Fruits and Vegetables of Rock and Roll: How'd They Get that Name?

There are literally hundreds of bands named after various food groups. But for some reason, the bands referencing items of produce are particularly interesting. How did these bands get these fruit and veggie inspired monikers? Does their music even hint at the origin? You just might be surprised...

Lemonheads

If this band makes you think of a particularly sour brand of candy, then you're not alone. In fact, that's exactly how this band got its name-originally called The Whelps. They covered "Mrs. Robinson"-a song originally performed by Simon and Garfunkel, and garnered much of its recognition because of it. The Lemonheads' version is considerably tangier than the original, a perfectly friendly affront to the song's risqué subject matter. The band has had an interchanging roster of members, with Evan Dando being the only constant since 1983.

The Smashing Pumpkins

Listen to this band's entire catalogue of music, and you might just decide that their consistently "shredded" guitar tendencies sound just like a bunch of smashing pumpkins. Enjoying some pretty heavy rotation in mid 90s, this band plucked its name from a random conversation in which a young boy admitted that he'd be "smashing pumpkins" on Halloween.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Somehow the name Red Hot Chili Peppers is perfectly suited to this band's spicy appeal. Jumping onto the scene in the early 80s, the band was formed while the boys were in high school. Planning only a limited performance, their success was instantaneous; they were so hot with audiences it is rumored that they called themselves the "chili peppers" as a result.

The Cranberries

Like the flavor of cranberry juice, this band's sound "lingered" in the collective consciousness of millions. Originally called, The Cranberry Saw Us (based on a pun regarding cranberry sauce)-the band's lead singer (Dolores O'Riordan) had a tart vocal delivery that ultimately suited the band's name to a "Tee."

Bananarama

Many are too young to even recognize this all-girl band's name. But these fruity females are responsible for several chart-topping singles during the 1980s-particularly "Cruel Summer" and "Venus." The ladies had a very airy and childlike approach to their singing style and delivery. Perhaps that is why it's alleged that they got their name by fusing the names of a kiddie TV show with a popular song at the time.

The Apples in Stereo

The Apples in Stereo (formed in 1992) have a crisp, sweet sound reminiscent of many psychedelic bands of yesteryear. In fact, name is said to be derived from the Pink Floyd song "Apples and Oranges." Their music has gone through several different evolutions-at once highlighting heavy rock influences tinged with an airy pop sound.

Buckcherry

Ironically, this band's name has absolutely nothing to do with fruit-but is instead a play on words: a switching of the letters of legendary bluesman Chuck Berry's name. You've got to admit-that the "cherry" aspect is quite a catchy twist for such a hard-rocking band.

Peaches & Herb

Yes, even the R&B scene benefits from being named after produce. But in this case, Peaches & Herb's name was a bit more straightforward than other bands. Peaches happened to be a real nickname for the many different female lead singers comprising the duo. Herb happens to be Herbert Feemster-the one long-standing member of the group. The dreamy R&B song "Reunited" is one of the popular ditties that Peaches & Herb are known for.

Korn

Many people are still fuzzy on exactly how Korn ended up with this name. Rumored to be the product of a jam/brainstorming session, the name apparently stuck, and was eventually re-spelled with a "K" and a backwards "R." The sound of their music doesn't necessarily bring to mind images of golden cobs of edible glory. But Korn's music is noted for its intense, heavy-hitting rock sound. Shearing guitar solos and Jonathan Davis' piercing vocals may not remind you of buttery niblets; but Korn gets its point across nonetheless.

Blind Melon

Blind Melon is yet another rock band that enjoyed phenomenal success during the grungy 1990s. It is said that the name Blind Melon is sort of a loose reference to a blues singer from the early 20s, Blind Lemon Jefferson. But it is more likely that band member Brad Smith's father had a hand in the name-calling them "blind melons"-as he was skeptical of their impending success. Nonetheless, the lead singer, Shannon Hoon died of an overdose in 1995 on the band's tour bus.

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