March 7th, 2022

50 Tattoos of Gothic Rock Legends

What's your favorite gothic rock band?

There are many different types of rock music, perhaps more subgenres than we could even list by name. But, one of the most prolific is gothic rock. Gothic rock emerged from post-punk during the late 1970s in England and went on to become one of the dominant sounds of the 1980s and 1990s. One of the first and most noteworthy gothic rock bands is The Cure, which was formed by Robert Smith. Smith also had a hand in another popular gothic rock group, acting as the lead guitarist for Siouxsie and the Banshees from 1982 to 1984 alongside fellow goth rock legend Siouxsie Sioux. Other founding gothic rock groups include Joy Division, The Sisters of Mercy, and Bauhaus. For fans of this genre, gothic rock tattoos are a popular way to express their love for the dark, atmospheric sound and iconic bands that defined this movement.

As time went on, gothic rock expanded and grew. During the 1990s and early 2000s, two of the most impactful gothic rock groups were Type O Negative, led by Peter Steele, and Evanescence, led by Amy Lee. Today, we continue to see influences of the forefathers and foremothers of gothic rock in more contemporary acts such as Chelsea Wolfe, Drab Majesty, Cold Cave and Azar Swan.

Take a look at 50 tattoos inspired by gothic rock legends in the gallery below. Then let us know your favorite group from this list in the comments section on social media.

Type O Negative

Established: 1989

Origin: Brooklyn, New York

Members: Peter Steele (lead vocals, bass), Kenny Hickey (guitar, co-lead vocals), Josh Silver (keyboard, backing vocals), Sal Abruscato (drums)

Top Record: “Bloody Kisses” (1993)

Top Single: “My Girlfriend’s Girlfriend” (1996)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Θ Amelia Θ (@frost_oath)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bob Tyrrell (@bobtyrrell)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@cuttybage)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@needle.mistress)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@tashaterror)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@needle.mistress)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@jessihardesty)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@needle.mistress)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jake K (@redlacedthrasher666)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Paul Acker (@paulackertattoo)

Siouxsie and the Banshees

Established: 1976

Origin: London, England

Members: Siouxsie Sioux (vocals), Steven Severin (bass, keyboards)

Top Record: “Kaleidoscope” (1995)

Top Single: “Hong Kong Garden” (1978)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Julia Hayes (@hen.wife)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@barbielongfox)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by tattoo artist (@missjoblacktattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@lauragomeztattoo)

Joy Division

Established: 1976

Origin: Salford, England

Members: Ian Curtis (vocals), Bernard Sumner (guitar, keyboards), Peter Hook (bass), Stephen Morris (drums)

Top Record: “Unknown Pleasures” (1979)

Top Single: “Love Will Tear Us Apart” (1980)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SunSky (@sunsky_tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nat@inksmith (@inksmith_bkk)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kurt Mitchell (@_kurtmitchell)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lex Croker (@theareabycrow)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ℝ ℕ ððð (@arielxtiger)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Michaela (@house_of_chester)

Bauhaus

Established: 1978

Origin: Northampton, England

Members: Daniel Ash (guitar, saxophone), Peter Murphy (vocals), Kevin Haskins (drums), David J (bass)

Top Record: “The Sky’s Gone Out” (1982)

Top Single: “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” (1979)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Xavier Bael (@xavier_bael)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jo Ann Atwood (@joatwood)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@needle.mistress)

The Cure

Established: 1978

Origin: Crawley, England

Members: Robert Smith (lead vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards), Simom Gallup (bass, keyboards), Roger O’Donnell (keyboards), Jason Cooper (drums), Reeves Gabrels (guitar, bass

Top Record: “Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me” (1987)

Top Single: “Boys Don’t Cry” (1979)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Elias Apoukranidis (@elias.ap)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kelly Doty (@kellydotylovessoup)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BLXCK INK (@blxckink)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ❋ ❋ (@boyanomaly.tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Juani Mine (@juanimine)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hello (@pokeeeeeeeoh)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Suflanda (@suflanda)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by B A R T (@bartdead)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Avalon Todaro (@avalontattoo)

Evanescence

Established: 1995

Origin: Little Rock, Arkansas

Members: Amy Lee (vocals, piano, keyboards), Ben Moody (guitar)

Top Record: “Fallen” (2003)

Top Single: “Bring Me to Life” (2003)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by David Picón (@elarquiregio)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @xlucillex

Depeche Mode

Established: 1980

Origin: Basildon, England

Members: Dave Gahan (lead vocals), Martin Gore (keyboards, guitar, co-vocals), Andy Fletcher (keyboards)

Top Record: “Violator” (1990)

Top Single: “Just Can’t Get Enough” (1981)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ~ (@ferrantorretatts)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MAUFÉ / tattoo (@_maufe_)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @tamistra_art

Editor's Picks

Celebrities
Black Music Month 2025: Celebrating Tattooed Icons, Inked Culture, and Timeless Soundtracks

Celebrate Black Music Month with tattooed icons like Lil Wayne, Rihanna, and Beyoncé—where ink, music, and culture come together in powerful expression.

Gift Guide
Barrel Proof & Ink Approved: Our Picks for National Bourbon Day

Dive into a curated guide built for bourbon lovers who live life ink-first, featuring bold bottles and glassware with grit.

Art
Top 10 Friday the 13th Tattoos That Celebrate Jason Voorhees’ Iconic Legacy

Slash into spooky season with these Friday the 13th tattoos honoring Jason Voorhees and the eerie legacy of Camp Crystal Lake. Ink with a killer vibe.

InkedMagCover