Stage Apparel - What's On Your "No" List?

[jaywa]

From the bands I've seen there are three types of people you see on stage (appearance wise):

1) The ones who don't give a damn about themselves and/or the gig.

2) The ones who care and have come up with some sort of look that's appropriate for the band, the venue and the audience AND that fits with their overall persona.

3) The ones who are trying way too hard.

I try to be in group 2 whenever possible.

 

[Thor]

No shorts, no flops, no fashion Logo T shirts, no Abercrombie,
I will rock a band T shirt I like, Savoy Brown is one I really
like, or the Station Nightclub Benefit Show tee. I have used the layered T look in the winter.

 

[behndy]

or type 4) people that wear nice, yet casual clothes. if it fits in with the crowd then i don't think people are shabby looking.

 

[hennessybass]

From the bands I've seen there are three types of people you see on stage (appearance wise):

1) The ones who don't give a damn about themselves and/or the gig.

2) The ones who care and have come up with some sort of look that's appropriate for the band, the venue and the audience AND that fits with their overall persona.

3) The ones who are trying way too hard.

I try to be in group 2 whenever possible.

I like this and also try to fall into group 2.

I can't stand shorts on stage - cargo shorts and a t-shirt says "I'm hear to hang out in the back yard" NOT "I'm hear to entertain you and put on a good show!"

If you're gonna do shorts, you gotta do it right or don't do it at all...
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[jay tay]

for Jazz, I always wear something smart, usually a suit, and I'll take the jacket off once I'm on stage. For everything else, I wear what ever I feel like on the day.

I often play in shorts, but not "short shorts" has to be at least knee length.

I would never play in flip flops, but I would never wear flip flops...

 

[DanNowhere]

If you're gonna do shorts, you gotta do it right or don't do it at all...
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damn. a pair of mandals, and he'd have pulled off the trifecta. too bad we can't see his feet.

 

[JoeDissolvo]

Me? Nothing is off limits. Mostly its what I wear on my day to day. Dickies work shorts, some sort of band tshirt or weird clothing company that gives me free stuff. Shoes dont matter. Usually just what I wear.

But, Ive worn costumes on non halloween shows, played in speedos, in drag, full matching costumes with the rest of the band. It doesnt really matter in the bands ive been in.

i think the only time apparel should matter is when the venue or type of band calls for it. some people, especially in this thread it seems like just take what they wear on stage way too seriously.

 

[jaywa]

That dude with the Daisy Dukes has definitely gone "all in".

Or maybe more appropriately, "all out".

 

[DwaynieAD]

sleeves

 

[the yeti]

I could wear shorts 20 years ago, and I can still make a pair of shorts look good today:

nice thong(s)

 

[the yeti]

there's nothing i won't wear. my band frequently asks me to take off my gorilla or wrestling masks though.

 

[jaywa]

Uhh, that will hopefully be the last time Phalex and "thong" appear in the same post.

 

[JoZac21]

I'm strongly opposed to wearing another band or musician's t-shirts while playing a gig... something about it seems unprofessional to me.

 

[Phalex]

Uhh, that will hopefully be the last time Phalex and "thong" appear in the same post.

I'm working on the photo.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Mine changes depending on who im playing with and what the style is. If I'm playing a punk rock show, probably gonna be in dickies slacks with a bowling shirt and chucks on.

If I'm in a 50's/60's cover band...umm a matching suit? My relaxed garb is just jeans, t-shirt (i try to stay away from band tees, seems too cliche) and some kind of shoes that make me look taller =)

 

[jaywa]

I have found that if you are easily recognizable as a member of the band, it is much easier to score free drinks during break. And female audience members are much more... responsive.

Those benefits alone are reason enough for me to make the effort.

Re band T-shirts... I don't do 'em. And that includes my own band's T-shirt. Hanging one up at the corner of the stage or whatever for merch purposes, fine, but I just don't like the idea of wearing one on stage. Used to get into some discussions with my former BL about that one.

 

[bluewine]

From the bands I've seen there are three types of people you see on stage (appearance wise):

1) The ones who don't give a damn about themselves and/or the gig.

2) The ones who care and have come up with some sort of look that's appropriate for the band, the venue and the audience AND that fits with their overall persona.

3) The ones who are trying way too hard.

I try to be in group 2 whenever possible.

+ 1

blue

 

[EGhart317]

I have kind of a laissez faire attitude toward stage apparel I guess. I mean whatever you feel comfortable in and able to move around/be enthusiastic in without getting overheated.

That being said I don't do shorts either (because I don't own a pair) and I try to avoid overly destroyed t-shirts. Usually button down and jeans to seem presentable.

 

[bassbrizzle]

It's funny that lately so many things on TB have applied to my life too. Playing a show tonight and the singer/guitarist wants to coordinate the dress. Needless to say this will be the last show with this guy.

 

[butchblack]

My band has a no blue jeans policy. I usually will wear black jeans with a collared shirt, some kind of hat and shades unless it's very dark in the club. At 260lbs no one wants to see me in shorts and a tank top. We have an outdoor gig coming up in August that I may wear a t-shirt to. I usually go for the just different enough from the patrons look, plus it's fun.