20 Great Bands With Names Inspired by All Things That Fly

Feature Photo: Adam McCullough

The sky has long been a source of inspiration for artists, dreamers, and musicians alike. It represents freedom, possibility, and boundless creativity—all qualities that resonate deeply with the spirit of rock and roll. In the world of music, many bands have taken their names from things that fly, whether literal or symbolic, connecting their identity to the majesty of flight. From majestic birds to powerful aircraft, these names carry an air of mystery, power, and grace, perfectly complementing their sound and legacy.

The Flying Burrito Brothers infused country rock with a cosmic twist, capturing the freewheeling essence of the late 1960s. SR-71 took its name from a high-speed reconnaissance aircraft, reflecting their high-energy pop-punk style. Iron Butterfly soared into psychedelic territory with a name that juxtaposed strength and delicacy. The B-52s borrowed their moniker from a beehive hairstyle and an iconic bomber plane, embodying their quirky and explosive sound. Foo Fighters, named after WWII UFO phenomena, merged post-grunge grit with celestial curiosity.

The O’Jays, whose name derived from a DJ named Eddie O’Jay, transcended soul with their soaring harmonies. The Fabulous Thunderbirds electrified the blues with a nod to a mythical bird of Native American lore. The Flamingos took doo-wop to heavenly heights with their elegant name and timeless sound. UFO fused hard rock and otherworldly themes, channeling flight in the most cosmic sense. Hawkwind, pioneers of space rock, crafted sonic journeys inspired by the winds of the cosmos.

The Black Crowes brought Southern rock swagger to their avian name, evoking a sense of freedom and resilience. Buddy Holly and The Crickets helped define rock and roll’s early years, choosing a name that buzzed with energy and charm. U2’s name suggested aerial imagery, tying their soaring anthems to a universal reach. The Byrds defined folk rock, their name a simple yet profound nod to flight and harmony. Jefferson Airplane, and later Jefferson Starship, embodied the counterculture’s journey into new realms of sound.

The Yardbirds served as a launchpad for some of rock’s greatest guitarists, with their name nodding to birds and youthful energy. Paul McCartney & Wings flew high with lush melodies and unforgettable hooks. The Eagles epitomized American rock with their soaring name and iconic sound. Led Zeppelin’s name conjured the image of an airship, mixing grace and power in a groundbreaking way. Finally, The Beatles, with their playful insect-inspired name, took the world by storm, forever flying high above the rest.

From cosmic travelers to elegant birds and symbolic names that hint at the skies, these bands remind us of the limitless creativity and ambition that defines music. Their names carry the spirit of flight, and their music takes us along for the ride, proving that sometimes, it’s the wings of imagination that take us the farthest.

# 20 – The Flying Burrito Brothers

The Flying Burrito Brothers are often credited with helping to pioneer the country rock genre, blending elements of traditional country with rock and roll to create a unique and influential sound. Formed in 1968 by Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman after leaving The Byrds, the band became known for its groundbreaking album The Gilded Palace of Sin. The group’s name was as quirky and eclectic as its music, reportedly chosen as a playful nod to the counterculture ethos and the American Southwest, evoking imagery of flight and movement that fits perfectly with the theme of things that soar.

Their brief but impactful run left a lasting legacy, influencing artists like The Eagles and Emmylou Harris. Though the band’s lineup changed frequently, its impact on music history remains strong. The imagery of “flying” in their name complements their trailblazing spirit, as they took traditional genres to new heights.

# 19 – SR-71

SR-71, a Maryland-based alternative rock band formed in 1998, drew their name from the iconic Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a high-speed reconnaissance aircraft known for its sleek design and unparalleled speed. The choice of name perfectly encapsulated the band’s aim to deliver high-energy, cutting-edge rock music. Their debut album, Now You See Inside, featured the hit single “Right Now,” which became an anthem for early 2000s rock enthusiasts.

