Uniforms

Being 48 I’m usually one of the oldest people at concerts – well, the kinds of concerts that my kids, if I had any, would be going to. For this reason I tend to make observations that are as anthropological as musical. For example, at last Monday night’s Tool show the uniform of choice was a black t-shirt, LOTS of tattoos, and a scowl. Hey kids, lighten up, you got a ticket. Seriously though, at what point does the need to express individuality intersect with conformity? (BUZZER) Answer: at a rock concert. When everyone looks tough, no one is tough; when everyone has an attitude, no one has an attitude; when everyone is sneering they might as well be naked and grinning. Tribal? Not a chance.

I don’t care one way or another, really – but if you want to express yourself outwardly then do something different.

I always admired Alice Coopers’ habit of defying trends, earlier in his life and career anyway. In high school when everyone else grew their hair long Alice cut his short. When everyone else wore jeans and t-shirts to school, Alice wore a tie and a jacket. And when he grew up to be a ghoul Alice defiantly proclaimed that he “drove a stake through the heart of the love generation”.

You go, girl.