It IS show bidness, whether you like it or not. Show bidness requires a SHOW, not just someone who can play well. Very few people don't play well in the wealthier reaches of show bidness. The show is what separates the pros from the hobbyists.
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Dressing Alike, Yuk!!!
- Thread starter Russell L
- Start date
Good points, but you are a musician, therefore what you look for is different than the majority of people looking for live music.
Case in point.....Dream Theatre vs. Motley Crue.
Who are the better "musicians"?
Who puts on a bigger "show" with costumes, lights, and all that caca?
Which one do you want to be in?
Edward G. said:
I agree, I think t richards agrees too. I think this idea gets away from some TBers because their in entry level bands that, to be honest gig so infrequently it really doesn't matter what they wear.
It takes a while and a certain degree of experience before this starts to make sense.
I struggle with my band with dress. I'm only 6 months with them so I not going to say a word. For the most part they all dress like patrons.
I joined the band because they have a ton of bookings. So as long as I'm not up there looking like a patron I'm cool.
YES! It's hard to get that across to most people who want to play in bands, though.
I like it!
- Mar 13, 2008
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- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
Very nicely said, I couldn't agree more.
Nobody ever forgets seeing my band play - ever.
We're not the greatest musicians, but you'll remember seeing us. Given a choice I'd much rather see a good entertaining band than some guy in rumpled clothes trying to impress me with his "spellbinding virtousity"
Being a musician in part means being an entertainer.
tbird, do you drive to the gig in costume and load-in the same or do you do all the work then find your telephone booth to transform?
My wife and I spent a hundred bucks earlier this year to see Poncho Sanchez. That's a lot of money to us. (It was our combined birthday presents to each other).
What a great band! But more than half of them looked like they just rolled off the bus. I don't expect to see matching outfits, although that can be cool given the right circumstances (see my previous post with the picture of the Dap Kings); but looking sharp shows a level of respect for the people spending their money to share a night out with you.
As musicians we are, of course, most interested in the music. However, when you tell your coworkers about it the next day, I bet most say, "I went to see so and so last night."
What a great band! But more than half of them looked like they just rolled off the bus. I don't expect to see matching outfits, although that can be cool given the right circumstances (see my previous post with the picture of the Dap Kings); but looking sharp shows a level of respect for the people spending their money to share a night out with you.
As musicians we are, of course, most interested in the music. However, when you tell your coworkers about it the next day, I bet most say, "I went to see so and so last night."
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,899
- 142,260
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
Depends on the show, several of the places we regularly play at on the road allow us to set up and sound check early in the day, so definately in my guy clothes - much easier.
For local shows I usually do my make up and hair at home after loading my car up and wear jeans and a blouse to load in at least and then change to stage clothes before the show.
Yes it's work, and it's totally worth it. I love playing the bass all dressed up in front of people.
At my age there's not a whole lot I can do. But, I can do better then the "I just left the office" or the " I just fell out bed" look.
I take my vintage jeans to a woman that does alterations. She will add red, gold or white stitching down the side inseam. Little subtle stuff like that helps.
I take my vintage jeans to a woman that does alterations. She will add red, gold or white stitching down the side inseam. Little subtle stuff like that helps.
Depends on the show, several of the places we regularly play at on the road allow us to set up and sound check early in the day, so definately in my guy clothes - much easier.
For local shows I usually do my make up and hair at home after loading my car up and wear jeans and a blouse to load in at least and then change to stage clothes before the show.
Yes it's work, and it's totally worth it. I love playing the bass all dressed up in front of people.
Mark not all of us have such nice legs to show off.....although i could use the wig :-(
TBird1958 said:Depends on the show, several of the places we regularly play at on the road allow us to set up and sound check early in the day, so definately in my guy clothes - much easier.
For local shows I usually do my make up and hair at home after loading my car up and wear jeans and a blouse to load in at least and then change to stage clothes before the show.
Yes it's work, and it's totally worth it. I love playing the bass all dressed up in front of people.
Sounds like a blast. If I was younger I would love an opportunity like yours. I already have an 81 Gibson tbird.
- Mar 13, 2008
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- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
As others have said, it's about respecting your audience and creating a memorable experience for them. I sure remember the first show I went to: Alice Cooper in 1973. There were no blue jeans and t shirts onstage that night.
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TBird1958 said:
As others have said, it's about respecting your audience and creating a memorable experience for them. I sure remember the first show I went to: Alice Cooper in 1973. There were no blue jeans and t shirts onstage that night.
I think that holds true for every band thats doing shows.
If you don't think having people remember your performance is important your in the wrong business.
I think some us miss Mark's point.
Especially those that think the performance is about what you like and want from a show.
Take my word for it - the vast majority of most audiences doesn't care one whit for your level of musicianship. They just want to be entertained and a part of that means being visually appealing.
We dress generally alike but not identically. Bar gigs call for jeans and black shirts. Beach gigs are shorts and upscale parties suits (sans tie) for the guys and a dress of some sort for our female member.
My take on it is 'whatever the ladies like'. They're usually the ones that make you into a big deal.
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,899
- 142,260
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
My take on it is 'whatever the ladies like'. They're usually the ones that make you into a big deal.
Yup!
" Every girl is crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man"
