I am not a comic book geek, nor a fan boy, but often wish I was. I love the passion and dedication. I wish my knowledge on certain things ran as deep and was as extensive.
I realized, however, that there are certain traits I share with that group and while I do not go out in full costume or know every line from every movie, I do plot and plan my public appearances around certain items of clothing.
My passion for sports starts with hockey above and beyond all else… then college football, baseball (mostly in the summer after hockey season has ended) and college basketball around, let’s say, March.
I firmly believe that the t-shirt and hat I choose to watch games directly affects both my team’s performance and the outcome of the game. I do not bet on my team for fear that it will mess things up… So yes, I sacrifice the potential for massive financial gain in order to help my squad. I am also superstitious and will wear the same combination as long as my guys are on a roll.
Of course, I will be expecting some official love and recognition from either the Kings or Rangers. You know, maybe the Cup for a long weekend! Jonathan Quick and Henrik Lundqvist.... blah, blah, blah....
My passion for music is even greater, and going to a concert has me staring at the pile of shirts in my closet, anxiously assessing which one best captures the mood or tone of the evening. While some say it is a faux pas, wearing a Bruce shirt to a Bruce concert can be totally cool, especially if it is something others have not seen…
"I love when people come up to me and compliment my gear. I have met so many amazing folks that way!" (Marc with Little Steven Van Zandt)
I also give thought to which shirt the artist or band might dig, with fantastical thoughts of them seeing it and then asking me on stage to jam (I sing and play the harmonica) or come back stage and hang out, or even travel with the band for a spell. Almost Famous is my new Godfather… meaning that any time that movie is on, no matter where in the movie it is, I HAVE to stop and watch it. I got to tell my hero, Cameron Crowe this, too!
Without sounding like a car salesman on a lot on Labor Day, that is why I love Original Retro Brand. My wardrobe has amazing diversity and style, but also the opportunity to say something… to let people know what I like, what I dig and what is important to me. Or perhaps even to even present a piece of history.
Molly Hatchett was playing The Canyon Club, an intimate and outstanding local venue in Agoura Hills, CA. Knowing their deep connection to Southern Rock and bands like Lynyrd Skynrd and the Allman Brothers, I decided to wear my Fillmore East shirt. In fact, I just wore this very same shirt to see Bruce Springsteen in Newark last week. It’s so soft and comfortable and just seems to be my new go-to concert tee.
The "Southern Rock Star" with Jake Clemons (Clarence's nephew).)
My buddy Brad and I made it into the front row and Phil McCormack, the lead singer, pointed at my shirt, told me how cool it was… and then proceeded to announce to the crowd how fantastic my shirt was. For that moment… I was a Southern Rock Star.
I was not invited backstage, nor on the tour bus, but I met the band after the show and they were cool as… you know what.
So when people tell you that a t-shirt is a t-shirt, or your wife questions how many you actually own… you can tell them that they are so much more than that. Sometimes a t-shirt or a hat is a good luck charm… a ticket into a conversation… and maybe even the start of a Rock n’ Roll adventure.
Marc Goldsmith is an actor, writer and true music aficionado. If you couldn’t tell, he’s also a huge Original Retro Brand fan (he’s got over 65, and counting, ORB shirts in his closet!). We highly recommend you check out his daily music blog at Marc’s Muse. http://marcsmuse.wordpress.com/
