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Not only are Bury beardy boys Elbow massively popular in the record shops and at festivals (see their incredible reverse Mexican wave at Glastonbury), but they also enjoy a tipple or two at their local "hole in my neighbourhood" or pub if you prefer.

Taking this love of all things draught to its natural conclusion, Elbow announced this week that they are bringing out their own beer, aptly titled Build A Rocket Boys! after their latest album. The beer is being brewed by Robinsons Of Stockport, famed for their Old Tom Ale - voted the World's Best Beer no less by a panel of barflies, sorry, experts.

As merch goes, a heart warming, smooth premier ale boasting Guy Garvey and co's endorsement is the perfect in Q's view. It's simply sympatico!

However Elbow aren't alone in going beyond a T-shirt and offering the fans something that truly is what their band are about. Joe Bishop takes a look at the best-fitting slabs of tat that rock stars have been made available to you the public.

"That's what we're all about" - five bits of band merch that really capture a band's essence...

1. Kiss' coffin
The Kiss Kasket is probably the most macabre item of merchandise on our list, but that also means it's the most awesome. A full sized usable coffin, emblazoned with members of the band and the Kiss logo. Different incarnations of the casket have been released over the years, some more tasteful than others. Metal guitarist Dimebag Darrell was buried in one, after stating his wish to do so in his will. Let's face it, if you're going to base your career on looking like a bunch of ghouls, not marketing for the afterlife would be an oversight.

2. Manic Street Preachers Party Poppers
What other way to usher in the new millennium than with a party popper featuring Nicky Wire's face? There is no other way. As part of the 'Manic Millennium' party bag given out at the band's 1999/2000 Millenium Stadium gig, the poppers feature all three mugs of art rockers and came with the added bonus that hovering enthusiast Wire could 'go crazy' after the gig.

3. British Sea Power Kendal Mint Cake
Having decorated their stages with plenty of foliage over the years, we always suspected BSP were keen hikers, and the Brighton-based group confirmed it by releasing their own version of the ramblers' classic snack, Kendal Mint Cake, in celebration of their 2003 single Remember Me.

4. Rammstein's blowtorch
German mentals Rammstein have released some pretty out there items, including a six-dildoed box sex complete with handcuffs and lube, but why dwell on that? Been to one of the band's pyrotechnic-heavy shows? Want to recreate it at home? Then the Rammstein blowtorch is for you. According to the band's website, it "can be used to caramelize a Créme Bruelée, melt cheese and much more!"

5. Richard Hawley's relish
Richard Hawley has a bit of a history in the culinary stakes, with both Starbucks and Haagen-Dazs believing his tunes will encourage you to consume more. However Richard Hawley is not content with just being endorsed, oh no, he wants in on the food game. Move over Alex James and your cheese, it's time for the Limited Edition Richard Hawley Henderson's Relish, apparently it's a perfect addition to any meat or fish dish.

... And here's a couple of products the acts in questions really didn't think through

JLS condoms
We struggle to think of anything more devastatingly unarousing than cracking open a packet of johnnies and seeing Aston Merrygold's face staring back at you. The tag line Just Love Safe, despite it's best intentions, is every-so-slightly creepy too.

Deep Purple's Bananas "Massager"
Easily the fruitiest item ever endorsed by a band, banana-shaped 'massager' that coincided with the release of Deep Purple's Bananas album. Perhaps it would be a tad more appealing when draped in a JLS condom?

The Justin Bieber shower curtain
Why? Really, just why?

Watch a Q25 video interview with Guy Garvey about his influences and the future of music now.

"Build A Rocket Boys! ale will be available in selected Robinsons pubs throughout September and October and sold during Freshers' Weeks in universities across the North West area."

12:00 PM | 15/07/2011