Jun 242020
This may be one of those highly specific Last Man Standings, with only 5 possible answers. I can only think of a few instances of this happening, but you rarely fail to impress me. And please, read closely to get the rules straight.
We’re looking for artists who, after their professional, credited career started, changed their name on album covers, billboards, recording credits and other documented places. (Get ready for some rules…)
- Multiple name changes by the same artist DO count separately; please list them one per post, according to our usual “Don’t Bogart that thread” guidelines
- Newly acquired nicknames do NOT count if the artist still has an underlying name he or she is credited by
- Attempts to go by a new name – one that was documented on a record credit – that didn’t stick DO count
- Your knowledge of the artist’s real name or stage name before earning any credits does NOT count – this is about documented changes in how an artist is billed/credited
- Credits on demo recordings that were not released commercially do NOT count (same goes for credits on bootlegs)
- Variations in spelling DO count
- A official return to an earlier variation on an artist’s name (ie, A to B, then back to A) DOES count as separate credit. If you’d like to earn that credit, please post the information in the right order, in a separate post
- It will be the judges’ discretion whether the addition or dropping of a diminutive or nickname in an artist’s name counts or not
- This is about artists – human beings, NOT bands (eg, anyone trying to point out that Slade was originally known as Greenslade will be served a yellow card or put in the penalty box)
- The judges reserve the right to add new rules as discussion ensues.
Let me know if we need a separate thread to debate the rules. Because the field of possible answers is so tight, I won’t prime the pump with an example. As always, DON’T BOGART THIS THREAD. Limit yourself to one entry at a time.
Yusuf Islam
Leslie Philips -> Sam Philips
“This is about artists” — and so you have Prince becoming that symbol. I don’t think “The Artist Formerly Known As Prince” (TAFKAP) was an official name, but the symbol was.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_(musician)#/media/File:Prince_logo.svg
John Cougar Mellencamp
Jim McGuinn -> Roger McGuinn
Gotta get mine in: Keith Richards to Keith Richard to Keith Richards.
“After the Rolling Stones signed to Decca Records in 1963, their band manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, dropped the s from Richards’s surname, believing that “Keith Richard”, in his words, “looked more pop”. During the late 1970s, Richards re-established the s in his surname.”
Garth Brooks / Chris Gaines
Townspeople, you have already outpaced my expectations!
@Oats, did McGuinn appear in credits as Jim? I was wondering if so and figured it might be the case, but that guy annoys me so much I couldn’t be bothered to look him up.
I can’t believe we were just talking about Cat Stevens and I hadn’t factored his name change in!
John Lennon to Dr. Winston O’Boogie. (credited on Nilsson’s record) Not really a name change as much as a masking pseudonym, but I think it qualifies.
Bobby Darin > Bob Darin
Bob Darin > Bobby Darin
Johnny Rotten to John Lydon
Ariel Bender from Mott the Hoople ( I forgot what his real name was, but I know that he changed it)
I know there are a lot of examples in the Rap arena, mos def and puff daddy’s many incarnations come to mind. I might be tempted to throw out Prince there for a time-being. And I just saw an article the other day through a work thing that Terrence Trent Darby changed his name — who knew? (Who cared?)
Does Alice Cooper count for co-opting the band name?
Dr Winston O’Boogie counts as one of those officially credited nicknames.
The judges have rejected the submission of “Bob Darin,” as did the public and history.
@diskojoe: Was Bender ever credited by his real name or some other name? If not, we cannot accept this suggestion. Same goes for Alice Cooper. Did he ever appear credited on a commercial release under his real name, Vincent whatever? If not, machinery is partially credited as Last Man Standing (to this point) for Terrence Trent D’Arby’s new and globally ignored name. It sounded like a dish at a Thai restaurant, if memory serves. Full credit can be claimed for LMS to whomever spells it out.
Protest! Bob Darin is rejected because “the public and history” also did (reject it) but Terrence Trent D’Arby’s “new and globally ignored name” which hasn’t even been mentioned is okay?!
King of America was released by Declan MacManus instead of Elvis Costello. Seeing that so many of my Mt Rushmore artists did this trick, I may try on Turkeyfrank for a bit. Other than marriage/divorce adjustments, can we think of no women who did this?
Iggy Stooge –> Iggy Pop
@al: Protest denied. TTD doesn’t carry the shame of Kevin Spacey. How’s that for a reason?
@The Artist Who May One Day Be Known as Turkeyfrank: That was one of the answers I had in mind up front. We will allow for name changes owing to what some may feel are outmoded cultural name-changing rituals. Now that I think of it, I believe there are at least two woman singers out of the UK folk-rock tradition whose name has appeared in both “maiden” and married formats. I won’t hog LMS status yet. That currently belongs to Oats.
I named a woman already!
Davy Jones -> David Bowie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQE1QoidlIg
One I thought of not attributed to marriage was Mama Cass dropping the nickname and going with the the more dignified Cass Eliot. She even had a song: Don’t Call Me Mama Anymore.
