5 European bands who fortunately changed their names

The band's name in their early years, The Quarrymen, had fit quite well as several band members went to Quarry Bank High School. The band was actually named after the school song, "The Song of the Quarry." In 1960, the band decided to change their name to fit their new image. They tried five different names before deciding on The Beatles.

As with many bands, Radiohead also first formed while still at school. In the Abingdon Public School south of Oxford, they were allowed in the practice room only once a week, on Fridays. So the band called themselves "On a Friday." After their first record deal, however, they had to change their name, and from 1991 were known as Radiohead.

For their first joint TV appearance in 1970, the four Swedes were still a loose collective with the name "Festfolk" - or "party people." They released their first single together with their names on the record cover: Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Anni-Frid. As their success grew, this name was too cumbersome and they shortened it to ABBA - an acronym for their first names.

This band had many names before becoming Pink Floyd. Among others were The Abdabs, which means nervous anxiety, and The Tea Set. Yes, one of Europe's most famous rock bands was named after tea cups and saucers. Sure, they were British; but when the band finally changed their name to Pink Floyd in 1965, no one really complained.

In terms of name selection, this band had some questionable taste. Known as Pectoralz after forming in 1996, and then as Starfish, the group led by singer Chris Martin fortunately changed their name in 1998 to Coldplay, after a book of poems by Philip Horky - which, as opposed to stomach muscles, is a better fit for a band known for its lyrical pop ballads.