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Global News
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Global News
The tortuous process of finding a name for your band
In 2007, a couple of listeners asked me if I would do another Ongoing History of New Music program on the origins of band names. I'd done a few in the past, but I was happy to accommodate. This time, however, I was struck with a question: What do you call the study of the names musical groups choose? In the decades since the birth of rock 'n' roll, someone must have come up with a term. As it turns out, no. The study of word origins is etymology. If you're looking at place names — known as toponyms — then you're into toponomy, toponymics or toponomastics. We get a little closer with the word for the study of personal names, which is onomastics or anthroponymy — unless you're just concerned with surnames, which is patronymics. But, much to my surprise, there was no official term for 'how did a band get their name?' Story continues below advertisement This struck me as a massive oversight in the field of linguistics, so I called up a few academics, who then roped in other language experts, including a branding and marketing guy in California who had coined the terms Swiffer and Blackberry. They returned with a suggestion: bandomynology. Since then, I've been on a mission to see that the word spreads into the common vernacular so that one day, it'll end up in the Oxford English Dictionary. Disappointingly, the OED people still haven't called despite my best efforts, including a column in this space in 2021. The Urban Dictionary, however, has been most kind by adding bandomynology to its list of searchable words. It's again time to put the word out there with a little more bandomynology. Big Wreck: They were known as Still Waters until they had a really bad rehearsal one day, something that one of the members categorized as a 'big wreck.' Blink-182: The most common story is that the group was originally named Blink, but was forced to change it when they were informed that there was already an Irish band by that name. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Why the 182? Unclear. Stories speculating on its origins include the number of times Tony Montana drops the F-bomb in Scarface; the number of the ship that bassist Mark Hoppus' grandfather served on during the Second World War, and the number Mark believes his ideal weight should be (in pounds, of course). The most intriguing is that it's code for a rival high school from guitarist Tom DeLonge's school days. The '18' stands for the letter 'R' (the 18th letter of the alphabet) and the '2' is for 'B' (the second), short for Rancho Bernardo High. This means, according to Tom, that the correct pronunciation of the band's name is 'Blink Eighteen-Two.' Story continues below advertisement The Dead Milkmen: First, don't judge — the name choice is a lot more literary than you might think. There's a character in a Toni Morrison novel called Milkman Dead. Garbage: An insult that backfired. When Butch Vig, Duke Erikson, Steve Marker and Shirley Manson were demoing material for their debut alum in 1993, a 'friend' commented that the material 'sounded like garbage.' That turned out to be perfect because the band was looking for something irreverent. Hoobastank: No one is really certain, although legend says it may have come from a mispronounced German word or just a joke name from high school. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: This was a compromise. Someone wanted to call this Australian group Gizzard Gizzard, but someone else wanted to honour Jim Morrison, who had the nickname, 'The Lizard King.' So, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard met everyone in the middle. Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark: Easy. They were looking for the most pretentious name possible. It's certainly better than their original choice: Hitler's Underpants. Paracoccidiodomicosisproctitissarcomucosis: A real metal band from Mexico specializing in a particular type of grindcore. This is a combination of various diseases and medical terms. Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs: The English band was originally just Pigs, but they kept adding Pigs as they strived to be obnoxious. Pigs x 7 is an acceptable substitute. Portugal. The Man: This is convoluted. It's the mix of two concepts: A country of many people (like a band), and an individual (a specific person). The period designates the 'many' from the 'one.' Rage Against the Machine: The phrase comes from the title of a song by Inside Out, a pre-Rage band fronted by Zack de la Rocha. Since RATM appeared in 1992, conventional wisdom says that the 'machine' they're raging against is soulless corporations pursuing profit at the expense of humanity. Given Rage's political stance, that makes sense. However, it may refer to the group's persnickety 1979 Chevy van. Zack: 'I can't tell you how many times that van broke down in 1991 when we were starting out and how many gigs we lost because it would quit working. When we finally had enough money to buy a new van to house our equipment, the first thing we all did was take sledgehammers and beat the crap out of the thing.' A stretch? Maybe. Still, it does fit. Story continues below advertisement The The: When Matt Johnson formed the band in the late '70s, 'The' bands were fashionable (The Clash, The Cars, The Ramones, etc.) He simply decided to take the trend to its logical extreme. At one point, The The was practically impossible to Google as the search engine used to ignore definite articles in any search query. Wet Leg: Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chamber found the name by combining random emojis on a keyboard. XAVLEGBMAOFFFASSSSITIMIWOAMNDUTROABCWAPWAEIIPPOHFFFX: No, really. This 'gore grind' band released a debut album in 2016. I can also tell you that this is an acronym that stands for … well, be careful before you click here. You can listen to their work on Spotify, starting with the hit song, Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilivolcanpconosis. And finally, !!!: This Sacramento band was inspired by the lead actor in the 1980 movie, The Gods Must Be Crazy, which followed an Indigenous man on his travels through Southern Africa. He spoke the Jul'hoan language, which uses a series of clicks. In written form, that click is represented in English by an exclamation mark. If you want to say the name out loud, the band prefers 'Chk Chk Chk.' See? Isn't bandomynology fun?