Oh you’re right, Che! Sorry. I breezed over that thinking it was the other Sam Philips because Leslie is also a man’s name.
Mr. Mod, I checked out Ariel Bender & his real name is Luther Grosvenor & he was the guitarist for Spooky Tooth under his real name
Excellent, diskojoe! You are currently LMS, thanks to that dedicated verification.
OK, I’m going to take the lead with an unclaimed gimme: John Mellencamp, when the Cougar was taken to the farm.
Sinead O’Connor changed her name to Shuhada’ Davitt.
This is likely to outrage Al, as it’s a modification that verges on the dropping of a diminutive name that the judges will allow: Little Stevie Wonder to simply Stevie Wonder.
Last Man Standing…for the good of the game. There are still at least 3 other entries to be served.
John Lewis made some obscure records before turning into Jona Lewie
The Undertones John O’Neill morphed into Sean O’Neill for later releases.
chickenfrank is currently Last Man Standing. I know there are still at least 2 UK woman singers from the folk-blues-rock scene of the late-’60s/early-’70s who were credited by maiden or a stage name before taking the name of their eventual husband. I know there’s one previously mentioned artist who’s employed a third name on releases…
Wikipedia des cribes it better than me but: “Genesis P-Orridge and Lady Jaye underwent body modification to resemble one another, thus coming to identify themselves as a single pandrogynous being named “Breyer P-Orridge””
Does that count?
Ricky Nelson became Rick Nelson
@Happiness Stan, again, I’m going to piss off our dear friend Al, but the judges accept this dropping of the diminutive. Happiness Stan is LMS.
And yes, cdm, that counted. Hope you enjoyed your brief perch at the top of the heap.
Prince to that love symbol thing!
Already mentioned early on, andyr. Stan happily retains the belt…for the time being.
Sorry – I checked but must have missed it.
How about Elvis Costello again with Napoleon Dynamite on “Blood & Chocolate”? He is listed that way on the credits
Will Oldham also releases music as Bonny Prince Billy and also as Palace.
BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE!!
@andyr: Yes, that was a gimme from a previously posted artist I had mentioned! You were LMS!
@cherguevara: I’m giving you credit for Bonny Prince Billy, but the rules state one entry per post, so I’ll allow your add-on of Palace, but please report to the penalty box for a 2-minute minor.
DYNAMITE WILL BE GOING BOOM!! IN TWO MINUTES.
I have no idea on this, but knowing Mr Mod’s taste as I do: The UK women singers have to be either Sandy Denny or Linda Thompson. Right??
“Woody” Mellor (101’ers) to Joe Strummer (the Clash)
Billy Lee and the Rivieras recorded some singles that didn’t go anywhere. Then Billy Lee changed his name to Mitch Ryder, and the Rivieras became The Detroit Wheels. (Billy was born William Levise.)
Might as well open this pandora’s box: P. Diddy
@cdm: Hip-hop artists matter. Open it as wide as you like!
@chickenfrank: Sandy Denny was NOT one of the women I had in mind (the other one is not in a band I am greatly attached to, but she is my favorite member of said band), but Linda Thompson WAS. She sings backgrounds on the first Richard Thompson solo album, Henry the Human Fly, with her maiden name intact. I can’t speak for her maidenhood. I forget what her original name is, but I’m pretty sure my memory on this is correct. If not, I’ll send myself to the penalty box.
cdm is currently LMS.
Gene Ween reverted to his birth name, Aaron Freeman.
Easy followup: the Love Symbol artist eventually changed his professional name back to Prince after some time.
Mod, I wasn’t referring to hip hop artists in general. Sean Combs’ names specifically are going to keep me on the top of the heap for awhile.
Linda Peters > Linda Thompson
And fie on your hair-splitting, Mr. Mod, fie I say.
I don’t use harsher words because of my great love for Ricky/Rick Nelson. Anything that gives Rick a mention, never mind has him as LMS, however briefly, is fine with me.
Beyonce -> Sasha Fierce
@trigmogigmo: Way to grab that Prince rebound!
@cdm: Sorry if I misunderstood the can of Combs you were unleashing. I do think the non-traditional rock world that usually doesn’t come into play here has additional examples that are welcome. Such entries will be welcome.
@al: Linda Peters to Linda Thompson was one of those UK transitions I was seeking. There’s still one out there from a much more popular band that people will be slapping their foreheads over.
cherguevara is currently LMS!
Puff Daddy
Hari Georgeson (on some Dark Horse artist) = George Harrison
@ Mr Mod. Someone from the Pogues?
I hate this. It pains me to type it. Dee Dee Ramone to Dee Dee King.
@chick: Let your time atop the heap make up for the pain that entry caused you.
I’m not sure about any members of The Pogues, such as Cait O’Riordan, taking a new name. Could be out there for the taking. The other change to a married name couldn’t be more obvious, once someone thinks of it.
