The Untold Stories Behind Rock Band Names
What’s in a name?
In rock ‘n’ roll, a name can be a statement, a shout, a mystery, or just a moment of madness. Some band names are carefully chosen, others the result of sheer accident. But dig beneath the surface, and the stories are often just as wild and fascinating as the music they create.
Today we’re diving deep into how some of the greatest rock bands got their names—and pairing each with a killer B-side track or hidden gem you need to hear. This is the kind of trivia that turns fans into lifers. So crank the volume, and let’s get into the name game.
Uriah Heep – Victorian Villains & Prog Visions
Named after the sycophantic antagonist in Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, Uriah Heep entered the scene in the late '60s with a flair for the dramatic—and the complex. Their sound, equal parts metal and mysticism, suited the name.
🎧 B-side gem: “Simon the Bullet Freak”
Originally featured as a bonus on the UK version of Look at Yourself, this track is dark, theatrical, and pure Heep. A hidden highlight that’s heavy on the organ and haunting in mood.
REO Speedwagon – Rockin’ the Road Less Traveled
Formed in Illinois, the band took their name from a 1915 truck designed by Ransom Eli Olds (yep, that Oldsmobile guy). It was a practical choice, picked from a transportation history class, but it stuck—and took them far.
🎧 B-side pick: “Only the Strong Survive”
A lesser-known track with more grit than their power ballads. Buried on early releases, it’s a reminder that this band had serious rock roots before the radio hits took over.
Jethro Tull – Booked by a Farmer?
This one’s a happy accident. A booking agent gave them the name after 18th-century agriculturalist Jethro Tull, known for inventing the seed drill. Why? Because the band kept changing names to get repeat gigs. This one finally stuck.
🎧 Hidden track: “17”
A bluesy, groove-driven B-side to “Sweet Dream” that showcases their rawer sound before they dove fully into progressive waters.
Steely Dan – Strange Lit and Smooth Sounds
Named after a steam-powered sex toy in William S. Burroughs’ Naked Lunch. No joke. The name is bizarre, literary, and perfect for a band that mixed jazz, rock, and razor-sharp wit into a sonic cocktail no one else could imitate.
🎧 Obscure cut: “Sail the Waterway”
Their first-ever recording, and never officially released. It leaked to the fanbase later—an early taste of Dan before the polish and production.
Velvet Underground – Subculture, Subversive, Sublime
Borrowed from a 1963 book on secret sexual subcultures, this name was found by one of Lou Reed’s bandmates lying around an apartment. They kept it, and it became synonymous with art rock and avant-garde rebellion.
🎧 Off-the-radar track: “I Can’t Stand It”
Early, raw Lou Reed before the band signed with Verve. Gritty guitar and jaded lyrics in true Velvet fashion.
Led Zeppelin – From Joke to Juggernaut
Keith Moon (The Who’s drummer) joked that a new supergroup idea would “go over like a lead balloon.” Jimmy Page remembered the line and twisted it—dropping the “a” in “lead” so people wouldn’t mispronounce it.
🎧 Essential B-side: “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do”
The only non-album track from their classic era. Flipped on the U.S. release of “Immigrant Song,” and beloved by die-hards.
T. Rex – From Myth to Glam Glory
Marc Bolan began with a full-on psychedelic folk project called Tyrannosaurus Rex, but as the band morphed into glitter-fueled rock, so did the name. Shortened to T. Rex, it fit perfectly for a sound that was fierce, primal, and unforgettable.
🎧 B-side to love: “Raw Ramp”
Found on the flip side of “Get It On (Bang a Gong),” this track slithers with swagger and that fuzzy T. Rex stomp. A real glam treasure.
Bonus Mentions (for future stories or fan requests):
The Hollies – Named in homage to Buddy Holly.
Try “All the World is Love” (B-side of “Carrie Anne”)
Nazareth – From The Band’s lyric in “The Weight” – “I pulled into Nazareth...”
B-side gem: “Glad When You’re Gone”
Blue Öyster Cult – Early sci-fi vibes + poetry
B-side nugget: “Wings Wetted Down”
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Name
A great band name might not guarantee greatness, but it can tell you something about where the band is coming from. Whether it’s a random choice, a highbrow reference, or an inside joke, these names—and the B-sides they left behind—are part of what makes rock so endlessly fascinating.
Want more?
Follow the B-Side Man socials for concert photos, rock trivia slides, and visual teasers.
Subscribe to the blog and don’t miss the next deep cut feature!
Comments
Post a Comment