Mastodon’s Bill Kelliher recently spoke about the longevity of metal bands and how they continue to perform at their best, even as they get older. Asked what he’s learned from touring with veteran groups in an interview with Ultimate Guitar, the guitarist stressed the importance of sticking up with music.
He pointed to Iron Maiden as a shining example: “I look at these bands like Iron Maiden, and they’re getting up there. They’re pretty old dudes but they’re up there doing kicks and splits and playing the hell out of their guitars and drums and basses, and Bruce Dickinson is… They’ve never been better.”
“You know what? They give me hope. Not that I want to be 70 years old in spandex doing splits on stage. But those guys… I know it’s possible because I’ve seen them do it.”
However, not all bands manage to keep up their energy over time. Kelliher also joked about The Rolling Stones, saying, “I guess what I’ve learned from them is that you’re never too old to rock, except if you’re The Rolling Stones, then you’re just a little too old to rock. They’re not as good live anymore.”
The guitarist also reflected on Metallica’s intense work ethic. He recalled the band’s hours-long rehearsals before every show, noting, “They just set up in their little container, they’d have a little backstage room, and they’d have all the recording gear, and they would just sit back there and they just rehearse for hours. I was like, ‘Wow, that’s dedication, man.’ I don’t know if I could do that every single night. I mean, unless you’re writing a new record.”
Looking back on his own experience, Kelliher admitted that learning and playing music has changed for him over the years. He said he sometimes forgets how to play old Mastodon songs and goes on YouTube to relearn them, as he no longer has the same time or patience from his youth.
Mastodon is gearing up for a busy year, with plans to hit the road for a tour in the spring and summer. The band’s first show will be on March 7 at Tool Live In The Sand 2025 in the Dominican Republic.
