If age was really affecting the muscial abilites of such artists, then chances are they wouldnt still be successful. Look at rolling stones, still pumping out fairly innovative and new songs while look at say...Rod Stewart...rod who...? - exactly. I it is so bad, then it wouldnt be popular. To confess, i watched a concert by Eric Clapton on satelite the other day and it didnt hurt...that much. :)