There are some corporate logos universally recognised, like the Apple logo or the Starbucks mermaid. These are brands so iconic that they don't even need the company name on the logo to get noticed. However, such brands aren't limited to corporate entities, take for example some of the biggest music names in history! That's right, band logos can be just as memorable as company designs and they each have a unique story behind their creation too.

The Rolling Stones Printed Logo

Truly one of the most iconic logo designs in history, the Rolling Stones "tongue and lips" graphic is not only famous for its association with the band, but for tie-in promotional products like printed logo t-shirts as well. Originally created in the 1970s' by designer, John Pasche, the very cheeky logo is said to have been inspired by lead singer Mick Jagger's own lips. The band have used the logo on a number of album covers, but it can also be found on a lot of branded merchandise too (yes, even today -- the logo is popular across generations).

The Run-DMC Logo Design

One of the most successful hip-hop groups spawned in the 1980s, Run-DMC didn't just have blistering tracks and a incredible talent, they also had a logo which would ultimately outlive the the group itself. Although we might look at the use of the Franklin Gothic font now as quite simple, Stephanie Nash's original logo for the band managed to convey a modern boldness not seen elsewhere at the time. Not only was the logo famous in the 80s' it can still be seen all over the world on a variety of branded items such as logo printed caps, bags, technology cases, and more. The band might have wrapped up in 2002, but the logo will undoutedly be around for a while longer.

The Mysterious Personalised Alt-J Symbol

Perhaps not as well known as the classic groups above, the British Indie band known as Alt-J have a very interesting story behind their logo and indeed the name of the band too. The group adopted the Greek letter "Delta" which is written as Δ -- as their logo. You can type it on a Windows keyboard using the alt+j keys, hence the name! The group's fans refer to them using both the shorthand of Alt-J and also the delta symbol, but at their shows merchandise and displays mainly carry the unique delta sign Δ as it's very eye-catching.

The Wu-Tang Clan Promotional Logo

And finally we come to the recognisable "W" for Wu-Tang Clan. A Staten Island rap collective, the group achieved breakout success in the early 90s' and managed to craft a whole mystical world for their fans, including a logo that plenty of 90s' kids wore or graffittied at some point. Originally designed by producer Mathematics, a professional graphics artist at the time, the logo is heavily influenced by street art and has a dash of kung-fu movie boldness.

Wu-Tang and its members went on to capitalise on the iconic success of their logo by using it on all manner of tie-in promotional products including streetwear, stubby coolers, and headwear.

 

Logos first spotted here: https://www.highsnobiety.com/2014/05/20/the-inspiration-behind-10-of-the-greatest-band-logos/