The most interesting nicknames of famous rock stars and their history: part 2...

We all have idols in the world of rock music... And surely at least once in your life you have wondered how, in fact, this or that rock star got his nickname? After all, for example, fans often call John Bonham "Bonzo", but this word has nothing to do with his name... As, moreover, the nickname "Monkey King" has nothing to do with the name of Ian Brown... But today we are here to open the veil of mystery! So: this is a selection of popular rock idols and their equally popular nicknames with a detailed history of their origins! Let's go!

Jerry Lee Lewis: "The Killer."

The rock and roll genre is full of colourful personalities... One such is Jerry Lee Lewis, known as one of the first truly wild rock artists! Before his career was derailed by his controversial marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, Lewis was a rising star with a bright future... He later changed genre and turned to country music, where he began to find success again. But his rock albums continue to be a success, and many like his energetic personality reflected in his work.

Known as "The Killer", Lewis has carried this nickname since his high school days! Some fans believe it came about because of his incredibly exciting and energetic live performances, with fans saying he "killed the show" after his set was over. Others believe the nickname came from his stage antics, when he was known to set a piano on fire once or twice... But in truth, Lewis' nickname came from a popular slang term. Many people used the term "killer" as part of their greetings to each other, and after a while Lewis's friends started calling him "killer." This nickname caught on and he carried it with him throughout his musical career, and many people still refer to the famous musician and pianist as "killer" rather than his first name.

Ted Nugent: "Motor City."

As a renowned guitarist and impressive vocalist, Ted Nugent has definitely earned his place in rock history. He began his career with the Amboy Dukes, who quickly became favourites for their unique music and interesting instrumental parts. Throughout his career, Nugent had many ups and downs, and his political views interspersed with his musical endeavours... However, despite his eternal struggle with himself, his undeniable talent managed to lead Ted to success....

Many fans assumed that the famous nickname "Motor City" came from Nugent's extravagant style and outlandish stage charm, and they were partially right. The nickname came about because of his flamboyant stage personality and passion for music! In fact, the musician invented his own persona known as "Gonzo". This persona epitomises a wild man making passionate music ...

John Entwisle: "Bull."

With a musical career spanning over 40 years, John Entwisle is a rock icon who brought joy to many hearts during his time in Who... He was even voted the greatest bass player of all time in a Rolling Stone poll in 2011! Entwisle was arguably one of the leading forces behind the Who's success, with many fans claiming that after his death the band would never be the same again... But that's another story. What's notable is that during his career, this legend mainly earned two nicknames: "Thunderfingers" and "The Bull".

The nickname "Bull" has particularly caught on... But why? The most common theory is that Entwisle got his nickname because of his incredibly strong physique and powerful stage presence. Another more obscure theory states that the nickname came about because of the musician's ability to eat, drink and apparently outdo all of his bandmates at everything! In truth, John was called "Bull" partly because of his physique, but also because of his ability to stand still throughout a performance.

John Bonham: "Bonzo."

Not every rock legend in music history was a vocalist or guitarist... John Bonham is known worldwide as one of the greatest drummers ever! It is believed that his talent was one of the driving forces behind the success of the world famous band Led Zeppelin! As one of the most influential drummers in rock history, Bonham is known for his incredibly fast drumming skills, unique sound, and ability to completely immerse himself in the music... During his short but successful musical career, Bonham had several nicknames: "Percy", "Led Wallet", and "Bonzo".

He was known as "Percy" because his voice was higher than the usual male tone... Supposedly, he was called "Led Wallet" because of his thriftiness and aversion to reckless spending. But the nickname "Bonzo" is the alias by which most people remember him... Many theories claim that the name originated because of his wild looks and energetic stage personality. Wikipedia also states that Bonham was nicknamed after a dog from a popular British comic book...

Ian Brown: "The Monkey King."

The Eighties was a glorious decade for the alternative rock genre, and many artists flourished during this time. Ian Brown was one of them: he made a huge impact with his band Stone Roses! However, in the 1990s, the band broke up despite their resounding success, and Brown embarked on a solo career. Since then, the musician has continued to stay in the spotlight and gain new fans around the world as a solo artist...

Among many amazing nicknames, "The Monkey King" is perhaps the most popular and underrated... If legend has it, Brown got it because of his silly clown acts both on and off stage. However, the truth is that he was given this nickname by the rock band Dodgy! Thus, the joke name "King Monkey" quickly became popular, and, importantly, well remembered by Brown himself....

Doug Clifford: "Cosmo."

Doug Clifford is best known as one of the founding members of Creedence Clearwater Revival. After several years of international success, the band broke up and Clifford decided to embark on a solo career, which was a resounding success! He later decided to reform the band, and thus Creedence Clearwater Revisited was born. Although this project was not as successful, Clifford continued to gain fans and recognition all over the world... Throughout his musical career he was known by only one alias, which is often mentioned in news articles and reports... It is, of course, the nickname "Cosmo"!

The nickname "Cosmo" has some mystery, with one theory claiming that it came about after Clifford released his solo album Cosmo. However, the truth sounds much more interesting... According to numerous reports, including interviews with Clifford himself, this name was given to him... by a hippie at a house party! Clifford admitted in an interview that he once lived in a dilapidated Victorian house that no one kept an eye on... According to him, this allowed the occupants of the house, including himself, to have the best parties of the period! At one such, Clifford was asked what the "C" in his middle name stood for, but before he could answer, a hippie present said it stood for "Cosmo". The nickname has stuck with the singer ever since!

Don Felder: "Fingers."

After being fired from the Eagles in 2001, Don Felder embarked on an incredibly successful solo career. Named one of the best guitarists in rock music, he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2016.

As is the case with many musical legends, Felder has a nickname: he is known as "Fingers"! Many fans associate this name with Felder's incredible guitar playing... And indeed! Don got his nickname from former bandmate Glenn Fry, who was reportedly very impressed with the insane abilities of his playing...