Image

By: Gaby

So just how important is “Image” to your average Rock band?

If what we are talking about is some big recognised super-group then image is vastly important. Just look at the likes of bands such as “Kiss”, “Guns & Roses”, Twisted Sister”, Alice Cooper”, “ZZ Top”, Motley Crue”, “Rolling Stones” and “AC DC” to name but a few.

What all these bands and many more have in common is a branded look and feel that to the average consumer is both instantly recognisable and marketable as a product in itself.

Interestingly most of the bands and performers that have such an “Image” tend to be long lasters, trying the test of time, whilst those that no have defined image tend to blend away with the passing seasons never to grace the stage of rock again.

There was a time back in the 50s and 60s when bands would go out of their way to develop “a look” even if this meant wearing the same suits, hair styles or even displaying the same mannerisms or dance moves.

The 70’s saw somewhat of a disintegration of such conformity and bands were more known for their identikit long hair, flowery or black shirts, flared jeans and high platform shoes.

Come the 80’s such “Image” moved from the more Rock Inspired Hair Metal groups into the Pop mainstream and by the end of the 80’s and into the early 90’s image became less and less important with more and more indi and grunge based bands swapping an identifiable look for the more sedate and boring, street-cred dull t-shirts and jeans look.

But what if we turn our attention to the less well known non-signed bands. You know.. the kind of bands that play our pubs and clubs up and down the country every Friday and Saturday night performing in variable quality, cover after cover version of classic rock music. How important is “image” to them?

Not much by the looks of it. I think what is often and sadly forgotten by the majority of bands is that image is vitally important esp. if it is your intention to play in front of a real live audience. Let’s face it if all you wanted was to hear a band you would probably just pop in a CD or turn on the radio or your i-pod.

But to make the choice to go and see a band even if it was just down your local deserves a bit more respect and surly the band owe it to the public to provide them with a bit of a show and not just expect their audience to be in rapture to their musical skill and craftsmanship alone (however good or not that may be.)

We are visual beings and however much the music might be brill, an audience want’s something more. They want something entertaining to look at, remember and talk about with their friends.

For me this can often mean the difference between an average band to a really great band.

It takes effort and some raw imagination to create an image, and it does not necessarily mean donning wigs and makeup, but rather a look, attitude and style that both says something about the band as well as conveying to the audience something about what the band and it’s music is all about.

An image is much more than just a look and style. It is about taking a performance to another level and giving their audience as much a visual feast as well as an audible feast. It is a feeling and a desire all wrapped up in a certain passion for what the band does and what it wants it’s audience to feel and know about them. I would argue that an image creates unity not conformity and is often the uniquely defining moment in a band’s life history in which through a shared experience, look and feel the audience blends into being one with the band.

So next time you decide to see a band. Have a think about it and ask yourselves this: What did their image say to me about the music they played. You never know, you may be surprised by the answer you get back. Then again you might not!