The 30 Greatest Rock Bands of All Time (2023 Update) - Guitar Lobby (2023)

This is probably the hardest and, at the same time, the most gluttonous job of all: trying to choose the best rock bands of all time. To make things even more difficult, we whittled our list down to just 30 bands, which isn't a lot when you realize that rock music has been around since the 1950s. Every decade in rock music has brought something new and fueled to countless bands in the stratosphere So how could we pick just 30 of them?

The 30 Greatest Rock Bands of All Time (2023 Update) - Guitar Lobby (1)

Well, we chose to focus on those that turned out to be the most original and, at the same time, the most influential. In addition, we also try to keep it very balanced and include a wide range of styles, from classic and progressive rock to punk and alternative. So, without further ado, let's get down to business.

List of the best rock bands of all time

30. ZZ Mouse

LocationHouston, Texas, United States
active years1969 – present
notable hitsLa Grange, Tush, Blue Jean Blues, well dressed man, give me all your love. I just got paid

Dusty Hill, the band's bassist, and Billy Gibbons, the guitarist, are famous for their beards. Frank Beard, the drummer, doesn't have one. And then you have the raunchy music videos with fast cars, hot girls, and hairy guitars. ZZ Top has never been one to shy away from having fun while rocking out, but as fun as their image is, they've always taken their music seriously. Creating some of the best blues and hard rock you'll ever hear, ZZ Top is an American and especially Texas institution.

Billy Gibbons' guitar playing seems deceptively simple, because only a true master can make complicated and complex music look easy. ZZ Top's songs range from body-shaking songs like Sharp Dressed Man to songs filled with emotion like Blue Jean Blues. After Dusty Hill's death, the band chose to continue their activities, so we will hear from them in the future.

29. Crimson King

LocationLondon England
active years1968 – present
notable hits21st Century Schizoid Man, Cat Food, In the Wake of Poseidon, Red, I Speak with the Wind, Court of the Crimson King

King Crimson is easily the weirdest band on this list because they took the rule book and threw it out the window. They are considered the titans of progressive rock, despite easily experimenting with different genres such as classical, jazz, blues and folk. They are the least commercially oriented band, but their albums have ranked on several pop charts. All this having changed more than two dozen members over 50 years. Of course, the biggest credit goes to guitarist Robert Fripp, whose approach to the band is as idiosyncratic and incredibly creative as his playing.

He was never afraid to work with virtuosos and die-hard musicians like Greg Lake and many others. Yes, Fripp was fully aware that there would be conflict and confusion, which is why many of his

set off the bandmates, but it would also result in a killer song that's in a league of its own.

28. Judas the priest

Locationbirmingham, england
active years1969 – present
notable hitsBreak the law, deliver the goods, exciting, painkiller, rapid fire, live past midnight

If I had to pick one band that perfectly embodies the sound, attitude, and aesthetic of heavy metal, it would be Judas Priest. They have everything from dueling guitars, heavy riffs and lyrics about the devil, to screaming vocals and leather clad front man, the legendary Rob Halford. Although they started out as a blues rock band in the late 1960s, once Halford and guitarist Glenn Tipton joined the band, they truly understood why classic heavy metal is loved by millions of fans around the world. .

Drawing inspiration first from Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, they found their own signature sound in the mid-1970s with a series of legendary albums. The band struggled several times throughout its existence, first with controversy, most notably when two fans committed suicide, allegedly inspired by the band's music, and then with Halford's departure from the band. Eventually he returned in 2003, and the band is still going strong.

27. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

LocationGainesville, Florida, United States
active years1976 – 2017
notable hitsAmerican Girl, Free Fallin', Don't Me Like That, I Won't Back Down, Learning to Fly, Breakdown

Tom Petty and his band The Heartbreakers are one of the best rock bands that most people don't know by name. What they do know, however, are their distinctive songs, used for decades in movies and TV shows. However, for all the success and accolades they have enjoyed, they have their work cut out for them. Being a traditional rock band and releasing an album in 1976 was a recipe for disaster at the time, with classic rock on the wane and new genres like punk and metal emerging.

The same thing happened in the 1980s, with disco, alternative, and grunge dominating the charts. Yet through it all, thanks to great musicianship, Petty's unique voice and preternatural songwriting ability, the Heartbreakers became bulletproof when it came to turning heads and have sold over 80 million. of albums. Tom Petty passed away in 2017, shortly after the band's 40th anniversary tour.

26. Lynyrd Skynyrd

LocationJacksonville, Florida, United States
active years1964 – present
notable hitsFree Bird, Sweet Home Alabama, Simple Man, Gimme Three Steps, Gimme Back My Bullets, Sábado à Noite Especial

Jokingly named after gym teacher Leonard Skinner, Lynyrd Skynyrd was vital when it came to popularizing Southern rock, and their soulful three-guitar attack style helped make them instant rock stars. Yet no other band has been as unlucky at the height of their commercial and creative heyday as Lynyrd Skynyrd. On October 20, 1977, the band's plane crashed, with a total of six victims, including vocalist Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines.

A decade later they managed to regroup, with Ronnie Van Zant's brother Johnny on vocals and original members Gary Rossington (guitar), Billy Powell (keyboards) and Leon Wilkeson (bass). Their songs have had a major influence on other artists such as The Black Crowes and Gov't Mule, as well as Metallica, who covered one of their songs, and Guns N' Roses, who credit Lynyrd Skynyrd as the inspiration for their biggest hit. , my sweet son. Gary Rossington and Johnny still maintain the band. Lynyrd Skynyrd is easily one of the greatest rock bands of all time and deserves a place on this list.

