Naming things is hard. So I'm not surprised that it took these bands a few tries to come up with the perfect name. Hey, even if the new name isn't that great, at least they tried. What's your excuse Matchbox 20?
Green Day
Original Name: Sweet Children
The band dropped their original name to avoid confusion with another local band called, Sweet Baby. Green Day was a tribute to the band's love of marijuana. And here I thought it was their way of promoting the dangers of global warming and the importance of recycling. I'm so naive sometimes.
Queen
Original Name: Smile
Smile was the name of a popular London-based blues band. Then they got a new singer named Freddie Mercury and for some reason were inspired to change the name. Never has flamboyance seemed more badass!
Beastie Boys
Original Name: The Young Aborigines
Originally a hardcore punk band, the boys changed their name when they transitioned into hip hop, and released their single 'Cooky Puss'. The song became an underground hit and cemented the band's signature mix of humor and dope beats. It just cemented my desire to have some Carvel.
R.E.M.
Original Names: Twisted Kite, Can of Piss, Negro Wives
Um, Can of Piss is mildly amusing but how was Negro Wives EVER a good idea!? Lead singer Michael Stipe eventually chose REM by randomly opening up a dictionary and just picking something. I'm thinking that it's way better when he doesn't over think things.
Nirvana
Original Names: Pen Cap Chew, Skid Row
Kurt Cobain said that he eventually chose the name Nirvana because he wanted a name "that was kind of beautiful or nice and pretty instead of a mean and raunchy." There's nothing beautiful about a chewed pen cap. And it's pretty mean when someone borrows your pen and then returns it with a gnarly cap. Jerks. Just keep the pen.
Black Sabbath
Original Name: The Polka Tulk Blues Band
The band was originally named after a cheap brand of powder Ozzy Osbourne saw in his mother's bathroom. Because nothing is more hardcore than something that's part of your your mother's grooming routine. Luckily the band changed the name to something much more conducive to throwing up The Sign of the Horns.
Pearl Jam
Original name: Mookie Blaylock
The band was originally named after the NBA point guard with an odd name. Glad they went with something more respectable...like Pearl Jam. I'd like to take this opportunity to say, that's gross, dudes.
Snow Patrol
Original name: Polar Bear
Considering this band is from Ireland, what's with the cold and snowy obsession? I guess Snow Patrol is better than Polar Bear...bearly. Sorry, couldn't resist.
Coldplay
Original name: Starfish
The band changed their name to Coldplay after they were sued by Patrick Star. JK. Just trying to add some humor to the situation. Because Coldplay is very serious. Even when they're wearing matching outfits and getting their picture taken.
Slayer
Original name: Dragon Slayer
I guess I can see why the band changed their name from Dragon Slayer to the more simple and subtle Slayer. Because if there's one thing I know about Slayer, they don't like to do anything that might be interpreted as 'showy'.
What original name do you think is the worst? Let me know @desijedeikin or in the comments below!