Top Ten Experimental Jetset Parody T-Shirts

*Cross post with T-Shirt Connoisseur -- Roundup & review of the best t-shirts on the internet!

(Image & Design Source)

In 2001, a Netherlands based design group called Experimental Jetset created three designs: John & Paul & Ringo & George, Keith & Mick & Bill & Charlie & Brian, and Joey & DeeDee & Johnny & Tommy (band members from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Ramones respectively and obviously.) This design was supposed to be an archetypal band shirt, that represented the essence of the band by simply listing their first names. Most t-shirt fans are not only familiar with this iconic design, but also some of the many unsanctioned variations it's spawned. It's easy enough to apply the template of Helvetica font, vertically listed names to any other band (rip-off or tribute: you decide) but when you use the design with things other than bands, it can become a great parody. SO, listed for your pleasure, the top ten experimental jetset parody shirts:

10. Zack & Kelly & Slater & Jessie & Lisa & Screech.

The Meet Me at the Max shirt @ Threadless makes the design its own with the familiar doodles in the background. Not a Saved by the Bell fan, but it's a great design and a great parody.

9. Simon & James & John & Andrew & Phillip & Bartholomew & Matthew & Thomas & James & Thaddeus & Simon & Judas.

Using the twelve apostles in a position originally meant for rock stars is a great contrast. Also, the ridiculous lengthy list compared to the original is pretty funny. (Source)

8. Heartburn & Indigestion & Upset Stomach & Nausea & Diarrhea.

Printed on a pink shirt, naturally. (Source)

7. Mom & Dad & Gran & Gramps.

How could jetset get all cease & desist-y with a face like that? (Source)

6. Fighter & Black Belt & White Mage & Black Mage & Red Mage & Thief.

The Light Warriors of Final Fantasy show up here in the geekiest entry in the top ten. This one is for sale @ Huzzah Goods.

5. John & Eric & Michael & Terry & Terry & Graham.

The Monty Tribute shirt @ Modern Classic is not quite the Beatles, but pays tribute to another famous british group of not quite the same era.

4. & & & .

Minimalist thinking applied to our shirt design in question. Try not to read too much into this one. (Source)

3. Luke & Leia & Han & Chewie.

This tee design @ Super 7 Store was inevitable. I think I would have included R2-D2 & C3-PO.

2. Inky & Blinky & Pinky & Clyde.

This pac-man inspired t-shirt slyly eschews the standard Helvetica font for something more pixelated. The shirt was available at think geek, but appears to be MIA now, I wonder if it was a poor seller or if there was some legal shenanigans?

1. Yoko & Linda & Maureen & Patti.

"Behind every great man..." -- In response to the original Beatles design, Clemformation has this great shirt design in her Red Bubble shop. The most true to the original, and the most easily called a parody -- it's #1 by a long shot.