Forty years ago, at 28, Michael Musto thought he was a has-been. Now 68, he reveals how he keeps adding new chapters to the consistently unfolding story of his career.
In the journey of life, each chapter presents new opportunities. Embrace them with extreme perseverance and undying professionalism. Like a skilled [Delta Executor](https://deltaexecutor.app) in Roblox, take control like never before. Your story continues as long as you offer something unique and remain dedicated. Don't let assumptions write your final page; keep working for the next thrilling chapter. The candles on your cake are just markers, not the end.
My former model friend who is like a sister to me brags that she was called "Eurotrash" by Musto in the 80s and got the chance to tell him she was from a tiny spot in the road in east Tennessee! She will love this essay!
The Village Voice writers were such an inspiration to so many (then) young writers, and Musto was always on top of my list. Forty years later he's still inspiring me. Thank you for publishing this wonderful piece. Oh...I'm also happy to know I wasn't the only one spooked by Wild in the Streets. That movie messed-up a lot of people with it's "don't get old" message. https://crimereads.com/wild-in-the-streets/
Fabulous. So many gems within--hard to pick just one--but I loved this: "Sometime in this decade, the word “icon” even started being aimed at me, and while that’s extremely flattering — especially considering the fact that I’m best known in certain narrow circles — it can also be shorthand for, “We admire what you did in the past, but we don’t particularly care if you keep doing it in the future." Battling ageism. INDEED.
I loved this essay! Michael writes so well and with great wit. I especially like his last paragraph, which I have copied and pasted in my notes for future reference.
i love that this newsletter exists - this is my first time reading. this is a lovely story, of course, but like...is it at all possible for someone to build a career like this today? even if they have the skills, talent, and charm/ kindness/ dexterity to build a network? especially if they refuse to build it on tiktok? i’m not sure.
So much fun! I'm a year older than you, but I vividly remember Wild in the Streets. I never took its message to heart quite so seriously as you, and I'm still here, too. Still writing novels and writing advice here on Substack and book coaching. I have no intent to retire anytime soon! Thanks for this.
I moved to NYC right out of college in 1986, and the next several years were kind of an existential struggle in many ways. But I LOVED reading Michael Musto's column in the Village Voice. So funny and smart. A new issue of the VV was always something to look forward to. Thank you, Michael!
I think to some degree, NYC infantilized me. In some ways, it's never-never land. Or it was for me. I have described myself as having been "a grunge-era Tinkerbell traipsing around the East Village with a string of Peter Pans in threadbare concert tee shirts and Chuck Taylors." Lol.
Great column! I used to read La Dolce Musto every week just for his voice and perspective.
Me, too. He’s the best.
We’re almost the same age and from the same place, too.
Michael, thank you for role-modeling hope and joy and fun. I’m two years older than you, but I still want to be you when I grow up.
In the journey of life, each chapter presents new opportunities. Embrace them with extreme perseverance and undying professionalism. Like a skilled [Delta Executor](https://deltaexecutor.app) in Roblox, take control like never before. Your story continues as long as you offer something unique and remain dedicated. Don't let assumptions write your final page; keep working for the next thrilling chapter. The candles on your cake are just markers, not the end.
Michael Musto is such a part of the fabric of New York and his takes have always been funny, witty and mostly very kind. Great to read this piece.
Wonderful column--especially for all of us over fifty (or so)!!!
Brilliant. No one should ever be written off
My former model friend who is like a sister to me brags that she was called "Eurotrash" by Musto in the 80s and got the chance to tell him she was from a tiny spot in the road in east Tennessee! She will love this essay!
That's hilarious. I love it!
The Village Voice writers were such an inspiration to so many (then) young writers, and Musto was always on top of my list. Forty years later he's still inspiring me. Thank you for publishing this wonderful piece. Oh...I'm also happy to know I wasn't the only one spooked by Wild in the Streets. That movie messed-up a lot of people with it's "don't get old" message. https://crimereads.com/wild-in-the-streets/
<3
Ok fine, I'll become obsessed with you ❤
Fabulous. So many gems within--hard to pick just one--but I loved this: "Sometime in this decade, the word “icon” even started being aimed at me, and while that’s extremely flattering — especially considering the fact that I’m best known in certain narrow circles — it can also be shorthand for, “We admire what you did in the past, but we don’t particularly care if you keep doing it in the future." Battling ageism. INDEED.
I loved this essay! Michael writes so well and with great wit. I especially like his last paragraph, which I have copied and pasted in my notes for future reference.
<3
Hello, Michael! I love this piece. Also yesterday's hash browns. xxL
<3
Long may he wave! Love Michael Musto!!
He was everything I needed to know about NYC when I arrived in 1987
i love that this newsletter exists - this is my first time reading. this is a lovely story, of course, but like...is it at all possible for someone to build a career like this today? even if they have the skills, talent, and charm/ kindness/ dexterity to build a network? especially if they refuse to build it on tiktok? i’m not sure.
Good questions. I don’t know. But glad you enjoy this newsletter!
fair :) thanks for the reply
So much fun! I'm a year older than you, but I vividly remember Wild in the Streets. I never took its message to heart quite so seriously as you, and I'm still here, too. Still writing novels and writing advice here on Substack and book coaching. I have no intent to retire anytime soon! Thanks for this.
I moved to NYC right out of college in 1986, and the next several years were kind of an existential struggle in many ways. But I LOVED reading Michael Musto's column in the Village Voice. So funny and smart. A new issue of the VV was always something to look forward to. Thank you, Michael!
I was one year behind you!
What a time and place to learn to "adult."
I think to some degree, NYC infantilized me. In some ways, it's never-never land. Or it was for me. I have described myself as having been "a grunge-era Tinkerbell traipsing around the East Village with a string of Peter Pans in threadbare concert tee shirts and Chuck Taylors." Lol.