What’s In A Name: The Origins Of 10 Band Titles
Inspired by the thought that Iranian band Ahoora – a recent Track Of The Day – might have gotten their name from the character played by Nichelle Nichols in the original Star Trek series (well, almost), we thought it might be fun – and instructive – to look at the origins of some other band names. Right then, let’s go…
ALICE IN CHAINS – There’s one funny story that they named themselves after a lost episode of The Brady Bunch. (Alice being the maid, if you remember!) If only that were true. There again, it could be an S&M distortion of Alice In Wonderland, which isn’t as amusing. Although decidedly kinky, we think you’ll agree.
BLACK SABBATH – At first called Earth, the unsigned Brummies were forced to change when another British band with the same name released a single. The foursome chose to go with ‘Black Sabbath’, because they had a song with that title. The song itself got the title from a 1963 horror movie, starring Boris Karloff – even though the lyrics have nothing to do with the film.
BLIND MELON – It’s American slang for an out of work hippy. Apparently, late vocalist Shannon Hoon’s dad called them that. Presumably as a put down.
CHEAP TRICK – Perceived wisdom has it that the band consulted the spirit world, via an ouija board. That’s what was suggested from the other side. Wooo… freaky. Nice to know the spirits have a sense of humour.
DOOBIE BROTHERS – A ‘doobie’ was a 1960s term for a marijuana joint. Says it all.
FAITH NO MORE – The band got this name from a racehorse they spotted on a racing form one day. Wonder if it won.
KING CRIMSON – It was a synonym for Beelzebub, who is often described as being a figure in red and king of the underworld. Bit satanic for Robert Fripp.
MEGADETH – It’s an American military term for one million dead. Well, ‘megadeath’ is. Dave Mustaine just adjusted it.
MOTHERS OF INVENTION – Frank Zappa wanted the band to be known just as The Mothers. But business interests were worried that this might be seen as an obscenity (think about it). So, out of necessity, they added ‘Of Invention’ (look, think about it).
STEELY DAN – In William Burroughs’ novel The Naked Lunch, a steely dan was a huge, steam-driven dildo. Now that’s rock’n'roll.
OK, any further suggestions are most welcome.
Deep Purple were named after Hitler’s name for his remaining testicle
How about The Trews ?
This evolved from One I’d Trouser (when they formed while in high school), then into Trouser, and eventually The Trews.
Great band though !
Weren’t 10CC supposedly named after the average amount of a male ejaculation (see also ‘The Loving Spoonful). Won’t even touch Pearl Jam.
How about Wishbone Ash.
The guys made two lists of various possible names. None of them really worked, so bassist/vocalist Martin Turner picked one word from each list, put them together and Wishbone Ash it was.
Manager Miles Copeland had previously suggested the names World War III and Jesus Duck.
Story I heard was that Asia were named because the continent was “the biggest thing that the band members could think of.”