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Here are some musical vermin whose mothers we wish had had medical plans that included abortion. These singers who think they're so special they only need one name. Bono, Sting, Jewel, Tiffany, Prince : what a crock of shit, get a fucking last name, would you, please? I have a two word name for you: Pretentious Cocksucker. How do you like that? Bono, Sting : it's not bad enough the music sucks, but with no last name, you can't find out where they live to throw a fucking bomb through their window.

George Carlin#42

MusicFamePop culture

About this quote

What does it mean?
Carlin expresses annoyance at one-name singers, calling them pretentious and suggesting they should have full names.
In plain terms
He criticizes singers who use only one name.
What can you take from it?
Avoid pretentiousness.

Where it applies

  • discussing music industry
  • commenting on pop culture

Putting it to work

  • reject shallow celebrity culture

Questions to consider

  • Why do artists use one name?
  • Is branding pretentious?

Another view

It conflates name choice with quality.

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