Marty, as your classic long haired denim and leather guitarist , I find it frustrating to constantly hear how one must look acertain way to make it in the business. Being on TRL is no interest to me if you know what I mean!
To make a respectable living playing what I love is good enough for me. How important is image to get signed and get over with, say, a megadeth type fanbase? p.s. I dig your DVD!

Thanks for the good Q.
First off there is no such thing as a Megadeth `type` fanbase. Each artist`s fanbase is a completely separate entity that has virtually nothing to do with any artist regardless of how similar an other artist might be. Each artist (or band) works their tail off to cultivate, nurture and build their own fanbase one person at a time and goes to great lengths to keep that fan as long as possible.
Image is very important in anything that is to be sold, and music is no exception. Remember, when you buy music, you are also buying style, image and even a lifestyle to go along with the sounds. It takes a lot to make someone part with money. You like denim and leather, but would you buy a Saxon album if they wore pink tutus? To make it simple-would your girlfriend rather you look like a slob or would she rather have you look like you belong in GQ magazine?

{To make a respectable living playing what I love is good enough for me.}
`Good enough`??? This is a dream that the vast majority of musicians will never realize. I have realized it only because of the constant honing of my craft and literally endless work and sacrifices, as well as extremely good luck that came as a result of all that. My advice to you is be yourself, play what you want to play and do it the best you can. That is its own reward, anything above that is gravy. Good Q!