Bob Dylan is 85 and just announced more tour dates. The Beach Boys are out with Mike Love at 85. Paul Simon is 84, Randy Bachman is 82, Rod Stewart and Eric Clapton are both 80. They are all on the road this summer, and concert ticket prices for all of them keep climbing.

Music journalist Eric Alper says the cynical read is that they need the money. The more interesting answer is psychological. For artists who have spent fifty or sixty years performing, stopping is not a logistical decision. It is an identity crisis. There is also a concept called terror management: the idea that humans build systems to buffer the anxiety of mortality, and for these artists, the stage is that buffer.

Then there is the question of what comes next. Eric Alper just saw the ABBA Voyage hologram show in the UK and thinks the concert as we know it may be unrecognizable in five to ten years. Universal announced a deal last week allowing fans to remix and duet with official releases using AI. This may be the last generation that listens to something created entirely by human beings.

Topics: classic rock tours 2026, aging musicians, terror management psychology, ABBA Voyage AI, Universal Music AI deal

GUEST: Eric Alper | thatericalper.com

Originally aired on 2026-06-04

Bob Dylan is 85 and just announced more tour dates. The Beach Boys are out with Mike Love at 85. Paul Simon is 84, Randy Bachman is 82, Rod Stewart and Eric Clapton are both 80. They are all on the road this summer, and concert ticket prices for all of them keep climbing.
Music journalist Eric Alper says the cynical read is that they need the money. The more interesting answer is psychological. For artists who have spent fifty or sixty years performing, stopping is not a logistical decision. It is an identity crisis. There is also a concept called terror management: the idea that humans build systems to buffer the anxiety of mortality, and for these artists, the stage is that buffer.
Then there is the question of what comes next. Eric Alper just saw the ABBA Voyage hologram show in the UK and thinks the concert as we know it may be unrecognizable in five to ten years. Universal announced a deal last week allowing fans to remix and duet with official releases using AI. This may be the last generation that listens to something created entirely by human beings.
Topics: classic rock tours 2026, aging musicians, terror management psychology, ABBA Voyage AI, Universal Music AI deal
GUEST: Eric Alper | thatericalper.com
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-04

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.