Thursday 26th January 2012 by Gigwise | Photos by WENN.com

Whether you are genuinely a fan of the band, liked the t-shirt or just want to be 'cool', the band t-shirt has been an essential in so many  wardrobes, for a long time now...

The band t-shirt is also a great way for up and coming artists to make extra much needed revenue, with bands like Nirvana famously relying on t-shirt sales to make it home from gigs when they started touring.

The seemingly innocuous t-shirt has been causing a stir in recent news, with a print on a Disney t-shirt baring an uncanny resemblance to the album cover of Joy Divisions 'Unknown Pleasures.'

Members of Joy Division have spoken out both against and in favour of the t-shirt. Drummer Stephen Morris has said “I was quite angry when I first saw it. No one asked us. They’re trading off the band and our album cover. I don’t like the design at all. It’s horrible.”

While bassist Peter Hook is said to be “very flattered” about the use of the bands album artwork.

Here are some of Gigwise's favourite band t-shirts...