Eight Of The Best Tattoos Inspired By Music

(Image courtesy of Mez Love on Flickr.)

Some people are casual fans of a band. Some people own all the albums. Some, however, are driven to interpret how the music makes them feel through getting a tattoo, bringing their own unique expression to how they see their favorite songs. Here’s a look at some of the eight best tattoos inspired by music.

To celebrate the New Season of Ink Master, premiering Tuesday February 25 at 10/9c on Spike, the show is sponsoring “Tattoo Bracket 2014.” Vote on your favorite tattoos for your chance to win a trip for 2 to SXSW. Vote here: https://www.uproxx.com/ink-master/

(Image courtesy of Felipe Neves on Flickr.)

It’s true there are a lot of Metallica tattoos out there, ranging from the band to the album art. But this one stands out because it’s both a tough tattoo to get and unmistakable. People will think most album art is just a tattooist’s fever dream; this one means there’s no mistaking it.

(image courtesy of Iñaki Mateos on Flickr.)

That said, there are some images that are just so iconic, so tied to one band, that it makes a great tattoo. Also, you’d be surprised how difficult it is to nail this art; we went through a lot of Pink Floyd tattoos to find one that nailed it.

(Image courtesy of alexgowers on Flickr.)

Another surprisingly difficult tribute, as anybody who’s seen a musician’s face in a tattoo can tell you, is capturing the essence of a great musician in a tattoo. Too realistic and it looks weird; too abstract and it doesn’t come through. This, however, nails it with perfect simplicity and style.

 

f (Image courtesy of DJ Philly G on Flickr.)

Sometimes, it must be said, bands do the hard work for you. This tattoo both communicates your taste in music and offers an indelible image everyone will notice.

(Image courtesy of elmago_delmar on Flickr.)

Of course, sometimes more detail is better, or you just can’t capture part of what makes a musician great without getting into the nitty-gritty. Hence, detailed tattoos like this bring out the best in fans.

(Image courtesy of cayooo on Flickr.)

Lyric tattoos are fairly popular, but they’re also hard to do right. Just putting the words on your skin is usually enough for most people, but given enough style, even a simple lyric tattoo can become a unique expression.

(Image courtesy of Mez Love on Flickr.)

And then, of course, there’s the tattoo that goes all out.

To celebrate the premiere of Season 4 of Spike’s Ink Master on 2/25 at 10/9c, the show is sponsoring Tattoo Bracket Challenge 2014. Vote on your favorite tattoos at our Ink Master page for your chance to win a trip for 2 to SXSW. Vote here: https://www.uproxx.com/ink-master/