Photo: Ellen Poppinga – K & K/Redferns (Getty).
Plenty of bands have made history with their strange names: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, and — lest we forget — Butthole Surfers. But band names aren’t always derived from weird word play of airships like Zeppelin, or a mashup of other musician’s names a la Pink Floyd. Some bands take their names from their hometowns, countries, continents, or even places they have quite literally never stepped foot in. Regardless, these locations have inspired some of the best bands in the history of music. So, behold, the 10 greatest bands named after locations.
Plenty more music rankings where that came from: The Single Most Definitive Album From The 10 Most Important Bands
10 Greatest Bands Named After Locations
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10. America
Photo: Ron Howard/Redferns (Getty).
America formed in the '70s in England, though they are indeed all American (yeah, it’s confusing). The band has had numerous big hits over the years including “A Horse with No Name,” “Sister Golden Hair,” and “Ventura Highway,” and have established themselves in the “mom music” genre.
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9. Nazareth
Photo: Fin Costello/Redferns (Getty).
You may not recognize this Scottish band -- surprisingly named after Nazareth, Pennsylvania -- but you certainly know them for their cover of the song “Love Hurts.” Nazareth's version of the song stays painfully close to our hearts.
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8. Alabama
Photo: David Redfern/Redferns (Getty).
Alabama formed in the late '60s in -- you guessed it -- Alabama. They’ve had a ton of number one hits since their conception, which is admittedly impressive for a country/southern rock group.
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7. Boston
Photo: Ron Pownall/Michael Ochs Archives (Getty).
Guitarist Tom Scholz founded Boston while attending MIT in the '60s. The band has sold more than 75 million records worldwide. One could say their popularity stretched far beyond the limits of Beantown.
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6. Europe
Photo: Tony Mottram (Getty).
The band is indeed from Europe -- more specifically Upplands Väsby Sweden. And why is Europe such a terrific band? Well, we have three words for you: "The Final Countdown."
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5. Berlin
Photo: Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives (Getty).
This is another band you may not immediately recognize, but if you’ve ever seen Top Gun, then you certainly know them for their most famous hit “Take My Breath Away.” And for the record, they’re not from Berlin -- they’re American.
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4. Alabama Shakes
Photo: David Wolff - Patrick/Redferns (Getty).
Two odes to the great state of Alabama made their way to this list, although Alabama Shakes was formed in 2009 (nearly 40 years after Alabama). Lead singer Brittany Howard’s incredible vocals on their first major hit “Hold On” was what kicked off their commercial success.
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3. Asia
Photo: Ebet Roberts/Redferns (Getty).
Asia -- an English band -- saw a huge amount of popularity from their hits like “Heat of the Moment.” Formed in the '80s, they were patched together with notable musicians from bands like Yes and The Buggles.
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2. Kansas
Photo: Michael Putland (Getty).
Kansas is, in fact, from Kansas and formed in the early '70s. There’s no doubting their influence on rock, especially with hits “Carry on Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” at the top of their classic hits list.
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1. Chicago
Photo: ABC Photo Archives/ABC (Getty).
Chicago formed in the late '60s in the eponymous city of the same name, and have been rocking ever since. With 23 albums gone Gold, 18 Platinum, 8 Multi-platinum and an induction into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," there is absolutely no denying Chicago is the best of the best.
