Is Wearing Sunglasses On Stage Douchey?

[Artman]

No different than any other article of clothing or accessory. If you are comfortable in them, you will look good in them. Go for it. If you are uncomfortable wearing sunglasses when you play, people will pick up on that. Don't make yourself uncomfortable. Be the ball, Danny.

 

[corganmurray]

If Joe Dart does it, it’s cool

 

[Samatza]

it’s totally ok if you’re playing blues...

 

[Brad_Pearson]

One if you pretend to be blind at the same time. Then pull out a chart for the last tune and wink at a waitress.

 

[dramatwist]

...if you want to wear 'em, and someone doesn't like it... f*** 'em...

 

[lfmn16]

What most people don't understand is that the wearer makes the sunglasses cool, the sunglasses don't make the wearer cool. If you're douchy it doesn't matter what you wear, that comes through.

 

[RoxKeller]

In this band....YES definitely

 

[electracoyote]

There should be some compelling reason. You're either in the sun, a drug addict, or you have the vibe, talent, and charisma to pull it off. Or maybe everyone in the band decided to wear them to make an aesthetic statement. But if you're the dopey bass guy at the back of the stage standing there like a statue, the only band member with sunglasses, it can look a little pretentious.

 

[Scottgun]

If Joe Dart does it, it’s cool

^^This.

Seriously, someone is always going to bust your chops for something, but you owe no one an explanation of what you do in your show. Especially if they're not giving you money.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

Seriously, someone is always going to bust your chops for something, but you owe no one an explanation of what you do in your show. Especially if they're not giving you money.

Exactly this!

 

[Lesfunk]

If you do it at an open mic at night ....probably

like the guys who have their girlfriend set up a go pro to film them playing “Mary janes last dance” with a bunch of strangers...

 

[fhm555]

I’ve done it when i’m outdoors in the sun and once in a one shot pickup band For a big private party. We called ourselves the Night Shades and all wore cheap sunglasses. Yes, i know it was hokey, but the party guests loved it.

 

[dadglasser]

View attachment 2142921

 

[Winslow]

^ Didn't even have to click to know what it was.

 

[dadglasser]

^ Didn't even have to click to know what it was.

I'd say that they sound like they are in the pro-sunglasses camp.

 

[Eilif]

What most people don't understand is that the wearer makes the sunglasses cool, the sunglasses don't make the wearer cool. If you're douchy it doesn't matter what you wear, that comes through.

This, plus context.

I wear aviator sunglasses to every gig (indoor and outdoor) in my current group, but it's part of the look (rock/country/rockabilly) that I bring to each gig in my country band. It's become part of my stage identity as "Goose the wingman" that my bandleader uses in stage banter.

I don't think it'd necessarily work in an indie rock group, but I've got vintagey plastic-frame spectacles for that.

I'll add only that:
If you're worried about wearing wearing sunglasses you probably shouldn't.

 

[bluesblaster]

The stage is a performance area , the look is part of the performance

 

[T Bassman]

Not in the sun, at a festival for instance. Inside a club? Unless youre name is Ceasar and you play in Los Lobos I say a hard no! Lol

 

[dadglasser]

 

[micguy]

But I actually looked very badass.

Denial isn't just a river in Egypt. Very few people can pull off sunglasses inside; you probably aren't one of them.