Do Temple students actually listen to the band on their t-shirt?
Or are they just posers?
There’s this ongoing belief that if you wear a shirt with the face or name of a famous band/singer, you’re not a real fan. These so-called “posers” are a not-so-fun part of the music culture because they use an artist’s face or logo as a fashion statement rather than a sign of appreciation.
The instant arrival of warm weather meant that nearly everyone on campus got to show off their style that had been hidden under winter coats, scarves and hats for so long. Over the course of this warm week, I asked students in band tees why they wear the shirts and what their top three songs are to see if we’ve got any “posers” walking around campus.
Kat, Sophomore FMA Major – Janis Joplin
Top three songs:
“I don’t have any.”
Why do you wear the shirt?
“I’m personally not into Janis but I’m into classic rock and 60s, 70s, and 80s music. I got the shirt at a flea market in New Jersey.”
Ryan – Tame Impala
Top three songs:
- Elephant
- Feels Like We Only Go Backwards
- “They’re honestly all good.”
Why do you wear the shirt?
“I’ve seen him three times in Philly. So I’ve been a fan for a long time. He’s really good. I wear the shirt because I want people to ask me about it because it’s something I care about.”
JT – David Bowie
Top three songs:
- Station to Station
- Scary Monsters
- Life on Mars
Why do you wear the shirt?
“I feel like it can be ‘posery’ to wear band t-shirts but if you know enough about the artist, like if you were to be stopped by someone on the street, it’s cool. Plus, the t-shirt is cool.”
Peter, Sophomore Double Major in English and History (Pre Law) – Madonna
Top three songs:
“I don’t listen to Madonna.”
Why do you wear the shirt?
“I got it really cheap. Vintage band shirts are in right now regardless of if you actually listen to them.”
Marcus – Pink Floyd
Top three songs:
- Us and Them
- In the Flesh
- Breathe
Why do you wear the shirt?
“It’s a dope shirt. I like Pink Floyd.”
Janesha, Sophomore Journalism Major – Bob Marley
Top three songs:
- Jammin
- Is this Love
- Buffalo Soldier
Why do you wear the shirt?
“I’m Jamaican and I love Bob Marley.”
Erica, Freshman Biology Major – The Doors
Top three songs:
- Hello I love you
- The Crystal Ship
- When the Music’s Over
“I got really into them over the summer and always wanted a band shirt. But I didn’t feel comfortable wearing them around my small hometown because people would probably think I’m a poser. But here I can support my interests and still be anonymous.”
Adam, Junior Media Studies & Production – The Rolling Stones
Top three songs:
“I should have thought about this when I decided to rep them so hard today. I’m not qualified to name the songs.”
Emily, Senior Theater Major – The Beatles
Top three songs:
- In my Life
- Something
- Penny Lane
Why do you wear the shirt?
“I wear it because it makes me feel cool. But I understand the idea of ‘posers.’ I’ve had mine for years and some are even my parents.’ I like the design but I also don’t have band shirts of artists that I don’t know or love. I wear them to show off my taste in music because I take pride in my taste.”
Christian, Freshman Theater Major – Lana Del Ray
Top three songs:
- Old Money
- Religion
- Off to the Races
Why do you wear the shirt?
“Because when people comment on it, I know those are my people. It’s affirming. Like, we should be friends. They’re my people.”
Andrew, Freshman Advertising Major – The Front Bottoms
Top three songs:
- Tim Bogart
- Flashlight
- Skeleton
Why do you wear the shirt?
“It was at the show. I liked it. I bought it. It’s a cool shirt.”
Kayla, Freshman Psychology Major – The Notorious B.I.G.
Top three songs:
- Juicy
- Big Poppa
- Mo Money Mo Problems
Why do you wear the shirt?
“It’s the hip hop culture.”
Matt, Junior Political Science Major – The Beatles
Top three songs:
- Across the Universe
- Obla Di Obla Da
- Helter Skelter
Why do you wear the shirt?
“My mom got it for me and I love The Beatles.”
Misha, Sophomore Political Science Major – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Top three songs:
- Venice Queen
- Blood Sugar Sex Magic
- Turn It Again
Why do you wear the shirt?
“I love the band, they’re my favorite. If I wear a band shirt you can assume I know their songs.”
Me, Freshman Theater Major – David Bowie
Top three songs:
- Always Crashing in the Same Car
- Where Are We Now?
- Lady Grinning Soul
Why do I wear the shirt?
I don’t own many band t-shirts, but I like to wear them because I want people to ask me about them. I want fellow fans to connect with me, to talk about our favorite albums and share our appreciation for the musicians whose music makes us feel good & alive. Just as this photo was taken, two guys on a motorcycle started singing Space Oddity to me. Night. Made.
So with only three “posers” and twelve real fans, the belief that “only posers where band t-shirts” is not exactly true, at least for students on Temple’s campus!