Band Names

[5029]

Is there a list somewhere that people starting up a band can check to see if they are about to choose the same name as an already existing band? Wouldnt thsi stop the renaming problems encountered by Liberty (X) and Westlife (or Westside as they were originally known). Also, does anyone know of any other instances of this happening?

[WaldoMcFroog]

There are hundreds. Nirvana, the influential Seattle Grunge band were forced to make a settlement with an onscure 60's band (who were British, I think) for precisely that reason. The Chemical Brothers were the Dust Brothers until a US version claimed the name. A common ploy is to add a UK-centric suffix to avoid such confusion. Off the top of my head I can think of the Mission (UK), Suede London, Horse (London)... Over to someone else...

[mikewith]

... not forgetting the Detroit Spinners and Detroit Emeralds - both of whom added their hometown to avoid confusion over here. In reverse, The Beat were The English Beat in the States to avoid being confused with The (American) Beat.

A friend who is in a band thought of a great name for his new venture and tried to *buy* the name from an existing ssmalltime band who already had the name -- but they refused. So if you have any good names for David's group - please leave them here!!

[ge0dotorg]

Have a look at http://bandreg.com/ - The Band Register may be able to help.

[twistedonion]

Your best bet is to go to http://www.cddb.com and search for the artists name - if it doesn't come up chances are the name isn't taken