Are The Pet Shop Boys Changing Their Name?! April 8, 2009

Remember when I wrote a very tongue-in-cheek blog about bands who might want to consider changing their names?

One of these bands, legendary brit-pop band the Pet Shop Boys, received a request from our friends at PETA Europe this week, asking the band to officially change their name to the Rescue Shelter Boys.

Rather than be offended by our request, the Pet Shop Boys were good sports and posted a note on the news section of their website that reads:

"The organisation PETA Europe, dedicated to establishing and protecting the rights of all animals, has written to Pet Shop Boys with a request they are unable to agree to but nonetheless think raises an issue worth thinking about."

Thanks for raising an important issue, boys! We think it's worth thinking about too. For every animal purchased from a breeder or a pet store, another animal is euthanized in a shelter—not to mention, animals purchased in pet stores are usually raised in puppy mills in filthy, unsanitary, and cramped conditions. Many of these animals suffer from behavioral and health issues, and can be extremely difficult to socialize.

If your family or friends are looking for a new companion, please check your local shelter! Your new furry family member will be very appreciative and you'll have a best friend for life.

xo
Shan

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Bands Who Should Change Their Names Immediately! February 6, 2009

Remember when we wrote letters to Whitefish and Spearfish High Schools, asking them to change their name to Sea Kitten High School? Well after browsing through our iPods, we at peta2 think there are a few bands out there that might want to consider changing their names to spread a more positive message for animals.

Here are a few band names that I'm suggesting to be changed ASAP:

Meat Puppets: Oh, 90's alternative rock, how I've missed you! If you were in High School rocking your flannel and combat boots, I know you know all the words to "Backwater" just like I do. Maybe as the Tofu Puppets they can make a spongy grungy comeback.

Meat Loaf: I would do anything for delicious food, but it won't be meat! Meatloaf, do us all a favor and change your name to Lentil Loaf. Not only does Lentil Loaf have a nicer ring with that extra syllable, but it won't rot in your colon!

Cattle Decapitation: They're a band full of vegetarians, so we think this death metal band should trade their name for Cattle Appreciation to match their ethical beliefs. This might not sound as "metal", but I assure you, cows are more badass than you might think.

Pet Shop Boys: If Oprah did an entire show exposing the abuse of pet stores and puppy mills, and you've still got "pet shop" in your name, you know you're in for it. C'mon guys, get with the times! Change your name to the Animal Shelter Boys and show everyone that adoption is truly the only way to go. I might be even more inclined to listen to "West End Girls" for the 2,000th time. Just sayin', I love that song!

Deerhunter: Calling all Pitchfork Media lurkers! Wouldn't you say it's about time for this acclaimed indie band to change their name to Deerhugger? Not only does their music seem more appropriate for a deer hugging session, rather than the killing of innocent animals, but they'd only have to change three letters to make this happen. Is that really asking too much?

Leathermouth: As a huge fan of the "horror punk" genre, I must say that I'm already in love with what I've heard from Sexiest Vegetarian winner, Frank Iero's band, Leathermouth. The one thing I could do without is the name. My worst possible nightmare would be a mouth made of chemically treated cow skin that would otherwise rot. Pleathermouth—with only one extra letter—however, sounds delicious.

The Stray Cats: The Stray Cats are known for helping pioneer the rockabilly scene with hits like "Stray Cat Strut" and "Rock This Town", but they would be known for helping spread a positive message about animal birth control with their new name, The Spayed Cats.

Skinny Puppy: These industrial pioneers were known for speaking out in favor of animal rights, be it with anti-vivisection songs like "Testure" or Nivek Ogre's theatrical stage antics. With the name Well Fed Puppy their mission would be a bit more obvious.

Reel Big Fish: Fish? What fish? I have no idea what you're talking about. If you're talking about the adorable creatures of the sea with whiskers, you must be talking about Sea Kittens. There will be no reeling of sea kittens here, but Pulin does admit to skanking at a Reel Big Fish show back in the day. Yep, I said it! Sorry Pulin, but you'll now be skanking to Real Big Sea Kittens.

Pig Destroyer: After knowing that the only difference between pigs and dogs are the way that we treat them (Woof! campaign, anyone?), I propose that this metal band should change their name to Pig Enjoyer. Enjoy pigs for the amazing animals that they are, not for their flesh!

Disclaimer: See also: "tongue in cheek", "humor", "I'm kidding", and "J/K"

Are there any other bands out there that you think could change their names to spread a more positive message? Comment with your ideas below!

xo
Shan

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