25. The Allman Brothers Gang

LocationJacksonville, Florida, United States
active years1969 – 2014
notable hitsRamblin' Man, Whipping Stand, Jessica, Midnight Rider, Statesboro Blues, Melissa

If Lynyrd Skynyrd is credited with bringing Southern rock to the masses, then it's only fair to consider the pioneers of the genre, the Allman Brothers Band. Their loose jams are second to none, but it was guitarist Duane Allman's soulful playing and lead guitar work that really made the band stand out. This even earned him an invite from Eric Clapton, who described Duane Allman as the "musical brother I never had but wish I had". The result of this collaboration is the album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek and the Dominos.

Sadly, tragedy struck when Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1971. After his death, the torch was picked up by his bandmate Dickey Betts and, over the years, other talented axes such as Dan Toler, Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks. Duane Allman and Dickey Betts played in a way that challenged existing notions of lead/rhythm parts and how they interact with each other.

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24. U2

LocationDublin, Ireland
active years1976 - present
notable hitsOne, With You or Without You, Where the Streets Have No Name, Zooropa, Elevation, La Mosca

Some would probably like to see this band at the top of the list, while others would leave them out. U2 is a very divisive band, mainly because of Bono's messianic stance and activism, but there's no denying the fact that they have many iconic albums and songs in their catalogue. Also, Bono is an amazing singer and Edge is one of the most innovative guitarists to ever hold the instrument. The band itself is cited as an influence by just about every post-punk, indie, and alternative musician out there.

To give credit where credit is due, U2 have never shied away from covering difficult and controversial topics like politics or religion, and they've been very fearless when it comes to constantly changing and evolving their sound. You're entitled to not like them (especially Bono), but you'd be depriving yourself of hearing some of the great anthems of our generation. Sometimes it pays to separate the art and the people behind it.

23. Ramones

LocationQueens, New York, United States
active years1974 – 1996
notable hitsBlitzkrieg Bop, Rockaway Beach, Glad You're Going, Sheen Is A Punk Rocker, I Want To Be Seated, Teenage Lobotomy

Along with the Sex Pistols, the Ramones are often credited with birthing punk rock as we know it. When they burst onto the scene in the early 1970s, they were the exact opposite of what rock music should have been. His songs were simple, short, and loud, and his lyrics were society's equivalent of pointing the middle finger. They barely knew how to play, which was great because it meant that any young man could pick up an instrument and have his voice heard. No one would look down on them because they lacked technical skills.

The Ramones captured the essence of what rock music should be: honest and loud, and preferably live. They also played at supersonic speeds, so you'd be hard-pressed to find a Ramones song that exceeded three minutes. In fact, if you put together your own version of the Ramones greatest hits, it will probably take about 30 minutes.

22. Los Sex Pistols

LocationLondon England
active years1975 – 2008
notable hitsGod Save the Queen, Pretty Vacant, Anarchy in the U.K, Bodys, Holidays in the Sun, Trouble

Speaking of punk rock, we cannot fail to mention the Sex Pistols. They were a musical revolution, because they destroyed everything that was wrong with rock music, because at that point it had become too bloated, too indulgent, and overproduced for its own good. The Sex Pistols brought it all back to basics, albeit in a very brutal and direct way. And despite what most people think, they could play, especially Steve Jones, but they just chose to send a message instead of showing off their skills.

The inclusion of Sid Vicious may have been a poor call musically, but the man himself was the very embodiment of punk rock. Fortunately, fans understood what the Sex Pistols were trying to do. Although they only made one album, it is one of the most important albums in rock history. Their impact on the bands that came after them is immeasurable.

21. Eagles

LocationLos Angeles, California, United States
active years1971 - present
notable hitsHotel California, Take it easy, Take it to the limit, Lyin' Eyes, Desperado, The Long Run

It could easily be argued that the Eagles are the greatest American rock band of all time. Without a doubt, they are among the most successful, selling more than 120 million albums throughout their career. And we bet there's no one who hasn't heard Hotel California, which was sung by Don Henley, the band's drummer, despite the fact that the entire band shared vocal duties. However, the main creative forces behind the band were Henley and guitarist Glenn Frey, although guitarist Don Felder also played a significant role.

However, due to a powerful combination of success, drugs and egos, the Eagles broke up in 1980, much to the relief of its members. They reunited in 1994 and while they haven't been able to repeat their previous success, they can still fill any stadium. Guitarist Glenn Frey passed away in 2016.

20. Iron Maiden

LocationLondon England
active years1975 – present
notable hitsThe Number of the Beast, The Soldier, Wrathchild, Run for the Hills, Aces High, Wasted Years

No list of the greatest rock bands of all time would be complete without Iron Maiden. And they owe all their success to hard work and writing great songs. When you think about it, Iron Maiden are one of those bands that have been touring relentlessly for the last 40 years, only seemingly taking time off to record their next album. Iron Maiden falls into the category of bands like AC/DC. They don't vary their formula much, opting to stick to their signature sound. What's impressive about a band that's been around for so long is that they're still packing arenas and headlining festivals, refusing to be forgotten or irrelevant.

And somehow, for most of their career, they've managed to keep the core of their lineup intact: Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith, Steve Harris and Nicko McBrain are still there, working like there's no tomorrow. You have to respect that.

19. Motorhead

LocationLondon England
active years1975 – 2015
notable hitsAces of Spades, The Game, Born to Raise Hell, Overkill, Killed by Death, Creado para la velocidad

Motörhead went through countless line-up changes, but the one constant was, of course, Lemmy Kilmister, or just Lemmy. Although punks and metalheads see Motörhead as one of their own, they are, at their core, a rock band, and it's easy to see why. Lemmy's bass gives the band a really heavy sound, while the band's attitude screams punk. His music was raw, loud, and brutally real. And if you thought for a minute they were faking it, check out the documentary about Lemmy released in 2010.

The guy lived and breathed rock'n'roll into his sixties, so you can imagine how tough he was when he was younger. Or you don't have to, he just hears his music in all his twisted glory, warts and all (pun intended). Motörhead ceased to exist in 2015 with the death of Lemmy at the age of 70.

