VINTAGE SHIRTS

You can't deny how cool these 10 rare vintage rock shirts are

We always knew that for the most part, vinyl records had a built-in collectibility to them. That’s a no-brainer. But why weren’t we thinking about concert tees? The market for vintage rock shirts transcends generations. This APTV video gives an overview of exactly how desirable tour/band merchandise has gotten over the decades.

When you think about it, vintage rock shirts may be the only enduring way to manifest our rock ‘n’ roll devotion. We are getting continuously accustomed to free downloads and streaming services. If you can call up the most obscure non-lp b-side on Spotify, you don’t need to drop beaucoup bucks looking for the record. Suddenly, getting that sweet 2004 European tour shirt you discovered on Pinterest seems way cooler.

Read more: Waterparks design shirt capturing Spemcer’s aesthetic; store agrees to sell it.

The age and look of these vintage rock shirts makes them feel all soft and comfy. However, the prices they go for are hard as hell on your wallet. They’ll also give you a few SMH moments. “Whatever happened to my (insert band name here) shirt?” Maybe you ruined it while working on your car. Perhaps a duplicitous former honey made off with it. The marketplace can be a cruel kingdom.

A couple years ago, this writer heard a story about a band dude signing a label deal. With his share of the advance money, he spent $200+ on an original Youth Of Today tee. Now we wouldn’t throw shade on anybody who dropped that kind of scratch on a vintage rock shirt. The very fact that someone would be moved by what that artifact represents is quite admirable. Next time you’re in front of a merch table, you might consider buying two of the same shirt design. One to show your colors now, the other to have in mint condition when the wave of nostalgia (brought to you by eBay) returns. All we have to do now is wait for shows to come back…