Why is it considered lame to use your band's shirt at a gig?

it just is. i mean if you saw a really famous band wearing their own t-shirts what would you think? it's like shamless self promotion. well IMO anyway

 

I agree. It's like using yourself as a Billboard,which seems to say either "Well, nobody else would buy our stuff, so I have to wear it myself" or, "I'm a total sell-out and will do anything for publicity" both of which cheapens your credibility.

 

It's only cool if you wear OTHER peoples' band shirts... the more obscure the better.

 

In metal, bands wear their own shirts. Nothing wrong with that. Unless they're a cool band. lol

The guys from Metalica wore their own shirts.

Merls

 

It shows that you enjoy your own product, right? You would see the owner of McDonalds eat one of his cheeseburgers because he would probably vomit.

 

I dont like it. Like someone said, its shameless self promotion, and it says, I dunno, that you are trying to promote the band, which doesnt fit into the laid-back go with the flow, 'care about the music not the money' image that most bands prefer.
Its also lame because its like you are pushing your name into peoples faces because the music isnt good enough to make them remember it.

 

Hmm...

the trick is to invite some friends oto your gig, and have THEM wear your band's shirts.

 

The only band that has ever gotten away with this is The Ramones. No one else should try it. It just looks silly.

 

well i reckon most of you are wrong and wont look out of the box. If you've gone to the trouble to make cool t-shirts then wear them, at least someone watching will remember the name of the band, and not "who were those guys last night they were good,....what was their name?..oh well...give us another!"

i had caps made for my other band members as an xmas pressent, they were individualised and they thought they were great!!

wear your shirt!

ytster!

 

i think it all depends on the type of music and the attitude or stage presence of the band.

if you are a funny punk rock band the whole band could wear their shirts at the same time.

if you are not confident and you wear the shirt and look like a geek, nope that is dumb.

or on the other hand if you suck and appear too confident...well that bothers me with or with out a shirt.

if you are in a cocky band or a cocky band member it comes accross as arrogant and it bothers people.
"who does he think he is..."

i was at a show where onetime the lead singer was throwing shirts to everyone and then he says "now the one of my back"

that is a little strange considering they were a small band at the time. And I heard many people say what a %$@#!

 

Theres no way I would be caught dead in one. I Wouldnt wear a t-shirt to a gig in the first place, theres no way one I'd wear one that had my band name on it. Seems like something N'sync would do. Think for gigs im gonna stick with my black leather jacket.
Jim

 

I dont see anything wrong with wearing your own band's shirt while playing a gig. Its actually a great way to promote the name.

I think its lame to wear a different band's shirt while playing. That would confuse the audience and shows an allegiance that isnt appropriate.

 

I don't understand why any choice of T-shirt should be considered "lame". People care too much about things that don't matter. Yes, I do too, but come on... T-shirts?

 

I used to play in a band, years ago, that had some pretty cool t-shirts which I, and a couple other members, would wear onstage when we played. In fact, I recall some of the other bands we played with would buy our t-shirts and wear them onstage as well. Now that's a pretty good promotion when you have 2-3 bands, including yours, in a row wearing t-shirts with your band's name on it. Of course this was in the late eighties where a lot of things that are considered obnoxious now were considered cool then..."Dude...that was a killer twenty five minute drum solo you did...what does it all mean man!?"

 

Well I think the bands image is important when you are playing a gig. I see a gig as a professional performance and think you should look the part. If im to play in front of a few hundred people the least I can do is dress for the occasion.
Besides most bands I've played with look like they have just crawled in from the street. I can tell you which band will stand out in the audiences head, and which band the girls stay with after the show.
Jim

 

I guess it would depend on the shirts. I can see very clearly what people are saying about it looking boybandish ... shameless self promtion... But I think some bands pull it off well. I also think some shirts would make it easier than others.

For example; I think Jerry Garcia would wear a GD shirt sometimes. Somehow it worked.

If Edward Van Halen wore a VH shirt it might look funny to me.

Hmm... it's no perfect science.

 

People make very few decisions using reason.

I think, wear whatever shirt/upper body clothing articulation/flimsy peice of cellophane takes your fancy.

 

You are right, when I was playing in bars in the 80s to 40-50 people, I would sometimes wear a Megadeath T-shirt. I can't tell you how many times people ask us if we were Megadeath.

Chas

 

Exactly! people dont always know the band you have on your shirt, no matter how well known you think they are. And, those in audience who do know the other band on your t-shirt, might not like that band and the negative feelings could rub off onto your band.

Also, why did the guy above who said that you should "dress for the occassion" assume that your band's shirt looks hideous?