The name reflects a sense of modernity and power, tying the band’s identity to the futuristic and the airborne. Though SR-71 didn’t enjoy a long career, their music still resonates, particularly among fans of post-grunge and alternative rock. Their connection to flight underscores the energy and propulsion in their sound.

# 18 – Iron Butterfly

Iron Butterfly, formed in San Diego in 1966, became one of the defining bands of the psychedelic rock movement. Their groundbreaking album In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, featuring the iconic 17-minute title track, solidified their place in rock history. The band’s name is a fusion of contrasting ideas—“iron” representing strength and heaviness, and “butterfly” evoking delicacy and flight. This juxtaposition mirrors the band’s innovative blend of hard rock and intricate melodies.

The imagery of the butterfly as a flying creature ties them beautifully to the theme of flight, while the “iron” symbolizes their powerful sound. Iron Butterfly’s unique name and sound made them trailblazers of their era, inspiring countless bands in the hard rock and metal genres that followed.

# 17 – The B-52s

The B-52s, formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1976, are celebrated for their eccentric blend of new wave, punk, and dance music. The band’s name comes from the beehive hairstyle, affectionately nicknamed after the B-52 bomber due to its resemblance to the aircraft’s nose cone. This playful nod to flight and retro Americana reflects the band’s quirky and offbeat aesthetic.

With hits like “Love Shack” and “Rock Lobster,” The B-52s became icons of 1980s music and fashion. Their name perfectly encapsulates their blend of retro inspiration and futuristic sensibility, making them a fitting addition to this list of bands inspired by all things that fly. The B-52s soared to success, cementing their legacy as one of the most original and enduring acts of their time.

# 16 – Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters, one of the most iconic rock bands of the modern era, was formed by Dave Grohl in 1994 after the disbandment of Nirvana. The band’s name is rooted in World War II lore, where “foo fighters” was a term used by Allied pilots to describe mysterious flying objects or unexplained aerial phenomena, often believed to be enemy surveillance or extraterrestrial in origin. This name reflects Grohl’s fascination with aviation history and mystery, blending a sense of intrigue with a nod to flight.

The band’s explosive energy and powerful sound have carried them to soaring heights, with hit albums like The Colour and the Shape and Wasting Light. The name “Foo Fighters” ties their identity to the theme of flight while encapsulating a sense of wonder and curiosity.

# 15 – The O’Jays

The O’Jays, one of the most celebrated soul and R&B groups of the 1970s, began their journey in Canton, Ohio, in 1958. Originally named The Triumphs and later The Mascots, the group found its iconic name in 1963 as a tribute to Cleveland DJ Eddie O’Jay, who was an early mentor and supporter. While the name doesn’t directly reference flight, it carries an air of elegance and motion, much like their smooth harmonies and soaring vocal arrangements.

The group’s career truly took off when they teamed up with legendary producers Gamble and Huff at Philadelphia International Records. Their hits, such as “Love Train” and “Back Stabbers,” became timeless anthems of soul. The O’Jays’ name evokes a sense of movement and connection, much like their music, which transcends time and continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

# 14 – The Fabulous Thunderbirds

The Fabulous Thunderbirds took flight in Austin, Texas, in 1974, blending blues, rock, and R&B into a high-energy sound. Fronted by vocalist and harmonica player Kim Wilson, the band quickly earned a reputation for their electrifying live performances. Their name pays homage to the Ford Thunderbird, an iconic American car symbolizing speed, style, and power. While rooted in automotive culture, the name evokes imagery of a fierce, flying bird, capturing the band’s dynamic spirit.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds achieved commercial success in the 1980s with hits like “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.” Their name perfectly reflects their sound—bold, unmistakably American, and designed to soar above the competition, much like the avian imagery it evokes.

