I’m starting to figure out that I was either born too late or I’ve lived a ludicrously sheltered childhood. As an avid worshipper of music, I know that most great musicians/bands are already dead or broken up. By the way: If you disagree with my taste in music, please spare me the lecture as to why one or all of the artists I mention may suck or how you consider me another tool of a conformist, capitalistic society; your nay-saying won’t make me stop listening to them.

I have a tendency of getting into good bands long after they’re broken up or are no longer touring. Stone Temple Pilots, Stabbing Westward and Fiona Apple were all very big in the ’90s, the decade of my adolescence. But I was too busy trying to fit in and listen to what everyone else was listening to – which was mostly crap. That was a huge mistake and I’ve learned my lesson.

Alice in Chains is a good example. I had heard them once or twice growing up, but I didn’t really get into them until high school. High school was too late for me because Layne Staley had already died of an overdose. While the band still tours with a more than capable singer, I have no shot of seeing Staley in action unless I hold a seance.

Another example is Nirvana. I know many music majors are now rolling their eyes, but I stand by Nirvana. I like their music. Sue me. “Well, if you’re such a fan, why didn’t you see them in concert? You were alive!” many accusers often point out. Dagnabbit, Kurt bit the bullet when I was six! If I would have gone to a Nirvana show at six years old, they would have arrested my parents!

While we’re on the 27 Club, I’ll never see Jim, Janis, or Jimi perform live. They all met a tragic ending before I got here, as did many other greats.

While wallowing in the self-pity of being born at the wrong time, I almost missed the fact that, living in New Orleans, I’m surrounded by living legends. I’m still kicking myself for never seeing Ernie K-Doe before he passed away.

However, I did see Fats Domino perform at Jazz Fest my freshman year of high school. He was amazing – at 76, he was still pushing the piano across the stage, not to mention he sounded as great as he did 50 years ago. He recently celebrated his 80th birthday and he’s not stopping anytime soon … But if I were you, I’d go see him again anyway, just in case.

I guess the gist of this column is to see your favorite artists as well as check out other ones before it’s too late.

However, if your favorite band is the Rolling Stones, disregard the urgency of this column. You’ve got time.