Iron Maiden Merch catalogue

The way I see it, the only reason they keep their merch industry rolling is that there's demand for such items. No demand = no profit = no crazy merch. It can be interesting to observe how a band chooses to handle its merch. Basic tour shirts is one thing, but no band would start rolling out productions of licensed household objects if it wasn't already pedigreed enough and didn't already have maniacal fans who love having stuff like that.

There was a time I used to look down upon band merch "industries", but doesn't bother me anymore. Ultimately, instead of some kinda commercial exploitation, it's up to each person to choose how to spend their bucks. I guess it's just a matter of obsession - there's some bands I enjoy in particular moods, but rarely there comes a band that stays with me in any season, any time, any mood, for years and years. It still does not mean I will automatically shell out for any bullshit item just for having that band's logo on it, but on the other hand it also means I wouldn't mind having some random everyday objects with that band's logo/symbolism on it, especially for activities in the "non-metal" spheres (lanyard key chain, mousepad for workplace, etc) - in other words, letting that band's music/symbolism into my everyday reality - because that music becomes something more constant, relevant, and meaningful than just music. This happens super rarely for me with bands, but when it does, this is how it is.

But that Kiss Koffin thing is still so wrooong.

Same here..