I was discussing this very topic with PO! bassist and Damned mega-fan Gary Gilchrist who informed me that:
"I got talking to who I think was their road manager the other year at a gig by the merch stall and I said that the dishtowels were, ahem, a novel idea. He said that the logic was that with posters they are a PITA to store and transport without getting damaged and for pretty much the same price they could print onto linen instead, and it was much more hardwearing. Which kind of makes sense really, even if I am reminded of Half Man Half Biscuits 'Joy Division Oven Gloves'!"
I still wouldn't buy one, but I can see the logic in it.
