Band Names From Books

Many bands take their names from book titles, characters and references. We have already written about examples like Steely Dan. Two more bands in our "G" category are Genesis and Good Charlotte.

GOOD CHARLOTTE took its name from a children's book, Good Charlotte by Carol B. York. The band got this name because Joel saw this book at his friend's house when he was 16 (the friend's mom was a teacher) and just thought it would be a cool name for the band.

The Story of Good Charlotte
The Young and Hopeless
Good Morning Revival
Good Charlotte
The Greatest Remixes
The Chronicles of Life & Death (Death Art Version)

         

Genesis began as a 1960s pop band but in the 1970s evolved into a progressive rock band, incorporating complex song structures and elaborate instrumentation. With lead singer Peter Gabriel, their concerts became theatrical experiences with innovative stage design, pyrotechnics, elaborate costumes and on-stage stories.

Their albums became known for "art rock" performances such as the 23 minute "Supper's Ready" and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway 1974 concept album. After Gabriel's departure, Phil Collins took over the vocals and the band returned to more accessible pop songs with melodic hooks. The turn worked in that they got their first number one album in the United Kingdom, Duke, and their only number-one single in the United States, "Invisible Touch".


They originally considered calling the band Gabriel's Angels. They settled on Genesis which suggested a beginning coming as the first book of the Bible. They carried that forward with their first album's title which was From Genesis to Revelation, referencing the last book of the New Testament.

Abacab
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Seconds Out
Genesis Live [Definitive Edition Remaster]
1983-1998 Box Set 5CD/5DVD
Duke
Wind & Wuthering
& Then There Were Three