Brace yourself for a roll call of bands that, regardless of their musical prowess, have officially cemented themselves in the annals of idiocy with their stupid band names. From the cringe-inducingly Hootie & the Blowfish, to the nonsensical Chumbawamba, we’ve compiled a list of weird band names that deserve a standing ovation for either their lameness or creativity.
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Toad the Wet Sprocket‘s name is a homage to Monty Python. The band, initially seeking a funny and forgettable name, adopted this band name from a Monty Python sketch. Little did they know, the “joke” would become their enduring identity.
Steely Dan
Steely Dan’s name is a bizarre choice. Inspired by the surreal pages of William S. Burroughs’ “Naked Lunch,” the band adopted the moniker of a steam-powered dildo described in the novel.
Strawberry Alarm Clock
TL;DR: The psychedelic 1960s gave us plenty of weird band names. One of the strangest band names from the era is Strawberry Alarm Clock.
Formed in 1967 in Glendale, California, Strawberry Alarm Clock are best known for their 1967 hit single “Incense and Peppermints”, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The band’s other notable songs include “Good Morning Starshine”, “Tomorrow” and “The World’s on Fire”.
Strawberry Alarm Clock was the combination of two bands, Thee Sixpence and Waterfyrd Traene. How they came up with the band name Strawberry Alarm Clock is unknown, but I bet lots of psychedelic drugs were involved.
Chumbawamba
TL;DR: Some anarchists wanted a band name that resonated with passion. So they picked a gibberish word (Chumbawamba) that meant nothing and fans would find impossible to spell.
Chumbawamba were an English alternative/folk/punk band formed in Burnley in 1982. The band’s name is a nonsense word, taken from a children’s book called “The Animals of Farthing Wood”. Chumbawamba were known for their political activism and their eclectic mix of musical styles. They released 17 albums over the course of their career, including the hit singles “Tubthumping” and “Amnesia”. Chumbawamba disbanded in 2012.
Jane’s Addiction
Jane’s Addiction was inspired by the band’s tumultuous housemate, Jane Bainter. Her struggles with drugs and the chaos she brought to the household became the muse for the band’s name.
Hootie & The Blowfish
TL;DR: The funny band name, Hootie & the Blowfish, is a reference to singer Darius Rucker’s supposed resemblance to the cartoon character “Hoot the Owl”.
The American band Hootie & the Blowfish formed in Columbia, South Carolina in 1986. In 1994, the band released their first album, Cracked Rear View. It was a phenomenal success and sold over 21 million copies in the United States alone. The album spawned three Top 10 singles: “Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry,” and “Only Wanna Be with You.” Hootie & the Blowfish are considered one of the most popular rock bands of the 1990s.
10,000 Maniacs
TL;DR: The band 10,00 Maniacs got their name after being inspired by a 1960s low-budget horror movie.
The American alternative rock band, 10,00 Maniacs, formed in Jamestown, New York in 1981. During their first few months as a band, they called themselves Still Life until briefly changing their name to Burn Victims. But after being inspired by the 1964 low-budget horror movie Two Thousand Maniacs!, they decided to call themselves 10,00 Maniacs.
The band’s most successful period was between 1987 and 1993 when Natalie Merchant was still a member. During that time the band released four albums that charted in the top 50 in the US: In My Tribe (1987), Blind Man’s Zoo (1989), Our Time in Eden (1992) and the live album MTV Unplugged (1993).
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath, pioneers of heavy metal, originally formed as a blues band called Earth. In 1969, they discovered another band with the same name, prompting a change. Inspired by a Boris Karloff horror film showing across from their rehearsal space, they adopted “Black Sabbath,” reflecting their dark, heavy sound and occult-themed lyrics. This name perfectly encapsulated their ominous, pioneering style, forever cementing their legacy in rock history.
Crash Test Dummies
TL;DR: The band’s name was originally suggested as a joke, but they decided to keep it.
The Canadian rock band, Crash Test Dummies, formed in 1988 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They are best known for their distinctive bass-baritone vocals by Brad Roberts and their folk-tinged melodies.
Their first album, The Ghosts That Haunt Me, was released in 1991. The album was a critical and commercial success in Canada, but it didn’t make much of a dent in the United States. However, their second album, God Shuffled His Feet, was a different story. The album was released in 1993 and featured the hit singles “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” and “The Truck Driver Song.” The album was a massive success, selling over 10 million copies in the United States alone.
The band’s name comes from a nickname given to lead singer Darius Rucker by his college roommate. The roommate thought Rucker looked like the cartoon character “Hoot the Owl”, and the name stuck.
The band’s name was suggested by a friend of the band who was in medical school. He suggested the name “Crash Test Dummies” as a joke, but the band decided to keep it because they thought it was funny and original.
Kajagoogoo
TL;DR: The weird band name Kajagoogoo is a phonetic reference to the first sounds that many infants make.
