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Our 100 Greatest Rock Bands of All Time list presents a collection of some of the most important rock bands in classic rock history. Although we already did a top 200 classic rock bands and artists list, we thought it would be fun to do one that just focuses on the bands this time. This list includes no single artists, it’s just pure rock and roll bands. These are the bands that both celebrated great success on the charts while also inspiring countless other bands that followed in their rock and roll footsteps.
# 100 – The Scorpions
The Scorpions are known for their powerful blend of hard rock and heavy metal, achieving worldwide success with hits like “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Wind of Change.” Their iconic sound and energetic performances helped make them Germany’s most successful rock export. They also have some pretty smoking album covers if you know what I mean.
# 99 – The Rascals / Young Rascals
The Young Rascals, later known simply as The Rascals, captured the spirit of 60s soul and rock with hits like “Good Lovin’” and “Groovin’.” Their infectious, upbeat sound made them one of the defining groups of the era’s rock and blue-eyed soul scene.
# 98 – Journey
Journey became one of the most popular rock bands of the late 70s and 80s with anthems like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Faithfully.” Their combination of Steve Perry’s soaring vocals and Neal Schon’s dynamic guitar playing made them arena rock icons. The van is going through many lineups throughout their career but it was doing to Steve Perry era in the late seventies and 1980s where they really soared.
# 97 – The Byrds
The Byrds pioneered folk rock in the 60s, blending Bob Dylan-inspired lyrics with jangly guitars on hits like “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!” Their harmonies and innovation influenced the evolution of both folk rock and psychedelia.
# 96 – The Moody Blues
The Moody Blues merged rock with classical and progressive elements, creating lush, symphonic songs like “Nights in White Satin.” Their groundbreaking approach to concept albums and orchestration left a lasting mark on progressive rock.
# 95 – Marshall Tucker Band
The Marshall Tucker Band fused Southern rock with country and blues, delivering timeless songs like “Can’t You See” and “Heard It in a Love Song.” Known for their heartfelt lyrics and instrumental greatness, they are key figures in Southern rock.
# 94 – Thin Lizzy
Thin Lizzy brought a gritty, Celtic flair to hard rock with classics like “The Boys Are Back in Town.” Phil Lynott’s charismatic leadership and songwriting made them one of the most influential bands to emerge from Ireland.
# 93 – Electric Light Orchestra
ELO, led by Jeff Lynne, combined rock with orchestral arrangements, resulting in a distinctive sound on hits like “Mr. Blue Sky” and “Evil Woman.” Their lush, innovative production helped shape the landscape of 70s and 80s pop rock.
# 92 – The Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols ignited the punk rock movement in the UK with their rebellious attitude and aggressive sound, notably with “Anarchy in the U.K.” and “God Save the Queen.” Their brief but intense career left a lasting impact, influencing countless punk bands worldwide. Not many bands in rock history that released only one studio album had as much of an impact as a Sex Pistols did. Many Rock friends and critics have argued that this was a very sloppy band but in listening back to their record now it’s actually a really tight well recorded production. It’s was their energy that made them sound like that.
# 91 – J Geils Band
The J. Geils Band delivered high-energy rock infused with blues and R&B, producing crowd-pleasers like “Centerfold” and “Love Stinks.” Known for their infectious live performances, they were an essential part of American rock in the 70s and early 80s.
# 90 – The Replacements
The Replacements blended punk with heartfelt lyrics and a rough-edged sound, gaining a cult following with songs like “Bastards of Young.” Their mix of rebellious energy and introspective songwriting influenced the alternative rock wave of the 90s.
# 89 – The Pretenders
Led by Chrissie Hynde, The Pretenders mixed punk attitude with rock and pop sensibilities, creating timeless hits like “Brass in Pocket” and “Back on the Chain Gang.” Their edgy, melodic sound and Hynde’s distinctive voice made them one of the most memorable bands of the late 70s and early 80s.
# 88 – Blood Sweat & Tears
Blood, Sweat & Tears were pioneers in blending jazz and rock, producing sophisticated hits like “Spinning Wheel” and “And When I Die.” Their innovative sound and use of brass instruments set them apart, marking them as influential figures in jazz-rock fusion.
# 87 – The Stooges
The Stooges unleashed a raw, rebellious sound that helped lay the groundwork for punk rock. With anthems like “Search and Destroy” and Iggy’s wild stage presence, they became cult legends and a major influence on future punk and alternative bands.
# 86 – Talking Heads
Talking Heads, fronted by David Byrne, brought a quirky, art-rock approach to punk and new wave with tracks like “Psycho Killer” and “Once in a Lifetime.” Known for their innovative sound and eclectic influences, they became one of the most creative forces in 80s music.
