When we think of rock ‘n’ roll, three bands often come to mind: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. Each of these iconic groups has a unique story behind their name, as well as some interesting alternative names they considered before settling on the ones we know today. Let’s explore how these legendary bands got their names and the top artists that influenced their era.
The Beatles
Before they became The Beatles, John Lennon formed a skiffle group called The Quarrymen in 1957. The band included Paul McCartney and George Harrison and went through several name changes. They were briefly known as The Blackjacks, The Rainbows, and Johnny and the Moondogs. When Stu Sutcliffe joined as the bass player, he and Lennon decided on “The Beetles” as a tribute to Buddy Holly and The Crickets.
Insect Theme: Buddy Holly’s band, The Crickets, had an insect-themed name. John Lennon and Stu Sutcliffe, who were big fans of Buddy Holly, wanted to create a similar homage. They initially chose “The Beetles” to keep with the insect motif and to honor Holly’s band.
Wordplay and Evolution: Lennon’s love for wordplay led to the transformation from “The Beetles” to “The Beatles.” The name change incorporated the word “beat,” reflecting the beat of the music, which was central to rock ‘n’ roll. The play on words was clever and catchy, combining their admiration for Buddy Holly and The Crickets with a nod to the beat-driven music they were creating.
But why the ‘A’? According to Lennon, it came in a vision where a man on a flaming pie told him they were to be “The Beatles with an ‘A’.” Another story suggests that Lennon’s love for wordplay led to the name, combining ‘beat’ with ‘beetles’ to reflect both the music and the insect. George Harrison later claimed the name was inspired by the film The Wild One, where Marlon Brando’s character was in a gang called “The Beetles.”
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones also went through a series of names before finding the perfect fit. Childhood friends Mick Jagger and Keith Richards started a garage band called The Blues Boys. They played covers of Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and Howlin’ Wolf. When they decided to form a new band, they brought in Brian Jones, who named the band during a phone call with Jazz News. He saw a Muddy Waters record and chose “Rollin’ Stone” after one of the songs. They soon became The Rollin’ Stones, later adding the ‘g’ to become The Rolling Stones.
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin’s name story involves a bit of humor and history. After the Yardbirds disbanded, guitarist Jimmy Page wanted to form a new band. He initially considered names like The New Yardbirds. When discussing a potential band with The Who’s Keith Moon, Moon joked that it would go down like a “lead balloon.” Page thought it sounded cool and decided to use “Led Zeppelin” instead of balloon, inspired by dirigible airships. The name first appeared on their Scandinavian tour before their debut album was released.
Top Artists of Their Era
The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin were at the forefront of rock music in the 1960s and 1970s. They were influenced by and, in turn, influenced many top artists of their time. Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard were pivotal in shaping early rock ‘n’ roll. The Beatles brought a new wave of British rock, inspiring countless musicians. The Rolling Stones’ bluesy rock style set the stage for many rock bands, while Led Zeppelin’s innovative sound and powerful performances redefined rock music.
Conclusion
The stories behind these band names reflect the creativity and spontaneity that defined rock ‘n’ roll. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin each considered several names before finding the ones that would become legendary. Their music, influenced by top artists of their time, continues to inspire generations. And while we might have gotten used to their iconic names, it’s fun to imagine a world where The Beatles were still The Quarrymen, The Rolling Stones were The Blues Boys, and Led Zeppelin were The New Yardbirds.
