1. Gaffer Tape
Any gig which does not feature large men in ill-fitting jeans, heavy with keys and making merry with yards of this black adhesive material, is a gig I do not wish to attend.
Where to see it: Any O2 Academy. All over the stage.
2. Marlboro Cigarettes
Quite why this brand of death delivering, paper tube has become so iconic in the world of the rock music professional rather than say, Superkings, no-one is really sure. But it's probably something to do with cowboys. NB: Not Marlboro Lights, they're for graphic designers.
Where to see it: Corner of Keef Richards' gob. Newsagents.
3. Jack Daniels
Boozing and rocking have gone hand in hand since Sam Phillips first bought Elvis a beer, but one brand of Tennessee sipping whiskey has become so ubiquitous atop amp cabinets it is almost the compulsary beverage for every band. Well, maybe not the Jonas Brothers.
Where to see it: On Slash's corn flakes.
4. Zippo
Not much point in having a dressing room packed with Marlboro cartons and Rizla papers if you have no fire. And nothing says 'dedicated gasper and toker' like a solid square of metal making a satisfying ring as it is flicked open. A blue Bic plastic disposable just doesn't cut it.
Where to see it: The 'Greased Lightning' segment of the Grease movie.
5. Bootlace tie
Rock n Roll, it is said, happens when the Blues meets Country & Western and this neck adornment was definitely inherited from the uniform of the latter's performers.
Where to see it: Roddy Frame's throat c.1982
6. Learjet
Slightly more expensive than the objects mentioned so far, but few things indicate achievement in the field of rock than a band with its own plane. I think Led Zeppelin were the first to scrawl their logo down the side of a Learjet but many have followed. Probably due to their desire to be Led Zep.
Where to see it: The exterior - some select runways. The interior - you won't. Ever.
7. Laminate
A piece of card is one of the world's most mundane objects - until the words 'Access All Areas' are added and it is encased in floppy plastic. It is then the most desired rectangle at any festival or concert. Must always be worn with casual indifference and suspended from a nylon cord.
Where to see it: Against the plaid shirt of every chief roadie.
8. Rayban Wayfarers / Aviators
A rock star's eyewear of choice is crucial. Elton is still experimenting to this day and has never quite got it right, but Lemmy in a pair of Aviators looks simply fabulous. As a rule, the mirrored, oval Aviators are the preserve of the extrovert hard rocker. The squared off Wayfarers tend to be selected by the sulky, shy indie type. Feel free to wear indoors at night.
Where to see it: Wayfarers - on Jesus & Mary Chain. Aviaitors - on Jon Bon Jovi.
9. Pomade
The oil based hair dressing much admired by The Clash, indicates an acknowledgement of rock's 50s origins (when everyone caked their barnets in the stuff). Out of favour throughout the 60s & 70s, made a comeback with Bowie, punk and the shorter hairstyle. Should never be confused with Brylcreem. Or lard.
Where to see it: On the Thin White Duke, Mark Kermode and Dave Vanian.
10. Motorcycle
Any self respecting rock legend has a garage full of cars (and often, no driving licence). But ownership of stonking great Harley Davidson is an absolute must. If you can also manage to fall off it and break an inspired collection of bones, you really are living the dream.
Where to see it: In a mangled heap in the middle of Sunset and Vine.
Magnus Shaw, November 2010
