I was thinking about this the other day while watching VH-1 Classic.

Why is it that Aretha Franklin is overweight and no one makes fun of her size, but yet Ann Wilson of Heart gained weight and everyone just snubbed their nose at her?

Why is it that a lot of singers and bands are hitting their 50's and some even their sixtees such as Tina Turner, surviving members of the Beatles, and so on. Then people will turn around and make fun of The Rolling Stones for still rocking?

Just some thoughts I had. Things that make no sense to me. Anyone care to discuss or have any theories?

The same thing happened when Stevie Nicks gained weight. I think people have a screwed up view of certain celebrities. For instance, when was the last time you saw a thin Elizabeth Taylor? But Delta Burke gets slammed with every pound. Fact is, The Rolling Stones ARE old. Aretha is probably better equipped to kick your ass than Ann Wilson. And to make fun of Tina Turner is unheard of because her past and her struggle are the American dream realized, and to state otherwise is career suicide for a writer. That's why it's easy to make fun of Madonna and Cher for their man-handling (LOL!) but, again, Liz Taylor is off limits except for a recitation of all her husbands. I guess if you marry most of them, you're OK.

Aretha has been overweight as far back as I can remember. All though the first I heard or saw of her was in the 80s. Was she overweight at the beginning of her career because that may be it. People would have accepted her that way right from the beginning. Where is the other has undergone change since becoming a star and the change is more noticeable. She's not what they remembered her as.

The old rocker is an interesting one. I guess people just can't handle the thought of the older generation having similar interests and tastes as them. Just like most of us couldn't stand the thought of old people having sex for instance.

As far as being overweight, I think people expected Ann Wilson to stay as thin as she was in the 70's and 80's. People can't deal with her "change" which is a shame because they bought Hearts albums for their music and hopefully not because of their looks.
Aretha on the other hand, never was thin and people are used to seeing her for who she is.

There is a thinking in younger generations that once a rocker gets into his or her 40's, 50's or even 60's, should hang it up. Part of living for these artists is that they can still create music that their older fans can enjoy. There are also those artists like Grace Slick of Starship who want nothing to do with performing at 50 or 60, and that is her choice.

It would really be a shame if these older artists could only perform for a limited time. "Okay!...You were big in the 70's and 80's......Now get out, and let the young ones show their stuff!

That's my opinion.

It's just sad because musicians should be judged on TALENT not the way they look. Ann Wilson is a very talented and beautiful singer. I understand how she feels because I have always had to struggle with my weight.

As for The Rolling Stones, I love that group! They were probably the first rock band I ever got into as a child because my Mom played their records. Mick and Keith are one of the greatest songwriting teams around. I think it is amazing that they still go out and rock now just as good as they did in the sixtees.

All of that is very true. I think with Aretha we were all used to her that way and that's why everyone is cool with it.