I guess it's an ages-old dilema. I think most musicians as a rule want to constantly grow and do new things. Those who don't end up being "wedding singers." There's the "artistic" side vs. the "I really need to pay my bills" side. The fans want to hear the hits of course. I guess Pete Townsend nailed it when he said "Hope I die before I get old." He didn't and now he's stuck playing the hits. Hendrix did die and he's revered as one of the greats, but would he have been great had he lived? He might be out there with Mick and Keef playing the oldies!

I'm a "church musician." I've fought battles for years to bring contemporary music in but the "pillars of the church" (the ones who hold everything up) fight it tooth and nail. The musicians always seem to be on the cutting edge and unfortunately it takes time for some other folks to catch up.

Interestingly, we do a number of "Celtic" flavored songs. I've managed to work the bohdran in a couple of times and for Christmas a couple of years ago I wore my dress kilt outfit in place of the tux the rest of the orchestra had to wear. I played drums which meant of course sitting down and spreading my legs wide open to accomodate bass and hi-hat pedals. Further, it's a Roland electronic set so there's no large drums in front of me to "cover up." It was a hoot for me. I could've sworn I saw a couple of the old ladies on the front row craining their necks.

Anyway, I think there's plenty of room in music for those who grow and those who prefer to stick to the tried and true. Whatsoever you do, do it as unto the Lord.