Halloween, the time when adults decide to don their favorite witty getups, whether it be the intellectual "Freudian slip" or the pop culture driven "Christian Bale Yelling." We're sure some of you are short on ideas, so we've compiled a list of band inspired costumes to wear to your favorite party. So then, what are you going to be?
10. Warlock Pinchers ("Morrissey Rides a Cockhorse")
Most of us have been to at least one costume party where someone decides to dress as a giant penis. However, when was the last time you saw someone dressed as Morrissey (a little pomade and you're set) riding an actual cockhorse (a broom outfitted with whatever tool your imagination will allow should work)? Just remember to tell everyone how much you don't care about their girlfriend in a coma.
9. Woody Guthrie, countless others ("John Henry")
It might be inspired by a folk tale, but that makes this costume all
the more worthwhile. A lot of leeway in what you actually do here, but
be sure to include a hammer, if nothing else. However, if you'd really
like to hammer this costume home, your best bet will be to find a
partner to be the steam drill.
8. Kraftwerk ("The Robots")
If you're in a pinch and need a costume quickly, being a member of
Kraftwerk from their "The Robots" music video should be easy to master.
Purchase yourself a red button-up shirt, a black tie, a little makeup
and perhaps some pomade and you'll be set. Just don't forget to move
slowly for the entire evening.
7. The Avalanches (Ghost Choir from "Frontier Psychiatrist")
For whatever reason, we're big fans of the ghost choir from the
Avalanches' "Frontier Psychiatrist" video. It's a simple and easy-to-assemble costume that a whole group can partake in. Of course, if you
were feeling really ambitious, we wouldn't mind seeing the whole cast of
the video, weird turtle man and all.
6. Bob Dylan (Napoleon in Rags from "Like a Rolling Stone")
We're aware when Dylan sang the line "You used to be so amused at
Napoleon in rags" he was referring to something completely different
than a potential Halloween outfit, but it just feels so perfect. Best
suited for the vertically challenged, one might be able to get away
with nothing more than a Napoleon-esque hat and a shirt made of rags.
5. Fresh Prince (from the intro)
A lot of people find it fun to dress up from a particular decade, but
it takes a special person to reproduce an actual person's outfit. That
said, we'd think it would be great to see someone decked out in Will Smith's
duds from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air intro. Sure, it might be tough
finding a yellow and blue hat or a pair of blue shorts, but we're
certain your dedication to a true reproduction would pay off--especially
if you can find someone to play the cabbie with you.
4. Tom Waits ("Dave the Butcher")
If you feel like explaining yourself all night (and if you're a bit
lonely, you just might), take the easy way out by dressing up like a
butcher. It's simple enough to find a white apron and some fake blood,
add a "Dave" name tag and you're set. The best part is, the song is an
instrumental, so you'll be able to get drunk all night and not really
have to explain a thing.
3. The Residents (eyeball and top hat)
Good luck finding yourself a giant eyeball mask, but if you do, you're
sure to turn the heads of at least one music dork by outfitting
yourself in the trademark Residents getup. Hell, you might even be able to
convince some sexy member of the opposite sex you were in the band. It's not like there's a way to prove otherwise.
2. Arcade Fire (literal)
If you're out of ideas, there is always the option of taking something literally. Simply put, if you're interested in dressing up as the
Arcade Fire, you might consider building a Donkey Kong arcade cabinet
out of cardboard and drawing flames on the sides.
1. Kiss (Modern)
Without fail, there's always a Kiss costume at a party, but you aren't
going to see this modern rendition. While Kiss "being old" jokes might
wear thin quickly, picking up an old-man latex mask at the dollar store
and painting a trademark Kiss face on it is sure to liven up the party
for at least a moment.
