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Tattoos effecting getting gigs

nickrs540

nickrs540

May 1, 2010
539
72
San Diego, California
#1
I have a couple tattoos and i'm planning on getting more. I play in many genres from Rock, Metal, Country, to Jazz, and Orchestral (DB). I know the tattoos aren't a problem in rock or metal, but I wonder if they could possibly cause a problem for me getting a gig in some of the more "tame" genres I play.

Has anyone ever been not accepted f a gig for having ink?

Or if you were looking for musicians for your group would it be an issue?
 
#3
We just encountered a booking issue yesterday where the promoter decided to pull the plug on us because he didn't care for our band name due to it including the word "gun". Unfortunately for us, we would have been the opener for Styx at an upcoming festival show. I figure if the people behind the event are that narrow minded we don't want to do business with them in the first place.
 
#5
Again...if a band leader is that closed minded and prejudicial of people you should be thankful that the tattoos gave you a warning of it before you get too involved.. Youll have a much better time playing with folks who actually bother to use their higher faculties.
 
#7
I cant say Ive ever been shuned from a gig for ink. However, I found this interesting. I can say Ive had issues with acceptance and jobs due to my ink.

The two that draw the most attention on the praying hands on the side of neck and the gargoyle on the back of my head. Even though I have somewhere close to 20 tattoo's on my arms combined. I feel it does hurt me alot, but sometimes I feel like it hurts me more to pretend to be something Im not. Nothing worse than going to extra mile to hide something just to get exposed later and get bad reactions.

Back when I kept my head shaved, and a Dimebag style go-tee. Alot of people looked at me and said there is a tattooed skin head. And that was the furtherest from the truth. Heck I approached several artist about putting "END RACISM" across my stomach but they wouldnt do it, said if the wrong person saw it it could get ugly. While disappointed I respect a artist who will refuse a tattoo regardless of his reasons, cos to me that shows they have some values and dont just see dollar signs.

Anyways, Id say forget them man. Be yourself, tattoos might have a negative impact on some people. However, if you take a look at things people with ink are gaining in numbers and some day I predict that it will be more of a right of passage than anything and everyone will pretty much have one.
 
#9
bassgod0dmw said:
Tattoos have become so mainstream I really can't see if affecting getting a gig. It seems like almost everyone has a tattoo these days.
Click to expand...

I went the the beach before a gig I had that night about two blocks away and It seemed like I had less ink than almost everyone else haha. Almost everyguy had somesort of big chest piece and something on his shoulder or arms. I felt left out............so I wen't to my artist and got another on my calf. I feel better now.
 
#13
Hi.

I don't have any ink.

Mainly because I pondered about it "too long" and when I was ready have some shot, it had became mainstream (mid 90's) and I didn't want any part of that BS.
Still don't.
Probably never will.

Now I'm VERY different for not having any :).

In the current band I'm in, I pop out like the white whale :D.


As for tats hindering Your ability to get gigs, unless its teardrops, dots or stars near your eyes, tribals on your shaved skull, Wacky Woodpecker or any other cartoon character on your forehead, HATE or some more colorful word(s) on your knuckles, how can they even see 'em unless you go there inadquately dressed for the occasion?

OTOH, since You worry about it... ;).

Regards
Sam
 
#14
Biggbass said:
We just encountered a booking issue yesterday where the promoter decided to pull the plug on us because he didn't care for our band name due to it including the word "gun". Unfortunately for us, we would have been the opener for Styx at an upcoming festival show. I figure if the people behind the event are that narrow minded we don't want to do business with them in the first place.
Click to expand...

Next time this comes up, ask if they would hire Jo Jo Gunn if they got together again.

Alternatively, add that second n to your name and see what happens.

iJazz
 
#15
Tattoos are only a fad like wearing torn jeans, and will always have negative connotations associated with gang bangers,, prison inmates and porn actors.

I know several people that have failed job interviews due to tats.

They will still be there when they are no longer trendy, so think twice before you do it.
 
#18
Bassamatic said:
Tattoos are only a fad like wearing torn jeans, and will always have negative connotations associated with gang bangers,, prison inmates and porn actors.

I know several people that have failed job interviews due to tats.

They will still be there when they are no longer trendy, so think twice before you do it.
Click to expand...

Ötzi the Iceman had tattoos. He died sometime around 4000 BC.
I don't see the art of tattooing as any sort of dying trend. ;)

Also, if you don't get hired for a position based solely on the tattoos you have (given they are not in any way hate-related.. c'mon now, that's just plain ignorance), you probably wouldn't want to work for that company anyhow.

I've never been turned down for a job because of my tattoos, and the two that I have are very prominent, one on each forearm.
 
#19
Bassamatic said:
Tattoos are only a fad like wearing torn jeans, and will always have negative connotations associated with gang bangers,, prison inmates and porn actors.

I know several people that have failed job interviews due to tats.

They will still be there when they are no longer trendy, so think twice before you do it.
Click to expand...

Yeah sure, those negative connotations have been present since sailors came back from distant isles with tats, often bringing a 'native specimen' with them. What a wholesome mindset to preserve! Over here a full face tattoo means big respect, not gang banger.
 
#20
I don't have any ink, but I'm not opposed to people who like it. And I can't see it getting in the way of a gig, unless it's obscene or hate related. The only thing I can say is "think before you ink" :) Not only can it hurt you in the job market if you plan on working at anything that pays well. But, how is it it gonna look when you are 50 or older?
 

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