Shorts...

[MNAirHead]

Nope

 

[FrenchBassQC]

If that isn't your thing, how about this.

 

[ThinCrappyTone]

 

[wraub]

Dani California Pizza Kitchen

i imagined a restaurant where the host, waiters and bus boys wore socks, RHCP style - and couldn't help laughing

 

[bucephylus]

Sure; all you avowed shorts haters c’mon down here to PHX, and do a few outdoor July gigs in your sweat pants or Lycra longs. You’ll be certain to be hip.

 

[Jokei]

Is the "not looking professional on stage" a cover band thing?

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Is the "not looking professional on stage" a cover band thing?

It’s a generational, regional, and type of band thing. No set rules.

 

[TigerInATrance]

If it's good for Otiel, it's good for me!!

 

[gln1955]

Let me count the number people at gigs the last few years who cared if we looked "professional" (whatever that means).


...............

OK, I'm done.

I guess they just liked a professional sounding band, were having fun and were good with that.

 

[mexicanyella]

Wearing shorts onstage looks very unprofessional. Unless your name is Flea or Steve Harris, or Bon Scott or John McVie, you're going to look like an amateur.

Dude, I am an amateur. I am comfortable appearing like what I really am.

To be fair, I play bass in a rock band because it’s a fun creative outlet. Maybe if my livelihood depended on it my approach would differ.

 

[GlenParks]

 

[mexicanyella]

If it's good for Otiel, it's good for me!!

Lookit that, shorts, and cab atop rack. I am going to do that too. My amp rack
case is wider than the cab anyway...

 

[Ellery]

...not only cargo shorts, but ANY shorts. Of course we're all in agreement that cargo shorts on stage playing music is abhorrent behavior, but are there any shorts at all that dudes over 50 can wear and not embarrass themselves? Not only gigging, but in general?

Just wondering what the bass playing intelligentia have to say on this. I know, random and weird. Thus, miscellaneous. Go:

You did not specify situational parameters that make all the difference. I've worn cargo shorts on stage in punk and metal bands, scenes in which formal dress would be considered abhorrent. If I was getting payed to play dance music at a professional event, no way would I wear shorts. When in my own element I'll wear whatever I want. Noone pays attention to the bass player anyway!

 

[Indiana Mike]

For your eighties pop tribute band.

 

[Liam Wald]

Depends on the band. If your set list consists mostly of songs like Baby Beluga, She'll Be comin' Round the Mountain, and London Bridge is Falling Down shorts are probably okay. Otherwise you are likely better off wearing big-boy pants.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

If someone else is concerned about what you wear, you’re hanging around with the wrong people.

And if you’re concerned about what someone else thinks about what you wear, you’re a candidate for anxiety meds.

 

[CoffeeLove]

As with most things, depends on the gig. I live on the Central Coast of California, thus people wear shorts everywhere, including church. All the local pubs, absolutely shorts, but private and higher paying events, no shorts.

 

[Sonicfrog]

Stew to Sting: "What the F are you wearing?????"

 

[Plectrum72]

Soooooo if you're in a surf rock band and playing a gig at a beach bar with the ocean as your backdrop and temperatures in the upper 90s (gulf coast), is it ok to wear shorts then? Or do you still have to wear pants to look professional?

 

[tubedude]

Already 101° here in Augusta Ga. Banjobeque has 15 bands playing at Lake Olmstead today. Any guesses on how many will be wearing anything other than shorts?
If anyone is, it will be a result of stupidity or suicidal tendencies, NOT to conform to some silly idea of "looking professional".
We concentrate on being professional, not appearing so.
FBI agents and undertakers have to. We are neither.