Top Ten Greatest Rock Bands of All Time

There have been so many bands and so many changes in the definition of the term 'rock music', that it is nearly impossible to try and have a universally acceptable list of the best rock bands of all time. These are probably the best (and coolest) rock bands of all time. These bands have inspired us and amazed us not only with their songs but with their personalities, unique styles, and their charismatic band members:

# 1
MetallicaMetallica

Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett (who joined the band in 1983) and bassist Robert Trujillo (a member since 2003) alongside Hetfield and Ulrich. Previous members of the band include former lead guitarist Dave Mustaine (who went on to found the band Megadeth) and former bassists Ron McGovney, Cliff Burton and Jason Newsted.

# 2
Pink FloydPink Floyd

Pink Floyd was a psychedelic/progressive rock band formed in Cambridge, England, United Kingdom in 1965. Pink Floyd is one of rock’s most successful and influential acts, having sold over 200 million albums worldwide and with 74.5 million certified units in the United States, making them one of the best-selling artists of all time.

# 3
Led ZeppelinLed Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin were an English rock band that formed in 1968 and consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. With their heavy, guitar-driven blues rock sound, Led Zeppelin are regularly cited as one of the progenitors of heavy metal and hard rock even though the band's individualistic style drew from many sources and transcends any single music genre. Led Zeppelin did not release songs from their albums as singles in the United Kingdom, as they preferred to establish the concept of album-orientated rock.

# 4
Iron MaidenIron Maiden

Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six compilations. Considered one of the most successful heavy metal bands in history, Iron Maiden have reportedly sold over 85 million records worldwide with little radio or television support.

# 5
The BeatlesThe Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon (rhythm guitar, vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitar, vocals), George Harrison (lead guitar, vocals) and Ringo Starr (drums, vocals). Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, the group later worked in many genres ranging from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways.

# 6
AC/DCAC/DC

AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll". To date they are one of the highest grossing bands of all time. AC/DC underwent several line-up changes before releasing their first album, High Voltage, on 17 February 1975. Membership remained stable until bassist Mark Evans was replaced by Cliff Williams in 1977 for the album Powerage.

# 7
The Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica, guitar), and Keith Richards (guitar, vocals). Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up. R&B and blues cover songs dominated the Rolling Stones' early material, but their repertoire has always included rock and roll.

# 8
AerosmithAerosmith - Steve Tyler

Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many subsequent rock artists. The band was formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1970. Guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton, originally in a band together called the Jam Band, met up with singer Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano, and formed Aerosmith.

# 9
QueenQueen

Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), John Deacon (bass guitar, vocals), and Roger Taylor (drums, vocals). Queen's earliest works were influenced by progressive rock, but the band gradually ventured into more conventional and radio-friendly works, incorporating more diverse and innovative styles in their music.

# 10
Guns N' RosesGuns N' Roses

Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band, formed in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, in 1985. The classic original lineup, as signed to Geffen records, consisted of lead vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Steven Adler. Co-founder Axl Rose is the only current original member of Guns N' Roses.
The band has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide.

Candidates submitted by readers

# 11
Judas PriestJudas Priest

Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. The core line-up consists of lead vocalist Rob Halford, guitarist Glenn Tipton, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis. The band has gone through several drummers over the years, though Travis has held the position since 1989 and is the longest-serving. They have been cited as an influence on many heavy metal musicians and bands. Their popularity and status as one of the definitive heavy metal bands has earned them the nickname "Metal Gods" from their song of the same name.

# 12
ScorpionsScorpions

Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and their singles "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still Loving You", and "Wind of Change". The band was ranked #46 on VH1's Greatest Artists of Hard Rock program. "Rock You Like a Hurricane" is also #18 on VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs.

# 13
U2
U2U2

U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums and percussion). U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music. Throughout the group's musical pursuits, they have maintained a recognisable sound built on melodic instrumentals, highlighted by The Edge's textural guitar playing and Bono's expressive vocals.

Comments

I'm not going to even look, but I know criminally over-rated Guns n Roses are on the list. I am so sick of that boring band with 2 albums being put up there with legit classic groups..they suck and I'm long since sick of them!

Hello Kyle what would it be your choice rather than number tenth Guns and Roses. Green Day, Bon Jovi, Nirvana, Alice Cooper?

Blacjk Sabbath, Rush, Cheap Trick, Van Halen, Heart, The Doors, Judas Prie, Thin Lizy, Scorpions, U2, to name a few

Kyle, we agree that either Judast Priest, Scorpions, oder U2 may be in the list, we add them to Candidates submitted by readers. Thanks for your contribution.

And they are #1 with me! Making records and touring for 31 years straight now.. not some over rated gLAm band.. I am so sick of GNR getting so much credit for doing so little

Metallica in front of the L. Zeppelin , P. Floyd, etc. ????
And where is Deep Purple, B. Sabbath, V. Halen and rest of the much more better bands then Metallica ?

Yessssssss!

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