25 beautiful band logo designs

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. 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.

02. 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.

03. 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.

04. 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.

05. 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’.

06. 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.

07. 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.

08. 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.

09. 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.'

10. 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.

11. Public Enemy

Another hip-hop gem in our list, this logo for Public Enemy was designed by Chuck D back in 1986. It was tightened up ahead of the release of 'Yo! Bum Rush The Show' in 1987 by New York artist Eric Haze.

Many claim the target to be a state trooper but it is infact a silhouette of a B-boy. It was also announced today that the group are the newest addition to the Rock & Roll hall of fame, which makes the Creative Bloq team very happy indeed!

12. The Streets

It may not be as iconic as our other inclusions but we just had to feature this logo from British group The Streets. Evoking the exact feel and message of their debut album 'Original Pirate Material,' the gritty typography effortlessly compliments the lighter image. There's been a few variations throughout their career but we love this original design. 

13. Rolling Stones

How could we not include this infamous logo from the rock legends themselves, The Rolling Stones? Created by John Pasche in 1971, the designer is said to have been influenced by Mick Jaggers appearance for the logo, stating that his lips were the first thing you noticed about him. The eye-popping offering has continued to work well for the band, who have just celebrated their 50th year in music.

14. Wu-Tang Clan

The Wu-Tang 'W' is one of the most distinguishable logos in hip-hop culture, with its members adorning the “W” on everything from clothing to chains, but it is most prominent on dozens of their album covers. Created by DJ and producer Mathematics, the band have stuck by the original design throughout their expansive career.

15. Yes

English artist and graphic designer Roger Dean created this iconic, bubbly logo, which first debuted on the band's 1972 LP 'Close to the Edge.' He also crafted Yes' album artwork and stage shows; solidifying the band's brand throughout the ages. It has had a variant of colours but that never makes the typography any less engaging. This is a logo that perfectly sums up the 1970's.

16. Buzzcocks

An simple yet instantly recognisable band logo, it was created by Malcolm Garrett in early 1977. He went on to work with the band for several years throughout their career, creating visuals for promotional material. The fast, edgy and disjointed typography is the perfect personification of one of the greatest British bands.

17. Aphex Twin

First appearing on the 1992 release of 'Xylem Tube,' Richard D. James aka Aphex Twin has continued to use the logo throughout his impressive career. Designed by Paul 'Terratag' Nicholson, the logo evokes an unsettling yet beauitful image that wholly coinsides with the impeccable music of Aphex Twin.

18. Wolves in the Throne Room

Now, we know that this isn't necessarily an infamous band but it's all about the logo design with this one. Created by Christophe Szpajdel - who has lovingly been branded the master of black-metal logos - we picked this offering from Wolves in the Throne Room purely for its stunning typography. That's some seriously beautiful work right there!

19. Death From Above 1979

An eye-popping and graphic design delight, this logo for Death From Above 1979 has graced the covers, stage shows, banners and posters for the noise rock duo since the beginning of their career. The bold choice of colour makes it a logo with a difference, with no need for a name as the logo is instantly recognisable.

20. Justice

Choosing to use such a universal symbol as your band's logo is a dangerous path; however, this creation for French electronic duo Justice just seems to work.

Band member Gaspard Augé once stated that the influence for the decision was 'that a music venue is like a church in that everyone is gathering together and focusing on one point.' The logo has adorned the band's live shows and album covers, becoming almost as synonymous as their songs. 

21. Radiohead

Radiohead haven't really had a regular band logo throughout their career but this is one that truly stands out (and adorns many a fan's body.) Designed by artist Stanley Donwood and Thom Yorke, the 'modified bear' was created for the release of Kid A.

The name of the bear either ironically or purposely contributes to the influx of modern art without meaning, without complexity, and without use. If Radiohead's career is anything to go by, we're guessing it's on the ironic side of things.

22. Devin Townsend Project

A simple, typography-based logo design, this creation for the Devin Townsend Project combines the three initials of the band's name in two swoops. Suggested by one of our Twitter followers, tt was designed by Travis Smith and show us that sometimes less is more when it comes to band logos.

23. Thursday

This logo from rock group Thursday features some simple typography along with an image of a dove. The black and white creation was said to be conceived by band member Tom Keeley after taking influence from the band's lyrics "We can rise on the wings of the dove" featured on their song 'Cross out the Eyes.'

24. Outkast

The final hip-hop logo in our list, this creation for the duo evokes the fun aspect of their music. Featuring graffiti-like font complete with a crest and crown, the pair even comment on the logo during their song 'Morris Brown,' stating "OutKast royalty by design of logo. Wanna count it out loud?"

25. Misfits

The Misfits' skull logo first appeared on the 'Horror Business' single, based on a poster for The Crimson Ghost. It proved so popular, that the image quickly became the mascot for the band and has been used frequently on the band's releases and merchandise ever since. An instantly recognisable piece of pop culture, this logo has certainly stood the test of time.

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What's your favourite band logo of all time? Let us know in the comments box below!