Kajagoogoo, a British new wave band formed in 1978, achieved significant success in the early 1980s. Originating from Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, they soared to fame with their unforgettable 1983 hit single “Too Shy.”
One of the weirdest band names on this list, the name Kajagoogoo was inspired by baby talk. Kajagoogoo is a reference to the first sounds that babies often make. For example, “gaga goo goo.”
Everything But The Girl
The band took their name from a store called “Everything but the Girl“. Customers could buy everything in the store, except the girl that worked there.
Of Montreal
TL;DR: The band Of Montreal is from Athens, GA, and they got their name from a girl “of Montreal”. Yeah, it makes no sense.
Of Montreal is an American indie rock band from Athens, Georgia, formed in 1996 by Kevin Barnes. The band has been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Music Album for Skeletal Lamping.
The band’s name is said to be inspired by a failed romance between Barnes and a woman from Montreal, Quebec. She was “of Montreal”. Not only is the name of the band a stretch, but it’s impossible for fans to use in a conversation.
- Fan: Are you a fan Of Montreal?
- Person: Yes, it’s a nice city.
- Fan: No, I’m talking about the band Of Montreal.
- Person: What band?
- Fan: The band Of Montreal!
- Person: Oh, there’s a band called Of Montreal? Are they from Montreal?
- Fan: No. Athens, Georgia.
- Person: I’m too sober for this conversation.
Fine Young Cannibals
Fine Young Cannibals got their name from the 1960 film “All the Fine Young Cannibals,” starring Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood. The British band, formed in 1984 by members of The Beat, chose the name for its edgy and intriguing connotations, aligning with their unique blend of pop, rock, and soul music. The name effectively captured attention, contributing to their distinct identity in the music scene.
Squirrel Nut Zippers
Squirrel Nut Zippers, a band known for their eclectic mix of jazz, swing, and folk, derived their name from an old-fashioned candy. The band members were inspired by the Squirrel Nut Caramel Company’s Squirrel Nut Zippers candy, which itself had a nostalgic, quirky charm. This playful and whimsical name perfectly reflects the band’s vintage-inspired, unconventional musical style, adding an extra layer of fun and eccentricity to their identity.
Wang Chung
Wang Chung, a pop band from the 1980s, found inspiration for their name from the Chinese phrase “Huang Chung,” which translates to “yellow bell”—a reference to a fundamental pitch in traditional Chinese music. Initially named “Huang Chung,” they later anglicized it to “Wang Chung” for simplicity and memorability. This unique and exotic name helped them stand out, aligning perfectly with their distinctive new wave sound and global appeal.
Men Without Hats
Men Without Hats got their name from a playful incident where the band members chose not to wear hats, defying the common fashion of the time. Formed in Montreal in the late 1970s, their choice of name reflects their quirky and non-conformist approach, which also resonates in their synth-pop music. The name became synonymous with their hit song “The Safety Dance,” which celebrates individuality and freedom of expression.
Insane Clown Posse
TL;DR: The band was originally a gang called Inner City Posse, but they renamed themselves Insane Clown Posse when they switched from a life of crime to the entertainment industry.
Insane Clown Posse, or ICP, is an American hip hop duo formed in Detroit in 1989. The group consists of Violent J (Joseph Bruce) and Shaggy 2 Dope (Joseph Utsler).
ICP is known for their horrorcore style of music, which often deals with dark and violent themes. They are also known for their elaborate live performances, which often feature fire breathing, juggling, and other circus-like acts.
The name “Insane Clown Posse” came from a dream that Violent J had about a clown running around the Delray neighborhood outside of Detroit. To fit the clown theme, the group decided to start painting their faces like clowns and adopt “Dark Carnival” themed lyrics. The Dark Carnival is a fictional world that is the subject of many of ICP’s songs.
Duran Duran
Duran Duran, an iconic band from the 1980s, got their name from a character in the cult science fiction film “Barbarella.” The character, Dr. Durand Durand, is a mad scientist played by Milo O’Shea. The band’s members, inspired by the movie’s futuristic and stylish aesthetic, decided to adopt the name, slightly altering it to Duran Duran. This choice reflects their affinity for blending pop culture with their unique musical and visual style.
Bad Company
The name “Bad Company” was inspired by a 1972 Western film of the same name, directed by Robert Benton. Paul Rodgers, the band’s lead singer, was particularly struck by the film’s title and felt it resonated with the band’s rebellious and hard-edged persona. The name perfectly encapsulated their ethos and the raw, powerful energy of their music, helping them carve out a distinct identity in the rock music scene of the 1970s.
They Might Be Giants
They Might Be Giants got their unusual name from a list of potential names for a ventriloquist act. The duo liked the sound of it and it stuck, despite having no deeper meaning.
Veruca Salt
Veruca Salt, the ’90s alt-rock darlings, borrowed their name from the spoiled brat in Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Despite the bratty namesake, the band channeled raw energy and rebellious spirit into their music.
