The Real Story Behind The Names Of Music's Most Iconic Bands - Page 5 of 78

Motley Crue

The founder and bassist of Motley Crue, Nikki Sixx thought about calling his new group “Christmas,” but naturally, the other members of the band despised it. The final name came through a brainstorming session.

When guitarist Mick Mars had played with the group “White Horse” he referred to thems as “a motley looking crew.” He then wrote the name down as “Mottley Cru.” Eventually they adjusted it to be Motley Crue, with the two umlauts being inspired by a German beer called “Lowenbrau.”