love something to the core, why would you ever want to walk away from it?
From the young person’s perspective it is easy to begin to think that this scene is reserved for them as, let’s be honest, the scene has been flooded with a fresh crop of ravers dying to get in on all of the crazy shenanigans. And that is totally cool. I get it. EDM is life and I want the whole world to experience its awesomeness! The problem that I have is when the majority makes it seem like the older generation doesn’t have a place at the party. Social Media is the absolute worst when it comes to this issue.
From trolls trying to get a rise out of excited attendees with their “you are too old for this” rhetoric or family members scoffing at all of your festival posts because they just don’t understand why you won’t quit. This type of age shaming boils my blood. While it is perfectly fine to have an opinion, what really matters is that you are happy with the choices you are making in your own life.
My best advice. Learn to put on your ear muffs and ignore the haters. And whenever appropriate (especially when it comes to family members) don’t ever hesitate to be openly vocal about your history in the scene and why dance music is an indispensable part of your life. From personal experience, it can make a world of difference. And then go and be absolutely fabulous on the dance floor!
We are the ambassadors of PLUR.
Peace, Love, Unity, Respect. For those of us who have been raving since the turn of the century, we hold this credo near and dear to our hearts. It is the heartbeat of rave culture but has fallen by the wayside as the new generation gets their feet wet within the scene. Without the older generation to teach the ideals of PLUR, our fully inclusive scene has the potential to become disjointed and chaotic.
This is why it is so incredibly important that you stay focused and invested in the community. We need the OG ravers to spread the message. And let’s be real, this is a very unique community. It’s one that we are free to express ourselves, forge new relationships, unite together within a common interest, and escape the trials and tribulations of day to day life. With that being said, it is up to us to make sure that our values stay intact so that future ravers can experience the same homecoming feeling that we discovered many years ago.
So, the next time you are at your favorite EDM gathering, don’t let your age turn you into a wallflower. Get in there with your experience in tow and be a beacon of peace, love, unity, and respect. I promise you that kindness and a smile is absolutely infectious and is healthy for you too! People will respond and hopefully learn to mimic your vibrancy and leadership the next time they step onto the dance floor making for a better future under the lasers and lights!
![Shewang Lake at Imagine Music Festival](https://edmidentity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Shewang.jpg)
I hope that if nothing else, this touches the heart of those on the cusp of hanging up their dancing shoes.
At the end of the day, we have to do whatever it is that makes us happy. If that means hitting a festival at age 50? Then, by all means, get out there! Saturate yourself in the social gathering. Soak in the energy that drips from every nook and cranny of the festival grounds. Indulge in melodic euphoria and find your heartbeat in pulse-pounding rhythms. Stay in the scene that will forever and always be your home. And don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you are not welcome.
On the other side of the token, if you are in your twenties and reading this, I pose a challenge. The next time you see someone from the older generation on the dance floor, strike up a conversation. You may be amazed to hear some pretty epic stories and learn a little bit about the history of our beloved scene!
Related: Get to know Pamela Lake aka Shewang (photo featured above), a raving beauty that still rides the rails at the biggest trance events on the planet!
I’ll be 46 on the 5th of June. I’m originally a Deadhead (Grateful Dead fan) but I’ve been going to edm type shows since 2010. I Love all music and have been going to concerts and festivals for over 30 years and only intend to stop going when I’m dead. I’ll be going to EDC Vegas again this year and as I did last year, I will be attending SummerCamp in Chillicothe, Illinois for another four day music festival the following week. I have but one day to pack my car once I get back to Vegas so that I may go to my next festival. Besides all the local shows (like Adventure Club this weekend, 27 April) I attend I will also be driving to the Atlanta Motor Speedway in September for Imagine Festival. I LOVE music and I literally live for the next show. One does not stop playing because they get old, one gets old because they stop playing. Live the Life you Love & Love the Life you Live
❤️☯️
Woot! Keep on dancing baby!!
I’ve been doing Circuit Parties since I came out, 20 years ago at the age of 40. That’s where I first fell in love with Trance and the EDM dance scene. I’m now 61, with a Titanium hip replacement and arthritis “everywhere,” but I still can dance with the best of them; just for shorter stints of time on the dance floor. This is my music. This is what makes me dance, cry and feel alive. I’ll keep dancing until I have to be wheeled out there.
Yaaaaas! I love to hear that you are still getting out there!!
EDM has become my favorite “after-50” music. I originally thought my music interests stopped at 2009. I think it just grew on me because it took a few years to get into.
I got into EDM 10 years ago. I’m 50 now.
The best part of being 50 at an EDM event is that you can afford the things you couldn’t afford when you were in your 20s.
