Neil Gits A Twinge

How old is “old” ? I remember being told by my son’s mum’s youngest daughter, when she was a toddler, that surely I would be dead by the age of 40 – was about 37 years old at the time and though she was a smart kid, I was rather hoping that she didn’t have any psychic powers to predict the future ! As we all know, I comfortably survived my landmark birthday back in 2002 and that age seems positively young now …

Although I’ve never really felt any drastic deterioration with my body as the years have advanced, there have definitely been the odd signs that I am not “young” anymore. Trying to kick a ball around with my son in my 40s or later on even run the line for his youth team when in my 50s both gave me a sharp reminder that my knees weren’t playing ball any more. In recent times, trying to lift heavy objects that I wouldn’t have thought twice about before I retired from DJ gigs and quiz nights 5 years ago, has stopped me in my tracks and had to be carried out with extreme caution – one sudden jerk and it could be a major “OUCH” !

Surprisingly, over the last year I seem to have unintentionally lost a fair bit of weight and having chosen to walk into town regularly, rather than drive – mainly to save money on petrol & fill my empty days up a bit more! – that ‘task’, which previously would have left me a bit out of breath and with the odd aching muscle, can now be completed with total ease. Indeed, I can literally walk for miles when I am in the mood & the weather is good…

One of the best things about being retired is that you really get to know yourself well and learn exactly how to get the most out of your aging body and mind, so when a warning sign does appear, you know exactly how to back up and revise your next move. Last week, I must have got up a bit too quickly (not something I am noted for !!) and felt that twinge in my back that tells you “one more step and you’ll be paralysed mate!”, I was wary of it for a few hours but by the end of the day I was right as rain …

Another benefit of being 63 years old is that by this time in your life, as a music fan, you have acquired an incredible knowledge of your favoured genres and a pretty decent collection of tunes to go with it ! Thus, when you listen to my show each week, if you are of “our generation”, you can expect to hear some serious memory joggers as well as a few songs which may have escaped your own attention at the time, but sound just as great as those old well loved classics. Take a look at the latest playlist below :

The Tunes – Monday 21st July 2025

Level 42 – Weave Your Spell
Imagination – Music & Lights
Shaila Prospere – Gotta Be Thankful
Billy Paul – July, July, July, July
Billy Paul – Be Truthful To Me
Loose Ends – Slow Down
Luther – Come Back To Love
Jason Paterson Delaire – Game Of Love
Ashantis – Disco Play
Players Association – Turn The Music Up
Thelma Houston – If You Feel It
Tyzik – Sweet Nothings
James Brown – Soul Power (Part 1)
Clarence Carter – Slip Away
Frankie Kelly – Ain’t That The Truth
Jimmy James & The Vagabonds – Now Is The Time
Dave & Maurissa – I’ve Been Here Before
Dirk K – So In Love
Shirelles – Baby It’s You
Adesha & Vincent Kwok – Life’s Too Short
O’Jays – Put Our Heads Together
Gap Band – Party Lights
SouLutions – Shine (Extended Remix)

Feel free to get in touch with your soulful request or just for a mention on the show – put a post on “The Old Gits Soul Show” page on Facebook, text (01268)833978 or message me via e-mail : [email protected].

The Old Gits Soul Show is broadcast LIVE from 7pm–9pm every Monday, repeated on Saturday evening from 5pm–7pm, on Gateway 97.8FM in Basildon & East Thurrock, across South Essex on DAB and available nationally via the Radio Player on your TV as well as online via www.gateway978.com You can listen on your smart speaker or your phone too … plus you can hear it again anytime you like via the “Listen Again” button on the Gateway website – just search “Cool Soul” !