Hamilton Spectator
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Everything you need to know about Burlington's huge, free Sound of Music Festival June 12-15
The 2025 edition of the free annual Burlington Sound of Music Festival runs June 12 to 15 in Spencer Smith Park and other locations in downtown Burlington. Here's what you need to know about this year's event, and how to learn more. There are 56 performances scheduled on three stages over four days , with headliners including Junkhouse, Big Wreck, David Wilcox, Steven Page, Tebey. For full information on this year's Sound of Music Festival and related events, including the midway and a complete schedule of performances, go to the festival website . The annual parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 14 starting at 11 a.m., outside the Royal Canadian Legion on Legion Road and Grahams Lane, proceeding east to Brant Street, then south on Brant, ending at the corner of Brant and Elgin Street. For more information, including a parade route map, check the parade page on the Sound of Music website . Burlington Economic Development and Tourism is increasing data collection efforts for this year's festival. Executive director Anita Cassidy said representatives will be on site throughout Sound of Music conducting surveys to gather visitor insights and better understand spending patterns. A summer marketing campaign includes digital advertising on GO Trains and in Toronto's Union Station encouraging visitors to take transit to the Sound of Music and other Burlington summer events. 'Tracking and reporting on the economic impact of festivals and events is a growing priority for us,' Cassidy said. 'We're working closely with the City of Burlington, festival organizers, and industry partners to develop a more comprehensive approach to measuring impact — particularly in terms of overnight stays, local spending, and business activity.' Data on local hotel room bookings is expected after the festival. Burlington Centre mall, First Student Canada and Sound of Music Festival have partnered to make festival parking easier . Park at Burlington Centre's parking lot, in the designated area off Fairview Street in front of the vacant Hudson's Bay store. Shuttle service will be available from Burlington Centre to Spencer Smith Park at Lakeshore Road and Elizabeth Street. Three buses are scheduled to run a continuous loop each day between downtown and the mall parking lot, during set hours. The service is free, but donations are welcome. Many visitors will find the free parking and shuttles particularly helpful with several road closures supporting the festival and related events, including the Grand Parade. The City of Burlington issued a statement summarizing road closures and impacts on parking and transit. Parade route streets will reopen as soon as possible after the parade on June 14. Vehicles parked illegally in the event area will be tagged or towed for emergency access. Lakeshore Road, from Elizabeth Street to Maple Avenue, will close June 13 to June 15 from 10 p.m. to midnight; and June 16 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the following streets are closed: Brant Street from Graham Lane to Lakeshore Road Elgin Street from Brant St to Locust Street Temporary parking restrictions will be posted to ensure clearance for emergency vehicle access and traffic flow. All parking restrictions will be enforced. Bus route detours in effect for Route 2 during the parade. Route 10, late-night route 50 and HSR route 11 will be on detours during the nightly closures. For detailed stop closures and real-time bus information please visit . Minor delays in the downtown core should be expected on all festival dates. Event Liaison, City of Burlington, 905-335-7777 , ext. 7704
Hamilton Spectator
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Big Wreck to headline 2025 version of Cowapolooza
Multi-platinum, Juno-nominated rock powerhouse Big Wreck will take the stage in Southside Park as Woodstock's favourite summer festival returns on Aug. 8 and 9. Fronted by Toronto singer, songwriter and guitarist Ian Thorney, the band is known for their hit singles That Song, Blown Wide Open, The Oaf and Albatross. 'It was very well-received on social media and we've had great feedback, which is exciting,' said Kristen Brodhagen, Manager of Special Events for the city. 'With their unique brand of heavy-hitting live rock, Big Wreck will close out two exhilarating days of music and family-friendly entertainment! We're so excited to welcome attendees from Woodstock and beyond for another spectacular event as Cowapolooza marks its 22nd year,' she added. The free festival starts on Friday, Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. with country music performances from Coty Robinson, Ryan Langdon and Outlaw State of Mind, a Chris Stapleton tribute band. Once last year's event was over, the planning started immediately for this year's version. 'A lot of thought and research goes into selecting the headliner,' added Brodhagen. 'Like you said, I think this year will be an incredible concert. We are really looking forward to it.' Post-pandemic, the event has turned to a different genre of music, something she added was intentional. 'Sam Roberts band, Sloan, The Trews and now Big Wreck are in a different era than we used to have. We used to have headliners like April Wine, Trooper and Colin James. Maybe that shift after COVID kept the excitement going.' She added keeping the event free means there are no barriers for anyone to attend and people travel from far distances to come to the city and enjoy two days of family fun. 'We welcome all demographics and it is a large focus of the event's marketing. We encourage families to attend all weekend, but specifically during Cowapolooza Kids. It's great to see the variety of ages that come through the park throughout the two days.' The fun continues on Saturday, Aug. 9, with Cowapolooza Kids from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring action-packed pro wrestling matches, inflatables, outdoor games, a photobooth and more. Big Wreck will be joined by Harm and Ease and The Joel Dupuis Band for the finale on Saturday evening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Throughout the weekend, festival goers can shop from marketplace vendors, grab a bite to eat from on-site food trucks, or enjoy a drink in the beverage garden with a view of the main stage. 'This year we're also proud to be creating a more sustainable event. We're looking for volunteers to join our new Green Team to help guests sort recyclables and garbage at our waste stations,' added Brodhagen. 'We're also encouraging attendees to bring their own reusable water bottles and reusable bags for shopping, as well as take eco-friendly transportation to the park with a free shuttle bus and on-site bike valet.' This event wouldn't be possible without our sponsors, including Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc., Zehrs Woodstock and more. You can find the full event schedule and apply to volunteer at . Follow the City of Woodstock on Facebook, X and Instagram for the latest updates.