The worst part is: Finding like-minded people my age to go with me. These events are always more fun (to me) in a group. Sadly the people I know that are around my age aren’t into going to events.
Yes. Life happens. OG raver. Best advice go to a Rave you call and I will go with you. CARMICHAEL, CA RAVER
Awesome article! It felt so good to read that.
I am 57. Through a new treatment my lifelong depression was cured over a year ago. That’s when I lost my social phobia and brain fog and discovered my true love in regards to music. I can’t get enough of drums and bass. I got so much into it that I have started to produce my own songs, testing out different genres, but I keep ending up dropping that bass!
My husband and I go out twice every weekend and hit festivals. I have been to more than a hundred shows in the past one and half a years, met the coolest folks and artists, discovered a new fashion the “youngens” totally love and started a trend with it, staff and security know us by now and treat us like royals (two people less to worry about lol) and we are always made feel at home in our favorite clubs. Sure there are kids that giggle and point, but the fashion (fiber optic glowing clothing, not cheap LED blinky stuff) impresses them too much to go all out on it.
I have an update: I got signed by not one but two record labels for a dubstep and a basshouse tune. Beat that! :)
I like the passion of Maria when writing this article. But for a man in his mid-40s who has been DJing, producing and partying since the late 90s I am confused – why would you need to encourage people over the age of 35 (!) to attend a dance music event (sorry I dont understand the term EDM).
Pretty much everyone I grew up with would still tear up a party and mostly still do from time to time.
There is a very rich dance music history before the term EDM that I would encourage you to look in to which unfortunately leaves this article with no substance – sorry Maria.
Perhaps its because I am lucky enough to have grown up with the evolution of electronic music which started with first house tunes way back when…..
Tom,
I hear you loud and clear. I love drum and bass especially and as a professional can’t find a compatible guy who also enjoys edm (I am 51, petite blonde) in fact, I am wishing there was a social/dating platform for us. Hmm.. I’m in Cali now or else I’d meet you at Imagine
Joy
Maria I would like to give you a virtual hug for writing this article! I started raving at the age of 37 after thinking I was too old for the scene, I finally said i’ve gotta do this. Now I can’t get enough of it! Thankfully i’ve been meeting other people at these events that are around my age and feels so good to know I’m not alone. My love for the music drives my determination to continue going to these events, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Keep on dancing my friend! Age ain’t nuthin but a number. Live in the music!
Love love love it GOOD READ and i dont like to read..lol ..ill be 40 on june 3rd and missing my OHiO fam and stomping grounds buckeye lake music center legend valley, nelson ledges NLQP ,and RIP Frontier Ranch (my stomping grounds ..its been a while life has thrown some curve balls ..my aunt and uncle help set up the frist Legend Valley buckeye lake muisc venue.O-HI-O ..back in the 60s ..muisc is my blood..i will never for get the ture festival scene ..of peace in love and everyone comeing together ..didnt matter who you are or where you came from ..and no body had a fly in their nosie now days it doesnt matter where you go you will always have a hand full of the bad apples and yes some of the did fall down the tree along way..(mean ppl suck)( so dont be a douch ppl ).but my Adventures threw all the shows ..i have over 50 drum sticks signed and auto graph i also have some vinyl signed(BHB) , drum symbol signed by 2 bands back stage passes just to name a few things in my collection of memories along the way(best times of my life )..i even did fire shows for alot of djs and bands spreading the love enjoy entertainment while they played ,yep im a vet of poi fire dance started befor that blew up with the younger force comeing hip to it .one of my favs drum sticks is the George Clinton and the Parliament funk..Rusted root ,wookie foot , just to name a couple ..Jam bands need to come back out in the festival seen (just my opinion) i belive they help pave the way for the bigger Edm festivals .but there is one story that sticks out the most for my oldskool rave days (the original Shuffle) ..with dj 7up, odi , Taunton, kitsonic- been searching for her muisc for ever . ..malfunction 2 tigers days hitting the warehouses of columbus and where ever else we could. We also didnt know where intill you called the hotline number 12 hours befor it started so the cops couldnt get a warrant to shut it down .(frist rave was bounce theroy in dayton ohio had a babys umbilical cord hook to a turntable on the flyer) and someone signed my pants soon ravers will take of the world ..lol
but standing in line at the old paint ball Precinct on high street, line is backing up ..im just getting there and next thing i know i look be hide me after talking with the kandi kids in front of me and i could belive my eyes ..(grant it i ran with old hippies in my 20s ) i was 22, but for a rave (something you didnt see everyday in the techno.scene.this man’s soul was in his 20s but his body was 71.i happy as all can be n bright Orange Ufos /kickawear/ break downs pants( yes 12 inch bottoms) and a get twisted shirt..danceing in line loven life by him self ..as mike perkins would say pumkin man ..do your dance while you can ..,because one day your legs wont bounce the same.
