Wednesday, 27 January 2010 21:14
Forming a band? Looking for a cool name? Well look no further than your atlas! Places have been a popular source of band identities since rock'n'roll was born...although it seems that it's usually a good idea not to name yourself after where you're actually from, unless you happen to be from somewhere pretty cool. Can't imagine a band called Sidcup doing too well....
America
English-American folk rock who became an overnight sensation in early 70s due to hits such as A Horse with No Name, and Sister Golden Hair, both of which reached number one. Also received production services from none other than Beatles guru, George Martin.
Europe
Sweden's entry into the 80s phenomenon that was hair-metal. The Final Countdown was their big hit in 1986 and did enough to keep them in hair spray for the rest of their lives.
Berlin
Californian new wave/synth pop band who apparently did have a career outside of their ubiquitous smash, You Take My Breath Away, which accompanied the movie Top Gun in 1986.
Boston
Pioneers of the late 70s AOR sound, Boston's More Than A Feeling is still guaranteed a place on virtually every CD that claims to be a driving collection and is an air guitar favourite to this day.
Chicago
Initially called Chicago Transit Authority - until they got into hot water with, well, the Chicago Transit Authority. Became a household name on the FM dial in the late 70s thanks to singer Peter Cetera's high pitched soft-rock crooning.
Japan
British pop/rock group from Lewisham, South London. Hit it big in the late 70s/early 80s as the New Romantic movement began to take hold. Inspired thousands of floppy fringes the length and breadth of the country.
Texas
Not from the Lone Star state at all, but instead hailing from Glasgow and named after 1984 Wim Wenders movie Paris, Texas. Known for a blue-eyed soul sound led by singer Sharleen Spiteri
New York Dolls
Formed in the Big Apple in 1971, David Johansen & Co bridged the gap between glam and punk and inspired the New York scene that spawned the Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads, Television and the whole CBGBs set.
Alabama 3
Still resident in their native Brixton, South London, Alabama 3 fused blues, country, gospel and dance to often witty effect. Achieved global fame when their song Woke Up This Morning was picked up as the the title track to US TV hit The Sopranos.
Asia
Prog supergroup (could anything be worse??) formed in 1981 and made up of members of Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer; King Crimson and The Buggles. Topped the charts with early 1980s hits Heat of the Moment and Don't Cry
