So many folk rock artists through the years have stood the test of time… literally. Let’s take a look at four of the oldest living folk rock legends who are still performing live and touring today!
1. Bob Dylan
As of October 2024, Bob Dylan is 83 years old. And he’s probably never going to slow down when it comes to touring. He toured across North America with Willie Nelson and his family in 2024 and also kicked off another international tour of Europe and the UK as well. He’s rarely ever taken a break from being on the road; some people are just built for it!
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2. Joni Mitchell
Out of all of the oldest folk rock legends still performing, it’s not clear if Mitchell will continue performing in the next few years. She came out of a “retirement” of sorts to perform at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier in 2024, and she has two concerts planned at Hollywood Bowl in October 2024 with Brani Carlile as well.
However, Mitchell hasn’t toured in a while and doesn’t seem to have a tour planned anytime soon. We can only hope! As of 2024, Joni Mitchell is 80 years old.
3. Joan Baez
As of October 2024, Joan Baez is 83 years old. This activist, protest singer, and folk rock icon still performs live on occasion, though not nearly as extensively as she used to. She’s slated to perform a set at Webster Hall in New York this year, but no additional tour details have been revealed.
Baez also still occasionally gives interviews and has starred in a few documentaries here and there. However, when it comes to new music, it’s hard to be hopeful. Baez’s last release was Whistle Down The Wind back in 2018.
4. Neil Young
As of 2024, Neil Young is 78 years old. In early 2024, he toured for the first time in 10 years with Crazy Horse for the Love Earth Tour. Sadly, a couple of Crazy Horse’s members fell ill mid-tour, and the whole thing was scrapped indefinitely before the tour could be finished.
It’s a real shame. But fortunately, Young confirmed that he is not retiring despite the sudden cancellation of the tour.
Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
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