For the younger kids …have your stlye of foot print in and around where you are these days.you never know who you will meet and could possibly have a friend for life from the smiles you share ..there is nothing richer then haveing that time in this life time( you will be the change get it together dont be a sticky finger .and clean up after your self .( it goes along long way ) much love to all ..as the heart beat will never die muisc is the soul that carrys on.
PS …DONT BE A DICK -BE A FUCKING UNICORN
Hahahaha! Yes! I love your last comment! Don’t be a dick, be a fucking unicorn! You just made my day ♥️
House , clock work , happy hard core, trance ,aicd house aicd trance ..liquid ..so many…and i wish the old skool djs would come out to play more offten, but turly the world needs a all vinyl festival KNOW YOUR ROOTS , i think why she did this ..is because there is that hand full of the bad vinyl that was made and needs to be fixed..(cocky little shits ) ..along with getting the older ones to open up .to it more..just like we went threw back in the day where ..its on the news about ODs and whare house partys getting shut down etc ..its the devil..and you will die ..close minded ppl suck just as bad as mean ppl ..go ahead and put that needle on the record the drum beats go like this ..hit it!
Yes.
Yeah dude!!.. smh.. edm.. i cant even say that word outloud..40 yr old raver myself started in 91 summer in socal. Always loved music n liked house, were lotta house krews battles etc, but i remember when techno hit n got my 1st mix tapes,heard djs like dave clarke,jeff mills,richie hawtin,joey beltram, i could go for days ..no years lol.. when tracks like elevator, Dildo (interactive),Annilator… my krew would meet up for ditch parties, n then later n the night other krews threw raves (parties),cops bust em up n we scatter w our backpacks n whatever n whoever we could scavenge then to the next party which was already set up for tgat exact reason. These new people that go to these huge mega super parties will never know about making 2 diff flyers give 1 to real kids ,n give other which took em round n round to the same block where they started. Not knowing invite only, private parties, battles,krews, dope styles which i still rock..pumas n shelltoes w my fat laces, making my own flare pants, shredding my flares..freshjive,clobber,26 red,wide leg ben davis,kikwear n jnco (later mid 90s), i never stopped i just evolved started dj’ing,promoting with likeminded friends,still throw parties w multiple genres of music..Techno, Trance, progessive house,Drum & Bass, Jungle if someone has it or will spin.. love some soulslinger.. but yeah even the newer stuff,Dubstep, fidget house,old n new electro..etc. Tbh all the olskool rave kids whuch are 40+ old Bboys etc are throwing a reunion party this month. N then my krew is throwing another nxt month..and No one i know uses that term edm and i can say one thing we sure can dance better..and NO drum & bass didnt come from dubstep,drumstep..and Techno and trance and jungle arent edm..they are exactly what i just said. Now hit me with that AMAZING HOOVER NOISE!!
Wookie we did similar to ur hotline, we would either have multiple flyers..but diff addrss/directions or have kids at a few diff corners depending on the party..n they would give misinfo (go bacl 5 blocks) or disinfo (nah idk what ur talkin bout..shit was shut down) to keep sharks and snitches out..and (info.. for the kids whonwere there fir the real reason..let b ur friends,krew,battles.. but #1 the music and the memories and everything else is just extra spoils..
iam 58 and my wife is 52 i started dancing during the disco time ,all this time still love to dance. we go to vegas 5 times a year we always go dancing and to see the hottes dj we went to cabo for the weeked to see timmy trumpet we love to party, my 30 year old son and his friends love to go with us . its nice to here the younger crowed always tell us they want to be like us when they get older . every day life is hard so those days of clubing getting dressed seeing my wife looking sexey ,is very romantic.so you unger couples take time to party never grow old in your mind and heart, party with wife keep the romance going .
