Names of artists/bands that I currently feel respected by as an over 40:
Soundgarden
Pearl Jam
Foo Fighters
Josh Homme/QotSA/Them Crooked Vultures
Neil Finn/Crowded House
and of course, Neil Young who I think sets the standard here: Be you’re own artist, but don’t be a dick about it. I.e., don’t be Axl Rose or the f’ing Eagles, man.
As Johnny Ramone basically said, be a pro even if you’re not yet.