The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” and Strawberry Alarm Clock have somewhat similar names; however, one did not inspire the other. A member of Strawberry Alarm Clock revealed his band’s name was indirectly derived from a different classic rock song. Here’s how fans falsely came to believe “Strawberry Fields Forever” influenced Strawberry Alarm Clock — and the impact both had on American pop culture.
Regan also wanted the band to use “strawberry” in their name because folk and rock singer Donovan mentioned a banana in his song “Mellow Yellow.” Donovan had hits in the 1960s like “Sunshine Superman” and “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” Notably, Donovan’s music sounded very different from Strawberry Alarm Clock’s.
Members of the band tried to think of a name with the word “strawberry” in it. During a rehearsal, they thought of the name Strawberry Toilet. Afterward, an alarm clock went off, fell, and broke. Laughing, members of the band thought of their current name as a joke.
Source: cheatsheet.com