I’m “only” 29 and I’m already starting to feel like I can’t keep up, but I think it’s all in my head! This was definitely refreshing to read
Great article I was apart of this awesome culture from 1997-2007….best days of my life. I quit going to raves”parties” in 2007 to get my career up and going but I always loved and still love the music and culture of “plur” with all my heart. Last year a coworker/friend found a ticket for EDC( Las vegas). I never went prior because it was in June and its way to hot outside…potential for not being comfortable and over heated all day/ night…well they moved it to May and let me just say how much i thoroughly enjoyed every second. It blew my mind how far Pasquale Rotella/ Insomniac productions, came since the old days and is kicking serious ass with this old school production!! Just jaw dropping! I danced until the sun came up and actually had the ” aw, it’s over?” Feeling…like back in the day. I felt rejuvenated with love and filled with complete happiness. I got my tickets in August on layaway for this year…except the whole 3 days!! Longest rave I ever went to was 24hours….now that I’m almost 47 I absolutely have a game plan for staying healthy, hydrated and rested for the three days of …what I call…therapy. I also talked my husband , who is 57, to come along since I have a extra wristband for which my old raving buddy couldn’t make it….He has never been to a rave and I want him to see and feel what has been and is a huge part of myself…i always play techno, trance, house, but now its different styles of music but bomb!! the plan is to make 5 gallons of,what we used to call “smart drinks” for afterwards and give it away to the kids who look like they need a good vitamin recovery boost..or anyone who wants one till its gone… .also a huge bag oranges Apples and grapes to give away as well. Keeping plur alive and showing this next generation of our culture on how to keep it real. And be nice to each other!! Just like back in the day. Also, I am going “old school” with a pair of Jinco’s I found on Ebay, a whistle, visor, rave glasses ( yellow lenses like my old ones) a KAPPA jacket… and my hair in two buns on top of my head…I’m going to feel 26…not 46( well I always feel 26..lol…) mabey I’ll see someone follow suit…if so…see you under the electric sky!! PlUR!! Forever#raverforlife
I’ll be at EDC on Friday, 17 May. It also happens to be my 50th birthday. What better way to celebrate half a century.
That’s awesome, hope you have an amazing time at EDC that day!
I’m pushing 60, and I’ll admit the last EDCO 19/ Home Bass weekend knocked me on my ass. My attitude has always been go hard or go home. My spirit is willing. but my flesh is week. Lol. I dont drink alcohol, but I can’t do a three day festival without some help. Rave Renew is a new product that was helpful, but still takes me a week to recover from a festival. Im skipping EDCLV and doing Movement this year instead. We’ll see what happens!
I’m 50 and still go every chance I get. If it was jazz music nobody would blink an eye, house and techno are no different. #liferaver
Going to Eletric Feast if pandemic allows – creative am IG for older EDM/house music lovers …… love the music feeling let out due to age.
Once this quarantine is over and if f you’re ever in the Cali area let me know! I wanna get back in the scene but don’t have any friends. Would be awesome to meet other likeminded peeps :-)
Hey I live in Cali and I love raving in my middle age.
I’ll be 43 in a few days and I have been raving since my teens. I love dancing all night and into the morning to EDM/House music. Can’t wait for the pandemic to cool down so I can attend more festivals.
I am right there with you! This pandemic needs to chill so we can all get back to life and the dance floor :)
Thanks for the article.
You are very welcome!
For me it’s what’s in your heart. I’m a young man of 66 and I still love going to Dj parties. Because a lot of my friends are DJs to also I have been in the music business for 35 years and I was the first one to bring massive attack the Philadelphia in the 90s but most people my age are in a rocking chair once in a while I’ll see somebody in his 60s airport in and out and I’ll talk to them. I Will be partying till I die. Lawrence Bracey ( coolthingsmusic)
Well, in addition to having been a musically-connected hippie, I was also into electronic music way back. I did a few raves, and most recently I was a ‘Burner. For the past several years, I’ve been painting in studios around the world. I need music to function, and the universal language for me has been deep house. I turn 70 next summer, and I’m considering a trip to Portugal (from France) for EDC or ZNA; unfortunately, all of my buddies are still into British rock. That’s what it is – it’s my music too.
Where do I start…. I am 66 years old with a grip of physical issues, however, that does not change my taste in music at all. That being said, I so wish to go to a rave festival. I Kind of progressed that way I think being what many called, part of the hippie generation or at leas the tail end of it. Of course classic rock is part of my being, but now only as the exception and not the rule. Hate pop music for the most part but found electro swing which is way cool. Then I discovered Banksy, the artist of course and the connection to Trip Hop which I am totally into. From there, a transition to EDM was a logical step. Love it! I spend countless hours on YouTube looking for stuff to listen to. From Wonderland to Daisy to music at Burning Man and more. I am thinking of attending Beyond Tomorrowland in San Bernardino in June of 2021 if not cancelled. I used to work blocks from where it will be held and now live about 20 miles from it. Kind of apprehensive as I am totally grey and white haired, super long full beard and look “old” Would love to find someone to take me or go with me that is understanding. Any ideas?
Old ravers never dye, we just become discoloured
I’m a 60 year old grandma! I’m loving this music! Am I alone?