Rockin’ around – and under – the Christmas tree

“Look at this,” said Gene Simmons, picking up a KISS coffee mug from the table in front of us last weekend in Montreal. “This is one of 3,000 branded and trademarked KISS items. We’re also bringing back the KISS coffin because it’s sold out.”

“What does it go for? Is it $7,000?”

“Something like that,” he said with a very capitalist grin.

Ten years ago, buying some band-branded swag had to done at a concert, a record store or a down-market shop that offered cheap knock-offs. Even then, choices were limited to T-shirts, stickers and, if you were really lucky, a belt buckle. The Internet has changed all that. Finding interesting artist-specific merchandise has never been easier.

With CD sales cratering, artists are seeking revenue relief from online merchandise sales. For example, a U2 fan can find everything from T-shirts to DVDs to a selection of beautiful black-and-white lithographs that I’ve never seen anywhere else. For US$50 you can get a gift certificate to U2.com which comes with some recordings that will never be available in stores.

Or if you’d prefer U2 on your tree instead of under it, there’s a rather pretty Christmas ornament based on the cover of All That You Can’t Leave Behind. Oh, and speaking of things to hang on the tree, there’s a really cool Bowie decoration featuring his Aladdin Sane persona in a fetching Santa hat.

Coldplay’s “Viva Coldplay” fleece blanket is on sale for $29.95. Weezer was selling their own branded Snuggies, but they’re sold out. Maybe eBay.

Soundgarden has the usual T-shirts for sale, but what caught my eye were the ornate concert posters, including one from this past year’s Lollapalooza in Chicago (US$25).

The worst place for me, though, is Third Man Records, the label owned by Jack White. Vinyl junkies should approach at their own risk. I’ve got my eye on the White Stripes Vinyl Starter Merchandise Collection which, even at US$499, looks like a bargain. Plus, I’m in Nashville this week, home of the physical Third Man store. It could get ugly at customs.

Here are some links for your shopping pleasure: