Smooth_bass88
vaxx!
- Oct 31, 2006
- 12,122
- 16,793
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- have been on nationally released albums, charting on the Billboard 200
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How to approach a touchy subject
- Thread starter lowgun
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Meh, we're just jealous... 
I don't know how to approach these touchy subjects. A lot of people are uncomfortable with it because of fear the recipient will react negatively; get mad or just not like us. I have that problem myself sometimes.
If it were me I would feel pretty douchy saying anything. I'm not saying I think that about you, I'm saying that's how I would feel.
I think there's a big difference commenting on someone's vocal or musical performance, and criticizing their appearance. NO ONE likes having their appearance criticized. IMO you cannot broach that without hurting them. Of course they should point out your poor vocals; that's a key component of your band's product. A momentary moob flash, on the other hand, is going to be much less damaging to your band's capital. Sure it turns off a few superficial shallow hotties... but some of your chubbier dude fans might get a good laugh out of it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a chubby guy; I'm in fairly good shape. And I'm not promoting they should go shirtless. My opinion is you should ALL keep your shirts on. Of course that's your business not mine. But to answer your question I don't know any good way to approach them about it.
Good luck whatever you do.
I don't know how to approach these touchy subjects. A lot of people are uncomfortable with it because of fear the recipient will react negatively; get mad or just not like us. I have that problem myself sometimes.
If it were me I would feel pretty douchy saying anything. I'm not saying I think that about you, I'm saying that's how I would feel.
I think there's a big difference commenting on someone's vocal or musical performance, and criticizing their appearance. NO ONE likes having their appearance criticized. IMO you cannot broach that without hurting them. Of course they should point out your poor vocals; that's a key component of your band's product. A momentary moob flash, on the other hand, is going to be much less damaging to your band's capital. Sure it turns off a few superficial shallow hotties... but some of your chubbier dude fans might get a good laugh out of it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a chubby guy; I'm in fairly good shape. And I'm not promoting they should go shirtless. My opinion is you should ALL keep your shirts on. Of course that's your business not mine. But to answer your question I don't know any good way to approach them about it.
Good luck whatever you do.
i should clarify too that its not like every show we just jump up and cant wait to rip off our shirts lol
we always start wearing shirts. IF the club allows it, and IF the energy and mood is right then we go shirtless. we get great audience feedback when we do, but its not for every venue. we've really only played that way a handful of times out of all our shows. Often times its against the club/bar rules, and for many places its really not appropriate.
we always start wearing shirts. IF the club allows it, and IF the energy and mood is right then we go shirtless. we get great audience feedback when we do, but its not for every venue. we've really only played that way a handful of times out of all our shows. Often times its against the club/bar rules, and for many places its really not appropriate.
Are you Iggy Pop? Because frankly, I am not sure if Iggy Pop can wear a shirt. I think his chest is allergic to every known type of fiber, or something.
I wore a tucked in button down shirt to our first show, and when we watched the video back, my very tactful and sensitive wife kept saying, "when's the baby due?" and "did you stuff a basketball in there?"
If a person is going to put themself out there, they need to have a certain amount of body awareness. Better to hear it from you than some mean person. (assuming you're NOT a mean person)
If you're FAT, and you take off your shirt in my band, we are going to say something every time. Like "KEEP YOUR SHIRT ON, OR HIT THE GYM."
Now, as to you two adonises (adoni?) if you feel the need to flex your stuff, and it works for you, don't listen to the talkbass Boyscout Brigade. The people who post here are BASS PLAYERS, for God's sake; what they know about fashion, style, or current looks would fill a thimble.
Do what works for you, and don't apologize for it. I would probably assume a shirtless band were a bunch of punks, but I'm an old grouchy man, and what I know about what young audiences want WOULDN'T fill a thimble.
I wore a tucked in button down shirt to our first show, and when we watched the video back, my very tactful and sensitive wife kept saying, "when's the baby due?" and "did you stuff a basketball in there?"
If a person is going to put themself out there, they need to have a certain amount of body awareness. Better to hear it from you than some mean person. (assuming you're NOT a mean person)
If you're FAT, and you take off your shirt in my band, we are going to say something every time. Like "KEEP YOUR SHIRT ON, OR HIT THE GYM."
Now, as to you two adonises (adoni?) if you feel the need to flex your stuff, and it works for you, don't listen to the talkbass Boyscout Brigade. The people who post here are BASS PLAYERS, for God's sake; what they know about fashion, style, or current looks would fill a thimble.
Do what works for you, and don't apologize for it. I would probably assume a shirtless band were a bunch of punks, but I'm an old grouchy man, and what I know about what young audiences want WOULDN'T fill a thimble.
If you want them to wear shirts, then everyone should wear shirts. Since you "claim" it's just because you get hot and "into it" then what right do you have to tell the fat guys that they can't get hot and "into it"?
Let's not pretend what's really going on here.........
Let's not pretend what's really going on here.........
Fat Steve
The poodle bites, the poodle chews it.
You've only been playing with that band for three months. I don't think there's a good way to tell the guys that you find them embarrassing. BTW, folks starting these kinds of threads *really* ought to consider first taking their band info out of their TB user profiles. The interwebz is a small place. Just sayin.'
Do you think these guys took off their shirts to send the shirt-shedding guys a hint? Could this subject be touchy both ways?
New band uniforms. Get those t-shirts with the muscles printed on them,then when you and the drummer take yours off, the other guys won't notice!
Wow, judgmental much??
Don't know anything about the OP, the music he plays, the image he's trying to portray, but post after post crucifying him for taking his shirt off.
To the OP - don't let a bunch of narrow-minded, beer bellied old men stuff you into their mold.
A picture is worth a thousand words. When they see how bad they look, they'll never take their shirts off in public again.
Don't know anything about the OP, the music he plays, the image he's trying to portray, but post after post crucifying him for taking his shirt off.
To the OP - don't let a bunch of narrow-minded, beer bellied old men stuff you into their mold.
A picture is worth a thousand words. When they see how bad they look, they'll never take their shirts off in public again.
Don’t worry lowgun - you have as legit of a complaint as anyone else’s beefs posted on BM - and you get my vote, this a fun thread.
Here’s the deal - just be honest with the guys and tell them to keep their shirts on or hit the gym.
Here’s the deal - just be honest with the guys and tell them to keep their shirts on or hit the gym.
dude, take it with a grain of salt. it's the fashion with some on here to just serve the music with no regard for image or what people think. it's a noble calling but unfortunately quite dull. i mean modesty is great but you're putting on a rock show here - you can save the modesty for later. getting girls to dance and enjoy themselves is not a bad thing, so if the shirtless thing helps with that goal then great! but that doesn't solve your problem. maybe it is best for everybody to keep their shirts on, just to keep the peace.
honestly this is what a band manager is for. they are in a much better position to tackle those touchy issues without creating animosity among band members.
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