George Harrysong from Son of Schmeilson
Chickenfrank, have you no shame, sir? At long last have you no shame?
Mr. Mod, are you thinking of Christine Perfect of Chicken Shack who became Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac?
diskojoe has read my mind and claimed the top spot! Well done.
@ Mr Mod. Ha! That means your favorite member of Fleetwood Mac is Christine McVie?! New Thread.
George Harrison = Jai Raj Harrison
And Chicken – She is my favorite in Fleetwood Mac. One of my fav female singers!
The other David Jones, who swung the other way and became diminutive Davy after his first (not very good, but mercifully short if I recall it with any accuracy from when I owned a copy) album.
Looking for judgement on Tommy Ramone, moving into record production using his real least name, Erdelyi,
Nick Lowe = Terry Modern of “The Tartan Horde who recorded “Bay City Rollers We Love You”
@cher: That counted! Good one. And what a steal by andyr. Speaking of andyr and your fellow love for Christine McVie… How have known each other for nearly 50 years and not known that we shared that view? Want to jam some day?
And Mike Nesmith became Michael post Monkees
Mr Mod – I think we have discussed this before. Now how many decades ago, that I don’t recall.
John *Ono* Lennon – on Instant Karma single. I am LMS (@ 3:45pm)
Diddy. Just plain old Diddy.
Gonna open up some options – Colin Moulding = The Red Curtain
You woo me until the sun comes up and you saaaay-ay that you love me.
In the inexplicable McGuinn style, Jaime Robbie Robertson became Robbie Robertson.
Give me a moment to savor being King Turd of Shit Mountain!
Oh, Colin Moulding also recorded as “the Colonel” releasing “i need protection” and “too many cooks in the kitchen.”
Clang clang clang goes the trolley!
Roy Byrd/Professor Longhair
To experience a brief view from the top, here’s another one in that bizarre Keith Richards/Richard category that inspired this thread. In 1971, Dionne Warwick suddenly appeared in print as Dionne Warwicke. I’ve got one of the albums from this time. The reason for the mid-career addition of a silent e can only be explained by Wikipedia:
“Also in 1971, Warwick had her name changed to “Warwicke” per the advice of Linda Goodman, an astrologer friend, who believed it would bring greater success. A few years later, she reverted to the old spelling after a string of disappointments and an absence from the Billboard top 40.”
Laste Man Standing!
Never underestimate the power of the psychic friends network.
Andy Partridge = Sir John Johns
That possibly should have been the psychedelic fiends fretwork
And prior to being Mike Nesmith, he was Michael Blessing.
Father John Misty also releases music using his first initial and last name, J. Tillman.
LMS!
Kid Strange of Doctors of Madness became Richard Strange when he went solo.
Wasn’t Harry Nilsson credited by both his full name and by just Nilsson?
And does the time Rodney Anonymous was listed as Rodney Anonymous Mellencamp count?
John Langford became Johnny Minor for So Good It Hurts.
Mary O’Brien recorded with the Lana Sisters before she became Dusty Springfield
Drummer Peter Edward Clarke had a minor discography credit with The Spitfire Boys before he adopted the stage name Budgie.
@Crackblind: Welcome aboard! You had two good entries, but for the future, only one entry one post, please.
In 2013, Snoop Dog released a reggae album as Snoop Lion.
Glad to be here! Sorry bout the double entry, here’s a new single one (& one I’m surprised hasn’t been posted yet):
Wayne to Jayne County
That’s a great one, Crackblind! You are Last Man Standing…or were.
Walter to Wendy Carlos.
I am LMS!
George Harrison appears as L’Angelo Misterioso on the Goodbye Cream album for his bridge contribution to “Badge.”
Bull Moose Jackson released Big Ten Inch Record under the name Moose Jackson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rws_7mLTqj8
On the King Records Box set, there is a recording of label owner Syd Nathan addressing the A&R or Sales staff and letting know about the change but I don’t have time to look for that clip right now
Sally Timms appears as Endora Timms on The Curse of the Mekons.
Shane Fenton, sixties rocker, became Alvin Stardust
Ol’ Dirty Bastard to Big Baby Jesus.
Zoom Horn Rollo morphed back to his birthname, Bill Harkleroad.
That’s one of the best ones, Chickenfrank, so it pains me to knock you off the hill but: Jim James/Yim Yames.
Zoot! Damn autocorrect.
John Bongiovi -> Jon Bon Jovi
According to Wikipedia, the band Bon Jovi reluctantly took on its name over the original idea of “Johnny Electric”. “Bon Jovi” doesn’t sound so bad now, does it???
Dory Langdon released an album under her maiden name before marrying Andre Previn.
James Chance (and the Contortions) becomes James White (and the Blacks).
Dagnabit Mr. Mod! That was gonna be next one. See what happens when I follow the rules.
Oh, and didn’t Wreckless Eric release at least one record as Eric Goulden?
(Side question – what’s the take on preforming under one name but taking the songwriting credit under another? Though I’m sure that’s a different Last Man Standing)
Julie Driscoll now singing as Julie Tippetts.
