What is Shakedown Relics?

Shakedown Relics is a collecting and archival project focused on preserving the visual history of fan culture through vintage band shirts. While shirts are available for purchase, the core mission is documentation—recording the designs, wear, and stories tied to touring culture and the communities that created it.

Is Shakedown Relics a store or an archive?

It is both. Shakedown Relics functions as a shop and a living archive. Every shirt that passes through the collection is documented in the Archives, whether it is available for sale, sold, or retained for reference.

This approach allows the project to support collectors while also preserving a visual record of the culture.

Why create an archive for band shirts?

Band shirts—especially lot shirts—were rarely preserved intentionally. Most were worn hard, traded, and eventually discarded. The archive exists to document these pieces before they disappear, preserving the art, typography, humor, and regional variations that defined the fan experience.

What qualifies a shirt for the Archives?

Any shirt that meaningfully reflects touring culture, fan creativity, or official merchandise history may be archived. Selection is based on era, design, condition, construction, and cultural context—not just resale value.

How does selling shirts support the archive?

Sales help fund the sourcing, documentation, and preservation of future pieces. Purchasing a shirt directly supports the continued growth of the archive and ensures more of this history can be recorded and shared.

Is this affiliated with the bands?

No. Shakedown Relics is an independent project created by a fan and collector. It is not officially affiliated with any band, management, or merchandising organization.

What is a “lot shirt”?

A “lot shirt” refers to a shirt that was produced and sold by fans, artists, or independent printers—often in parking lots, campgrounds, or informal spaces surrounding concerts and tours. These shirts were typically made in small batches and reflect the creativity and humor of the fan community rather than official band merchandising.

Lot shirts are an important part of jam-band culture and are often rarer than official merchandise due to their limited and informal production.

Will the Archives include both lot shirts and official merchandise?

Yes. The Archives document both fan-made lot shirts and official merchandise. The goal is to preserve the full visual history of the scene—not just what was officially produced, but what fans actually wore, traded, and created.

Each archive entry will note whether a shirt is believed to be a lot piece or official merchandise when known.

Are all shirts vintage?

Unless otherwise stated, all shirts listed on Shakedown Relics are vintage. Any modern or custom designs are clearly labeled as such. Transparency is important here—nothing is presented as something it’s not.

What does “vintage condition” mean?

Vintage garments have lived a life. Expect signs of age and wear including fading, thinning fabric, minor stains, pinholes, cracking in prints, or other imperfections consistent with age and use. These characteristics are part of what make vintage pieces unique.

Photos are provided to show overall condition, but they may not capture every detail or flaw.

Do you accept returns?

Because vintage items are one-of-a-kind and condition is fully documented, all sales are final. Please review photos, measurements, and descriptions carefully before purchasing. If you need additional details, ask before checkout—I’m always happy to help.

Do you buy or take consignments?

Select collections may be considered, especially vintage Grateful Dead or Phish shirts with strong provenance. If you have something you believe fits the archive, feel free to reach out with photos and details.

How should I care for a vintage shirt?

To preserve vintage garments:

• Wash cold

• Use mild detergent

• Avoid dryers when possible

• Air dry flat or hang dry

Vintage shirts are fragile by nature—gentle care goes a long way.

How can I contact you?

For questions, additional photos, or general inquiries, please use the contact form on the website or reach out via Instagram.