18. Metallic

LocationLos Angeles, California, United States
active years1981 - present
notable hitsEntre Sandman, Seek and Destroy, Master of Puppets, One, Nothing Else Matters, Creeping Death

Once dubbed "the future of metal", Metallica became one of the greatest metal and rock bands of all time. What's even more amazing about their success is that every album release, and they've been doing it for 40 years, is a musical event of the highest order. You can't really say that about most of your contemporaries. They've never hesitated to switch things up, be it 1991's Metallica aka The Black Album, or Load and Reload. They received some criticism for the latter two, but these albums also brought them closer to mainstream hard rock audiences.

They went through a few things, like the death of bassist Cliff Burton in 1986 in a bus accident, as well as turmoil within the band (most notably the conflict between vocalist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich), as captured in the documentary Some Kind of Monsters, which can be downright terrifying at times, or their infamous rivalry with Napster. However, they have since teamed up and released two great albums.

17. Creedence Clearwater Revival

LocationEl Cerrito, California, United States
active years1959 – 1972
notable hitsProud Maria, lucky son, bad moonrise, have you seen the rain, on the corner, green river

If you like roots rock, Creedence Clearwater Revival is probably your favorite band. And by all accounts, they are one of the greatest rock bands of all time, with eight consecutive gold singles and seven consecutive gold albums to their credit. Sure, some of her songs have been overused, like Fortunate Son (in almost every war movie) or Proud Mary (looking at you, Tina Turner), but that doesn't detract from the power of her music.

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His songs still sound fresh and John Fogerty has one of the most unique and powerful voices in rock. Unfortunately, they were unable to sustain the band for long due to conflict between John Fogerty and his brother Tom, as well as the rest of the band. His stellar legacy lives on.

16. The Stooges

LocationAnn Arbor, Michigan, United States
active years1967 – 2016
notable hitsSearch and destroy, I want to be your dog, Give me danger, Penetration, 1970, Down on the Street

Also known as Iggy Pop and the Stooges, this band is credited with setting the stage for, or even inventing, punk rock himself, and Iggy Pop is often referred to as the "Godfather of Punk". And there's more than enough evidence to back that up, with his raw music being the exact opposite of what was going on in rock at the time. Then there are their live shows, with Iggy's infamous screaming and writhing on stage, or rolling on shards of glass.

His "take no prisoners" approach to music and live performance would prove to be the right way to go, earning him a legion of fans and, a little later, respect among music critics. They broke up in 1974 and reunited in 2003, with Iggy joining original members Ron and Scott Asheton. The death of drummer Scott Asheton in 2014 marked the final end of the band.

15. The doors

LocationLos Angeles, California, United States
active years1965 – 1973
notable hitsLight My Fire, The End, Roadhouse Blues, Jinetes en la tormenta, Break on Through, Love Me Two Times

The Doors were founded in 1965 after keyboardist Ray Manzarek met Jim Morrison, who was a film student at the time. The rest, as we know, is history. Back then, there were no rules about what you could and couldn't do in rock music, so the Doors wrote some beautiful, innovative, and haunting songs that were unlike anything at the time. Jim Morrison was a charismatic leader and a tortured poet at the same time, able to go from the depths to star in both his lyrics and his character on stage, who would later be nicknamed the Lizard King.

Never lacking in self-confidence or drugs, the Doors reached incredible heights, but they couldn't stay there for long, with the death of Jim Morrison in 1971 at the age of 27. The band has reunited several times, but never under the Doors name, knowing full well that Morrison's shoes are too big for anyone.

14. The Clash

LocationLondon England
active years1976 – 1986
notable hitsLondon Calling, White Riot, Should I Stay or Should I Go, Rock the Casbah, Straight to Hell, Restraint

The Clash or "the only band that matters" is the best punk band of all time, hands down. The band's two primary songwriters were guitarist Mick Jones and vocalist Joe Strummer. Their rough, gritty music, as well as their down-to-earth punk attitude helped blur the lines between the band and their audience, which was uncharacteristic of most bands, as most chose to soak up all the glory. that was thrown at them. . . Still, The Clash couldn't escape the fact that their songs were catchy too, despite their punk rock attitude and ethic. They didn't do it on purpose, but the end result was a song that could shock any rock fan.

Essentially, The Clash wrote great rock songs regardless of genre, but more importantly, these songs served as a vehicle for their message against racism, consumerism, and injustice. Joe Strummer would be remembered as one of the most important figures in rock and roll history.

13. Aerosmith

LocationBoston, Massachusetts, United States
active years1970 - present
notable hitsDream On, Walk This Way, Mama Kin, Jaded, Sweet Emotion, Janie tiene un arma

Aerosmith formed in 1970 and, save for a few years in the 1980s, have kept their original lineup. If we had to pick one band to see in a stadium, it would probably be Aerosmith. It took the band a few years, just like the albums, before they were able to convince audiences and critics alike that they weren't just another Stones knockoff, but a rock powerhouse in their own right. Today, they are considered one of the most influential bands that have inspired the likes of Guns N' Roses, Van Halen, Bon Jovi and many, many more.

Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry are also known as the "toxic twins" due to the band's history of drug abuse. Yet despite this, Tyler still has the same power, range and grit in his voice that he had in the past, and Perry remains the epitome of cool guitarist.

12. Guns N' Roses

LocationLos Angeles, California, United States
active years1985 - present
notable hitsWelcome to the jungle, paradise city, sweet son of mine, you could be mine, november rain, don't cry

Guns N' Roses need no introduction as they have been called "The Most Dangerous Band in the World". And from 1987 to 1991, they were not only the most dangerous gang, but also the biggest in the world. They were a musical anomaly in the late 1980s, because although they looked a lot like the hair metal bands of that time and lived the same debauched lifestyle, musically they were completely different. Their gritty, heavy hard rock genre was a throwback to Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin, and there was always an element of danger to the band.