# 13 – The Flamingos

Formed in the early 1950s, The Flamingos are one of doo-wop’s most revered groups, known for their lush harmonies and romantic ballads. The group chose their name after the exotic bird, symbolizing elegance and grace—qualities mirrored in their music. Their biggest hit, “I Only Have Eyes for You,” remains a quintessential doo-wop classic, showcasing their ethereal sound and impeccable vocal arrangements.

The Flamingos’ name not only aligns with the soaring beauty of their music but also reinforces their status as pioneers of the genre. Just as flamingos are known for their striking appearance and poised nature, the band left a lasting impression on the landscape of American music, elevating doo-wop to an art form.

# 12 – UFO

UFO, the British hard rock band formed in 1968, took their name from the London club where they were discovered. The name also nods to unidentified flying objects, perfectly encapsulating the band’s futuristic and otherworldly approach to music. Fronted by Phil Mogg, with Michael Schenker’s guitar wizardry adding a cosmic edge, UFO became known for their powerful live performances and influential albums like Lights Out and Strangers in the Night.

Their name speaks to the band’s penchant for pushing boundaries, both musically and thematically. Like the mysterious objects they are named after, UFO captured the imagination of rock fans with their blend of heavy riffs and melodic precision. Their legacy remains firmly grounded in rock history, even as their name evokes the mysteries of the skies.

# 11 – Hawkwind

Hawkwind, the pioneering space rock band formed in London in 1969, crafted a sound as expansive and exploratory as their name suggests. The band reportedly landed on “Hawkwind” after an amusing quip about band member Nik Turner’s fondness for hawking and wind instruments. Beyond the humor, the name evokes the imagery of a hawk gliding through the air, perfectly suited for their genre-defining blend of progressive rock, psychedelia, and science fiction themes.

Hawkwind’s innovative sound, showcased in albums like Space Ritual and Warrior on the Edge of Time, made them cult icons. Their name is emblematic of their music’s soaring, unrestrained nature, which took listeners on flights of imagination through cosmic landscapes.

# 10 – The Black Crowes

The Black Crowes emerged from Atlanta, Georgia, in 1984, initially known as Mr. Crowe’s Garden. The name transformation to The Black Crowes was inspired by an old southern nursery rhyme, lending a mysterious and vintage feel to their identity. The crow, often a symbol of mystery and resilience, mirrors the band’s blues-infused rock sound and rebellious spirit.

With their breakout album Shake Your Money Maker, featuring hits like “She Talks to Angels” and “Hard to Handle,” The Black Crowes soared into mainstream success. Their name and music evoke an earthy, grounded vibe that resonates with their Southern rock heritage while maintaining a sense of flight and freedom.

# 9 – Buddy Holly and The Crickets

Buddy Holly and The Crickets played an instrumental role in shaping rock and roll during the 1950s. Their name, inspired by the chirping insects, is deceptively simple yet profoundly significant. The Crickets’ name symbolized harmony and a connection to nature while offering a playful contrast to their groundbreaking sound.

Holly’s untimely death in 1959 cut short their rise, but songs like “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue” left an indelible mark on music history. Their name, like their music, reflects an era of innovation and charm, bridging simplicity and sophistication in a way that still resonates today.

Read More: Top 10 Buddy Holly Songs

# 8 – U2

U2, the legendary Irish rock band, took flight in the late 1970s, crafting a name that captures both intrigue and universality. While its exact origin remains debated, theories range from a nod to the American U-2 spy plane to the idea of the phrase “you too,” symbolizing connection. The name evokes a sense of soaring ambition, perfectly suited for their anthemic sound and global influence.

With albums like The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby, U2 became synonymous with sweeping, cinematic rock. Their name reflects both the heights they’ve reached and the connective power of their music, tying together themes of humanity and hope that have defined their career.

# 7 – The Byrds

Formed in Los Angeles in 1964, The Byrds played a pivotal role in creating folk-rock and later ventured into psychedelic rock and country music. Their name, chosen by lead guitarist Jim McGuinn, was a nod to the Beatles (spelling “birds” with a “y” for a British Invasion-style flair). The word “Byrds” captures the image of freedom and flight, reflecting their innovative sound that seemed to soar above the musical landscape of the 1960s.

