Syndicate of Sound: the first wave of punk (Rhino) |
But pissing off fellow punks was not the only reason for dressing smart. Practicality is
equally important as Nicholaus told us one of the main benefits of knowing in advance what
they're wearing on stage: "Cutbacks on The Hives decicion making front. If we decided once
what to wear that´s one decision less every single night of playing".
It was only about 6 months ago when during a photoshoot for a British music magazine, the
band wore white dinner jackets that needed to be clamped in the back because they were too
big. But now that The Hives are able to afford designer clothes, stylists, and the
other typical trappings of success, are they taking advantage of it? Not exactly.
Even with their hectic, busy, and fast-paced schedule, the boys still find the time to do
their own shopping, not really trusting someone else to do it for them.
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"We don´t have anyone doing anything for us as far as our clothes go," says Nicholaus.
"We do it all. Sometimes people want us to wear their clothes and if they fit in
with what we like, we might. But that´s all the 'help' we get."
Not even tailors?
"As long as tailors are inferior to clamps we´ll go with clamps. Only the
best is good enough".
So The Hives not only look great, but they still control their own image on their own terms
and refuse to let anyone push them into sporting expensive designer togs when they could
just as easily find cool gear in thrift stores. As Nicholaus explains, "We don´t care where
we get them really. If the clothes we want are in a second-hand shop we will still get them
there". But all one needs to do is to check out their older promo photos and compare
them with more currents pics of The Hives to see that things have changed, at least a little.
For instance, although they have always worn white shoes, they didn't necessarily match. These days,
you'd better believe they all wear the same exact pair of white oxfords.
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But even with the high-level of detail that goes into the self-made image of The Hives
(the immaculately polished shoes, the just-too-short drainpipe trousers, the belt buckles
etched with their individual names), there are a few things that Nick, Pelle, Dr.
Matt Destruction, Chris Dangerous, and Vigilante Carlstroem feel they needn't worry about.
Let's just say black and white knickers are not necessary.
"Underwear has always been of lesser importance when playing rock shows".
~S. Appel |
Lest you forget who we are... (Jason Campbell/ MTV) |
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