Iron Butterfly
Wondering how a band ended up with a name like Iron Butterfly? Well, it’s a classic rock ‘n’ roll tale. The band was actually supposed to play a show with a group called The Iron Butterfly, but those guys bailed. Instead of letting a good name go to waste, they swiped it! Talk about lucky break! And the rest, as they say, is psychedelic rock history.
Meat Loaf
Meat Loaf’s name is as legendary as his music. Born bright red, his dad joked he looked like ground chuck, earning him the nickname “Meat.” The “Loaf” came later. Meat Loaf, real name Marvin Lee Aday, once weighed in at 320 pounds
Mike + the Mechanics
Mike + The Mechanics isn’t just a name, it’s a practical solution. Guitarist Mike Rutherford, left Genesis and formed a band to showcase his songwriting, hence the “mechanics” handling the musical machinery while he focused on crafting tunes.
Psychedelic Furs
The Psychedelic Furs drew inspiration from the Velvet Underground’s “Venus in Furs,” combining the trippy adjective with the animalistic noun for a name that was both alluring and unsettling, perfectly reflecting their blend of post-punk and psychedelic sounds.
Jimmy Eat World
Jimmy Eat World’s name comes from a childhood grudge. One brother, fed up with losing fights, drew a picture of the other devouring the Earth, scrawling “Jimmy Eat World” across it. The band, amused by the absurdity, adopted it as their own.
Barenaked Ladies
Barenaked Ladies didn’t plan their outrageous name; it was a spur-of-the-moment creation during a boring Bob Dylan concert. The band members jokingly tossed around ideas, and this absurd phrase stuck.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s name is a gift from the blues gods. Bandleader Scotty Morris met legendary guitarist Albert Collins, who signed a poster “To Scotty, the big bad voodoo daddy.” Inspired, Morris adopted the cool moniker for his new band.
Weezer
Weezer‘s name is a childhood nickname given to frontman Rivers Cuomo, inspired by the “Wheezer” character from The Little Rascals. Though the exact reason for the nickname remains a mystery, it’s a quirky origin for a band that’s become a rock icon.
The The
The The is a band name as enigmatic as their music. Frontman Matt Johnson simply wanted a name that was “the” band, a definitive article standing alone. It’s a bold, minimalist statement that perfectly encapsulates their unique sound.
30 Seconds To Mars
Thirty Seconds to Mars drew inspiration from a mysterious manuscript titled “Argus Apocraphex.” The band describes the name as a “rough translation” from this obscure text, hinting at a future-focused, thought-provoking concept.
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin‘s name was born from a joke. Keith Moon of The Who famously predicted a supergroup with Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck would “go down like a lead balloon.” Jimmy twisted the phrase, replacing “balloon” with “zeppelin,” and a legendary band name was born.
Def Leppard
Def Leppard‘s name was born from a school art project. Singer Joe Elliott dreamed up “Deaf Leopard,” which was later tweaked to its iconic spelling by bandmates to avoid a punk-rock vibe.
Ugly Kid Joe
Ugly Kid Joe, a playful jab at the glam metal band Pretty Boy Floyd, perfectly captured the band’s irreverent spirit and willingness to defy expectations.
Right Said Fred
Right Said Fred didn’t come up with their name out of thin air. They cleverly borrowed it from a 1962 novelty song by Bernard Cribbins.
Alien Ant Farm
Alien Ant Farm’s name sprouted from guitarist Terry Corso’s daydream: humans as alien-cultivated ants in a giant farm.
Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots originally wanted to be called Mighty Joe Young, but had to change their name for legal reasons. Inspired by STP motor oil stickers, they played with ideas like “Shirley Temple’s Pussy” before settling on the more mysterious and intriguing “Stone Temple Pilots.”
Panic! At the Disco
Panic! At the Disco‘s name was inspired by a song from the lesser-known band Name Taken. The exclamation point and “At the Disco” were added later due to a legal dispute.
Plain White Tees
Plain White T’s got its name from frontman Tom Higgenson’s love for album covers featuring artists in plain white tees. A simple concept that launched a chart-topping band.
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam‘s name isn’t as psychedelic as you might think. Bassist Jeff Ament suggested “pearl,” and the band added “jam” after witnessing Neil Young’s epic improvisations at a concert.
Butthole Surfers
Butthole Surfers didn’t start with that name. It was a happy accident! The band was originally called something else, but a concert announcer goofed and used the title of their song, “Butthole Surfer,” as their name. They liked it so much, they kept it!
Bands With Weird Names
These bands have gained attention and some level of success despite their unconventional names. Remember, the uniqueness of a band’s name can sometimes even become part of their brand and image.
From Hootie & the Blowfish to Iron Butterfly, these weird band names have confused fans for decades. #chumbawamba #steelydan #bandnames #hootieandtheblowfish Share on X
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