With classics like “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!” The Byrds became synonymous with jangly guitars and lush harmonies. Their name mirrors their role in expanding musical horizons, much like birds exploring the skies.

# 6 – Jefferson Airplane / Jefferson Starship

Jefferson Airplane, born out of San Francisco’s counterculture in 1965, quickly became icons of the psychedelic rock movement. Their name, a playful nod to blues and folk traditions, evokes the idea of airborne exploration, perfectly aligning with their mind-expanding music. As their sound evolved and members shifted, they transformed into Jefferson Starship in the 1970s.

Songs like “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love” defined the psychedelic era, while Jefferson Starship continued to find success with hits like “Miracles.” Their names reflect both the grounded roots of their early days and the soaring ambitions of their later work, capturing the duality of their journey.

# 5 – The Yardbirds

The Yardbirds, formed in London in 1963, were an electrifying force in shaping blues-rock and a breeding ground for guitar legends like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Their name, referencing the slang term for rail yard hobos, suggests movement, exploration, and a restless energy that paralleled their groundbreaking sound.

With hits like “For Your Love” and “Heart Full of Soul,” The Yardbirds laid the groundwork for hard rock and psychedelic rock. Their name reflects their constant musical evolution and their knack for pushing boundaries, much like birds in perpetual flight.

# 4 – Paul McCartney & Wings

Following the Beatles’ breakup, Paul McCartney formed Wings in 1971, choosing the name after a moment of inspiration during his daughter’s birth. The imagery of “wings” symbolizes uplift, freedom, and grace—qualities reflected in their music, which ranged from tender ballads to stadium rock anthems.

Wings achieved massive success with albums like Band on the Run and singles like “Jet” and “Live and Let Die.” Their name underscores McCartney’s desire to soar beyond the shadow of the Beatles, crafting a legacy that took flight on its own terms.

# 3 – The Eagles

Formed in Los Angeles in 1971, The Eagles epitomized the sound of 1970s American rock with their seamless blend of country and rock influences. The band’s name was inspired by the majestic bird of prey, evoking freedom and grandeur, qualities that became hallmarks of their music. Founding member Glenn Frey credited the name to a peyote-and-tequila-fueled trip in the Mojave Desert, where Native American symbolism around the eagle resonated deeply with the band.

The Eagles achieved unprecedented success with timeless hits like “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado.” Their name, much like their music, soars across generations, embodying a spirit of independence and exploration that aligns perfectly with the theme of flight.

# 2 – Led Zeppelin

One of the most iconic rock bands of all time, Led Zeppelin formed in 1968 when guitarist Jimmy Page brought together Robert Plant, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones. The name “Led Zeppelin” was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the phrase “going down like a lead balloon,” initially suggested by Keith Moon of The Who. The word “zeppelin,” however, added an air of mystique and power, evoking the imagery of a massive airship dominating the skies.

With albums like Led Zeppelin IV and legendary tracks like “Stairway to Heaven,” the band redefined hard rock and blues. Their name encapsulates their larger-than-life sound and towering legacy, perfectly complementing the theme of all things that fly.

# 1 – The Beatles

Arguably the most influential band in music history, The Beatles revolutionized rock and roll after forming in Liverpool in 1960. The name was a clever twist on “The Crickets,” Buddy Holly’s band, with a pun on the word “beat” to highlight their rhythmic and innovative style. While they weren’t named after something that flies in a literal sense, the connection to insects ties them to the natural world of flight and movement.

From their early hits like “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to their groundbreaking later works like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles soared to heights no band had ever reached. Their name is now synonymous with creativity and evolution, making them a fitting close to this list of bands that took inspiration from the skies and beyond.

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