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From Aaliyah, Abba, Adam Ant and the Arctic Monkeys to the Zantees, the Zutons and ZZ Top, this book is the only definitive, up-to-date quick-reference guide to how bands and stars got their names.
The author, whose columns are syndicated to more than 300 newspapers worldwide and was called by BBC television “the world's leading expert on rock names”, has interviewed thousands of stars ranging from Sting to Sigue Sigue Sputnik in more than two decades of journalism.
The question on name origin frequently goes unanswered. Many other journalists shy away from asking - and stars avoid answering, or fabricate stories - because it might too obviously reveal their influences or blow their cool. Internet searches don't always find the answer - or they give the one most commonly given, which isn't always correct. Some fans could buy every CD and go to every concert while still having no idea why the name was picked.
Yet very often the story is interesting, if not amazing. A name can define the whole purpose of a band: The Doors, NWA, U2, The Clash and Gorillaz.
This book has weighed the evidence from whatever source, and where necessary gone back to the stars themselves. It's done all the work so you don't have to: it's the only place you need to look.
It covers mainly rock and pop, adding known soul, reggae, punk, country, blues, folk, jazz, indie, heavy metal, grunge, and rap artists with a good story. Many readers will find its cross-references addictive: start on your favourite band and soon you are drawn to something else. It has an international scope and written for a world audience.
It also lists tribute bands (example: The Bootleg Beatles), spin-off groups, unflattering derivatives (Bryon Ferrari for Bryan Ferry), nicknames (Bruce Springsteen and The Boss), anagrams (Madonna Louise Ciccone = Occasional Nude Income), and unusual child names (Moon Unit Zappa).
Not only are the answers enthralling to music fans and pub quiz addicts: they are controversial, hilarious and provide a unique look behind some of the biggest names in the music industry.
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