JakeDobner wrote:

He has tucked a t-shirt into a pair of
patterned shorts with white generic shoes.

It's called "Old-White-People-On-Vacation Style", it's been perfected for decades in the western culture, and should be respected on it's own. It also reflects superb stage confidence, IMO.

I think w/ surf acts I dig the whole dressing up thing. I had always played in regular punk/metal bands and it's all just black t shirts and jeans all around. I start playing in a surf band in a black suit and tie w/ a black mask on and I felt it just transformed how I performed. To me it gives a sense that you're not who you are in the real world on stage because you're playing a "character." so to speak.

Also it's the least pretentious music I think anyone could play, so you're allowed to dress it up and have fun w/ it. And in this day and age I think that it makes you stand out if everyone at least runs w/ the same theme in a band.

Get wet and loud wit... Abomionable Showmen FB Showmen Twitter

I like dressing up...

Jeff Utterback

When I see bands I enjoy gaudy (but artful) clothing. Sequins, rhinestones, big white hats, layered clothing, fringes, and metallic reflective pieces are entertaining--if the band sounds good. Anything less doesn't play the clothing card well. But then if the audience doesn't pay us much they haven't paid for fancy clothing. Silly is fun, but wearing silly items for more than one song is like telling the same joke again and again. Further, masks prevent me from seeing the performer's facial expressions; so they're ok for a song or 2 but then...

Insanitizers! http://www.insanitizers.com

I wanted one of my bands to be called "The Meatles" so that our first album could be called "Beat the Meatles". Once Lady Gaga stole our idea of wearing raw meat outfits, the idea lost its freshness. I googled "The Meatles" and it seems someone has since jumped on the idea.

What day is Surf Rock's birthday? Looks like Surf Rock and I was born the same year. Maybe we are both Libras?

bodysnatcher1 wrote:

T shirts and shorts (although tempting) aren't
acceptable to me. As a matter of fact, if there is a
visual equivalent of nails on chalkboard, its seeing
anyone in a band wearing any article of clothing with a
logo, brand etc. on it.

To me the stage is something to be respected, why?
because it symbolizes that you hold some importance
over your surroundings.

No one ever said "they shouldn't have dressed up!" or
"they look horrible dressed alike and matching!". Keep
it tidy and keep it classy.

Someone just nailed it on the head!

Reverb, It's A Way Of Life!

JakeDobner wrote:

It really doesn't matter. Just try to have a little
fashion sense. I can't really quantify it, but too many
people look like suburban dads on the weekend at shows.
Clothes should be fitted and wearing khakis on stage...
Not many people pull off shorts either(although some
do).

Hate to say this is kind of true. It doesn't affect my enjoyment, but I do notice it when I bring acquaintances to shows, or when I try to imagine what it's like for people hearing/seeing a public surf show for the first time. Unless you're playing folk or barroom blues, clothing really does affect a band's stage presence.
The music can be perfection, but seeing people on stage who look like they just got done mowing their lawn or painting the garage does sap a little bit of the charisma and "wow" factor. It's especially noticeable for surf music: The sounds are so intense, mysterious and exotic, and the equipment so stylishly retro, that 21st century adult-casual clothing like hemmed shorts, oakleys and ballcaps seems really of out of place. It's like someone singing opera in a t-shirt or playing death metal in a tie-die shirt and flip flops.

That being said, not every outfit has to match or be a gimmick. I'd love to see more bands do 60's style suits/narrow ties, beatnik turtlenecks, or unmatched retro informal attire (i.e. don draper on the weekend). If nothing else, there's always the white pants and aloha shirt look...

Bustercat wrote:

It's like ... playing death metal in a tie-die shirt and flip flops.

I'm pretty sure Larry LaLonde used to wear Grateful Dead shirts when he played in Possessed.

That was excessively violent and completely unnecessary. I loved it.

DreadInBabylon wrote:

Bustercat wrote:

like someone singing opera in a t-shirt or playing
death metal in a tie-die shirt and flip flops.

This could be very cool actually.
Or a Surf band in Death Metal attire, just for the
kicks

A coed death metal band dressed like hippies circa 1967 would be pretty epic! Dancing around in fringe, tossing flowers and beads to the crowd... crushing distortion and cookie monster vocals.. a chick with a headband and long blonde hair doing high pitched Carcass style "harmonies." Kind of a weird manson family vibe, I guess.

To be clear:
I'm thrilled to see so many bands, great ones, out there playing this stuff. They could all wear dresses and I wouldn't care as long as they're out there playing and releasing new surf.
I just think attention to a band's look completes the experience for the audience. And with surf, with so many stylish visuals, from the offset guitars, the old amps, and the early-rock tradition of matching clothing... there's a lot to work with.

Last edited: Jul 29, 2011 13:27:36

Never mind.

This is Noel. Reverb's at maximum an' I'm givin' 'er all she's got.

Last edited: Aug 02, 2011 21:04:42