The aim of this research is to explore the identities and practices of a group of older rock music fans who were born between the years of 1945 and 1965 – the so-called Baby Boomers. It also aims to bring the ideas behind cultural gerontology to the world of the rock music fandom of older people and thus moves away from the more traditional medical and social care approach to older age research. It is presented as a contribution to a growing interest in both a cultural image of older age and the place of popular culture for older people.

The research is based on the findings from twenty-four conversations with older rock music fans who were gathered by using a network sampling method. These conversations took place between 2018 and 2020.

In order to achieve the above aims a series of themes run through the research which includes resistance to ageing, the place of agency, the desire for authenticity, appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, memory and a collective sense of identity.

The outcomes of the research suggest that these older people continue to enjoy rock music, however, there are a different set of negotiations that take place for them as older age fans than existed for them when they were young fans. These more recent negotiations generally have to do with the kind of changes to the body normally associated with older age as well as changes in social circumstances that have left some of the participants in more socially vulnerable situations. In order to continue their fandom they seek a series of solutions to combat any difficulties that arise and in doing so challenge the stereotype of what it means to be older and assist in the redefinition of old age.