Last year, we plundered the Fifth Column archives and published an article about iconic punk t-shirts. It proved to be really popular and generated a fantastic response. Lots of great comments and thoughts about the old punk days. So, we thought it was high time to once more raid the rails of our secret stockroom and share some more classic punk t-shirts from the Fifth Column vault.
We’ve been around a long time now, but it never hurts to think back to where you came from. These days, our name is synonymous with a wide range of services – screen printing, direct to garment and embroidery – but printing t-shirts for punk bands was where it started for us. We haven’t forgotten our roots. Sadly, we no longer produce these particular items, but let’s take another stroll down memory lane and look at some vintage punk shirts.
Take the Fifth
Back in 1979, the Clash were storming the States with their second US tour. Remember the classic shot of Paul Simonon smashing up his bass? And it’s obvious (to us, anyway) where the tour name came from. “Make sure you Take the Fifth Column T-Shirt”!
Hey Ho, Let’s Go
Let’s stick with the American theme. The Ramones hold a special place in punk history. Arguably the first punk rock band, certainly the first in the USA that commanded attention. Cited as influential by many of the early punk outfits in the UK. They certainly made an impression on us … our tee wasn’t too shabby either
Not Typical Girls
The Slits were there at the beginning. They got together even before we did, formed in 1976 by members of The Flowers of Romance and The Castrators (you must remember those guys). This one really takes us back. The stories it could tell, if only t-shirts could talk.
Stay Sick
Another early American group, The Cramps formed in 1976 and were part of the CBGB New York music club movement. They’re regarded as one of the innovators of psychobilly. Stay Sick Turn Blue was a 1980 vinyl LP. Rarities, these days, it’s hard to get hold of both the album and the t-shirt.
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Smashing it Up
Never forget the Damned. Dave Vanian and the boys started smashing it up in 1976 and have been banging the punk drum ever since. They show no signs of stopping. The line-up may change, but they keep going. We like that, here at Fifth Column. We’ve moved with the times ourselves.
UK Subs
The UK Subs were another group that were part of the first wave of British punk. They came out of the Roxy scene in 1977. Although the Subs might not have had any huge hits, you probably know their cover of She’s Not There. Members of the group have come and gone, but they’re still touring!
Gothic Beginnings
Bauhaus were one of the pioneers of gothic rock. Bela Lugosi’s Dead came out on Small Wonder Records in ‘79 and they never looked back. Bauhaus were blessed with a front man who turned heads (do you remember Pete Murphy in the Maxell cassette tape advert?) and we captured it on cotton.
With Love Since 1977
The neck print says it all. We’ve been printing with love since 1977 and are still loving it. Sadly, that concludes this particular perusal of the Fifth Column punk rock archives. Have no fear, there will be more classic punk t-shirts from the Fifth Column vault in the future.
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