Funny Stuff

10 classic band names that wouldn't be okay today

The recent controversy over Calgary band Viet Cong’s name has made music fans reflect on issues like cultural appropriation, racism, and political correctness. Unfortunately, Viet Cong is hardly the first band to choose an offensive name.

The recent controversy over Calgary band Viet Cong's name has made music fans reflect on issues like cultural appropriation, racism, and political correctness. Unfortunately, Viet Cong is hardly the first band to choose an offensive name. Pop music history is littered with cringeworthy band names that would never fly today. Here is a handy compendium of the worst.

10. The Misogynist Construction Workers (1968-1987)

Sure they had a lot of great songs, but their name? Disgusting. Even worse was their 1972 #1 hit We Love To Catcall Women. I think we can all agree that catcalling women is not cool. Yuck.

9. The Hitler-Had-Some-Good-Ideas Funk & Soul Orchestra (1970-1982)

This is a great big bowl of wrong. Sure, it was the '70s and everyone was on drugs, but this band's name was unconscionable. Sorry to be a party pooper, but Hitler was bad.

8. Sheila & The Body Shamers (1985-1992)

If a band with this name came around today? They'd be in major trouble. All bodies are beautiful, and that's all there is to it.

7. Jason The Burglar (1965-1977)

Anyone who's ever had their house broken into will be outraged to learn that Jason The Burglar was one of the most popular rock artists in the late '60s. With songs like Creepin' Through Your Window and I'm A Stealer, he made light of burgling and robbing to a huge international audience. Luckily, times have changed and burgling is now seen as a major crime.

6. Sting (1971-present)

Talk about a major league creep. I don't know what this awful man was thinking when he chose the name Sting, but I don't like it one bit. Did he think he was a bumblebee? Or perhaps a jellyfish? Yeah right, bud. Face it: you're just a regular person from the UK.

5. Chinese Lisa (1988-1994)

Pardon me? This woman was 100% Caucasian. Why did she call herself Chinese Lisa? And why was she rewarded with a 1992 Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance? Cultural appropriation, much?

4. Simon The Gigantic Racist (1982-1997)

I. Can't. Even.

3. Cat Stevens (1965-present)

Ummm, sorry bro. Unless you use a litter box, eat Purina and communicate in only meows, you can't really call yourself Cat.

2. Ratt (1976-present)

A rat is something very disgusting that spreads disease and looks scary. Why anyone would name their band after such a filthy creature is beyond puzzling.

1. Bad Mom (1987-present)

With hits like I Don't Care About My Kids and Blowin' Smoke (In My Newborn's Face), Bad Mom was one of the breakout stars of the so-called grunge era. With the benefit of hindsight, it's clear that her parenting style was highly dangerous and that the idea of being a bad mother was, well, bad.