Imagine a world where The Beatles were known as The Quarrymen forever, or where Nirvana went by the name of Pen Cap Chew. Michael Pollick's "The Name Game" takes us on a whimsical journey through the forgotten names of legendary rock groups, revealing the hilarity behind the branding decisions that shaped music history. Each essay is a delightful exploration of what could have been, blending humor with insightful anecdotes that celebrate the creative process. Pollick invites us to laugh at the absurdity of these early monikers, showcasing how a simple name can transform a band's identity and legacy. From the ridiculous to the sublime, he uncovers the stories that never made it into the spotlight, reminding us that even the greatest musicians had their awkward phases. With wit and charm, "The Name Game" is a tribute to the power of names and the laughter that music brings into our lives.

The B-52s

So, let's talk about the B-52s, the iconic band that brought us "Rock Lobster" and "Love Shack." You might think their name is just a quirky nod to a funky airplane or a cool hairstyle, but oh, my friends, it's so much more than that. Picture this: it's the late 1970s in Athens, Georgia, a town buzzing with art, music, and a whole lot of weirdness. A group of friends decides to form a band, and they need a name. They brainstorm, and someone, probably after a few too many cocktails, throws out "The B-52s."

Now, here's the kicker: the name actually comes from a type of beehive hairdo that was all the rage back then, reminiscent of the B-52 bomber, which is a plane that could drop some serious bombs, both literally and metaphorically. It's like saying, "Hey, we're going to blow you away with our music, but first, let's make sure our hair is taller than our amps!" Imagine the scene: a bunch of hipsters in outrageous outfits, sporting towering hairstyles that could double as Wi-Fi hotspots, all while debating the merits of their name.

But wait, it gets better! Before they settled on "B-52s," they toyed with names like "The Four Sassy Cats" and "The Martian Dancers." Can you imagine? "Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for The Martian Dancers!" It sounds like an intergalactic circus act.

In the end, they went with the B-52s, and thank goodness for that! Because who wouldn't want to dance to the sounds of a band named after a hairstyle that could survive a hurricane? So, here's to the B-52s, proving that sometimes, the best names come from the wildest ideas and the tallest hairdos!