Rock stars and their real names

4 February 2024, 17:00 | Updated: 31 July 2024, 13:56

Will you please welcome to the stage... William Rose! Doesn't have the same ring does it? Let's take a look at some of the pseudonyms.

By Radio X

@RadioX

1. Fatboy Slim's real name is Norman Cook... kinda

   Fatboy Slim's name is actually somewhat of a double mystery. The Praise You DJ was born Quentin Leo Cook and changed his name to Norman Quentin Cook.

   

2. Axl Rose’s real name is William Rose

   William may not cut it for a rock and roll hell-raising singer. Let Bill become Axl.

   

3. The Edge’s real name is Dave Evans

   You're one of the most acclaimed guitarists of the past 40 years. You can't call yourself Dave Evans, why not transform yourself into The Edge?

   

4. Slash’s real name is Saul Hudson

   Saul's a pretty cool name, but you need something more rock and roll, why not Slash?

   

5. Bez’s real name is Mark Berry

   "Mark Berry" doesn't really sum up the mystery that is Bez.

   

6. Freddie Mercury’s real name is Farrokh Bulsara

   A famous one - this young singer from Zanzibar took on the name of the fleet-footed messenger of the gods.

   

7. Gene Simmons’ real name is Chaim Witz

   First: change your name to something more "rock". Next: cover your face in make-up and lo, you are Gene Simmons!

   

8. Nikki Sixx’s real name is Frank Feranna Jr

   Frank isn’t a very glam rock name. If you’re playing bass in Mötley Crüe, you need something more “it”.

   

9. Mani’s real name is Gary Mounfield

   This Mancunian musician adapted a nickname as his stage persona.

   

10. Joe Strummer’s real name was John Mellor

    The leader of this legendary punk band needed a more heroic moniker, so he switched.

    

11. Flea’s real name is Michael Balzary

    Balzary wasn’t funky enough for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, so it was a time for a change.

    

12. Bono’s real name is Paul Hewson

    This singer took his stage persona from the name of a hearing aid shop to become Bono Vox.

    

13. Iggy Pop’s real name is James Osterberg Jr

    This legendary frontman took the name of his first band The Iguanas to reinvent himself.

    

14. David Bowie’s real name is David Jones

    Mr Jones of Bromley, Kent became a wild-eyed alien, better known as Bowie.

    

15. Alice Cooper’s real name is Vince Furnier

    The name Alice Cooper was originally applied to the band, but was later taken on by the frontman.