The bass player on the inside gatefold of Frampton Comes Alive had one and Frampton himself might have worn one as well, although it also may have just been a very blousey shirt.
Is that guitar player the rhythm guitarist for Boston or the guy from the Doobies?
Good call on the Frampton bassist guy, cdm. He’s been added to our hall of Kimono Greats.
However, I must inform you that you are WRONG about moustachioed, kimono-wearing guitar player guy. For some reason, I’m betting BigSteve will know this fellow.
This kimono thing defies logic. Sure, it might be helpful to wear that cool, silk or satin under those hot stage lights, but wouldn’t you have to think about which way to tie it depending on how you held your guitar/bass? And what if you were a drummer? Those sleeves would really get in the way. I think it could only work for the singer or harmonica player/flautist? (Was there any kimono-wearing in Jethro Tull?) Gentlemen, please comment on the logistics of this sartorial splendor. I know at least ONE of you has tried one on…
PS – The K in KISS could actually stand for Kimono, but I could find no data to support this theory.
BUZZZZ. It is not Mick Box. LMKR, I have worn many a kimono, having spent a good part of my childhood in Japan. I can say with certainty they’d be less rock-friendly than the average western collared shirt. What I want to know is: what was the raison d’etre for the rock kimono? I mean: what did these guys say to themselves as they wrapped on on? We need to finish Neil Peart’s inner monologue, when he says to himself backstage:
“Gotta go with the kimono today; it’ll make me look/feel (BLANK).”
To every peckerhead up here who refuses to take off the Peter Fonda sunglasses and motorcycle jacket, I want to know right here and now what your beef is with Herman’s Hermits. And if you do have a problem, please provide a well thought out reason for your disliking. And I don’t wanna hear any of that Andy “my record collection consists of 8 greatest hits LPs, the centerpiece of which is that Stones thing that’s shaped like an octagon” Rosenau crap like “Yeah, and Freddie and the Dreamers really kick it out too” drivel.
Know you’re dealing with someone who knows the Hermits catalog very well.
I suspect that this last comment is playing right into your hands, and I’m also guessing that there is some Throwing the Baby Out With the Bathwater argument about how this is akin to ignoring Chuck Berry’s catalog because of his Ding A Ling, but still, it really, REALLY blows.
Aside from you, who’s heard more than a handful of songs from them? I like what I’ve heard well enough but why do they warrant a closer look than, say, Tommy James, or the Rascals or the DC5?
As far as your initial points are concerned, the first is way off (apples and oranges), the second is an easy poke (something I expected from someone limited like a Rosenau but certainly not you), and the third is fair enough although I find it to be an enjoyable piece of fluff, which Mickie Most and the band most probably thought as well when it was originally released. They all had a laugh. What’s wrong with that?
Throwing out the Chuck Berry catalog over “Ding a Ling”? C’mon.
You like what you’ve heard well enough? Maybe it’s just me, but when I like something I check out more of it. As far as hits are concerned, Herman’s Hermits had more than Tommy James, The Rascals, and DC5. The groups that had more hits (the Hollies are another example) usually had more buried gems on their LPs.
My point is this, if you’re got time to piss away looking for decent music, Herman’s Hermits is certainly a valid choice, way more valid than 90 percent of the garbage that’s commented upon up here and celebrated for talent that’s just not there.
I think most of the Rock Kimono wearers would have had a lot more success if they’d put on a karate gi instead of the kimono. The gi implies action, while the kimono gives off too much of a sumptuous, dionysian vibe. A Roy Wood can rock a kimono, but somoene going for cool guitar god status would be best served by the jumping/kicking freedom of the gi, not to mention the lack of potential flowing sleeve and guitar mishaps the kimono presents.
Clarification question: is what Hendrix has on in that photo a gi, a kimono or something somewhere in the middle? Frank Marino is clearly sporting a kimono. Also, Mahogany Rush: filthiest least-filthy band name in rock history?
Finally: Has anyone in rock ever tried to pull off the Bruce Lee Game of Death outfit look? Hendrix could have nailed that. Anybody else? I’d be surprised if Diamond Dave never considered trying it, or maybe Neal Schon, who I’m sure has donned a rock kimono or two in his day.
i had a lengthy discussion on the rock kimono on the same day u posted this….haha!
Peter Hammill is my fave kimono-wearer that hasnt been mentioned
i love this site btw!
I had no idea Hammill was a kimono wearer, ladystarlight. He’s one of those guys I can only identify by his early ’80s short-hair Look. I’ll have to look back at my one VDGG album to see if he’s wearing the kimono.
Don’t for get the back cover of Pet Sounds.
Kimono My House.
Of course, the kiMono mix of Pepper’s is far superior to the stereo mix.
Okay. I’ll stop.
TB
For extra credit, name the kimono-clad guitarist with long brown hair and mustache.
The bass player on the inside gatefold of Frampton Comes Alive had one and Frampton himself might have worn one as well, although it also may have just been a very blousey shirt.
Is that guitar player the rhythm guitarist for Boston or the guy from the Doobies?
Good call on the Frampton bassist guy, cdm. He’s been added to our hall of Kimono Greats.
However, I must inform you that you are WRONG about moustachioed, kimono-wearing guitar player guy. For some reason, I’m betting BigSteve will know this fellow.
i think KISS Meets The Phantom of the Park, might have some Kimono time in it as KISS relaxes on their thrones or some such thing.
