Music becoming an old man’s game?

Music appears to be becoming an old person’s game – it’s been revealed that the average age of the ten best-selling artists of last year was 38.

Only four of them, all pop acts, were aged 25 or under in 2014, with three in their 30s and one each in their 50s, 60s and even 70s.

The balance was heavily swayed by rock bands – AC/DC were the fifth best-selling band of the year, with an average age of 60, while Pink Floyd, at number seven, averaged 70 years old.

And ‘king of pop’ Michael Jackson, at number six, would have been 56 if he hadn’t died in 2009.

The information, sourced from the IFPI Global Record Artist Chart, was revealed by Music Business Worldwide, who comment: “Thought pop was music made for teenagers, by teenagers? Not any more.”

IFPI Global Recording Artist chart 2014

Taylor Swift – age 25
One Direction – avg age 22
Ed Sheeran – 24
Coldplay – avg 37
AC/DC – avg 60
Michael Jackson – 56 if still alive
Pink Floyd – avg 70
Sam Smith – 22
Katy Perry – 30
Beyonce – 33

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.