In light of Abe Vigoda stopping by the Jackpot next week, we thought we'd look at some other bands that reference real people in their band names. Turns out, it was pretty easy.
So, what's with the trend? For Abe Vigoda -- and Springfield, Missouri, rockers Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin -- the simple random name serves as the joke. Other bands don't play it quite as straight, opting to get a little pun-happy with their celebri-names. Usually it's all in good fun; and some, like AV, earn enough renown to break free of the joke they choose to carry their entire career.
Band: Abe Vigoda
Sounds like: At one time, tropical punk, now post-punk with '80s flourishes.
The Man: Abe Vigoda, American actor (The Godfather, Barney Miller), regularly appears on late-night shows spoofing his death.
Band: BaioWolf
Sounds like: According to its MySpace, BaioWolf falls in the genres of Christian rap, death metal, and ghettotech -- so we'll go with that.
The Men: Scott Wolf and Scott Baio. They are American actors, former teen stars, television icons and running jokes through the industry.
*BONUS NAME CHECK: Beowulf, of the Anglo-Saxon legend.
Band: Naomi What?
Sounds like: Scrappy, folksy R'N'R.
The Woman: Naomi Watts, Australian-born actress, seen in many great independent films, nudity prone, can cry on command.
Band: Hairy Belafonte
Sounds like: Indie punk (long since departed).
The Man: Harry Belafonte, aka Harold George Belafonte Jr. Calypso singer ("Banana Boat Song"), civil rights activist, and all-around handsome man (even in his 80s).
Band: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
Sounds like: Muted pop indie with electronic flourishes.
The Men: Racing family, the Earnhardts. Patriarch Dale Earnhardt died a horrible racing crash 10 years ago. Dale Earnhardt Jr. follows in his father's footsteps, winning accolades and success on the track. But the Jr. Jr. of the band name is the giveaway: The band is named for the hypothetical third Dale in the racing line.
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