# 85 – Radiohead
Radiohead’s genre-defying music, from the anthemic “Creep” to the experimental Kid A, pushed boundaries and challenged conventions. Known for their thought-provoking lyrics and musical innovation, they are considered one of the most influential bands of the modern era.
# 84 – Three Dog Night
Three Dog Night dominated the charts in the late 60s and early 70s with a series of memorable pop-rock hits like “Joy to the World” and “Mama Told Me (Not to Come).” Their skillful harmonies and catchy melodies made them one of the era’s most successful bands.
# 83 – Dire Straits
Dire Straits brought a smooth, blues-rock sound to the late 70s and 80s, led by Mark Knopfler’s signature guitar style. Known for hits like “Sultans of Swing” and “Money for Nothing,” their music was both commercially successful and critically acclaimed.
# 82 – Grand Funk Railroad
Grand Funk Railroad became rock powerhouses in the 70s with hits like “We’re an American Band” and “Some Kind of Wonderful.” Known for their energetic performances and blue-collar appeal, they captured the essence of American rock with a dedicated fanbase.
# 81 – ZZ Top
ZZ Top’s blend of blues and rock, along with their signature look and humor, made them iconic. With songs like “La Grange” and “Sharp Dressed Man,” they developed a style that was both rooted in Texas blues and accessible to rock audiences worldwide.
# 80 – The Alan Parsons Project
The Alan Parsons Project combined progressive rock with lush production, creating cinematic concept albums in the 70s and 80s. Known for hits like “Eye in the Sky,” the band stood out for its sophisticated sound and thematic depth, blending rock with orchestral arrangements and electronic elements.
# 79 – Free
Free made their mark with their blues-rock hit “All Right Now” and frontman Paul Rodgers’ soulful voice. Known for their raw energy and tight grooves, they influenced countless bands in the hard rock genre and remain beloved for their simplicity and powerful performances.
# 78 – Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden redefined heavy metal in the 80s with their galloping rhythms, complex guitar work, and epic themes. Albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave made them global icons, inspiring legions of fans with songs like “Run to the Hills” and “Hallowed Be Thy Name.”
# 77 – Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam emerged from the Seattle grunge scene with a passionate sound and lyrics that addressed social and personal themes. With their breakout album Ten, featuring hits like “Alive” and “Jeremy,” they became one of the most influential bands of the 90s, known for their authenticity and live performances.
# 76 – Mountain
Mountain brought hard rock to new heights in the early 70s with songs like “Mississippi Queen.” Led by guitarist Leslie West, their heavy riffs and powerful sound became foundational to hard rock and influenced the development of heavy metal.
# 75 – Mott The Hoople
Mott the Hoople fused glam rock with a rebellious spirit, especially with “All the Young Dudes,” written for them by David Bowie. They stood out in the early 70s for their unique mix of rock, glam, and poignant lyrics, becoming a cult favorite for their loyal fanbase.
# 74 – Reo Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon found success blending rock with melodic hooks, especially in the 80s with albums like Hi Infidelity. Known for hits like “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It on the Run,” they became radio staples, reaching a wide audience with their mix of rock anthems and ballads.
# 73 – Blue Oyster Cult
Blue Öyster Cult’s dark, mystic themes and memorable hooks made them a staple in rock. Known for “Don’t Fear the Reaper” and “Burnin’ for You,” they balanced commercial appeal with a hard rock edge, blending science fiction and horror influences into their music.
# 72 – Foghat
Foghat combined blues rock with high-energy boogie, best known for “Slow Ride” and “Fool for the City.” Their gritty sound and relentless touring made them a favorite of rock fans in the 70s, known for their fun, no-nonsense approach to rock. Rodger Earl Still Remains behind the drums leading the band into the future as they released a brand new album in 2023.
# 71 – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s harmonies and introspective lyrics made them icons of folk rock. Known for songs like “Ohio” and “Teach Your Children,” they captured the spirit of the 60s and 70s, blending political themes with masterful harmonies that remain timeless. One of the first true All-Star musician supergroups.
# 70 – MC5
MC5 burst onto the late 60s Detroit scene with a raw, explosive energy that foreshadowed punk rock. Known for their raucous performances and rebellious anthem “Kick Out the Jams,” they combined hard-hitting rock with politically charged lyrics, influencing punk and alternative music for decades to come.
# 69 – Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses revitalized rock in the late 80s with their raw sound and rebellious attitude. Albums like Appetite for Destruction, featuring hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle,” brought hard rock back into the mainstream and cemented their legacy as one of rock’s most dangerous bands.
# 68 – Santana
Santana introduced a blend of Latin rhythms and rock guitar in the late 60s, becoming known for their unique sound and memorable performance at Woodstock. Led by Carlos Santana’s iconic guitar, albums like Abraxas and songs like “Black Magic Woman” showcased a fusion that captivated audiences worldwide.
