Visual appearance........how important is it it?

[HiString]

Also posted on a different BBS, but you get that :D

OK, this may seem a bit harsh but in todays industry climate, marketing (selling) an image seems more important than selling the music.

That being the case, how important is it for a band and it's members to be critical of their own appearance.........including, style of clothing, tidyness, their own physical condition, etc., etc.

Is a band limiting their chances of getting a deal, if for example they have a bass player who looks more like Demis Roussos, (think of an overweight Greek waiter ), rather than everyone looking as though they are candidates for the next "boy band".

Comments anyone?

[AzureCrystal]

If your music is compelling, NO. Just look at the Dave Matthews band, he is nothing to look at, but his music reels them in. Same with Santana(he is around 55), no one there looks like Sting either.... But if you are going for Top 40 Pop, then YES.

[TheSoundman]

Bachman- Turner Overdrive is certainly not in the "boy band" category. I don't even think they were remarkably talented musicians.

But I will say this- they were accomplished and professional musicians. And some of the nicest guys I ever worked with on a live show. They did write a couple of pretty catchy tunes, too.

I think some attention to personal appearance is in order. Even if you don't look like a young male model, it doesn't mean you can't own one or two nice stage outfits, or exercise reasonable personal grooming. On the other hand, a band called "The Naked Teenage Female Supermodels" would probably be more popular live than on the radio....

[Kurt Foster]

I think it's all about how you look on the TeeVee. If Dave Mathews was a fat slob, or if Santana didn't hear a hat and if he wasn't already established they wouldn't be getting the push that they get from the record companies. BTO were popular in the day of the radio star.. those days are long past. BTO would probably not make it these days. It's all about image if only because the record companies won't promote you if you’re not good looking. They perceive it as too much of a liability. .... Kurt

[AzureCrystal]

Singer from Jamiroqai, Luther Vandross(before he lost weight), singer harmonica player from "Blues Traveler"; Can't be fatter or plain, very popular blues band, Steve Ray Vaughn was nothing to look at either, hey, PHIL COLLINS !! Not one of those guys are pretty faces.... Enuff said, I still maintain that with great music and incredible performing, you get the stage pass anyway..... Yes, the record companies do have their bread and butter acts like Brittney and N'sync, but they also have musical geniuses on their roster which they can afford to retain while they fill their pockets off the pretty faces...

[Kurt Foster]

I just have to disagree, almost all of those acts mentioned are from like 15 years ago! I don't think they would get anywhere today. Phil Collins was in Genesis and wasn't old and bald when his carrier started.. Stevie Ray was waaaay before video was so important, same with Luther ..... Jamiroqai I can't speak to, as I am unfamiliar with that one... Name just one successful breaking act that is fat, ugly, old ??? I am fat and old :D and I don't want to see fat, old or ugly on the Tee Vee. There may be an ocassional exception but it is far and few between ..... Kurt

[eskimo]

"Name just one successful breaking act that is fat, ugly, old"

The Dixie Chicks?

[HiString]

Yeah, but they have titties..........and they are female titties, not man-titties :D .

Guys, your comments are all appreciated, and each in it's own way is valid.

Kurt, I think you have nailed it when you referred to the TV/Radio thing. And I tend to agree with you.

The reason for my question is simple...........take a band (actually my son's), guys are or have been to date all of acceptable appearance,.....ages around 19 to 22yrs,.....style of music can be likened to Matchbox 20 or Vertical Horizon,.....the singer/songwriter can REALLY sing and write,.....at a meeting with one of the leading industry lawyers in the country, the legal eagle thought enough to offer to shop the majors for the guys.

The problem is that while my son and the singer wanted to increase rehearsals to at least 2 per week and start looking for "quality" gigs on weekends, the drummer and bass player didn't want to commit......both are too reliant on the income from covers bands they play in. They are now being replaced, and a bass player has been found who isn't too bad at all, but his appearance pretty well matches my earlier description.......he honestly just doesn't "look" right. So here I am.........trying to figure out whether appearance or lack thereoff is important or a possible liability.

Regards,

[GravityJim]

John Popper is a great example, because he is the most unattractive dude to front a hit band in a long while, and because he summed it up: "The hook brings you back."

Styles change, haircuts change, production techniques change, but the hit record bidness is still about catchy songs. Not a lot of reach from Stephen Foster to Diane Warren in my book... send 'EM home humming. Would anyone have heard the Beatles if Epstein hadn't cleaned them up, got them to stop throwing punches and eating lunch on stage, made sure their suits matched? I seriously doubt that four guys in Rocker leathers would have torn down the Sullivan Show like that.

Great, hooky, catchy songs and a look that says "I'm just one step ahead of the curve," and you're there, whatever the time. Then all you need is a massive infusion of luck and a self-promoting attitude that knows no boundaries.

[Alécio Costa - Brazil]

Hey Kurt, you are being to hard with you. Just cut some pizza and things will be fine. ALso, what about some Les Mils Body combat aerobics?

After 30 you start growing to the sidewalls only!lol

what about Mamas and Papas? Rusk? Van Halen?Rolling stones?

I wouldn´t want to be a Rick Martin clone also.