Every once in a while they would dial back, and the result was a soulful ballad, like Sweet Child of Mine or November Rain. But for the most part, they reveled in the carnage before parting ways. Axl Rose continued to tour with his own version of the band, eventually reuniting with original members Slash and Duff McKagan in 2016.

11. Nirvana

LocationAberdeen, Washington, United States
active years1987 – 1994
notable hitsSmells like teen spirit, lithium, in bloom, heart-shaped box, race, all excuses

It's impossible to overestimate the impact Nirvana had on music, as well as their contemporaries, in the early 1990s. Guns N' Roses helped punch hair metal in the stomach, but it was Nirvana who lopped off its head. You have to remember that Nirvana only existed for seven years. In that time, they've released three albums, and their second, Nevermind, released in 1991, basically changed everything. Nirvana opened the door for other Seattle bands like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains, and grunge took the world by storm.

Nirvana took the quiet, loud dynamic used by the Pixies and applied it to their own musical formula, which was equal parts The Beatles and Black Sabbath, with plenty of teen angst and alienation thrown in for good measure. We can only speculate how far they could have gone. Kurt Cobain committed suicide in his home in 1994, ending not only the band, but an entire musical era.

10. dark purple

LocationLondon England
active years1968 – present
notable hitsHumo en el agua, Highway Star, Child in Time, Burn, Hush, Perfect Strangers, Black Night

Although Deep Purple formed in 1968 and had a hit with Hush, with their original singer Rod Evans on vocals, the duo's classic Mk II lineup is what put this band on the map. Ian Gillan on vocals, Richie Blackmore on guitar, Roger Glover on bass, Jon Lord on keyboards and Ian Paice on drums, it just doesn't get any better than this. The creativity and musical success, as well as the tensions between Gillan and Blackmore, marked this era for the band, causing their separation. Richie Blackmore then introduced the Mk III lineup with David Coverdale on lead vocals and Glenn Hughes on bass and backing vocals.

While a great band in its own right, the Mk III version of Deep Purple was not well received, which is why Mk II Deep Purple reunited not once, but twice. Blackmore left the band and was replaced by Steve Morse, with Ian Gillan still on vocals.

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9. CA/CC

LocationSydney, New South Wales, Australia
active years1973 - present
notable hitsBack in Black, T.N.T, Highway to Hell, Whole Lotta Rosie, Thunderstruck, Me sacudiste toda la noche

There are very few bands as immune to trends, fads, and fads as AC/DC. And they'd be crazy if they changed their approach after 200 million records sold worldwide. And unlike most of their contemporaries, who became irrelevant legacies or ceased to exist, AC/DC still lives on, as strong as their music. After the death of their lead singer Bon Scott in 1980, they regrouped shortly thereafter with Brian Johnson, who chose to match Scott's intensity and menace with his insane screaming.

The core of the band would remain intact until they lost Malcolm Young to dementia in 2017. Brian Johnson would leave the tour to save his audition. Tough as nails though, they're back with a new album and Brian Johnson behind the mic.

8. Los Beatles

LocationLiverpool, Inglaterra
active years1960 – 1970
notable hitsHey Jude, I want to hold your hand, yesterday, while my guitar cries softly, let it be, let's go together

For many, the Beatles are the greatest rock band of all time. They weren't just a band, but a cultural phenomenon to which no one was immune. No matter where you were in the 1960s and 1970s, Beatlemania moved you. The Beatles weren't around for very long, though that seems to be the case thanks to the seemingly endless string of hit albums and singles. Rock'n'roll was still in its infancy when it burst onto the scene, changing it forever.

Even if other bands made great contributions to what we perceive as rock music, the Beatles were the true pioneers. Sure, you might find some of the outlandish songs or her tailored costumes ridiculous by today's standards, or you might find Yoko Ono irritating (as we all do), but those are just specs of her musical legacy, to be found. towers above almost all others. bands. out there.

7. Os Rolling Stones

LocationLondon England
active years1962 - present
notable hitsPaint It Black, Time Is On My Side, Wild Horses, Start Me Up, Angie, Sympathy For The Devil

The Rolling Stones are the very embodiment of rock'n'roll. You have the timeless hits, the charismatic vocalist, the enigmatic guitarist, the drugs and the debauchery. It's all there, and then some. Yet despite their age, despite all their drug-fuelled antics, the Stones are still going strong, making albums and selling out tours all over the world. They got over the death of their original guitarist, Brian Jones, with Ronnie Wood joining the group. They seemed pretty immortal until the death of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021.

Many were quick to write them off, only to keep their mouths shut every time the Stones found some fuel in the tank and produced a single or album that reminded everyone of who they were. And yet, after all these years, "the ancient art of weaving," which is the garish, screeching way Keith and Ronnie's guitars interplay, is as sublime as ever.

6. Crema

LocationLondon. England
active years1966 – 1968
notable hitsSunshine of your love, white room, badge, strange brew, spoonful, I'm so happy

Cream have been around for just over two years, recording just two albums, but it was enough for the whole world to stand up and listen in awe. And looking back decades later, it's not exactly a surprise, as the iconic trio consisted of Eric Clapton, God himself, on guitar, Jack Bruce on bass, and Ginger Baker on drums. All three musicians have been considered among the best of all time on their respective instruments. Bruce and Baker, with their technical skills and jazz background, provided a backbone for Clapton to establish his fiery solos and bluesy renditions.

The three then improvised and, at that time, there was no band in the world that equaled them. More importantly, their music has stood the test of time, and Cream is considered one of the greatest bands of all time, especially among fans who appreciate the virtuosity that serves and elevates the songs.

5. Who

LocationLondon England
active years1964 – present
notable hitsMy generation, Baba O'Riley, won't be fooled again, Pinball Wizard, Magic Bus, I can't explain

The Who often place themselves in the shadow of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, but they shouldn't, because they are arguably a better rock band. No other band before them has been able to capture the youthful energy so well, nor has any other band done it with as much flair as they have. Pete Townshend's windmill strumming, Keith Moon's insane percussion, John Entwistle's bass that far exceeded the song's needs, and last but not least, singer Roger Daltrey's emphatic shouts and mic swinging. Those are just little trademarks, and then you get to the songs and albums.

