Proper Concert Attire: Don't Wear a T-shirt of The Band You Are About To See Live

For the past six years I have been the general manager of a college radio station. In that time, I have worn many different hats. I have been technical/software expert. I've produced sporting events. I even clean the studio on a weekly basis. But the hat I wear most is the one of advice giver. Many of my students come to me asking advice on various topics from best study habits, to how to write and record sweepers and promos.

Over the past few weeks I've had a few of my students approach me, and they all have asked me the same question. "Is it ok to wear the t-shirt of the band I'm seeing live in concert that night?"For example, tonight I am going to see Muse in concert, is it ok for me to wear a Muse t-shirt?" The answer to this question is NO!!! You do not want to be that guy. You know what I'm talking about.

It is an unwritten music code that you do not wear band t-shirts to concerts. (I didn't write the rule, but I became aware of it early on. And I must help enforce it.) Especially a t-shirt of the band you are seeing. It is not socially acceptable, and music super fans are a very unforgiving bunch. They will tease and mock you behind your back if you do this. So be prepared for this to happen to you if you wear a band t-shirt.

That being said, there are five ACCEPTABLE band t-shirts you can wear to any concerts, and have it be socially acceptable. In fact any show you go to, and you wear one of these t-shirts, people will more than likely come up to you and compliment you on the awesomeness of your shirt. They are, in no particular order:

1. The Beatles
2. Social Distortion
3. The Misfits

4. Led Zeppelin
5. Iron Maiden

Why are these bands acceptable, and others are not? I don't know, they just are. So in conclusion, if you are going to a concert and insist on wearing a band t-shirt, make sure they are the socially acceptable ones. Otherwise, you will be that guy. And you do not want to be that guy! Do you?