Last Updated on January 16, 2026
Ever found yourself at a gig, three beers deep, staring at a merch table and wondering why the hell a band is selling a manhole cover? Well, Andrew Laws and Dr Sam (aka Dr Roid Rage) have. This week, they dive headfirst into the bizarre, impractical, and sometimes downright offensive world of band merchandise.
From Misfits flogging literally anything with a skull on it (including Tiki mugs, because obviously) to Norwegian punk bands financing entire albums with municipal infrastructure, this episode is a deep dive into capitalism gone feral.
Also covered:
- The accidental genius of John Shuttleworth’s wooden spoons
- Iron Maiden’s questionable first attempt at beer
- The existential tragedy of crust punks taking themselves too seriously
- Whether Kiss will one day sell branded oxygen for their aging fans
- Wolves in the Throne Room and their “merch” table full of sticks
Strap in for tales of merch regret, punk rock nonsense, and Andrew nearly wetting himself by the end of the episode.
### Riffs of the week
#### Dr Sam’s Riff
– clipping. – Dominator (opening)
#### Andrew’s Riff
– Trelldom – The voice that whispers (2:50)
### Dr Sam’s track choices
1. Sick of it All – America (1.10)
2. Misfits – Forbidden Zone (opening)
3. Minutemen – Shit From an Old Notebook (0.30)
4. The Dogs – Melt (1.00)
### Andrew’s track choices
1. Red Flag 77 – How Low (0:10)
2. John Shuttleworth – Two Margarines (0:20)
3. The Brand New Heavies – People Get Ready (0:50)
4. Wolves in the Throne Room – Born from the serpents eye (3:20)
Email us – beatmotel@lawsie.com
