Forgotten is the fact that there are a lot of older talented musicians out there still hankering to play to an audience.

And so the idea for the Older Musicians Club of Australia was born.

The club will be launched later this month and is encouraging older musos to get out and mix with other like-minded artists.

Club vice-president Michael Fox says music is for all ages and like laughter, it is the best medicine.

"So many venues encourage young musicians to strut their stuff, but not the older ones," Fox says.

The club's first meeting will be held at the Grand Hotel in Kiama on October 28 at 1pm, and Fox says the club is for anyone who has the desire to play music - whether they know just one song they'd like to belt out, they want to make new friends, or they have their heart set on forming a band.

"We've got a PA system and a band, so we can provide a backing band or instruments," Fox says.

"The OMC is aimed at older musos who may be stuck in their spare room playing along with their favourite recorded music.

"They haven't got the chance to mix with other musos."

Fox says the event is not bound by age.

"Even if they're 20 they won't be turned away. It's going to be a very supportive atmosphere - it's going to be fun."

Playing guitar and banjo in a country rock band in Gerringong with six others all aged over 50, Fox didn't get into a band until his 40s and says it's the same for many.

"A lot of them haven't got the confidence to get up on stage," the 57-year-old says.

"Older people are more reluctant to make mistakes in front of a group. They do get terrible stage fright."

The club plans to hold monthly meetings across the Illawarra to bring out the unseen talent.

Fox says it's believed there is nothing like the club in Australia, and it has also linked with the national depression initiative beyondblue.

"Music is the ideal antidote to depression," Fox says.

For more details visit www.omcau.com or contact Michael Fox on 0410 413 080.