Are shorts ever okay?

[Nashrakh]

And then there are the Quick and Easy boys also kick ass, also from Portland... these guys are super fun. View attachment 3463412

The ultimate TB offender - wears almost nothing BUT shorts! And hideous ones no less!

Our anti-hero.

 

[Weberman]

One thing that cracks me up about this whole issue is that there are people who really believe that:
A.) People actually care what their cover band looks like.

B.) Their dorky "cool dad" outfit makes them appear more professional than shorts.

There are cases where it matters - that I won't deny. Weddings, mitzvahs, orchestral recitals, serious shows where people actually know you and your music, and other such events call for dressing well. Plodding away in the background for a bunch of preoccupied people, who really don't care about your band, while it's 90 degrees? Wear what you want.

Musicians used to wear tuxedos (and some still do). Now THAT was professionalism!

 

[TheReceder]

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.

I think I'm going to cut and paste this every time someone asks if it's ok to wear shorts... (The reality... all that really matters is the last sentence).

 

[TheReceder]

Just. As. Bas.

ANY white sneaker with the blue trim ages you by another 20 years.

I'd have to agree... but the young bucks seem to want to haul more of my FOH gear when I wear them.... I do get tired of being called "Sir" though.

 

[Scottgun]

Of course shorts are ok: for an eleven-year old boy.

 

[RichardW]

Short songs: yes
Short gigs: yes
Short pants: no

 

[HardNHeavy]

I like the golf attire "two fingers" mentioned, that looks really comfy and cool.......but plz dont wear sandals with socks...lol

 

[cnltb]

I’m in a cover band that plays a fair number of outdoor gigs in southern PA: first Fridays festivals, etc. The band rule is we never-ever wear shorts to gigs, I’m usually all in with that dress code.

But, we have an afternoon gig coming up at a tennis/swim club, as much as you can plan for weather, figure 90 degree at gig time, standard 3 hr gig, next to a pool-picnic area. We are bringing a tent so there will be limited shade.

I’m of the opinion that we should make an exception for this gig regarding the ‘no shorts rule’. IMHO nice shorts, collared shirts, and Sandals or dock shoes, would be just fine for this venue.

Help me build my case, or shut it down?

Yes, but not on stage( for guys that aren't 'Flea'. shorts can work real well on women)
Same goes for sandals. Not ever!!
Has nothing to do with teh venue or the gig, has everything to do with self respect and not looking like a total poodle.

 

[tpaul]

I think you should wear side slit harem pants, a belly shirt, and Jesus boots.

 

[Dincrest]

Shorts and flip-flops? Only if you're Ryan Martinie.

 

[dalkowski]

I think the solution people are looking for here is kilts.

Sarongs, actually, and I say that in all seriousness.

 

[smogg]

Nice shorts yes. Sandals absolutely not. Close toed shoes and socks required.

 

[Paragon3]

Tbh I know a guy who was one of my stagehand co-workers and a crew lead... He literally never wears pants. In Winnipeg Manitoba.. AKA Winterpeg Manitsnowba.. He's never been told to put pants on. He's always got on long black cargo shorts and winter layers of long underwear. I know he plays in a band but... It's not some church band if you know what I mean.. I think that's the commonality here. Most of you play in church.

Now. Let's see.. Is your cover band doing David Lee Roth and Kiss sort of stuff? David Bowie? Or are you a country band?

I am confident if they hire a band not known to wear pants that's their own stupidity.

Basically.. This should be covered when the contract is done. If it's Hawaiian themed.. Bring your UBass and flower shirt shorts and sandals.

Communication is key.

 

[4Mal]

The ultimate TB offender - wears almost nothing BUT shorts! And hideous ones no less!

Our anti-hero.

And that cat can play his butt off and sing lead while he’s at it... he kinda gets a pass in my book ‘cause he’s a monster

 

[Tnavis]

This particular problem: talk it over with the band leader, mention the heat, come to a compromise in terms of nice dress shorts.

I've seen enough of these threads to not even bother reading through the six pages of replies.

There are many cases in which shorts aren't acceptable; weddings, formal corporate gigs, etc.

This is a tennis/swim club. Those rules don't apply. Look professional but don't die from heat stroke.

 

[groovaholic]

My answer?
No, shorts are not OK

But if I’m playing outside with no shade and 90-degree temperatures, I’m going to break my own rule.

 

[okcrum]

I did a block party gig last weekend with a classic rock band and the temps were around 102F. Of the people there, lots of the women and kids wore shorts, but only about a half dozen of the men did. None of them were in the band.

In a cowboy or rockabilly band out here, you'd definitely get fired for wearing shorts at any time.

The only local AZ bands I've seen in shorts on paid gigs are metal/stoner/doom bands. Wearing shorts seems to go with the genre, not the age of the players.

Maybe it's just a regional thing.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Nice shorts yes. Sandals absolutely not. Close toed shoes and socks required.

Socks with shorts? Ugh.

 

[stringthrough]

My band will do a few outdoor gigs this Summer. I raised this same question with my BL and he said, just be comfortable, in other words, it's OK.

Here's a point you can make, if the audience is largely wearing shorts, a band where members are wearing long pants actually looks out of place.

 

[wmhill]

We do a lot of tiki/pool bar gigs in the summer, and you look terribly out of place playing next to the pool with long pants & boots. I have seen some of the other acts wearing something other than shorts, and they look pretty odd. Most gigs will find me wearing pants, but these particular gigs just call for different attire.