Does your surf band dress a certain way on stage?

No matter if a band is surf, rockabilly, western swing, heavy metal, bluegrass or whatever other genre, I've long been of the opinion that a band should dress the part onstage. Whether it's just a cohesive look, matching outfits, or custom stagewear to full-out costumes with masks or facepaint, I've always preferred bands that look like a band. To me it just ads an air of professionalism no matter how good or bad the music might be.

As performing musicians, we are first and foremost entertainers. And, as Gene Simmons of KISS once said,"Once you've had a hit record, those ripped jeans and flannel shirts become just as much a costume as my batwings.

I know many surf bands have traditionally dressed the part - from matching Hawaiian shirts and white pants (Beach Boys) to full costumes complete with masks.

With that in mind I thought it'd be interesting to see what the bands on here are wearing and to hear other's opinions on the subject.

Matt Crunk
Decatur, Alabama

Founder: North Alabama Surf Alliance (NASA)

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Marc
What ever I put on that morning ;)

Your music either does it for you or it doesn't.

Sorry, but I couldn't disagree more. Maybe a few jam bands out there can successfully pull off the don't give a sh*t street clothes look, but I want to see a band is serious enough about their show to present a whole package. When I go out to a show, I want to see a SHOW - a visual presentation that equals the music. Anything less and I might as well stay home and put on a CD.

Yes, some bands can put on a good show in streetwear, but they can always do it better if dressed for the occasion. I'm not saying a band has to fork out $5000 for matching sharkskin suits, but any cohesive look that unifies them as a band is better than nothing.

Also, personally I'd rather see a mediocre band who puts on a good visual show, than a great band that just stands there in shorts and t-shirts.

Matt Crunk
Decatur, Alabama

Founder: North Alabama Surf Alliance (NASA)

When I go to a surf show I love to see reverb tanks, piggy back amps, Jaguars or Jazzmasters, P-bass's or Jazz Bass's, vintage kit Ludwig, slingerland etc.. and then the coolest thing that stand out in my eyes besides the music is stage presence and cool matching outfits, a color scheme, Vans are always a plus to see give the people a true show, move around, be dramatic as the music, interacting with your bandmates, this is not a basement/garage jam, stand out be different have a trade mark of some kind, make a good 1st impression.

-Kyle

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I don't think we have ours completely worked out just yet!

The Mighty Surf Lords- Sparks,Nv.
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ok how about AC/DC
they the band dress in street clothes.
but Angus has the school boy outfit, though he does strip out of it durrung the show.

so is it the clothes or lack of that make the man?
or how about the band?

whatever I'm so over this topic;
I say let the music do the talkin'

if you wanna dress up, knock your selves out.

Jeff(bigtikidude)

Jeff(bigtikidude)

Marc
Hey MattCrunk... Fair enough... each to their own. However, I will always maintain that I am there to see musicians creating music, not doing a fashion expo.

The best case in history was the Saints. They beat the punks at their own game, releasing "(I'm) Stranded" before the brit punks had released anything. They were the darlings of the international music media until they got to the UK and played live. The crowds and the music journos poo-pooed them as they dressed just how they did at home in suburban Brisbane and they refused to adopt the punk "uniform", Chris Bailey even grew his hair longer to be "anti-conformist".

For that very reason, they fell out of favour. They were still an awesome

band and created amazing music but because they didn't "look the part" they were never accepted.

So, by all means dress up if you want (TISM are a fine example) but don't use it as a crutch to prop up a lack of ability. Clothes should neither impose nor impede.

If I want to see costumes, I'll go to the opera ;)

EDIT: TISM (This Is Serious Mum) are "showie" and their songs are packed with undergraduate humour. They are there to be a comedy act (good musoes though) and I have just thought of another band of the 80's who have recently reformed and who also wear outrageous costumes, The Pineapples From The Dawn Of Time... but yet again, they are a funny act that just happen to play some good music. Google either to see what I mean.

I go along with the first part of your post. The Saints' first 2 records were absolutely brilliant, my favorite being their 2nd album. Which apparently the punkers viewed as a sell-out because one of the songs had horns. That song is a damn near masterpiece by the way - 'know your product'

However, it is known on this group by most that I view costumes in a more favorable light. It has no bearing or indication on whether a band is good or bad. It's how much show business the band is interested in. We all need to take a look at what our goals and our market is. The TomorrowMen are trying to build a young audience, as most people over 30 don't go out to clubs in the Bay Area (That's greater San Francisco, Marc) Pathetic, I know but it's due to geography, the economy and transportation more so than just apathy.

In my mind, audiences crave a front person, it's how they've been trained. But lead guitarists don't make for very memorable front people, especially if they're in jeans and a Tshirt. They can love you and your music, but will they remember you? Maybe, but that's open to debate. But if you have a distinctive look, you stand a far better chance. - in my mind at least. Don't forget you want people to describe the band to their friends, right?

Plus, it's fun!

That's all folks. Jeff's right, we've discussed this ad nauseum

Danny Snyder

"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo

Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta

Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party

Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF

Hey Danny, I'm not here to ruffle feathers (well, maybe a little ) and I see your point for sure. It's a cultural thing though and I'd happily stick my neck out and say the rule of thumb here is a very different thing to the US or, indeed, Europe (look at Lordi or Turbonegro ). Australian's generally don't get in to the showie stuff.

So, we agree to disagree... it makes the world a colourful place!

Marc
Hey Danny, I'm not here to ruffle feathers (well, maybe a little ) and I see your point for sure. It's a cultural thing though and I'd happily stick my neck out and say the rule of thumb here is a very different thing to the US or, indeed, Europe (look at Lordi or Turbonegro ). Australian's generally don't get in to the showie stuff.

So, we agree to disagree... it makes the world a colourful place!

No ruffled feathers here, it's an old topic and I'm well aware of many people's preference for no special stage wear.

Danny Snyder

"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo

Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta

Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party

Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF

BillAqua
I don't like bands that move around on stage.

WTF?

-Kyle

Beyond The Surf YouTube channel
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