blue

[quote name='tauzero' timestamp='1417130294' post='2617467'] I take something to wear when on stage which is different to whatever I've worn to set the gear up. Doing that gives me a reason to make some sort of decision about what I'll wear, rather than chucking on the first T-shirt I come to. Mrs Zero always puts thought into her clothes, and I am now under strict instructions to tell her if her bum (or any other bits) look big in this. [/quote] Nice shirt! Blue

[quote name='M@23' timestamp='1417029894' post='2616425'] What level are we talking - does it really have any impact on anyone what your local pub band wears? I couldn't care less, really, and I'm into fashion and take great care in my own appearance. For functions and weddings and maybe originals bands appearance certainly does matter, but down your local, where everyone else is dressed casually, I can't see why anyone would have a problem with jeans or whatever.[/quote] At the local level or high profile I don't think anything really matters, wear jeans, wear t shirts whatever. What I was saying was, unless your a teenager why show up for a gig looking like a bum? Blue

I'm always looking for ideas and not afraid to push the wardrobe envelope. I remember Les posted a pic of his band and they wore these cool band jackets. I asked him about them and ended up purchasing 2 of the jackets. I haven't gigged in it yet,I'm not sure I can pull it off Thanks Les Blue

[quote name='spacey' timestamp='1416998675' post='2615821'] For just doing what most do, playing in hobby bands, endless learning of notation and scale theory is not really required.[/quote] Maybe not required, but it doesn't hurt. Blue

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1417033651' post='2616510'] It has nothing to do with luck. I find it disappointing when people use being over 50 an excuse for being out of shape. [/quote] Agreed, I watch what I eat and I am fortunate to have a health club almost right next to my condo that I belong to. Blue

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1417030848' post='2616447'] So why stop there..? If it's so important, surely the 'right' instrument should be played..? A spiky one for metal, an arch top for jazz gigs..? How about movement on stage..? Left foot in, left foot out, Shadows style..? Is that coming back..? Maybe everyone on stage should carry a permanent smile..? After all, it's what the audience expect of them, isn't it..? How about a little bow at the end of each number..? It didn't do the Beatles any harm in their day (although plenty of folks tutted at their more than collar-length hair. A real scandal...). Back to Motown drainpipes and quiffs, y'all. [/quote] I'm glad you referenced The Beatles. Over here we liked their music, but we also liked; [list] [*]They way they dressed [*]How they looked [*]What they did [*]What they said [*]What they ate [*]How they thought [*]Where they went [*]Who they were [/list] Just saying. Blue

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1417032735' post='2616486'] Yes... it is more likely that you couldn't gig down to that age group, but by the same token, older gigs tend to keep older players [/quote] Yeah, but those older groups don't look cool, contemporary and usually are not presenting a fun energetic show like these guys. I'm sure there are exceptions, Blue

[quote name='HengistPod' timestamp='1417014473' post='2616108'] I'm sure this isn't the first thread I've seen on here about the clothes that people wear. Personally, I think it's a little wierd. It does seem to me that the comparison pictures posted earlier really weren't that different. The band in the first were obviously part of a scene where baggy, shapeless T-shirts are acceptable. The band in the second looked more like they hadn't made an effort to me, whether their T-shirts fitted better or not. [/quote] Respectfully disagree, the baggy T Shirt band happens to be a very good classic rock band and I would say that look is unacceptable. I'd never play with a local band with that look. The second pic with T Shirts that fit, well were a blues / rock band and I'd say we far from great when it comes what we wear. Also, at 61, I'm lucky that I can still wear fitted T-Shirts. Blue [i]"I usually pic out a few accessories jeans, t shirt and boots before every gig. Always have, ever since I started gigging 45 years ago."[/i]

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1417010009' post='2616026'] Comparing the two photos it's fairly clear to see what the difference is. In the first picture the guys are wearing shapeless tshirts with no logos and nothing to break up the image. The band disappears into the background. In Blue's band they're still wearing tshirts but they have slogans/images on, they're lighter colours and Blue and fellow musician have accessorised with jewelry. It's more about thinking what kind of image are you trying to portray and have you made an effort to portray that image. Then getting some feedback as to whether you achieved that. Looking at photos etc. Above all you have to be open to critisicm of your chosen look. I've been in bands where we've spent ages discussing what to wear. I've found that if you have to discuss it, generally it's not going to work. The best looks are where one band member makes a descision and you all go off and wear something based on that theme. Some people will then need a bit of guidance to achieve that theme but in general if someone has thought about what to wear, maybe gone out and bought something, and doesn't just turn up in what he's been wandering about in all day, it's a start. [/quote] Yeah it's a touchy subject, nothing I would want to bring up to a band member. Most guys [i]"get it"[/i] and do just fine. Also it can be a regional thing, over here in the Midwest for a lot of people style and fashion are not important overall. Blue

[quote name='SolomonHelsing' timestamp='1417005906' post='2615958'] As far as the oversized t shirt thing is concerned, which is i'm guessing part of what you're getting at, Perhaps they feel really bloody uncomfortable in more "right size" t shirts. I Certainly bloody feel self concious when i'm in a t shirt that's pretty fitted cause of my weight, so that's certainly not something i'd be comfortable wearing up on stage if it was a t shirt and jeans thing. Same reason I get annoyed when I order a tshirt and it turns out to be XXL "Slim Fit" without the site saying the slim fit part WHAT THE HELL! Though I have some ideas other than a t shirt to wear if/when I get a band together, which hopefully would look better than my t shirts. I know they're not the "smartest" being oversized for me, but at least I feel comfortable around other people in them. [/quote] My point isn't really about T Shirts, more about, why do we have to look like a hobo or the other extreme. The guy that shows up for a gig after work wearing a button down Oxford Shirt dress pants and wing tips. ( if your in a jazz group, I'm sure that look is fine ) Blue

