Sometimes, one\u2019s given name just doesn\u2019t cut it as part of a famous rock band. Having a \u201cpersona\u201d name can draw attention and put off a more interesting vibe. I can definitely see why the following four rock stars decided to change their name for the stage. Still, their real names are honestly kind of shocking if you weren\u2019t aware of them.<\/p>\n
Chaim Witz (Gene Simmons)<\/p>\n
Gene Simmons is one of the most legendary members of the rock band KISS. His name is also not actually Gene Simmons. Rather, his birth name is Chaim Witz. He changed his name to Gene Simmons as a tribute to the rockabilly crooner Jumpin\u2019 Gene Simmons.<\/p>\n
Vincent Damon Furnier (Alice Cooper)<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve got to admit, this one has a nice ring to it. The Godfather of Shock Rock was born Vincent Damon Furnier in Michigan, and he changed his name to Alice Cooper after forming his band of the same name. Cooper refers to his chosen title as an \u201call-American, sweet little old lady name.\u201d He definitely changed the way people viewed the names Alice and Cooper, without a doubt.<\/p>\n
James Newell Osterberg Jr. (Iggy Pop)<\/p>\n
What a distinguished name for such a wild character. Iggy Pop\u2019s chosen name is one of the most recognizable titles in the world of proto-punk and punk rock. However, obviously, his parents didn\u2019t give him that name. Rather, he was born James Newell Osterberg Jr.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He earned the nickname Iggy after playing with one of his early bands, The Iguanas. The Pop portion of the name came from the fact that he looked similar to his friend by the name of Jimmy Pop. At least, that\u2019s what the lore states.<\/p>\n
Saul Hudson (Slash)<\/p>\n