I've got a relative in the music/movie business. He was pretty successful at both, most people in the US over 40 would probably recognize him. He and his family

I've got a relative in the music/movie business. He was pretty successful at both, most people in the US over 40 would probably recognize him. He and his family live well, but he still tours; usually small venues, travels by tour bus instead of fancy planes. Small crew, just a manager, sound guy and his wife. I figure he might pull $5K a stop, maybe 2x that depending on the size of the venue. Not bad, but not FU money. He still acts in movies, even some that have not held up well over time. I doubt he makes a ton with those roles either. But he still does them. My mom asked why he still does it, at his age; he replied, "I've got kids to put through school." I saw him perform for the first time in 40 years, and realized how much he lied to my mom. On stage, he was (as the kids these days say) lit. He clearly loved the music (he still writes and performs new material), but the light in his eyes showed that what he really loved was performing and sharing his music with the audience. Most musicians can't count on a career lasting 50+ years. The era of singles is gone, and performances are where the next generation will have to make their living.