I am determined to be LMS.
@Crackblind: I think that performer/songwriter disparity has legs. Go for it!
Madness’ member Chas Smash released a 2015 solo album under his given name, Cathal Smyth
I forgot to add that his writing credit on several early Madness songs is C. Smash, by the time he wrote “Our House” his credit changed to Smyth.
Alright, I shall. Besides the aforementioned Mr. Goulden, there is dear old R. Starkey aka Ringo Starr himself.
The Last Roundup’s Amy McMahon becomes the Sham’s Amy McMahon Rigby.
LMS!
Billy Mumy released several albums on his own as well as a few as Art Barnes (he may have been Artie Barnes, I can never remember which Barnes brother he was).
LMS!!
Daniel Miller recorded as the Normal, then the Silicon Teens. He was the only “member” of either “band.”
I think this might be inadmissible, however, it’s still important. Beginning with “Lick My Decals Off, Baby,” Beefheart allowed “His Magic Band” to become “The Magic Band.”
@Crackblind, I don’t think Ringo was ever credited by his birth name, was he? Is he Starkey when he’s written a song? Asking for help from the judges…
@geo, you are loaded for bear and looking strong in this competition, buy I can’t allow band name changes. I’ll only giv you a yellow card this time. Play on!
@Mr. Mod – Yup, both Octopus’s Garden & Don’t Pass Me By are credited to Richard Starkey
And in that vein, I realized Nanker Phelge wouldn’t qualify as it was a multi-user pseudonym.
Babybird and Stephen Jones
The Sham Amy McMahon Rigby became the solo Amy Rigby.
No sighting yet on Amy McMahon Rigby Goulden.
Yes, I believe “Don’t Pass Me By” was credited to Starkey.
But I’m still LMS.
Drummer Brad Carlson joined a band called Sick Man of Europe with two guys named Nielsen and Petersson. They worried people would think the band was from Sweden with band members Nielsen, Petersson, and Carlson. So at some point there he adopted the stage name Bun E. Carlos, taken from his childhood nickname “bunny”, and a couple of years later with additional line-up changes emerged Cheap Trick.
The Fantastic Johnny C of “Boogaloo Down Broadway” fame recorded as simply Johnny C toward the end of his career.
Stephen McRobbie, interchangeable with Stephen Pastel
Thanks for confirming the Starr/Starkey thing. Here’s where I thought this would go: Bo Diddley and his songwriter true name Ellas McDaniel.
Now, this wasn’t the case with Ringo, because he was Starr, in credits, before Starkey. For Bo, he was simultaneously both names. I had hoped to be LMS, but the judges have rejected this entry. Same will go for Muddy Waters and his true, songwriter name. I hope we’re all cool with this.
Dave Gregory > Lord Cornelius Plum
Last Man Standing, but I believe one more gimme out there for the taking.
The first records recorded by Bobby Hart of Boyce and Hart came out under his real name, Robert Luke Harshman.
Crocus Behemoth and David Thomas
Arthur Dyer Tripp III, who appeared on “Ruben and the Jets,” morphed to Artie (with the green mustache) Tripp by the time Uncle Meat was released.
@geo – I was wondering if Zappa & Reuben & the Jets would qualify but felt him using the name was borderline.
Masking pseudonyms (thank you @chickenfrank for that term) opens up a whole new ballgame. Bob Dylan used several on other peoples’ recordings. The two I can think of off the top of my head are Blind Boy Grunt and Tedium Porterhouse. I know there are a few others but now need a ruling on checking Wikipedia and other sources to complete the list.
Dr John began his career and Dr John the Night Tripper.
Paul McCartney wrote the Peter and Gordon song Woman under the name Bernard Web.
Colin Blunstone released several singles as Neil MacArthur.
You are killing this. Keep ’em coming!
@Crackblind: Verifying things on Wikipedia is fine; I do it frequently. Unless I’m really desperate to win a Last Man Standing, I will refrain from bookmarking a site with a similar topic and using it to keep in the game. I don’t judge others, if this is their technique, but I suspect we all enjoy challenging our memory banks.
Staying with the Beatles, George Harrison released what I think was his first solo record under the name of Arthur Wax. He also used a lot of jokey variations of his name, my favorite being Jai Raj Harisein, but I think the best was when he listed himself as P. Roducer.
John McLaughlin and his spirit brother Mahavishnu John McLaughlin
Artie (with the Green Mustache) Tripp did some KonMari simplification and went simply as Art Tripp, on the less simply named Weasels Ripped My Flesh album.
Paul Simon and partner, setting up a gimme, started with pseudonyms. Paul was Jerry Landis.
Although allowed to keep the simple Art Tripp moniker for Beefheart’s Decals album, presumably in deference to Mr. Tripp’s previous tenure with the Dayton Philharmonic, the Captain did rechristen him as Ed Marimba for the Spotlight Kid and Clear Spot records.
