Sting and 10 Other Classic Stage Names
Sting celebrates his birthday today (October 2), and it goes without saying that he has one of the best stage names in music history. In fact, the rock world is…
Sting celebrates his birthday today (October 2), and it goes without saying that he has one of the best stage names in music history.
In fact, the rock world is littered with stage names! In honor of Sting's birthday, here's a look at some of our favorite stage names and a few fun facts about them.
Sting
Central Press/Getty ImagesGordon Sumner took on the monosyllabic stage name of Sting after wearing a black and yellow striped sweater when he was playing with the Phoenix Jazzmen.
Slash
Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesBorn Saul Hudson, Slash got his stage name from actor Seymour Cassel, a friend of his father's, who noticed how speedily the young Hudson would go from one place to another.
Bob Dylan
Express Newspapers/Getty ImagesBorn Robert Zimmerman, the iconic singer-songwriter dubbed himself Bob Dylan in a nod to poet Dylan Thomas.
U2's Bono and The Edge
Andrew Chin/Getty ImagesPaul Hewson took the name "Bono" after a hearing aid shop in his neighborhood called Bonovox. The Edge, born Dave Evans, got his name due to his sharp facial features and mind.
Iggy Pop and David Bowie
Evening Standard/Getty ImagesJames Osterberg became Iggy Pop as a nod to his pre-Stooges band, the Iguanas. David Bowie, who was born David Jones, was originally going by Davy Jones, but thanks to The Monkees, he adopted the surname of Bowie after pioneer James Bowie, who was known for his Bowie knife.
Meatloaf
Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesMarvin Lee Aday got the nickname "Meat Loaf" from his high school football coach because of his size. Seems almost cruel, but we're pretty sure Meat Loaf had the last laugh.
Flea
Tim P. Whitby/Getty ImagesBorn Michael Balzary, the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist reportedly got his stage name from Anthony Kiedis who took note of his friend’s energetic movement and behavior. Thus, a great stage name was born!
Gene Simmons
Jo Hale/Getty ImagesEach original member of KISS took on a stage name, but the biggest change came with "The Demon" who was born Chaim Witz but became Gene Simmons.
Nikki Sixx
Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesThe roots of Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna, Jr.’s stage name stem from wanting to cut any ties he had from a father who had abandoned him at an early age. Wanting to reinvent himself, Nikki Sixx was born and would later become the Motley Crue bassist’s legal name.