From simple rock songs to ambitious rock operas, The Who did it all. Although they lost Keith Moon and John Entwistle along the way, Daltrey and Townshend are still going strong, releasing new albums and touring from time to time, just to show everyone how it's done.

4. Pink Floyd

LocationLondon England
active years1964 – 2014
notable hitsMoney, another brick in the wall, wish you were here, time, smoke a cigar, comfortably numb

We can't even begin to name all the ways that Pink Floyd influenced other artists. His courage to experiment, as well as his musical creativity, remain unmatched. They were as influential on ambient and art rock as they were on classic and progressive rock. However, on top of all that intellectual musicianship, they have created some of the most beautiful songs and solos that any mainstream rock band can envy. Although they were unfairly shunned by punk fans, Pink Floyd criticized the system just as cruelly, but in a subtle and sophisticated way.

Whether you preferred Pink Floyd when it was led by Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, or David Gilmour, the band remains one of the most fascinating, enigmatic, and inspiring bands of all time. Their elaborate live shows were just as impressive as their albums, and while they are some of the biggest rock stars in all of history, you could pass any of the band members on the street, not knowing it was them. They let their music and their art do the talking.

3. Reina

LocationLondon England
active years1970 - present
notable hitsBohemian Rhapsody, Don't Stop Me Now, Radio Gaga, We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions, Under Pressure

Freddie Mercury is probably the best singer of all time. His voice is the perfect combination of opera and rock, and when it comes to commanding the stage and the crowd, no one has done it better. The best thing about Queen is that they were typical rock stars: loud, pompous and grand, but somehow they were suave and seemed to have fun doing it. If you're new to Queen, look no further than their shows at Wembley, as well as their triumphant performance during Live Aid, which is considered by many to be their best ever.

Despite being a classic rock band at their core, Queen were too big and too creative to be tied to just one genre, so they did everything from progressive rock to disco. Sadly, the death of Freddie Mercury brought Queen's career to an abrupt halt. The band would never really recover. Bassist John Deacon left the band, while Brian May and Roger Water continued with vocalists such as Paul Rogers and Adam Lambert. But replacing the greatest voice in all of rock turned out to be an impossible task.

2. Black Saturday

Locationbirmingham, england
active years1968 – 2017
notable hitsParanoid, Homem de Ferro, War Pigs, Black Sabbath, N.I.B, ​​The Wizard

Guitarist Tony Iommi lost the fingertips of his right hand in an industrial accident, which was also his fret hand, so to play his guitar, he made plastic thimbles for his injured fingers. To make fretting easier and get a heavier sound, he tuned some of the strings lower than standard. This new sound turned out to be a real revelation. Together with the astonishing vocals of vocalist Ozzy Osbourne and a compact rhythmic section made up of bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward, or we are taciturn and scary guitar wind of Iommi os tornou or musical equivalent of a horror film, which was his intention all the time.

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And if you add to that the dark lyrics and generous use of the tritone known as "devil's break", Black Sabbath pretty much laid the foundation for heavy metal. They inspired not only their peers to pursue a heavier sound, but generations of musicians that followed, including bands like Metallica, Judas Priest, Queens of the Stone Age, Pantera, Guns N' Roses, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains. . Along with Led Zeppelin, they made rock music what it is today.

1. Led Zepelín

LocationLondon England
active years1968 – 1980
notable hitsStairway to Heaven, Miscommunication, Dazed and Confused, Kashmir, Much Love, Achilles Last Stand

What can we say about Led Zeppelin that hasn't been said before? No band had such a fanatical following, not even the Beatles. There was so much mysticism, so many myths and anecdotes surrounding the band that they almost seemed from another planet. And once people love their first album, they sound like they're from a whole different galaxy. Between 1968 and 1980, Led Zeppelin released nine albums but only a handful of singles, as they preferred their albums to be heard as a whole.

Jimmy Page's riffs and approach to guitar playing were truly innovative, and we're not just talking about tricks like playing guitar with a violin bow. In the studio, he experimented with amp placement, the use of different pedals, as well as new production techniques, all of which would give Led Zeppelin a massive, thick sound never heard before. Robert Plant had the vocal power to match Page's guitar pyrotechnics, and John Bonham's powerful percussion would become the model for all rock drummers after him.

Finally, we cannot forget the bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, a versatile musician and arranger. Many will agree that he was that X factor that made all the difference when it came to the sound of Led Zeppelin. Knowing how integral each member was to the band's sound, Led Zeppelin opted not to continue after John Bonham's death, only putting together a handful of shows. Even though they haven't been around for over 40 years, their legacy is great. The greatest rock band of all time: Led Zeppelin.

And there you have it, 30 Greatest Rock Bands of All Time. We chose to omit some of the big names, such as Davie Bowie, Bob Dylan or Jimi Hendrix, as they are mostly remembered as solo artists with backing bands. Also, since our list is quite short, some of the bands that deserve an honorable mention are: Rush, Rage Against the Machine, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Sonic Youth, R.E.M, Thin Lizzy, Talking Heads, Joy Division , The Kinks, Yes, Genesis, Kiss, Fleetwood Mac, The Police, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Van Halen, Steely Dan, Journey, Toto, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Tool, among others.

The 30 Greatest Rock Bands of All Time (2023 Update) - Guitar Lobby (2)

Christopher D Schiebel

My name is Chris and I have had a passion for music and guitars for as long as I can remember. I started this site with some of my friends who are musicians, music teachers, gear freaks and music enthusiasts so we could provide high quality guitar and music related content.

I have been playing the guitar since I was 13 years old and I am an avid collector. Amps, pedals, guitars, bass, drums, microphones, studio and recording equipment, I love it all.

