List of Band Name Etymologies - V

V

• The Velvet Underground - Were named after a book about sadomasochism by Michael Leigh.
• The Villebillies - The word "Villebillies" came from a lyric written by vocalist Derek "Child" Monyhan shortly after joining the group. It is a combination of the words Louisville, the band's hometown and largest urban center in Kentucky (often locally nicknamed "The Ville"), and hillbilly, referring to eastern Kentucky's rural mountain culture. The name references the cross genre nature of the band's music.
• Van Halen -"Van Halen" is the last name of the band's lead guitarist Eddie Van Halen and drummer Alex Van Halen. Although initially called Mammoth, the band changed its name when it found out Mammoth was already taken by another band.