McGrath of Harlow: Of course someone who wants to sing alone is allowed, it's just not that they're very common here (American northwest). About the only person I know who does so is Alice (a long-time Mudcatter).

Truth be told, most singer/musicians I know are a bit fearful of stepping out from behind an instrument and singing "naked" in public. I suspect it's the cultural difference.

The other interesting idea is about "performance". I suspect we all are attracted to music to get our strokes. I'd much rather play with, and for, other people then sit alone and pick and sing. Heck, I remember way back when I started trying to play a guitar in the late 50's. It was to impress a certain girl, who also played guitar. Of course there are other reasons, but approval of your peers is still pretty high on the list.