Hats ???

nortonrider · #1 11-07-2009, 06:11 PM

I've always wondered what makes some bass players think that wearing a stupid looking hat is a good idea?

Porkpie is just one example.

I know that the bassman is always considered the odd man on the stage, the ugly bass player, ect.

Those dumb hats only serve to reinforce that stereotype.... and it only gets worse when there is a hawaiian shirt added to the mix.

seriously though:
how did it get started, and why is it still happening?

snyderz · #2 11-07-2009, 06:16 PM

I'm wearing a Hawaiian shirt and pork pie as I type this.

kesslari · #3 11-07-2009, 06:28 PM

Different folks have different tastes, bro.

doktorfeelgood · #4 11-07-2009, 06:51 PM

Ain't nothin' stupid about it, Mon. )-(

nortonrider · #5 11-07-2009, 07:05 PM

DR: ^^^^ that's exactly what I'm talking about!

Stupid looking is probably too harsh of a description and I apologize if it offends anyone.

Style is totally subjective. Porkpie, Fedora (and beret for the Jaco wannabes) seem to be the staples. I obviously ain't into it (maybe because I still have most of my hair), and don't really care - just curious.

So, since it has become somewhat of a uniform for the over 40 bass player, I just wondered why it was adopted.

Is it an homage thing - or just the lemming mentality assuming the lead in the decision making process when it comes to dressing for a show.

Jeff K · #6 11-07-2009, 09:58 PM

I'm not much of a hat person for myself. But I do love fedoras. I don't feel like I can pull it off personally, but I like them on other people. Porkpies - not so much...

Munjibunga · #7 11-07-2009, 10:00 PM

I like my hipassmofo hat.

Never_grew_up · #8 11-07-2009, 10:04 PM

I can't speak for others, but I wear a hat because I don't want to burn my bald head under the hot lights, nor do I want to blind anyone in the audience with the reflected glare from said bald head.

Bassamatic · #9 11-07-2009, 10:07 PM

Our leader has been asking me to wear a hat. I found my French beret - I will give it a try if it is not to warm on stage. I DOES give the player a little more identity.

rarisgod · #10 11-07-2009, 10:16 PM

I've been wanting a pork pie for awhile now. I personally don't see how the hat would look ridiculous.

StyleOverShow · #11 11-07-2009, 10:17 PM

Have noticed the hat thing but thought that it was just "hipster" shite.

Just remember "What is hip? Tell me, tell me if you think you know".

-richard

warnergt · #12 11-07-2009, 10:31 PM

Hats can be OK. I just hate hats that are obviously too small.
Get a real friggen' hat, buddy.

newbold · #13 11-07-2009, 11:24 PM

that's like saying looking like a biker looks stupid on stage or being overwight and playing bass is a cliche.

Hats are great. Not everyone can pick the best hat for themselves...even if they're comfortable and neato.

I think this whole thing started long before the bass guitar

M0ses · #14 11-07-2009, 11:29 PM

I just like to look different, and I wear a lot of, uh, different stuff..... to acheive that goal. Some of the outfits I wear on stage are decidely ridiculous. I just have fun with it.

LongHairFreak · #15 11-08-2009, 01:56 AM

Sorry, can't say how or why. For the record though, I only wear cool hats. Mostly fedoras and assorted western styles.

syciprider · #16 11-08-2009, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nortonrider

I've always wondered what makes some bass players think that wearing a stupid looking hat is a good idea?

how did it get started, and why is it still happening?

Quote:

Originally Posted by nortonrider

Style is totally subjective. Porkpie, Fedora (and beret for the Jaco wannabes) seem to be the staples. I obviously ain't into it (maybe because I still have most of my hair), and don't really care - just curious.

.

I'm sorry what was your question?

Joe Nerve · #17 11-08-2009, 03:27 AM

Didn't realize it was only bass players that wear stupid looking hats. Silly me.

lunarpollen · #18 11-08-2009, 03:29 AM

Hard to see but I'm on the left in this one:

uglymutt · #19 11-08-2009, 03:43 AM

^ nice hat
My friend actually commented to me when i was wearing my suit hat that it was "a bassplayer hat" I was actually sort of proud, I like hats though.

Fun Size Nick · #20 11-08-2009, 03:44 AM

These guys would probably disagree with you on what constitutes stupid looking

Seriously dude, fashion & style are in the eye of the beholder, and there is nothing that is objectively stupid looking. And as for where it started? probably when men in western countries weren't seen dead outside without a hat on (and a suit too!). Hat wearing was ubiquitous amongst men in much of western society in the first half of the 20th century (and earlier than that too), and many musicians probably liked the way that they looked with their hats on, and kept them on while onstage. Have you ever watched any movie made or set in the '20s, '30s or '40s? The snappy suits and hats are in there because, by and large, that's what the characters would realistically have worn in that time period.

I'm not over 40 by the way, and happily rock my Akubra Federation on a daily basis, on or off the stage!