The names of these iconic artists are permanently imprinted in our shared cultural consciousness – or are they truly what we think? In our exhaustive list of 72 Musicians Who Have Dramatically Altered Their Names, you’ll discover that many well-known figures are not actually referred to by the names their parents chose for them at birth.

There are numerous intriguing reasons for these name changes, which go beyond the desire to adopt a cooler moniker than the one given by their families. For instance, it’s often the case that another individual has the same name. This is particularly significant in the entertainment industry, where the Screen Actors Guild mandates that performers use unique stage names. A notable example is the actor Michael Douglas, who opted for the name Michael Keaton to avoid confusion. Additionally, some artists prefer to shorten their names, making them more catchy and memorable, while others simply find that their nicknames resonate more effectively with fans.

In various instances, these name transformations have gained significant recognition over time. Certain bands, such as The Ramones and The Traveling Wilburys, are famously known for adopting standardized stage names for their members. On the other hand, some rock musicians have successfully transitioned into new identities without much fanfare or have made their changes so long ago that many fans have forgotten their original names.

READ MORE: Albums Released Under Alternative Names

As we delved deeper into this intriguing trend, some patterns became apparent: For example, seven different members of Kiss, including three of the band’s original lineup, are featured in our compilation. Every founding member of Mötley Crüe is also represented, and Poison boasts three notable entries. Additionally, several other renowned artists, such as The Rolling Stones and The Cars, make appearances multiple times throughout the list.

It’s also noteworthy that Bob Dylan appears on the list twice, alongside two distinct collaborators of legendary musician Paul McCartney. Continue scrolling to uncover the identities of those who made the cut in our extensive list of 72 Musicians Who Have Dramatically Altered Their Names.