February 25th, 2009 by admin

Branded merchandise can usually help keep bands on tour, and some have decided to make their merchandise as eye catching, gory and over the top as possible to shift the stuff -heres alook at some rock bands who’ve sold merchandise by the bucketload because of their genuis.

Cradle of Filth. The Ipswich boys and girl have always liked the hit the controversy button to give the daily mail something to scream about. Causing its wearers to be arrested and charged with public indecency is the ‘jesus is a c**t’ t-shirt -which sells very, very, well. There is also the ‘get thee behind me satan’- invloving a nun and the devil getting hot and heavy and the ‘you guilded c**t’ t-shirt. Love them or hate them, theres no denying they know how to move merchandise and upset your parents.

Iron Maiden. When artist Derek Riggs created Eddie, maiden’s zombie mascot managed to sell millions of t-shirts for them. Varying from album covers on a pair of trainers to one off gig t-shirts, you know Eddie’s gonna be on them- and that they will sell very well.

Cannibal Corpse. Another band that go for the shock tactics -but in adifferent way to Cradle of Filth. While Cradle have their black tongues firmly placed in cheek, Cannibal corspe are on a mission to guy everyone is sight on their merch. From the mind of artist Vince Locke, most of the artwork shows entrial eating, worm infested vile zombies, helping Cannibal corpse in the process shift merchandise by the thousands. Dont upset them- whatever you do.

Afew bands with some very interesting ideas of promotional merchandise:

Kiss. Most bands would sell their grans to achieve the fortune and fame they want. Demon bass player Gene Simmons also sold her house and dentures as optional extras. Thier own wine, comics, boards games and the piece de resistance, a Kiss theme coffin which can be used as a fridge when your not buried in it.

Manowar. The viking themed metallers have given us the ‘warriors shield’ – Manowar’s own brand of condom. Not as amusing, but still pretty unusual- xmas tree decorations, ear plugs and bottle openers.