I was born and raised in western Pennsylvania. My background is in Electrical Engineering, I earned a BS from Youngstown State University. With my engineering background, I developed as a designer of guitar amps and effects. A true passion of mine, I have designed, built and repaired a wide range of guitar amplifiers and electronics. Here at Guitar Lobby, our goal is to share our passion for music and gear with the rest of the music community.

(Video) Soft Rock Songs 70s 80s 90s Ever | Air Supply, Bee Gees, Phil Collins, Scorpions

FAQs

Is rock music coming back 2023? ›

It's a good year for a comeback! 2023 will have plenty of rock and metal bands making a splash with big comeback albums. And why not? This year is as good as any for the rock and metal return.

What is the #1 rock band of all time? ›

The Beatles

The Beatles are unquestionably the best and most important band in rock history, as well as the most compelling story.

Who is the biggest emo band? ›

The 16 Best Emo Bands of All Time
  • My Chemical Romance. To kick off this list, we're just going to get the "Big 4" emo bands out of the way. ...
  • Paramore. Next up is Paramore: another major headliner at the first When We Were Young. ...
  • Fall Out Boy. ...
  • Panic! ...
  • Taking Back Sunday. ...
  • All Time Low. ...
  • Jimmy Eat World. ...
  • Sunny Day Real Estate.
Oct 19, 2022

Is Flyleaf emo? ›

Flyleaf has identified under various genres of rock music, including alternative metal, hard rock, alternative rock, post-grunge, nu metal, heavy metal, post-hardcore, and emo-metal.

Who are the new bands for 2023? ›

14 New Musicians & Bands To Know In 2023
  • Hemlocke Springs. 44.8K subscribers. ...
  • Chappell Roan. 23K subscribers. ...
  • NewJeans. 2.9M subscribers. ...
  • Blondshell. 1.14K subscribers. ...
  • Mercury. 1.18K subscribers. ...
  • BiigPiigVEVO. 667 subscribers. ...
  • Telephone Explosion Records. 1.53K subscribers. ...
  • Monaleo. 211K subscribers.
Jan 4, 2023

Are there any good new rock bands? ›

Best New Rock Bands To Check Out For 2023
  • How we chose the best rock bands of 2023. ...
  • Best New Rock Bands Unsigned - Bishop Takes Queen. ...
  • Best New Rock Bands Major Label - The Mysterines. ...
  • Best New Classic Rock Band - Thadeus Gonzolaz. ...
  • Best New Metal Band - Hidden Mothers. ...
  • Best New Modern Rock Band - To Bloom.
Dec 22, 2022

What is the coolest band ever? ›

The Best Bands Of All Time
  • Arctic Monkeys. Arguably the best British band of the Millennium? ...
  • Foo Fighters. The nicest man in rock. ...
  • Blur. Never afraid to evolve, Blur have grown up a lot since the 1990s - but never stopped making challenging music. ...
  • The Beatles. ...
  • Oasis. ...
  • Guns N' Roses. ...
  • Green Day. ...
  • AC/DC.
Jan 3, 2019

Who is the best selling rock band of all time? ›

Perhaps unsurprisingly, British rock band The Beatles are top of the list for best-selling artists worldwide, with 183 million units certified sales.

Who is the biggest band ever? ›

1. The Beatles — 183 million units.

Who was the biggest boy band? ›

To date, the Backstreet Boys remain the most popular boy band of all time in terms of sales. One Direction also broke numerous records during their six-year run, which ended in 2016 as Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne went solo (Zayn Malik had already left the group a year prior).

Who is the father of emo? ›

1. 1980s: The first wave. Born out of Washington D.C.'s 1980s hardcore-punk scene, emo's roots are often traced back to Rites Of Spring. Musically similar to the scuzzed-up riffing of post-hardcore, it was Rites Of Spring's personal lyricism that saw them picked out as the fathers of emo.

What band started emo? ›

Emo is a style of rock music characterized by melodic musicianship and expressive, often confessional lyrics. It originated in the mid-1980s hardcore punk movement of Washington, D.C., where it was known as "emotional hardcore" or "emocore" and pioneered by bands such as Rites of Spring and Embrace.

What genre do emo people listen to? ›

Emo music is a subgenre of punk rock, indie rock, and alternative rock music defined by its heavy emotional expression. Emo is part of the post-hardcore band scene, with artists delving into songs with more substance and feeling.

What was the first emo song? ›

Rites Of Spring – Deeper Than Inside (1985)

The band, led by future Fugazi-men Guy Picciotto and Brendan Canty were the first (alongside Ian MacKaye's Embrace) to have the word emo-core attached to their music, which they famously hated.

Who are the best new music artists 2023? ›

Here are the essential new and rising artists poised to make a major impact in 2023, including Eem Triplin, Hemlocke Springs, Chase Plato, Jim Legxacy, TiaCorine, Ben Reilly, and more. In some ways, 2022 felt like one of the most unpredictable years for music in recent memory.

Who is the biggest band in the world 2023? ›

Top 10 Best Bands of All Time (2023 Update)
RankBandCertified Sales
1The Beatles290.4 Million
2The Rolling Stones102.7 Million
3Pink Floyd123.8 Million
4Beach Boys32.7 Million
6 more rows
Dec 23, 2022

Who are the best new metal bands? ›

10 Best New Bands of 2022
  • Metal Blade Records. 1.22M subscribers. ...
  • CallousDaoboysVEVO. 250 subscribers. ...
  • The Flenser. 12.4K subscribers. ...
  • FUGITIVE. 856 subscribers. ...
  • Gridiron - Topic. 226 subscribers. ...
  • LSDunesVEVO. 3.39K subscribers. ...
  • Flatspot Records. 13.6K subscribers. ...
  • Century Media Records. 2.58M subscribers.
Dec 12, 2022

Who is the most loved rock band? ›

19 Of The Greatest And Most Famous Rock Bands Of All Time
  • The Rolling Stones.
  • Pink Floyd.
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers.
  • Queen.
  • The Beatles.
  • AC/DC.
  • Aerosmith.
  • Fleetwood Mac.
Nov 11, 2022

Who is the best modern rock band? ›

So, thank you.
  • Greta Van Fleet. ...
  • The Cold Stares. ...
  • The Commoners. ...
  • Thundermother. ...
  • The Georgia Thunderbolts. ...
  • Naked Gypsy Queens. ...
  • Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown. ...
  • The Steepwater Band.
Aug 26, 2022

Who is America's best rock band? ›

According to a Business Insider piece that was originally published in 2016 and updated for November 2022, the rock band with the most albums sold in America is The Eagles (or, Eagles, if you're a stickler). They've racked up sales topping 120 million records.

