Discovering “Bandomynology”: 60 Band Name Origins Revealed

Listeners of the popular radio show, Ongoing History of New Music, can look forward to a new episode focusing on the origins of band names. In the latest installment, titled “60 More Band Name Origins in 60 Minutes,” host Alan Cross revisits a topic he first explored in 2007. With a wealth of new material, this episode promises to shed light on a fascinating aspect of music culture.

The idea for this episode originated from a simple request by fans who were eager to learn more about how bands choose their names. Cross had previously addressed this topic but realized it was time for an update. As he reflected on the history of rock music, which has been around for over fifty years, he recognized a gap in the academic study of music. Specifically, there was no established term for the examination of band names.

Cross investigated various linguistic fields, discovering terms for the study of names, such as “etymology” for word origins and “onomastics” for personal names. Surprisingly, he found no equivalent term for the study of band names. This led him to consult with linguists and branding experts across North America. Their collaboration resulted in the proposed term “bandomynology.” This new word encapsulates the exploration of how bands acquire their names and aims to fill an academic void.

Since coining “bandomynology,” Cross has dedicated himself to popularizing the term. He hopes that through sustained use, it will eventually be recognized and included in the Oxford English Dictionary. Despite his efforts, he acknowledges that gaining traction for a new term can be challenging, as he humorously notes that the OED representatives have yet to respond to his inquiries.

In the current episode, fans will hear a selection of songs while learning about the stories behind the names of various bands. This format not only entertains but also educates listeners about the cultural significance of band names and the stories that often accompany them.

The episode serves as a follow-up to a previous discussion on the subject in 2017, ensuring that listeners are kept up to date with fresh insights. It reflects the continuous interest in the relationship between music and language, inviting fans to engage more deeply with the bands they love.

Cross encourages everyone to remember and use “bandomynology.” He suggests that sharing the term within social circles is essential for its adoption. As he puts it, “The only way to make this happen is to keep pushing ‘bandomynology’ out into the public.” By doing so, he hopes that this unique aspect of music history will gain the recognition it deserves.

Fans of music and linguistics alike will find much to enjoy in this latest episode of Ongoing History of New Music, as it combines entertainment with education in a compelling exploration of band names.