Why do bands choose numbers in their band name?

We often see bands choosing a band name with numbers behind or in front or in between. Why do bands choose numbers in their band name? There can be several reasons. Think for example of band members who have made a mix of their date of birth, or if they rehearse every week on a certain day, or they choose a number that fits the number of band members or just dial a number. Numbers added to a band name can have spiritual as well as other meanings specially chosen by the band.
But sometimes are also reasons or stories that fit certain bands with songs, like U2, UB40, Level 42 for example.



U2's first name was actually Feedback until 1978, but Steve Averill, a friend of them which was also a rock/punk musician, made a list of names and at the bottom he put U2. He thought it was a powerful name and suggested it to the band members when the album Sleeves was released. Bono was not too keen on the name U2 at first, but agreed anyway. 
bandnamenumbers
bandnamenumbers

Reggae band UB40 has chosen number 40 to add to their band name. 40 is derived from a form you used to apply for unemployment benefits through social services in Britain .The letters UB stand for Unemployment Benefit.

Level 42 was initially called 42, which referred to a joke in the science fiction book The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy by author Douglas Adams. The record company, however, indicated to put the word level in front of 42 and it became Level 42.

Loading full article...