Over here, it seems like once guys get over 50 they have to wear a fedora and a bowling shirt. Nothing wrong with it, however I think that look draws attention to your age or labels you as old. Even though I'm 61 I refuse to accept or tolerate that label. Blue

[quote name='gadgie' timestamp='1417004295' post='2615915'] Nothing wrong with beards. My girlfriend doesn't like it when I shave it off. Maybe you're not doing it right Blue. [/quote] There is nothing wrong with beards, they look great. Do they look great on every guy? No they don't. I can't grow a beard, I have next to nothing for facial hair. Blue

[quote name='Low End Bee' timestamp='1416999880' post='2615845'] For the 837th time I will state that nothing diminishes my interest in watching a band more than the jeans (or even worse shorts) and t shirt thing. I don't really mind if they're ugly or look a bit weird or whatever. I just want my entertainers to look like they've made an effort rather than look like they've just strolled up from the bar. [/quote] + 1 Now there is a small nuance to all this. I am mainly talking about older guys, let's say over 50. Young guys can get away with just about anything and still look cool. Blue

[quote name='cheddatom' timestamp='1416996759' post='2615794'] I don't care about my appearance, but I do wear T-shirts that fit With my folk band, 3 of the other members feel that image is very important, and we've gone with the very creative style of "all black". I wear a black t-shirt and sometimes will bother with black trousers. All my jeans are blue and I've not been able to find a pair of black jeans for less than £20. [/quote] With respect, I have a question. If you don't care about your appearance why do you wear T-Shirts that fit? Why would that matter? Blue

[quote name='Drax' timestamp='1416995697' post='2615776'] If they can play well, it really doesn't matter. Clothing taste is completely subjective anyway and your perspective skews as you get older. Notions of smart / scruffy are in the eye of the beholder. [/quote] I respectably disagree, for certain opportunities with bands, how well you play is not at the top of their requirements list. For some bands if you don't fit the image of the band, your not going to get an offer. Blue

[quote name='Spike Vincent' timestamp='1416993712' post='2615751'] Dress like you look like you're in a band. And dress like you're in the same band as the rest of your band. [/quote] That's great advice as long as the rest of the band dresses like their in a band. There are guys out there gigging right now that don't make that appearance connection with performance. I try, but I have no guidance or help so, as they say; [i]" It is what it is"[/i] Blue

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1417011379' post='2616053'] Plenty of 'old timers' round here still get the gigs and some of it might just be 'jobs for the boys'...which is the same sort of clique, inverted, that the young dudes cultivate. I think it has always been the same.. you can play, you know people and you get along ... I find it hardest on the drummers as they just can't do their stuff anymore.. so in that case, 'less is more'...cos it has to be... [/quote] If Raphael was auditioning bass players for this band, even if I auditioned at the A+ level, at 61 they would tell me to get lost. Blue

Looks like they must have studied dance steps from old videos of Motown's Temptations. Raphael even has sort of a David Ruffin look. There's another video from this show where Raphael is playing bass and he's good. He should be a bigger star. Blue

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1416998340' post='2615819'] This video is of an old fashioned Soul band. I can play this easily, but I'd never get the chance because I'm not pretty enough, I'm too old and I'll never break into the clique that these guys are plucked from.[/quote] Me too, now that I have the discipline and could tour, I'm too old. Sad thing, nobody will ever tell you the reason you didn't get the gig is because your not young and pretty. So for all you young guys, [i]"being young and pretty doesn't last for ever, it's a short time frame for most"[/i] Blue

That might be good for you, however you will learn those notes from learning the scales. Learning those scales is really important. Don't challenge your teacher. Blue

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1416968667' post='2615663'] Going back to your OP. I think some guys think that to look groomed looks "gay". They're so intent on looking what they think is "manly" that they fail on other grounds. [/quote] Yeah, I agree there are guys out there that think like that. The only flaw in their logic is, looking like a hobo doesn't necessarily mean looking manly. Blue

Check out my [i]"Do You Have The Ability"[/i] Thread. Blue

I want to make it clear, I'm not trying to be pretentious or superficial. It's just that there have been times when a band is auditioning bass players, they have good gigs and sound good, then when I see their pics, I'm like,[i] "I can't do this"[/i] Blue

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1416964076' post='2615643'] This reminds me of a recent encounter I had.. I arrived on the night. She was in her 70s. Dressed in jeans, tight t-shirt, flat shoes and an Alice-band on her head. She had long grey hair, ragged in length and bald on top. No teeth and wearing large hoop earrings. She was also clearly a guy.[/quote] Reminds me of a woman I met from match.com at Star Bucks. No smiley face, I'm serious. Blue

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1416964076' post='2615643'] This reminds me of a recent encounter I had.. I ditched my last band, partly for musical reasons and partly for reasons of image. They all didn't really cut it IMHO. I saw an ad from a drummer who was trying to get a band together. I responded and it seemed the drummer was a woman of mature years. No problem with this I arranged to meet up for a drink 'to discuss what we wanted to do' after all, no point in hiring a rehearsal studio if we have nowt in common. I arrived on the night. She was in her 70s. Dressed in jeans, tight t-shirt, flat shoes and an Alice-band on her head. She had long grey hair, ragged in length and bald on top. No teeth and wearing large hoop earrings. She was also clearly a guy. I have no problem with trans folk or any LGTB, but if I'm going to stand next to them on stage they need to be convincing and presentable. I'm still not in a band. [/quote] Wow! that is extreme. Blue