Marcel Thomas/FilmMagic
Courtney Love just isn't feeling like herself these days. In the new issue of British music magazine NME, the Hole frontwoman is quoted as saying she wants to ditch the last name Love altogether. "Courtney Love is dead," declared the controversial musician.
"We've all decided we don't like her anymore," she continued. "We love her when she goes onstage, but I don't need her in the rest of my life... Courtney Love is a way to oppress me." Her new name of choice actually incorporates her middle name as a surname: Courtney Michelle.
At least, that's what the interviewer thought she said! In an apparent about-face, Love's spokesperson tells MTV News that the quote was taken "100 percent out of context." Later, on Twitter, Love assured fans: "I HAVE NOT CHANGED MY NAME AT ALL THAT'S ABSURD!" and "NO ONE CALLS ME CM EXCEPT FRIENDS AND FAMILY IF YOU DO I WILL IGNORE YOU."
What's going on? Was Love actually considering a name change? Many fans could agree that she could use a fresh start, after an erratic career marred by personal and professional upheaval. A name-change has worked wonders for some stars: when Beyonce presented herself as the alter-ego "Sasha Fierce," she delivered her biggest hit single to date ("Single Ladies"), and when "Puff Daddy" became P. Diddy, it marked his transition from rapper to music mogul.
Then again, there's always the chance that a new name can reduce an esteemed artist into a punchline (like the time Prince insisted on being called an unpronounceable symbol, or Garth Brooks' short-lived, inexplicable stint as "Chris Gaines"). In that context, it's probably best that Love plays it safe right now, letting her band Hole's new album -- Nobody's Daughter, on sale April 27 -- speak for itself.
Plus:
- Courtney Love Doesn't Want R-Pattz Playing Kurt Cobain
- Courtney Love buries the hatchet with Billy Corgan
Do you think Courtney Love should change her name? Chime in below!
