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Gigging in Shorts?

#21
I'm in a rock trio.

We play mostly in the Sac, CA area... lots of festivals and outdoor shows in summer.

Damn straight I wear shorts. knee-length, cargo shorts.

Never have I worn shorts when playing for church, though, except at retreats.

If it works for your band? Go for it.
 
#25
ok - first post here - I grew up when bands dressed alike and always tried to look sharp and outdo the other bands in the area - like the professionals did! and for the last several years I really fought the whole (is that the band or are those the guys who came to pick up litter?) but now I feel that whatever is suitable and won't look out of place - I agree - if it's 100 degrees in the shade - by all means - shorts -
 
#26
My shorts end below my knees, so they aren't nearly as awkward as some of the pictures in this thread. My shorts are usually slightly-baggy cargo shorts.

Imagine something like this (but more pale, short blonde hair, and a short reddish beard):
Link Removed or
robert-trujillo-01.jpg


My personal philosophy is to wear shorts year-round unless I feel like dressing in a weird costume or dress code requires something nicer (or I'm snowboarding...but even then, only sometimes).



EDIT: At least in the metal scene, a lot of musicians wear shorts. It's almost becoming trendy.
 
#31
joshwilkesbooth said:
A grown man should never wear shorts outside of exercise or yardwork. imo of course.
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+1

It was over 90 degrees in full sunlight in my avatar shot.

I wore shorts once for an outdoor gig on a warm summer afternoon. I can't even look at the pictures. I look ridiculous.

Now, if your ego and sense of style support wearing shorts while performing music, more power to you. Then again, I don't think you would be the type who needs any reaffirmations here on TB.
 
#32
Metallized said:
I once gigged in tight jeans... Can't recommend it!
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I just dealt with this at my second to last gig. I wore some tight jeans and i couldn't move at all. I am very animated on stage and i could never get into the performance because my jeans were not letting me get in a good power stance because it felt like i was going to rip my pants. :(

My last show i wore shorts and im never going back (aside from more fancy gigs of course). I now can run, jump and frolic as i wish across the whole stage with no fear of ripping my jeans
:bassist: :D :bassist:
 
#34
Outdoor gig in the NC summer, shorts for sure. Unless being paid very well to have formal attire on in that situation.

Most club gigs though there is AC. I wear long pants. Some places we play have a no jeans policy for the band or shirts with collars a must or tucked in a must. Depends on the place. But I reserve shorts for warm weather outdoor gigs.

Ken
 
#37
Over 90 degrees and in direct sunlight? We call that spring or fall where I live (the Gulf Coast). From late May through mid October it's usually upper 90's during the day and the humidity is between 85% and 100%. Come on down here for a gig and put on your all black outfit and long pants... and don't forget the paramedics - you'll need them when heat stroke occurs. Of course, if it's an indoors gig, long pants are fine. And for the 3 weeks of winter too. Otherwise, I dress for survival, and suggest my bandmates do too.
 
#39
Jarrett said:
So like a business casual gig? What places require that?
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Couple of clubs in the area that "aspire" to be "upscale", you know like a cigar bar type place.

Played more of them with my last band which was more of a top 40 gig. Current band is a country and rock gig, so not much of the dress code thing lately other than looking the part so to speak. I always make sure I am comfortable in what I am playing in. Funny thing is current band I make better pay and have more fun. Who'd a thunk the guy from Jersey fitting in with the country band.

Ken
 

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