Is it ever acceptable to wear shorts at a gig?

[truand85]

Honestly half the time I think the band in evening wear looks weirder/dorkier than shorts flip flops and Hawaiian shirts. Wear what you like.

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

Nowadays I'm an old lady with great legs and I think it's kind of funny and fun to be age inappropriate in a tasteful way, so I'm happy to show those off. But I'm also running little risk at my age of being hired as eye-candy

Whereas I've always been so ugly and funny looking, I got more work as a court-jester type than a sex symbol type!

 

[LBS-bass]

Honestly half the time I think the band in evening wear looks weirder/dorkier than shorts flip flops and Hawaiian shirts. Wear what you like.

I'm sorta with you on this. Monkey suits are a little creepy. Coordinated stage wear is very creepy, unless you're a big dance act with serious choreography. But for most regional type bands, this sort of outfitting is maybe taking things a little too seriously. I prefer to just let everyone dress as they wish, and my personal style says I want to be a little overdressed for the room.

 

[lokikallas]

If your guitar or bass is pointy, no problem. If your concerts involve mosh pits, no problem.

 

[5StringBlues]

But I'm also running little risk at my age of being hired as eye-candy

Happens to the best of us.

 

[stevieg]

I know the rules. Suck it up, Buttercup. But tomorrow I am playing a gig outside in Ft Lauderdale, FL. with temps in the high 80s and the heat index at 95 from 12 until 5 pm with scattered showers possible from 2 to 7 pm. We are playing outside under a tiki hut. We are putting up tarps to make sure the equipment doesn't get wet. The four band members range from 56 to 70 years young. It's for a biker group called ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Towards Education).

Is there an exception to the rule? Can we wear shorts or does it have to be long pants?

Yes, absolutely. Particularly if the temperature demands this attire.

stevieg

 

[StereoPlayer]

… and my personal style says I want to be a little overdressed for the room.

I usually wear my “good” suspenders in this situation.

 

[jerry]

Cool is not worrying about what is "cool" to others!

 

[FollowMeDown]

if you're playing outside in the summer in long pants here in Phoenix, most people would think you're actively competing for a Darwin award.

 

[5StringBlues]

I usually wear my “good” suspenders in this situation.

Never trust a man who wears a belt and suspenders.

 

[Capn Cack]

See, I think this sort of thing is venue specific. Outside, in weather, for a casual gig, during the day? Heck yeah. Our band did a July 4 outdoors gig and you can bet we all, men and women alike, dressed for the beach.

Indoors at night? No go. Nothing looks tackier then than the vocalist (a woman) all tarted up and all the men in slobby t shirts and baggy shorts.

I know the rules. Suck it up, Buttercup. But tomorrow I am playing a gig outside in Ft Lauderdale, FL. with temps in the high 80s and the heat index at 95 from 12 until 5 pm with scattered showers possible from 2 to 7 pm. We are playing outside under a tiki hut. We are putting up tarps to make sure the equipment doesn't get wet. The four band members range from 56 to 70 years young. It's for a biker group called ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Towards Education).

Is there an exception to the rule? Can we wear shorts or does it have to be long pants?

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

if you're playing outside in the summer in long pants here in Phoenix, most people would think you're actively competing for a Darwin award.

 

[Geoff Wood]

Not in Sudi Arabia, or Iran.

 

[StereoPlayer]

Never trust a man who wears a belt and suspenders.

Lol! I did!

Never trust a man that keeps his change in his wallet!

 

[paulhenry]

If you can play bass like Angus Young plays guitar, yes.

 

[Trevge1]

Not if you have legs like mine. I've been in the gym for 40 years and I still look like I'm riding a chicken.

Hahaha too funny.

 

[Trevge1]

Or the socks with sandals…

 

[Munky]

Brisbane outdoor gig..

 

[eric138]

 

[5StringBlues]

^ These are not the shorts you're looking for..........