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What makes a great logo design for a band? A clever design and the ability to become just as iconic as the music is a good start but originality can be just as important. Here, we’ve decided to include some old favourites as well as some newcomers to bring you a list of brilliant band logo designs with a difference.

01. Nirvana

One of the most recognisable logos in music history, the Nirvana logo design has been a common sight T-shirts for over two decades. Featuring an Onyx typeface and a smiley face – said to be inspired by a strip club in Seattle – the juxtaposing colours make this an iconic band logo design.

02. Weezer

Designed by the band’s drummer Patrick Wilsen in 1993, the Weezer logo was originally in lower case. The ‘flying W’ used the Futura Medium font before a few alterations were made. Fans are known to recreate this logo design at shows using hand signals, proving its worth and success in creating a brand for the band.

03. Jurassic 5

Perfectly encorporating both the ‘J’ and the ‘5’ to portray Jurassic 5, this is an epic hip-hop logo that allows the design to be featured on a range of records thanks to its circular design. It’s been produced in a wide range of colours for much of the band’s merchandise and remains a strong contender as one of the best band logos.

04. Public Image Ltd

Renowned photographer Dennis Morris was responsible for the design of Public Image Ltd’s logo. Known for photographing The Sex Pistols and Bob Marley, Morris created this band logo design back in 1979. He also produced the iconic Metal Box packaging for the band, which is still regarded as one of the best album artworks of all time.

05. The KLF

As one of the seminal bands of British acid house music back in the 80s and 90s, the KLF also had a brilliant band logo design. The logo regularly featured on many of their releases and remains to be one of the best band logo designs ever created. Perfectly shaped to appear on vinyl, this is a winner in our eyes.

06. Metallica

Created by Turner Duckworth, the famous Metallica logo got a redesign back in 2008. Based on the band’s original version
from 1981, Duckworth also designed the identity and packaging for the band’s album ‘Death Magnetic’. Like countless other metal bands, Metallica’s own take on the metal aesthetic is something that their fans cherish; whether it be a tattoo or scrawled on school books.

07. Sunn

As one half of the seismic drone-rock band Sunn, not only does Stephen O’Malley help to make some fantastic music – he also oversees the design and art direction of their releases. The visual is an important component to Sunn’s music and Stephen has certainly triumphed with this long-standing, striking logo.

08. Kavinsky

Making music reminscient of 80s film soundtracks, French producer Vincent Belorgey – quite aptly – appeared on the opening credits for Nicolas Winding Refn’s movie ‘Drive’. It’s easy to see why then, that his logo also evokes the sense of 80s movies; with it’s retro-like font, it’s the perfect accompianment to his music.

09. Foo Fighters

Another perfect example of a band logo that has proved popular with fan’s tattoos, The Foo Fighters logo comprises of a circle motif containing two interlocking “Fs” and the band’s name in a slightly rounded and compact typeface. This is among the most popular and instantly recognisable logos in rock music.

10. The Ramones

The Ramones‘ logo was designed by New York City artist Arturo Vega, a longtime friend who lived with several members of the band. It’s proof that when you get a band logo right, it can go on to become one of the most iconic brands in the world. Basing it on The Presidential Seal, Vega wanted the design to portray an ‘All-American Band’.

11. The XX

This is a new kid on the block but boy, does it work. Bursting onto the music scene in 2009 with their self-titled debut album, the black and white ‘X’ across the front sleeve was just as eye-catching as the music was inticing.

This latest variation of the logo was designed by band member Romy Madley Croft; a one-time art student who used oil imagery to create the affect within the letter. This band logo is a perfect example branding that will continue to work through each album release.

12. Black Flag

This has to be one of the most iconic band logos of all time. Created for Black Flag by guitarist and chief songwriter Greg Ginn’s brother Raymond Pettibon, he once stated in an interview that the black flag design was designed to represent anarchy. The four black bars combined with the bold typography make for a solid band logo.

13. Run DMC

Run DMC broke barriers in music, that almost everyone in music today benefits from. Their logo is still one of the most prolific to ever grace the music industry and continues to adorn the chests and feet of hip-hop lovers across the globe. The solid typography and three-part colour scheme makes it infinitely timeless and it’s also one of the only band logos to feature on a pair of Adidas sneakers.

14. Nine Inch Nails

Designed by frontman Trent Reznor and Gary Talpas, the Nine Inch Nails logo is simplicity at its best. Featuring the letters set inside a thick border, the black and white creation first appeared on the band’s debut album ‘Down in it,’ which was released in 1989.

It’s said to be inspired by Tibor Kalman’s typography on the Talking Heads album ‘Remain in Light.’

15. Daft Punk

Evoking an extremely ‘punky’ look, the electronic duo produced one of the most well-known logos within the dance music scene. Designed by band member Guillaume Emmanuel “Guy-Manuel” de Homem-Christo, the logo ties in with the stand-out ethos of the pair. Using bold colours and textures, Daft Punk’s visuals are just as important as their tunes.