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Are shorts ever okay?
- Thread starter drumwagon
- Start date
For this band I play in (not my main band), I am the only one who reads the rules here on Talkbass.
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Shorts are fine, particularly with tats... Dance Hall Day’s who are a kick ass showband from Portland, OR. - and yeah, it was a hotter than heck August evening.
It's all about time and place. Indoor jazz gig? No. Retirement village gig? No. Austin City Limits? No. Outdoor summer gig at Jimmy's Lakeside Bar and Grill? Yes. Any place that doesn't provide a stage? Yes. Any outdoor place where you have to bring the PA? Yes. Weddings? No. Corporate gigs? No. Reality? Nobody is watching the bassist, just have an attractive singer.
It's 2019...wear whatever you and your bandmates consider tasteful for the occasion/event. If you guys think shorts are okay, then wear shorts.
Listening to folks say shorts are never okay for gigs (read outdoor, festival, etc.) is like listening to folks say you can't wear white after Labor Day. When was that still in effect? Wasn't that like 1987?
Wear shorts if you want to and rock out with your socks out!
Listening to folks say shorts are never okay for gigs (read outdoor, festival, etc.) is like listening to folks say you can't wear white after Labor Day. When was that still in effect? Wasn't that like 1987?
Wear shorts if you want to and rock out with your socks out!
Depends on the venue, the style of the group, the weather, etc. If the gig is not "formal", wear whatever clothes are comfortable and create the look and vibe you're going for. This whole blanket ban on shorts is not a thing.
I personally go see a band to hear the music and see people play it. I don't care at all how long their pants are. If I'm at a formal event I expect the band to be in formal attire. If I'm at a dive bar I don't care what the band is wearing. If I'm at a festival, I'm smelling colors and envisioning the music through my 3rd eye so the shorts themselves could be playing the bass for all I know...
I personally go see a band to hear the music and see people play it. I don't care at all how long their pants are. If I'm at a formal event I expect the band to be in formal attire. If I'm at a dive bar I don't care what the band is wearing. If I'm at a festival, I'm smelling colors and envisioning the music through my 3rd eye so the shorts themselves could be playing the bass for all I know...
Are shorts ever okay?
So, contrary to popular opinion, I think shorts are more exceptable than heat stroke. If I'm playing outside in the summer especially in the sun, then i'm wearing shorts. Yeah, it's a job, but it's the one job I get to be as comfortable as I want.
So, contrary to popular opinion, I think shorts are more exceptable than heat stroke. If I'm playing outside in the summer especially in the sun, then i'm wearing shorts. Yeah, it's a job, but it's the one job I get to be as comfortable as I want.
YES. Context is everything. It's not really a yes or no question.
It's also not really a question about "shorts." I think the real question is about personal style and the amount of effort you are willing to put in to look good, and make your band look good.
When you "dress" for the gig, are you dressing for the gig?
Not trying to be mean, but to me there is a big difference between someone wearing shorts who "dressed for the gig" and someone wearing shorts who is just wearing shorts, because that's what they wear every single day for every occasion. Exact same thing could be said about someone wearing pants.
It's an effort and attitude thing. And attitude comes across to the audience. Flea can get away with shorts (or a sock) because of his attitude. If your band thing is "laid back beach bums" then shorts will probably work just fine. For some bands, the attitude is "we don't care what anyone thinks" and they get away with what ever (think grunge).
If your attitude is "I don't care. I'm going to wear what's comfortable. I'm not willing to suffer one moments discomfort in order to look like a professional on stage.".... well, that comes across to the audience, and I think that's where shorts get a bad rap.
A while back, I was getting measured / fitted for a dress shirt and some other stuff for a nice upscale event my wife and I were attending. The collar on the shirt felt tight, and I said so. The girl dressing me said something to the effect of, "It's not supposed to be comfortable, it's supposed to look good." And I looked good at the event.
I'd have to challenge the brand...
These, to me, are MUCH more offensive than short.... and I despise shorts on stage.
Bleach white shoes with that friggin "N" on the side just SCREAM "Over here! Old guy!!!! Have you seen my reading glasses? Does this bar offer a senior discount on water? Pull your pants up, son!"
Shorts? Bad.
White New Balance sneakers? Beyond bad. Just..... sad.
Went to buy my favorite old man sneaker... I was told this exact shoe was the number one selling shoe at the store.... My response ... a lot of old guys shop here huh? He smiled and agreed.
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This. I wear shorts on stage all the time. They are super common if you aren't cranking out oldies at the local fair or car show.
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