Creative Band Names: Stories Behind Iconic Music Groups

Author Dalboyy 13 Nov 2024

Writing songs is a big part of being in a band. But in most cases, before you can put a hit song or record together, you have to come up with a name. And that's not always an easy task.

Just think about how many bands exist in the world. Chances are most regular words are already taken, so sometimes you have to get a little creative.

Here's a look at seven bands who came up with their names in unique ways.

Duran Duran: From Sci-Fi to Stardom

Formed in 1978, the English new wave band Duran Duran has reached remarkable heights, with 21 singles hitting the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts and over 100 million records sold worldwide. They were pioneers in producing music videos using 35mm film, which helped their work stand out on platforms like MTV.

In their early days, they performed regularly at the Rum Runner nightclub in Birmingham, England. Bassist John Taylor worked the door, while keyboardist Nick Rhodes took on the role of deejay, allowing them to engage with major acts like the Sex Pistols and the Clash.

Their name came from a nightclub called Barbarella's, inspired by the sci-fi film Barbarella, featuring a villain named Dr. Durand Durand. By dropping the final "d," Duran Duran was born, setting the stage for their success.

Goo Goo Dolls: A Name Change for Success

If you were near a radio in 1998, you probably heard "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls, a song that spent nearly a year on the Billboard charts and featured in the movie City of Angels. The band has sold over 12 million albums worldwide, but things could have turned out differently.

Originally, they were called Sex Maggot, a name that didn't sit well with club owners. When forced to brainstorm a new name, they found inspiration in a True Detective magazine advertisement for a "Goo Goo Doll," a doll with a rubber head. Despite their initial dislike for the name, it became a symbol of their rise to fame.

Depeche Mode: Fashionable Name Origins

Depeche Mode went through several name changes before settling on their iconic name. They played under names like No Romance in China and Composition of Sound, but eventually, guitarist Martin Gore chose Depeche Mode, inspired by a French fashion magazine.

Gore explained that it means "hurried fashion." The literal translation is even simpler: "Fashion News." This connection reflects their stylish image throughout the years.

Nickelback: A Coffee Shop Inspiration

Nickelback, often critiqued for their sound, has nonetheless sold over 50 million albums globally. Their hit "How You Remind Me" was the best-selling rock song of the 2000s, according to Billboard.

The band's name originated from band member Mike Kroeger, who worked at Starbucks. He would tell customers "here's your nickel back" when they paid, and his brother Chad liked the phrase enough to name the band after it.

Stone Temple Pilots: A Band Born from Shared Experiences

The story of Stone Temple Pilots begins at a Black Flag concert in Long Beach, California, where frontman Scott Weiland and bassist Robert DeLeo met. Discovering they were dating the same girl, they decided to form a band instead of letting it come between them.

Originally called Swing, they changed their name to Mighty Joe Young but later had to switch again due to legal issues. Drawing inspiration from an STP Motor Oil sticker on Weiland's motorcycle, they eventually settled on Stone Temple Pilots.

Hoobastank: A Misunderstood Name

Hoobastank has enjoyed a successful career with hits like "Crawling in the Dark" and "The Reason," selling over 10 million albums worldwide. The name came about when singer Doug Robb mispronounced a German street name.

Robb's brother, living in Germany, teased him about the mispronunciation of Hooba Street. When the band was looking for a name, they found it difficult to find something not already taken. Thus, they decided to keep Hoobastank, and the rest is history.

Toad The Wet Sprocket: A Comedic Inspiration

Toad The Wet Sprocket had a string of hits in the 1990s, including "All I Want" and "Walk on the Ocean." Their name comes from a sketch by the comedy group Monty Python, intended to be silly and unmarketable.

In the sketch "Rock Notes," Toad The Wet Sprocket is the first fictional band mentioned. The band initially thought the name would be temporary, but it has lasted over 35 years, proving that sometimes, the most ridiculous names can stick.

In conclusion, these seven bands show that creativity can lead to remarkable stories behind their names. Whether inspired by movies, personal experiences, or even coffee shop phrases, each name carries a unique journey that contributes to their identity in the music world.

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