Frankie Valli started our recording as Frankie Valley.
Ok, Art Garfunkel was Tom Graph.
When he and his compatriots from The Magic Band, flew the coop, they called themselves Mallard, and Ed Marimba became Art Tripp III. Of course, band names are excluded, so the descriptive if unofficial “Tragic Band” need not be mentioned.
@H. Munster: you are one of the most impressive players in almost any LMS. We’ve got a dogfight in the works.
Jerry Lee Lewis : The Hawk. Sam Phillips thought a name change and a release on a Sun subsidiary might be a life saving career move.
This is gonna need a judgement if this qualifies as bogarting (again, sorry about violating that role with my first post) but it is hard not to consider them all together:
The members of The Traveling Wilburys: Nelson, Otis, Lucky, Lefty, & Charley T. Jr. I don’t think I need to list the actual names of the members to this crew.
Monti Rock III > Discto-Tex
Art Tripp’s percussion buddy on Uncle Meat, Ruth Komanoff, later married Ian and became Ruth Underwood, a standout member of early 70’s Zappa ensembles.
Norman Cook of the Housemartins to Fatboy Slim
Thank you, Mr. Mod.
Diana Ross started out her career as a Supreme as Diane.
Chris Collingswood (of FOW) has a few songs out under his own name, but also a solo album as “Look Park.”
Monti Rock III > Sir Monti Rock III
John Lennon: Long John, Paul McCartney: Paul Ramon, George Harrison: Carl Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe: Stuart De Stael. Name changes were made when they were booked as a back up band for Johnny Gentle. During, the tour, the names were also published in a Scottish newspaper
Good stuff, EPG, but 2 minutes in the penalty box, please, for Bogarting.
Paul Webb, bassist of Talk Talk releases solo music as Rustin Man.
LMS for 10 minutes!
I don’t think anybody has mentioned Scott Engel who later became Scott Walker
I’m pretty sure, but not 100% positive that Jerry Palter of the Folksmen, Lenny from Lenny and the Squigtones, and David St Hubbins are all listed as such on the respective albums.
Johnny Minor somehow transformed into Jo Dee Fanglord as a result of The Curse of the Mekons.
One of Squeeze’s many keyboardists, Don Snow, changed his name Jonn Savannah in the ’90s, shortly before beginning a tenure recording and touring with Van Morrison.
Antony of …and the Johnsons is now known as Anohni.
JP Richardson became the Big Bopper
Skip Spence had the apparent clarity, or lack thereof, to rebrand himself as Alexander Spence when releasing OAR.
Freddy Mercury recorded a single as Larry Lurex.
https://youtu.be/WzA4OyalTuI
On the Camper Van Chadbourne album Chris Pedersen was credited as Crispy Derson and was “not featured on several tracks without drums.”
Sam the Sham released an album as Sam Samudio, his real last name.
Terry Chimes was credited as Tory Crimes on the first Clash album. Since it was against his will I’m prepared to do penance so will take myself to the penalty box until I’ve finished work, at which point I anticipate this thrilling contest will still be in rude health.
Stewart Copeland’s solo outing as Klark Kent.
Monti Rock > Monti “Tex” Rock IV
@al: THAT is impressive knowledge! Enjoy your view from the top.
Here’s another Dead Milkmen member who will be a source for entries. I’ll start with this one:
Joe Jack Talcum > Butterfly Joe
LMS!
There’s a goldmine of these with just a handful of major names in hip-hop who haven’t even been mentioned yet, but this is Rock Town Hall and we’re over 160 replies in yet and no one has yet mentioned Paul McCartney’s commercially released work under the guise of incredibly wealthy socialite Percy (“Thrills”) Thrillington.
Under the “other documented places” allowance, I’m taking up alexmagic on a hip-hop artist and submitting Kanye West > Yeezy, as he’s known on his line of adidas sneaks.
David Johansen -> Buster Poindexter
Lou Christie > Lou Christie Sacco as he was credited on his 1971 Paint America Love attempt at continued relevance album. I may have possibly the only autographed copy of that CD in existence. At least, I don’t know why anyone else would have had it autographed.
Stevie Wonder: Eivets Rednow
Some of these have gotten pretty obscure but how were both Kanye and Buster Poindexter still on the table?
@cdm: They’ve already been put into play.
Marc Bell to Marky Ramone
Buster Poindexter reminded me that fake jazzer John Lurie later reinvented himself as Marvin Pontiac, Jewish-African-American bluesman.
Al, I suspect that Lou Christie may also have an autographed copy of that album, having written his name on it so noone could steal it at a house party like a sixteen year old girl in 1965.
Elvis Costello released some records as The Impostor.
Last Man Standing!
Paul Raven went on to become Gary Glitter
The drummer and lead vocalist of Rare Earth was Pete Rivera. Since the group broke up he’s been recording under his real name, Peter Hoorelbeke.
