Weather in Music: Bands Named After Weather Phenomena
Music and the weather have a long and intertwined history. Many bands have chosen weather phenomena as names to capture the essence of their sound or to create a memorable identity. From the early days of rock and roll to contemporary jazz-fusion and even reggae, weather-related band names abound. This article explores some of these intriguing examples and highlights how weather has inspired musicians' creative choices.
A Row of Bands Named After Weather
The Beatles drummer, Ringo Starr, may have had an early band called Rory Storm and the Hurricanes before joining the Fab Four. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to bands that draw inspiration from the atmosphere. Let's take a closer look at some popular and lesser-known groups with names inspired by weather.
The Tornados: The Best-Selling British Song of 1962
The Tornados (or Tornadoes) had a significant hit in the early 1960s with their song "Telstar." This record was a groundbreaking achievement, not only because of its popularity but also because it marked the first time a British group's single hit the number one spot in the United States. The song was so successful that it was the best-selling British single of 1962. As an interesting side note, the flip side of the record was "Jungle Fever," which has its own unique charm.
Jazz-Fusion and Weather Report
The jazz-fusion band Weather Report led by Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter was a name that truly embodied its genre. Drawing attention to the fact that this band might be a 'stretch' to include here, it still stands as one of the most innovative and influential acts in the genre. Featured on the band was Jaco Pastorius on bass, who was a remarkable talent that brought a unique flavor to their music.
Contemporary Bands with Weather-Inspired Names
Beyond classic bands, contemporary music has continued to embrace weather-related names. Examples include:
5 Seconds of Summer - Despite being an Australian group, their name has a catchy and energetic feel that mirrors the chaos of a summer storm.
Air Supply - An Australian duo that has achieved landmark success, their name perhaps evokes sunny, breezy days.
Earth, Wind and Fire - This iconic American group, one of the most successful of the 1970s and 1980s, perfectly encapsulates the earth, wind, and fire elements of nature.
Snow Patrol - Though they are an Irish-Scottish band, the name evokes icy, wintry landscapes.
Randy and the Rainbows - Another band from a Canadian province, Ontario, whose name suggests a bright and sunny day under the rainbows.
The 2-Fer Phenomenon
Among the weather-related band names, some names appear more than once, creating what might be referred to as a '2-fer' in music. Notable examples include:
Phoebe Snow and Gale Storm - Both names are related to the weather, with 'gale' referring to strong winds and 'snow' representing ice and cold weather.
Rory Storm and the Hurricanes - An early band of Ringo Starr, this name evokes the power and intensity of cyclones and hurricanes.
Lesser-Known Bands to Explore
For fans of experimental rock and fusion, there are many lesser-known bands that pay homage to the weather. Here are a few you might not have heard before:
Hawkwind
Celtic Frost
Hurricane Smith
Rainbow (yes, that's a stretch)
Conclusion
The weather has long been a source of inspiration for artists and musicians. Whether it's the sudden downpour of rain or the intense heat of a summer day, the weather can shape both the emotional and creative landscapes of a band or artist. From the iconic Weather Report to the contemporary 5 Seconds of Summer, these bands continue to explore and evoke the beauty and sometimes the chaos of nature through their music.
So, the next time you hear a song with a weather-themed name, you'll know it's part of a long and storied tradition in music history.