Pull The Plug Patches is, beyond any reasonable doubt, one of the Metal scene's most interesting apparel creators/distributors. Based in Australia, this company manufactures and sells all kinds of artist-licensed merch—from small patches and pins to clothing lines based on the visual lore of emblematic Metal bands. In the following interview, founder Simon Springer reveals many details about Pull The Plug Patches' past, present and future. His words reveal why this independent venture have become a reference for thousands of fans around the world.
When and how did Pull The Plug Patches start?
Simon Springer: Pull The Plug started in 2018 out of frustration with the state of the patch scene. Most products were either unofficial or poorly made. We set out to raise the standard. Our priority was fully licensed, properly constructed woven patches that actually respected the bands and the artwork. That foundation is still what defines our company today.
Was your goal to become an international brand?
Simon Springer: The goal was to set a new benchmark. Once you operate at that level (licensed, consistent and quality-driven) the audience becomes global by default. The international growth followed that.
Licensing artwork from bands and artists—is it difficult?
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| A selection of the company's patches. |
Simon Springer: We focus on bands and records with real cultural weight. At the same time, the artwork has to translate into a woven format at a high level. Not everything does. We’re selective. The goal isn’t to release more, it’s to release better. That’s why the catalogue holds its value.
Can you take us through the process of creating a patch?
Simon Springer: It starts with securing the license and approval to use the artwork. From there, the design is rebuilt specifically for weaving, not just copied. We go through multiple sampling and revision stages before anything is approved for production. Every stage is controlled. If it doesn’t meet the standard, it doesn’t get released.
Your product line has expanded significantly. Can you tell us more about that?
Simon Springer: The expansion reflects the audience we built. Battle vest culture was relatively niche when we entered. Since then, it’s had a major resurgence, and we’ve played a central role in shaping how that looks today. We set the tone, the aesthetic, and the expectation of quality. Everything we’ve expanded into follows that same standard - licensed, limited, and built properly.
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| Pull The Plug Patches' mascot is called Patchie. He's at the center of this illustration (created by Dan Goldsworthy) surrounded by motifs and characters from iconic Metal albums. |
Simon Springer: Our core audience is individual fans and collectors. That’s where the culture lives. We are looking into working with select wholesale partners, but maintaining control over the product and brand experience is more important than scale.
Have you received feedback from bands?
Yes. Because everything is licensed, they’re directly involved. That relationship is a key part of what we do.
What are the main challenges as an Australian company selling and distributing globally?
Simon Springer: Logistics. Shipping internationally from Australia adds cost and complexity—timelines, customs, duties. It’s something we’ve built systems around, but it remains one of the biggest operational challenges.
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| Use the code JUSTICE to get 10% discount on your next Pull The Plug Patches order. |
Simon Springer: It’s a small, focused team with a high level of accountability. That structure allows us to move quickly and maintain control over quality. We’re hands-on across everything. That’s a big part of why the brand has developed the way it has.
How do you see Pull The Plug developing over the next 5 to 10 years?
Simon Springer: The goal is to continue defining the space. Pull The Plug has become the benchmark—everything in this category is measured against what we do. The next phase is about expanding that influence while maintaining the standard across new product categories, new collaborations, and a broader role in collector culture.
Visit Pull The Plug Patches' official store at www.pulltheplugpatches.com
Follow Pull The Plug Patches at
www.facebook.com/pulltheplugpatches
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