According to a comment in the first-ever issue of Trouser Press, it looks like John Entwistle’s name was spelled wrong, with an h, on the first 3 Who albums. I don’t believe I have original (UK?) pressings of those albums, but I’ll check later today. If it’s true, I’m currently Last Man Standing. If I’m wrong, I’ll go to the penalty box.
To be safe, I’m going to top myself: Pete Townshend as Bijou Drains, his pseudonym for playing bass on Thunderclap Newman’s “Something in the Air” and the Rough Mix album he did with Ronnie Lane. (My guess is that’s not the only pseudonym Townshend has used.)
Do misspellings count? Because one of the early Beatles singles listed Paul’s last name is McArtney. But really, I’m inclined to go out on Buster Poindexter, I can feel good about that one.
@Happiness Stan. And then Gary Glitter went on to become #981772. (made up)
Poison Ivy from the Cramps was initially Poison Ivy Rorschach.
ChickenFrank, yes indeed, he’s probably had several incarnations since. The first gig I went to was Mr Glitter and the Glitter Band in our local park at the height of his success, although since my parents took me I’ve never really counted it. It was a great show and I saw him many times after until his fall from grace. He was a great showman, which I guess is how he got away with it for so long.
I’ll not cite any other artists in this post to keep some separation.
John Halsey of the Rutles was credited as John Halsey on Transformer
I’ll try that again without auto correct, he was credited as John Halzey
Mod, sorry for not being more clear. I saw that they were both named, I was just surprised that it took so long for someone to do it.
John Welsey Harding > Wesley Stace (his given name)
On Doc at the Radar Station, Drumbo was uncharacteristically credited as John French (Drumbo), possibly because he played mostly guitar on that record.
In side project Foxboro Hot Tubs, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong is Reverend Strychnine Twitch.
Original Buzzcocks bassist Garth reinstated his surname on leaving the band and became Garth Smith
Marcella Detroit was a member of Shakespears Sister, among others. For a while she recorded under her birth name with The Marcy Levy Band.
Steve Ignorant, also known as Stephen Intelligent
LMS?
Sandy Hurwitz tried to reinvented herself as Essra Mohawk for obvious reasons.
Kid Creole and August Darnell
On Anna Mae Bullock’s first recording with Ike Turner’s Band she was credited as “Little Ann.” Later on people knew her as Tina Turner.
Rockette Morton, who ran on beams, or was it beans, later revealed that he was actually Mark Boston.
Charlie Parker: Bird
Little Jimmy Osmond dropped the descriptor when he wasn’t any more
Black Francis added some pounds, lost some hair, and became Frank Black.
Suprised no one got this:
Norman Smith (Beatles Engineer) became Hurricane Smith “”Oh, Babe, What Would You Say”
Jo Callis of the Rezillos reverted to John Callis
Harold Chichester became Happy Chichester in his post Royal Crescent Mob solo career.
Legs Larry Smith has been known as plain Larry Smith when not Bonzo-ing
Just yesterday, Lu Edmonds was rechristened (for the nth time) as “Luanora Carrington (ex-Lubu Roi)” on the Mekons’ new album, “Exquisite.”
At some point in his career, Little Carl Carlton grew into Carl Carlton. See #28 above.
Carlos Santana became Devadip Carlos Santana in the early seventies
There once was a guitarist named James Marshall Hendrix. He went by Jimmy James when he backed Sam Cooke, Little Richard, Wilson Pickett, Ike and Tina Turner, and the Isley Brothers. Chas Chandler of the Animals who became his manager suggested he change the first name to Jimi in 1966.
Eden Kane has also recorded (and appeared in Star Trek) as Richard Sarstedt
Mark Volman of The Turtles performed and recorded as “Flo” of Flo and Eddie.
Good one, H. Munster! Along those lines, Howard Kaylan of The Turtles performed and recorded as “Eddie” of Flo and Eddie.
I can’t believe it took until today to get to Flo & Eddie! Good one Mr. Munster!
This one may require a ruling by the judges. When REM performed with a few friends as Bingo Hand Job back in 1991, they all used pseudonyms. While the Borderlines show was bootlegged, it did finally receive an official release (albeit limited) last year for Record Store Day and they kept the pseudonyms in the credits. I’m gonna select Robyn Hitchcock as Violet for this entry.
Good one Mr Munster, I was resisting the temptation of that one, seeing where it would immediately lead.
Bill Berry was the Doc
Thank you, Gentlemen.
Sir Mack Rice used and dropped his title on and off during his career.
Joey Spampinato began his career credited with the unlikely moniker “Jody St. Nicholas” on the debut album by NRBQ.
Can’t believe this is still going on but……
Ringo once was listed on a George Harrison record as “Ringo Snare”
John Madansky of Rocket from the Tombs became Dead Boy “Johnny Blitz.”
