Church gigs, so we don't wear anything with logos or words on it (unless it's the church's logo). Then again, with the lighting, sometimes what you wear isn't all that noticeable:
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What do you wear when you play gigs?
- Thread starter 51PRI
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Wear what you think you look good in, and don't dress like a geek, are my two rules of thumb.
For the gigs that I generally play, I have an array of interesting t-shirts, and a pair of jeans or two, that have a good beat-up, but not trashy look to them. In the summer I wear slim-cut black shorts that look good for an original rock band, and I look good in them, so it's a no-brainer when the weather is searing hot.
I play rock clubs/bars, so I don't have the dressing up thing to worry about. If I did, I'd likely be wearing black pants and some kind of stylish buttoned shirt.
For the gigs that I generally play, I have an array of interesting t-shirts, and a pair of jeans or two, that have a good beat-up, but not trashy look to them. In the summer I wear slim-cut black shorts that look good for an original rock band, and I look good in them, so it's a no-brainer when the weather is searing hot.
I play rock clubs/bars, so I don't have the dressing up thing to worry about. If I did, I'd likely be wearing black pants and some kind of stylish buttoned shirt.
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If anyone cares I can comment as a member of the audience...
I like the idea of dressing "one step up" from the audience. If I'm stepping into a venue in the middle of a performance then the nicely dressed people on stage is an immediate clue that I'm listening to professional musicians and not some audience member goofing off, a technician tuning up the gear, or a band that can't be bothered to look like professionals. Oh, and it helps to play like professionals to clue me in.
I like the look that a couple people posted photos of red jeans, black T-shirt, and an open button up shirt or jacket. I don't know why I like the look but I do.
I like it when band members dress "alike" but not "the same". I think of The Dead South where they wear white shirts and black slacks but each member has their "trademark". There's the cello player in the windsor necktie, the banjo player in a bow tie, the guitar/mandolin player with an open collar and suspenders, and the lead singer in a bolo tie and jacket. It also helps if the lead and/or "star" of the band has a bit of "flourish" in their outfit. An example of "flourish" might be the movie That Thing You Do! where the "star" drummer always wore shades. The band in that movie also had the "alike but not the same" uniform. The fictional band was clearly a commentary on the Beatles and other bands of the era that kind of set that look into popular culture so it is what an audience might expect a band to look like.
The black-on-black look, like Johnny Cash, is always classic. This look can also take on the variations above on "alike but not the same" and some "flourish" for the lead/star.
Again, I hope I'm not out of line here. Feel free to ignore me.
I like the idea of dressing "one step up" from the audience. If I'm stepping into a venue in the middle of a performance then the nicely dressed people on stage is an immediate clue that I'm listening to professional musicians and not some audience member goofing off, a technician tuning up the gear, or a band that can't be bothered to look like professionals. Oh, and it helps to play like professionals to clue me in.
I like the look that a couple people posted photos of red jeans, black T-shirt, and an open button up shirt or jacket. I don't know why I like the look but I do.
I like it when band members dress "alike" but not "the same". I think of The Dead South where they wear white shirts and black slacks but each member has their "trademark". There's the cello player in the windsor necktie, the banjo player in a bow tie, the guitar/mandolin player with an open collar and suspenders, and the lead singer in a bolo tie and jacket. It also helps if the lead and/or "star" of the band has a bit of "flourish" in their outfit. An example of "flourish" might be the movie That Thing You Do! where the "star" drummer always wore shades. The band in that movie also had the "alike but not the same" uniform. The fictional band was clearly a commentary on the Beatles and other bands of the era that kind of set that look into popular culture so it is what an audience might expect a band to look like.
The black-on-black look, like Johnny Cash, is always classic. This look can also take on the variations above on "alike but not the same" and some "flourish" for the lead/star.
Again, I hope I'm not out of line here. Feel free to ignore me.
Band shirt and jeans or shorts.
Or a long sleeve with jeans.
Or a long sleeve with jeans.
I've always been impressed by your stage dress, as well as with your playing. I miss seeing you guys at Wegmans.
Jock strap, cowboy boots, navy blazer. If it’s dressy I include a pocket square.
I think band uniforms are pretty genre/style specific. For me (rock/metal) it's generally black t-shirt and dark jeans or jean shorts. Vans, Chucks or Docs.
I prefer to update my style to match the times. I have no real interest in looking like a cartoon version of the decade I grew up in.
Van Halen in 2015 didn't dress like Van Halen in 1985.
I prefer to update my style to match the times. I have no real interest in looking like a cartoon version of the decade I grew up in.
Van Halen in 2015 didn't dress like Van Halen in 1985.
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My last band, I requested that all of us wear black and red. It didn't matter what it was, other than we all had on black and red. I liked the look of cohesion, rather than three people wearing random clothing that they walked off the street with, and onto the stage. It also helped create a mood in regards to the music we were playing, and attitude/feel we wanted to promote for the band.
Other bands, we wore whatever.
Other bands, we wore whatever.
A lot of cover bands in Connecticut show up to club gigs in t-shirts and cargo shorts like they just came from the gym. Drives me nuts but I think they're trying to convey they don't take it too seriously. I say dress like you belong on stage entertaining, the moment you walk in the door people should know you're in the band. Even if you want to keep it casual just wear a black t-shirt and dark jeans.
Neat and clean is my thing. I try to be numbered among the better dressed people in the room. Actual outfit varies with the venue. I’ve worn a: tux, white dinner jacket, suit, and various artsy basic “band black” or similar over the years. I don’t do: shorts, sandals, cargo, camo, or anything that looks like I cleaned the basement or just woke up in it.
Dress for your genre. Realize a venue hires you to do a clown show that can play an instrument. Dress appropriately.
For ex: I'm currently playing in an Irish-post-punk band. Hopped-up Traditional Irish folk songs, and covers from The Pogues, Flogging Molly and the like. So we dress Irishy-Scottish. Some guys in the band wear kilts & the whole shebang, I dress vintage Irish workin' class, or just nicely; jeans ok, no BEER shirts, or shorts, tennis/athletic shoes or snaking the toilet casual clothes.
At the very least, out-dress your audience.
Besides their music, what is it about the cool bands we like that sets them apart?
Live entertainment is sound & image. Even at 63, I take my onstage appearance seriously.
For ex: I'm currently playing in an Irish-post-punk band. Hopped-up Traditional Irish folk songs, and covers from The Pogues, Flogging Molly and the like. So we dress Irishy-Scottish. Some guys in the band wear kilts & the whole shebang, I dress vintage Irish workin' class, or just nicely; jeans ok, no BEER shirts, or shorts, tennis/athletic shoes or snaking the toilet casual clothes.
At the very least, out-dress your audience.
Besides their music, what is it about the cool bands we like that sets them apart?
Live entertainment is sound & image. Even at 63, I take my onstage appearance seriously.
I agree with others, unless you're an original act (well even then) and people are coming out specifically to see you with the understanding its a way laid back vibe, dress for the occasion. I play church gigs and wear appropriate clothes for the vibe. I play honkytonk gigs and wear cowboy boots and pearl snap shirts. Watched a jazz group last weekend and the bass player wore a jacket and tie. Dress the part as a general rule.
My only standing gig is twice a month on Thursdays at a brewery and I wear whatever I wore to work for that one since there is so little time between work and gig. I don't put too much thought into what I'm wearing at the other gigs I play unless a bandleader says to dress up.
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