I am in favor of this look.
I think it is strong, and well in line with the audacity and flair of Rock & Roll excess.
i vote yes!
Interesting suggestion, shawnkilroy. But closer inspection reveals that KISS were just wearing run-of-the-mill grim reaper robes See:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krqunBxN7LQ&feature=related
I gotta vote no on this Look. It’s too close to showing up in the robe you stole from your hotel because you couldn’t find a clean shirt or something.
Is that guy Mick Box?
This kimono thing defies logic. Sure, it might be helpful to wear that cool, silk or satin under those hot stage lights, but wouldn’t you have to think about which way to tie it depending on how you held your guitar/bass? And what if you were a drummer? Those sleeves would really get in the way. I think it could only work for the singer or harmonica player/flautist? (Was there any kimono-wearing in Jethro Tull?) Gentlemen, please comment on the logistics of this sartorial splendor. I know at least ONE of you has tried one on…
PS – The K in KISS could actually stand for Kimono, but I could find no data to support this theory.
BUZZZZ. It is not Mick Box. LMKR, I have worn many a kimono, having spent a good part of my childhood in Japan. I can say with certainty they’d be less rock-friendly than the average western collared shirt. What I want to know is: what was the raison d’etre for the rock kimono? I mean: what did these guys say to themselves as they wrapped on on? We need to finish Neil Peart’s inner monologue, when he says to himself backstage:
“Gotta go with the kimono today; it’ll make me look/feel (BLANK).”
“Kimonos in Satan’s Service”?
To every peckerhead up here who refuses to take off the Peter Fonda sunglasses and motorcycle jacket, I want to know right here and now what your beef is with Herman’s Hermits. And if you do have a problem, please provide a well thought out reason for your disliking. And I don’t wanna hear any of that Andy “my record collection consists of 8 greatest hits LPs, the centerpiece of which is that Stones thing that’s shaped like an octagon” Rosenau crap like “Yeah, and Freddie and the Dreamers really kick it out too” drivel.
Know you’re dealing with someone who knows the Hermits catalog very well.
Let’s go. I’m ready for it.
Sincerely,
E. Pluribus
1. They’re just a poor man’s Dave Clark Five
2. Peter Noone is a bit too “toothy”
3. Henry the 8th blows.
I suspect that this last comment is playing right into your hands, and I’m also guessing that there is some Throwing the Baby Out With the Bathwater argument about how this is akin to ignoring Chuck Berry’s catalog because of his Ding A Ling, but still, it really, REALLY blows.
Aside from you, who’s heard more than a handful of songs from them? I like what I’ve heard well enough but why do they warrant a closer look than, say, Tommy James, or the Rascals or the DC5?
The burden of proof is on you.
Hi CDM,
As far as your initial points are concerned, the first is way off (apples and oranges), the second is an easy poke (something I expected from someone limited like a Rosenau but certainly not you), and the third is fair enough although I find it to be an enjoyable piece of fluff, which Mickie Most and the band most probably thought as well when it was originally released. They all had a laugh. What’s wrong with that?
Throwing out the Chuck Berry catalog over “Ding a Ling”? C’mon.
You like what you’ve heard well enough? Maybe it’s just me, but when I like something I check out more of it. As far as hits are concerned, Herman’s Hermits had more than Tommy James, The Rascals, and DC5. The groups that had more hits (the Hollies are another example) usually had more buried gems on their LPs.
My point is this, if you’re got time to piss away looking for decent music, Herman’s Hermits is certainly a valid choice, way more valid than 90 percent of the garbage that’s commented upon up here and celebrated for talent that’s just not there.
Sincerely,
E. Pluribus
Yo Terry – errr E. Pluribus.
SUCK IT OT YOUR ASS!
your pal
I think most of the Rock Kimono wearers would have had a lot more success if they’d put on a karate gi instead of the kimono. The gi implies action, while the kimono gives off too much of a sumptuous, dionysian vibe. A Roy Wood can rock a kimono, but somoene going for cool guitar god status would be best served by the jumping/kicking freedom of the gi, not to mention the lack of potential flowing sleeve and guitar mishaps the kimono presents.
Clarification question: is what Hendrix has on in that photo a gi, a kimono or something somewhere in the middle? Frank Marino is clearly sporting a kimono. Also, Mahogany Rush: filthiest least-filthy band name in rock history?
Finally: Has anyone in rock ever tried to pull off the Bruce Lee Game of Death outfit look? Hendrix could have nailed that. Anybody else? I’d be surprised if Diamond Dave never considered trying it, or maybe Neal Schon, who I’m sure has donned a rock kimono or two in his day.
Is the kimono wearing mustache guy Frank Marino??
alexmagic, I’m just seeing your question: YES, Topper Headon pulls off the Game of Death Look in Rude Boy!
i had a lengthy discussion on the rock kimono on the same day u posted this….haha!
Peter Hammill is my fave kimono-wearer that hasnt been mentioned
i love this site btw!
I had no idea Hammill was a kimono wearer, ladystarlight. He’s one of those guys I can only identify by his early ’80s short-hair Look. I’ll have to look back at my one VDGG album to see if he’s wearing the kimono.
Thanks for joining the fray. Don’t be a stranger!
Wishbone motherfucking Ash.
Welcome aboard!