I would have preferred Crocus Behemoth becoming David Thomas, if only to steal Mr. Mod’s presumed ace. Unfortunately, he appears to be listed as David Thomas on all the RFTT albums, all issued long after the band’s initial demise, I suppose when Mr. Thomas’ Q Score was at its apex. Then I noticed Happiness Stan beat me (and Mr. Mod) to it about 100 posts ago anyway.
geo, I wasn’t holding an ace in the hole other than the Dionne Warwick/e one I played relatively early on, to keep things moving along. I feel like it’s cheating when the person who launches the LMS holds an ace for too long. I have noticed one of those omissions to date that will have you slapping your forehead. Are you ready?
Eno, as he was originally billed on Roxy Music albums > Brian Eno, as he would be credited later in his solo career.
LAST MAN STANDING!
Green Gartside of Scritti Politti was credited just as Green on the first two EPs, I stopped buying their records after that so I’m not sure when he added his surname
Jerry Samuels had some success as a songwriter, having written “The Shelter of Your Arms” for Sammy Davis Jr. His own records didn’t go anywhere, until he had the hit “They Coming to Take Me Away, HaHaa”, recorded under the name Napoleon XIV.
Game on, H. Munster! I’m only posting this to give the ambitious geo, who shared how badly he wanted to win this LMS, hope. Gong leader Daevid Allen was credited as Bert Camembert on at least one of their albums.
Philip Lithman in Chilli Willi & The Red Hot Peppers who appeared as Philip Snakefinger” Lithman and as “Snaefinger’s Lithman and then of course as just Snakefinger
Snakefinger FTW?
Little Jerry Williams became Swamp Dogg. Please check out his new record which includes a duet with John Prine, who wrote one of Swamp Dogg’s signature songs, “Sam Stone.”
Mr. Mod: Damn, I can’t believe I let you get that Daevid Allen one!
Billie Piper released her first singles and album as just Billie, adding her surname for the later ones.
Gary U.S. Bonds’ first three records were recorded as just U.S. Bonds, without the Gary.
June Carter later added Cash
Elliot Ingber formerly of the Mothers of Invention and The Fraternity of Man was dubbed “Winged Eel Fingerling when he joined Beefheart’s Magic Band.
Jilted John, alter ego of John Shuttlewortt
“Jerry (“Captain Trips”) Garcia” is credited on the Grateful Dead’s first album. By the time the next album, Anthem of the Sun, came out, he was just plain old “Jerry Garcia.”
Roy Michaels, a member of Cat Mother and the All-Night Newsboys, adopted the name Loy Bones and performed and recorded with Loy Bones The Band.
I have that Cat Mother and the All-Night Newsboys album. What is wrong with me?
Before Bill Kreutzman let his parents find out he was hooked up with the notorious, acid-washed Grateful Dead crew, he was credited as “Bill the Drummer” on the first album.
Little Steven and Miami Steve
How did THAT one stay on the board all this time! Bravo, Happiness Stan. You are our current Last Man Standing. I don’t think anyone will top you.
Right!
Need I mention that the Flo of the previously named “Flo and Eddie” was not a renaming of Mark Volman, but rather an easier spelled diminutive of his Zappa assigned, contract compliant “Phlorescent Leech.”
Little Steven and Steve Van Zandt
Well played, Happiness!
Jorma Kaukonen debuted as “Jorma Ludwik Kaukonen” on Jefferson Airplane takes off, presumably to distinguish himself from the plethora of Jorma Kaukonen’s already in the entertainment business.
As long as we’re on the topic of Jefferson Airplane, Joey Covington released an album as Joe. E. Covington.
Greg ‘Curly’ Keranen drops the Curly when not Modern Lovering or Rubinooing
“Jeff Moris Tepper” of the Magic Band, lost the Jeff and released his solo records as “Moris Tepper.”
Jean Jacques Burnel was usually credited as JJ Burnel on the early Stranglers records (I don’t have the later ones to check) and on his Euroman Cometh album
David Walker would record with the gospel group, The Mighty Clouds of Joy. He started another career recording R&B and novelty records and was afraid he’d get kicked out of the Mighty Clouds if anyone found out, so he recorded those under the name Bunker Hill. (He got kicked out anyway.)
Susie Honeyman played the violin and the part of “Samantha Herebemonsters” on Curse of the Mekons.
Rick Zehringer of the McCoys became Rick Derringer.
Greg ‘Curly’ Keranen also plays and records under the name João Dilberto.
T Bone Burnett briefly became Henry Coward.
Little Brenda Lee grew up to become Brenda Lee.
…and of course, Elvis Costello was his brother, Howard Coward.
eFROMOHIO, who first came into our consciousness as the cheeky kid who tracked down Mike Watt and George Hurley to start fIREHOSE, now plays in a band called FOOD (for Far Out Old Dudes) under his birth name, Ed Crawford.
LAST MAN STANDING!
Ian Willis of the Rockin Vickers shortly after morphed into Lemmy
Ha ha ha ha ha…one thing about an unexpected RTH hiatus is that I can come into a LMS two weeks after it started and go for the win!
The lovely Canadian folk songstress Jane Siberry was, for a brief time, known as/recorded/toured via an “alternate identity,” Issa.
