According to the Belfest Telegraph, BLACK SABBATH has topped retailer HMV's list of best-selling classic rock shirts, with LED ZEPPELIN taking the second and third spots.

SABBATH's U.S. tour shirt from 1978 reportedly experienced a sales surge after it was worn by Robert Downey Jr. in hit movie "Avengers Assemble".

HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo said classic rock shirts have continued to have an enduring appeal. "More often than not, rock T-shirts used to be something you'd wear to gigs to see your favorite bands, but over time demand has broadened and they've since become a bit of a fashion statement in their own right," he said.

"Some performers can quickly come and go with the trends, but one genre that has an enduring appeal and seems to remain eternally popular with fans is classic rock and metal."

He added: "This year over half the top 30 best-selling T-shirts at HMV were made up of vintage artists and, even though many of them have not been active with new material, they continue to sell in large quantities as many of these acts are revered, and with that comes a level of cool-ness and style that money or promotion can't always buy.

"Along with the baby boomers who grew up with their music, a new generation of fans are increasingly into them as well, in part out of a recognition that many of the featured T-shirt images now rank as design classics that not only look great but have a real authenticity about them."