Why do you consider these people/bands to be blues bands?

wow, I have to completely agree with you...those bands aren't blues bands at all. The only reason I can think of as to why anyone would label them blues is this: people aren't comfortable putting those guys in the oldies section (which they are ready for due to how long they have been around) so it sounds much "hipper" to label them as blues. To me it is just baby boomers denying the gray hairs and impending AARP memberships and trying to stay hip.