Explore 27 Rock and Metal Bands Named After Iconic Songs of Other Artists

Uncovering the fascinating origins of your favorite rock or metal band’s name can often be as simple as delving into their musical influences. Many bands over the years have taken on the titles of songs or albums from other artists, often as a tribute to the music that has significantly influenced their own sound. This practice serves as an homage to the legendary artists whose work laid the groundwork for today’s evolving music landscape.

For instance, bands like Motionless In White and the Florida-based hardcore punk group Gouge Away adopted their names to honor the musicians they admire. The choice of names can reflect a rich tapestry of influences and inspirations, showcasing the interconnectedness of the music community.

However, for some rock and metal bands, the naming is more coincidental than intentional. For example, while it’s possible that members of Turnstile were influenced by the post-hardcore band Hot Water Music, there is no significant connection between their name and the band. “We just thought it was a cool word,” stated Brendan Yates, the vocalist of Turnstile, during a 2017 Reddit AMA.

The English hard rock group Deep Purple, formed in 1968, chose their name based on the song originally composed and published in the 1930s. Interestingly, their name was not a reflection of their fandom for the song itself. According to American Songwriter, the name was inspired by a personal connection: the grandmother of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore had a fondness for the song titled “Deep Purple.”

Let’s take a closer look at 27 rock and metal bands that have adopted names directly inspired by the song titles of other artists.