What is considered the best rock song ever? ›

The Greatest EVER Rock Song
  • 1) LED ZEPPELIN - STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN. ...
  • 2) QUEEN - BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. ...
  • 3) LYNYRD SKYNYRD - FREE BIRD. ...
  • 4) DEEP PURPLE - SMOKE ON THE WATER. ...
  • 5) PINK FLOYD - COMFORTABLY NUMB. ...
  • 6) LED ZEPPELIN - KASHMIR. ...
  • 7) RAINBOW - STARGAZER. ...
  • 8) FREE - ALL RIGHT NOW.
Nov 11, 2019

Who is the most underrated band of all time? ›

The most underappreciated bands of all time
  • 1 of 20. Anvil. Brian Killian/Getty Images. ...
  • 2 of 20. April Wine. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images. ...
  • 3 of 20. Bad Brains. Stephen Lovekin/WireImage/Getty Images. ...
  • 4 of 20. Black 47. Leonard M. ...
  • 5 of 20. Blue Cheer. ...
  • 6 of 20. Blue Oyster Cult. ...
  • 7 of 20. Boogie Down Productions. ...
  • 8 of 20. Cinderella.
Feb 28, 2023

What band has never music? ›

What kind of band never plays music? Everyone saying rubber band.

Who is the No 1 rock star? ›

1. Elvis Presley. Known as the king of rock'n'roll, Elvis Presley is the second best-selling solo artist of all time and has sold over 146.5 million units to date.

What is the most played song of all time? ›

"Blinding Lights" by the Weeknd (pictured) is the most-streamed song of all time on Spotify, with over 3.4 billion streams as of March 2023.

What rock band has the most number one songs? ›

The most modern act on the list is Rihanna, who has released 14 chart-topping singles in her career. The oldest is Elvis Presley, who's had 18 No. 1 songs.

Who is the highest selling solo artist of all time? ›

Elvis Presley (USA) is the best-selling solo artist, with 1 billion sales worldwide (129.5 million in the USA).

Who is the greatest selling solo artist of all time? ›

Elvis Presley, recognised as the best-selling solo music artist of all time by Guinness World Records, sold over 400.

What is the biggest selling music single of all time? ›

According to Guinness World Records, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" (1942) as performed by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single worldwide, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies.

Who is the most liked boy band? ›

13 Of The Greatest And Most Famous Boy Bands Of All Time
  • One Direction.
  • New Kids On The Block.
  • Backstreet Boys.
  • N*SYNC.
  • Boyz II Men.
  • BTS.
  • Jodeci.
  • Jonas Brothers.
Nov 28, 2022

Who is the best-selling girl band of all time? ›

The Spice Girls (here in 2008) are the best-selling girl group in history.

Who is the most talented boy band in the world? ›

1. The Jackson 5 | Breakout year: 1969
  • Best song: “I'll Be There,” their biggest single and last of four No. ...
  • Memorable moment: After Michael had become a solo superstar, the Jackson 5 staged a thriller of a reunion at “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever” in 1983.
Jan 24, 2019

Who is the most played rock band on the radio? ›

Queen Are Most-Played Rock Band on Radio Around the World
  1. 'A Night at the Opera' (1975) It's best known for 'Bohemian Rhapsody' but there's so much more than that.
  2. 'Sheer Heart Attack' (1974) ...
  3. 'Jazz' (1978) ...
  4. 'The Game' (1980) ...
  5. 'News of the World' (1977) ...
  6. 'Queen II' (1974) ...
  7. 'A Day at the Races' (1976) ...
  8. 'The Works' (1984) ...
Jan 30, 2022

Who was the biggest glam rock band? ›

50 Greatest Glam Rock Artists
Greatest Glam Metal Artists
1. Van Halen 2. Def Leppard 3. Mötley Crüe 4. KISS 5. Poison 6. Ratt 7. Alice Cooper 8. Skid Row 9. Cinderella 10. Quiet RiotVan Halen
Nov 15, 2017

What is the most liked jam? ›

6 Most Popular Jams in the World
  • Jam. Saskatoon Berry Jam. Saskatoon. Canada. shutterstock. ...
  • Jam. Rosella Jam. Queensland. Australia. ...
  • Jam. Amarene Brusche di Modena. Province of Modena. Italy. ...
  • Plum Jam. Magiun de Prune Topoloveni. Topoloveni. Romania. ...
  • Jam. Sirop de Liège. Liège Province. Belgium. ...
  • Jam. Lingonberry Jam. SWEDEN. shutterstock.
Jan 9, 2023

What are the 5 types of emo? ›

Contents
  • 2.1 Emocore.
  • 2.2 Midwest Emo.
  • 2.3 Emo Pop.
  • 2.4 Screamo.

What is emo short for? ›

Short for “emotive” or “emotional” (depending on whom you ask), emo being amorphous enrages those loyal to their version.

What was emo called in the 90s? ›

Emo
Other namesEmotional hardcore emocore
Stylistic originsOriginal Post-hardcore hardcore punk Subsequent Alternative rock indie rock punk rock
Cultural originsOriginal Mid-1980s Washington, D.C. Subsequent Early- to mid-1990s New York Western United States Midwestern United States
Subgenres
7 more rows

Who was first punk band? ›

Peru's own Los Saicos, and not Sex Pistols, The Ramones, New York Dolls, The Stooges, The Dictators, or even Death, was the first punk band in the history of punk bands.

