Claim: 311's innocuous name masks sinister ties to white supremacy, because 'K' is the eleventh letter of the alphabet, and 'K' repeated three times equals 'KKK'.
Status: False.
Origins: This rumor has dogged 311. There's no KKK involvement and never has been.
Knowing the fascination value of remaining sphinxlike in the face of growing interest, band members have at times joked about the meaning of the name:
And according to Nick Hexum (lead vocalist and songwriter):
'Twas group member Aaron "P-Nut" Wills who supposedly chose the name, claiming that 311 is the police code for indecent exposure. According to Nick Hexum: "Our original guitarist was arrested for skinny dipping, and they put 311 on the ticket":
The KKK rumor has forced the group to become more forthcoming about the meaning behind the name. Candor aside, they still have problems in that there are those who are determined to believe that there is a connection to the Klan:
"It has come to our attention that there is a very unsettling rumor circulating regarding the name of our band '311.' We have been told that certain white supremacist groups use the numbers 311 to represent KKK. This is a most unfortunate coincidence and one that is extremely disturbing to us. We would like to state for the record that this is completely at odds with our personal beliefs. We believe the only people worth hating are organized haters like the KKK. Anyone familiar with our lyrics knows how we feel. Our lyrics make a strong stand against racism and a strong stand for positivity and unity. The name of our band originally comes from an Omaha police citation for indecent exposure. We thought it was funny at the time. Now our name simply means - five friends from Omaha making music. Music that stands for peace and unity."
Mind you, the KKK rumor wasn't all bad news for the band.
The final nail in the rumor's coffin came when the band recorded the song "Silver," with the following lyrics:
not happy being human, no wish to get along.
Little people need exclusions; sucker groups to throng.
It makes them feel special; it makes them feel strong.
Barbara "fame and for tune" Mikkelson
Last updated: 5 May 2007
Bledsoe, Wayne. "311 Lives By Its Code and Stays on the Road."
Knoxville News-Sentinel. 16 August 1996 (p. T10).
Dolgins, Adam. Rock Names: From ABBA to ZZ Top.
Secaucus, NJ: Citadel Press, 1998. ISBN 0-8065-2046-9 (p. 265).
Moton, Tony. "Schools Ban 311 Shirts."
Omaha World Herald. 19 April 1996 (p. SF37).
Moton, Tony. "It's One Hot Number in the Life of 311."
Omaha World Herald. 9 February 1997 (p. E1).