“Hey, nice Metallica shirt… name three songs.” If you’ve been personally victimized by this statement, you’ve come to the right place. Band T-shirts have been huge in casual fashion for the past couple of years. Personally, I’m a big fan of the movement, but the problem is that too many people are purchasing these T-shirts without actually knowing the band. I’m here to fix that. By the end of this article, you will be able to pass the dreaded three song test if someone comes up to you and asks about your shirt.
1一Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin IV is known to be one of the most influential albums in rock music. The band was formed in 1968 and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. The museum’s biography states that they were perhaps as influential during the ’70s as the Beatles were in the ’60s. Here are three songs: “When The Levee Breaks,” “Black Dog,” and “Whole Lotta Love.”
2一The Beatles. The Beatles are arguably the greatest band of all time. The band was formed in Liverpool in 1960 by Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They were so popular that the fandom was referred to as “Beatlemania.” Here are three songs: “Come Together,” “Oh! Darling,” and “Penny Lane.”
3一The Rolling Stones. Everyone loves that iconic lip T-shirt, but do half of the people rocking it know the rock behind it? The Rolling Stones were formed in London in 1962 and grew to be one of the most successful rock bands in history. Their “A Bigger Band Tour” is the second highest grossing tour of all time behind U2. Here are three songs: “Beast of Burden,” “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’,” and “Gimme Shelter.”
4一Grateful Dead. Grateful Dead is known for its terrapins, bears, and skulls. In 1965, this group from California gave birth to possibly the greatest jam band in history. They’re still kicking and are currently touring the world with John Mayer on guitar. Here are three songs: “Casey Jones,” “Sugar Magnolia,” and “Touch Of Grey.”
5一Pink Floyd. Pink Floyd started in 1965 playing the underground music scene in London. After gaining popularity, they continued on to be one of the most famous rock bands of all time known for their live performances, deep, philosophical lyrics, and sonic experimentation. Here are three songs: “Wish You Were Here,” “Time,” and “Another Brick In The Wall, Pt. 2.”
6一Joy Division. The iconic post-punk album “Unknown Pleasures” is all over T-shirts. With the suicide of singer Ian Curtis, the band only lasted a little under four years. The small amount of music they were able to put out is still widely famous and lives on as an influence for modern music. Here are three songs: “Disorder,” “Ceremony,” and “Love Will Tear Us Apart.”
Do you have a favorite band T-shirt? Show me how you style it on Instagram! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.