What emo girl means? ›

However, there are gender categories like Emo boy and Emo girl. Emo girls are generally defined as sad females, who dress in Emo fashion, have dynamic personalities, listen to emo music, and prefer hanging out with other emo girls and emo boys.

When was the first emo born? ›

emo, also called emocore, subgenre of punk rock music that arose in Washington, D.C., in the mid-1980s.

What culture is emo? ›

The emo subculture is a lifestyle based on emocore, or emotional hardcore punk rock music. Emo youth may identify with the expressive and confessional lyrics of this genre. Rites of Spring and Embrace were the pioneer emocore bands of the 1980s.

Is Nirvana an emo band? ›

Nirvana's musical style has been mainly described as grunge, punk rock, and alternative rock.

Is emo punk or goth? ›

Emo belongs to post-hardcore, pop punk and indie rock style while gothic rock is a form of punk rock, glam punk and post punk. Emo rockers preach release of primal energy with abstract and chaotic sub structures while Goth are recognized by emphasis on darkness in their tone, dress, hair dyes, make up, emotion, etc.

What is considered the most emo song? ›

The 25 Best Emo Songs of All Time
  • Sunny Day Real Estate — "In Circles” ...
  • Taking Back Sunday — “Cute Without the 'E' (Cut from the Team)” ...
  • Thirty Seconds to Mars — “The Kill” ...
  • Thursday — "Understanding in a Car Crash“ ...
  • The Used — “The Taste of Ink” ...
  • Weezer — “Across the Sea” ...
  • Yellowcard — “Ocean Avenue”
Oct 18, 2022

Who started emo rap? ›

Emo rap was pioneered by Bones, whose VHS-recorded music videos and dark production and aesthetic were so influential on the hip hop underground of the time that Dazed described him as the "underground rap king."

What is a emo kid? ›

Teenagers use this slang term to characterize sensitive kids who follow emo music, dress in black, and have self-destructive tendencies. The slang term is derived from fans of emotive hardcore punk rock. A variation is screamo, emo music punctuated with ear-splitting screams.

Will rock music ever come back? ›

It could happen next year, or it could take a few more years. But one thing is for sure: rock music will make a comeback eventually. And when it does, it's going to be bigger and better than ever. Rock music reigned supreme in the 2000s, but it has since vanished.

Will rock band ever return? ›

The End Of An Era: The Guitar Hero And Rock Band Franchises

The days of the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises being at the center of video game releases are over, and we might see a new rhythm game emerge in the future, but for now, no plans have been made to create one.

How long until rock becomes classic rock? ›

If you aren't sure whether a particular song or album should be considered classic rock, subject it to this test: When was it recorded? If it was within the past 15-20 years, it hasn't been around long enough to be considered classic, no matter how big a hit it was or who recorded it.

Who will stop making music in 2025? ›

Chris Martin Confirms Coldplay Will Stop Making Music in 2025.

Why is rock no longer popular? ›

What Happened? Since the mid 90s it became more and more common to swap their electric guitars for synths which meant that the number of rock songs in the charts slowly started to go down until it was no longer pop. In 2011 and 2012 there was no rock albums in the charts.

Do people listen to rock anymore? ›

Rock music is still the most popular music in America — just not among young people. While it is the clear favorite among Americans overall, adults under the age of 30 rank it third, behind hip hop and pop music.

Why did they stop making rock band? ›

Though Harmonix had developed a working prototype for the game, they found that it would not adapt well to their existing licensed song library and would be difficult to use in future Rock Band games, and that they did not feel this was a type of game they could sell to their player base at full price.

What was the last Guitar Hero made? ›

Guitar Hero Live

What bands are getting back together? ›

Got The Band Back Together in 2022
  • There'd Better Be A MirrorballArctic Monkeys.
  • This Is WhyParamore.
  • The Foundations of DecayMy Chemical Romance.
  • Cracker Island (feat. Thundercat)Gorillaz, Thundercat.
  • EDGINGblink-182.
  • Viva Las VengeancePanic! At The Disco.
  • FreeFlorence + The Machine.
  • EddieRed Hot Chili Peppers.

Is rock on the decline? ›

Rock Music Decline

Since the early 2000s, rock music has been in decline in terms of popularity and mainstream appeal. This is largely due to the rise of other genres such as hip hop and pop, which have taken over the airwaves and the charts.

How many years can a rock last? ›

The answer is thousands to tens of thousands of years. To answer our original question then, each vertical millimeter of rock exposed in a quarry face or outcrop of sand represents a few thousand years, on the average.

How old can a rock last? ›

Rocks at the surface of the earth are of many different ages. They range from over three billion years old to less than one million years old. We know that one of the laws of physics is that under ordinary circumstances matter can neither be created or destroyed.

What is considered the best rock and roll song of all time? ›

Best rock songs
  • Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. Stairway, denied. ...
  • Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. ...
  • Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin. ...
  • Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix. ...
  • Light My Fire by The Doors. ...
  • Hotel California by Eagles. ...
  • Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones. ...
  • Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf.
Jan 23, 2023

At what age do most people stop listening to new music? ›

After analyzing playlists and listening data, the study found that people stop discovering new music at age 33. Discovering Pearl Jam at 35-years-old or falling in love with some James Taylor tracks doesn't count—this study is focusing on new music you'd currently find on the Billboard charts.

Is music Losing Popularity? ›

It's becoming statistically less popular among all demographic groups. Looking at the United States, the metric known as “Total Album Consumption” of “current music fell by 1.4 per cent in the first half of 2022 compared to a year ago.

Will humans run out of music? ›

Although the number of possible melodies is finite, it is so very large that for all practical purposes, the supply of new tunes is infinite.

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