Mod, if you don’t know JS, you might like her stuff.
Roy Estrada played bass of the Mothers of Little Feat, but Orejon played bass for the Magic Band.
Try that again
Roy Estrada played bass for the Mothers of Invention and Little Feat, but Orejon played bass for the Magic Band.
At a certain point in his career Andy Kim dropped that name and started recording as Baron Longfellow.
Lemmy was also credited as Ian Kilmister on Hawkwind records
On Neil Young’s albums Harvest Moon, Unplugged, and Silver and Gold, legendary session drummer Kenny Buttrey is credited as Oscar Butterworth. My suspicion is Neil gave him this nickname for Neil-type reasons.
Kim Deal = Mrs. John Murphy
Merely Pigpen on the first Grateful Dead album, he revealed himself to be Ron McKernan on the subsequent Anthem of the Sun.
J Henry Burnett recorded with The B-52 Band & the Fabulous Skylarks prior to changing to T Bone Burnett
Susie Honeyman fiddled under the fabulous pseudonym “Avadne Garde” on the Mekons Honky Tonkin.’
Point of order, Mr Geo, sir.
Having reread the rules, does Ms Honeyman qualify under section 2, “Newly acquired nicknames do NOT count if the artist still has an underlying name he or she is credited by”?
Marvin Gaye used the initial spelling Gay for a while in DC doo wop groups, I believe there was a lot of looseness in the names depending on the gig and who he was singing with, but I’m pretty sure he was on some late 50s releases as a vocalist before going to Detroit.
last mane standing
@Happiness Stan, good question! This battle has gone on so long that I’ve forgotten how I intended that rule to apply. I think I meant a nickname like The Boss or Mix or Macca, one that fans and writers use that isn’t one the artist uses on credits.
Thanks Mr Mod, a third variant for the Motorheadmeister was Lemmy Kilmister, the surname later being dropped
Mr Mod/Happiness,
Oh yeah. That is definitely a credit, not a nick name. I will admit to having leaned heavily on several groups with loads of members that consistently renamed every bandmember, sometimes album to album. That’s why Mr. Mod’s steal on “Bert Camembert so rattled me; how had I completely neglected Gong, yet another band who spun off ever more ridiculous band credits?
To be fair, I tried to bring something other than rote enumeration of these endless reservoirs of potential answers. Swamp Dogg. That Flo of Flo and Eddie was actually short for his original fake name of The Phlorescent Leech, a far more colorful appellation for the large, amorphous Mark Volman
With all of that in mind, “Shakti Yoni” of Gong’s “Camembert Electronique continued to provide her space whispers under the name “The Good Witch Yoni” on “Radio Gnome Invisible Part 1, The Flying Teapot.”
Respectfully,
LMS
Hi Geo, that’s cool, thanks, I was merely wishing to clarify for my own benefit. My interpretation of the rules was that the change needed to have some intention of permanent, and precluded an artist retaining their identity behind a thinly disguised, one off pseudonym. This clarification has, fortunately or unfortunately depending on one’s point of view opened the flood gates to the contest potentially going on for several more weeks without Mr Mod’s intervention.
Disgraced former pop svengali Jonathan King had a hit with Jump Up and Down and Wave Your Knickers in the Air under the name of St Lucia.
Huey Lewis appears as Huey Louis on the albums he recorded with Clover.
Arthur Russell wrote, produced and remixed several 12″ dance singles under the name “Killer Whale.”
Andy Partridge was also Sir John Johns
As he was in post 79.
I am still Last Man Standing.
Apologies, the page must have still been loading when I used find.
Neil Innes = Ron Nasty
LMS again, but not for long, probably
Clyde Battin first recorded as part of the duo Gary and Clyde. By the time he joined the Byrds, he was Skip Battin.
John Halsey was Barry Wom
Meat Loaf’s first album is entitled Stoney and Meatloaf, with his name appearing as a single word.
Jeff Cotton joined the Magic Band on “Strictly Personal,” but was renamed “Antenna Jimmy Semens” after taking up residence in the Trout Mask House.
And Ricky Fataar was Stig O’Hara
After escaping from the Trout Mask House, “Antenna Jimmy Semens” joined Mu and again was known as “Jeff Cotton.”
And Stig O’Hara reverted to Ricky Fataar
Allman Bros. drummer Jaimoe Johanson also recorded under the name Johnny Lee Johnson.
Keith Levene dubbed it up as “Stratetime Keith” on the “Steel Leg vs. the Electric Dread” EP. Jah Wobble, on the other hand seems very loyal to his jokey moniker.
Disgraced former pop impresario Jonathan King also had at least one hit as Shag
William Lee Perryman first started recording as Piano Red, then changed his name to Dr. Feelgood.
Chris Butler adopted the alter ego “Furk Zhenk” for “The Best of Kilopop,” a collection of songs purportedly by “Europe’s second best pop band.”
Troy Shondell’s first records were released under the name Gary Shelton.