# 67 – Steve Miller Band
The Steve Miller Band delivered a smooth mix of blues, rock, and pop in the 70s, with hits like “The Joker,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” and “Rock’n Me.” Known for their infectious hooks and feel-good sound, they became a staple of classic rock radio. Just about everybody I knew in the 70s had a copy of Fly Like an Eagle and Book A Dreams.
# 66 – Foreigner
In the Fall of 1976 we got new bands like Boston and Heart. 6 months later in the spring of 77 we got a new band called Foreigner. What a school year that was! Known for anthems like “Hot Blooded,” “Cold as Ice,” and “I Want to Know What Love Is,” they created a distinct, radio-friendly sound and left behind a legacy of killer deep album tracks
# 65 – UFO
UFO brought a hard-edged sound to British rock, combining blues and heavy riffs with powerful vocals. With guitarist Michael Schenker’s virtuosic playing, they influenced heavy metal and hard rock, delivering hits like “Doctor Doctor” and building a dedicated following in the rock community.
# 64 – Heart
Heart, led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, combined powerful vocals with hard rock and folk influences. Known for hits like “Barracuda” and “Crazy on You,” their unique sound and fierce energy broke barriers for women in rock, inspiring future generations of female rockers.
# 63 – Asia
Asia formed as a supergroup in the early 80s, blending progressive rock elements with pop sensibilities. Known for their massive hit “Heat of the Moment,” they brought a polished, radio-friendly sound to progressive rock and found success with their self-titled debut album, which became a best-seller.
# 62 – Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac evolved from a British blues band into one of the most successful rock bands of all time, especially with the release of Rumours. Known for their impeccable harmonies and complex personal dynamics, songs like “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams” defined the 70s and continue to resonate with fans.
# 61 – The Clash
The Clash brought punk rock to a new level with their mix of political commentary, reggae, and rock. Albums like London Calling showcased hits like “Should I Stay or Should I Go” and “Rock the Casbah,” blending genres and broadening the scope of punk’s influence worldwide.
# 60 – Deep Purple
performances. With classics like “Smoke on the Water” and Machine Head, they became pioneers in rock, influencing generations of musicians and solidifying their place in rock history. And they’re still releasing new albums in 2024. I just interviewed Ian Paice and the guy seems like he’s going to go on forever. That’s rock and roll baby
# 59 – Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters, led by Dave Grohl, brought an anthemic and accessible edge to alternative rock in the 90s and beyond. Known for hits like “Everlong” “Learn to Fly,” and our favorite “Best Of You” (I mean even Prince love that song) they became one of rock’s most enduring bands, with a mix of power, melody, and authenticity that resonated widely.
# 58 – Cream
As one of rock’s first supergroups, Cream featured Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, blending blues, rock, and psychedelia into hits like “Sunshine of Your Love.” Their musicianship and improvisational live shows set a standard in rock music and inspired countless artists. Cream set the template for the power trio.
# 57 – Boston
Boston burst onto the scene with a polished, guitar-driven sound on their debut album, featuring the hit “More Than a Feeling.” Known for their intricate harmonies and meticulous production, they brought arena rock to new heights. Their self-titled debut album remains one of the best-selling debut albums in rock history.
# 56 – Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan revitalized the blues in the 1980s, merging traditional blues with rock elements. With his Stratocaster and soulful vocals, Vaughan’s albums like Texas Flood and Couldn’t Stand the Weather showcased his virtuosic guitar skills and emotional depth, influencing a new generation of blues and rock musicians. In my humble opinion he just may have been the greatest musician of all time for so many reasons. No one played with as much passion as Stevie Ray Vaughan did.
# 55 – Alice Cooper Band
The Alice Cooper Band pioneered shock rock with theatrical performances, dark themes, and hits like “School’s Out” and “I’m Eighteen.” Known for their elaborate stage shows and rebellious spirit, they broke barriers in rock entertainment and laid the groundwork for future generations of glam and theatrical rock acts.
# 54 – Bad Company
Formed by former members of Free, Mott the Hoople, and King Crimson, Bad Company combined blues-based rock with Paul Rodgers’ powerful vocals. Known for hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Can’t Get Enough,” their straightforward, anthemic sound and catchy hooks made them a staple of 70s rock. Not many rock singers could go ahead to toe with Paul Rodgers
# 53 – Jefferson Airplane
Jefferson Airplane was at the forefront of the San Francisco psychedelic scene with hits like “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit.” Known for their socially conscious lyrics and Grace Slick’s powerful voice, they became icons of the counterculture movement and defined the sound of the late 60s. Of course a special shout out to the band They transformed into in the 70s Jefferson Starship and they’re fantastic album Red Octopus. For the most part it was pretty much the same band minus a few key players like Jorma.
# 52 – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Merging funk, rock, and punk, the Red Hot Chili Peppers brought a unique and energetic style to the mainstream. Known for hits like “Under the Bridge” and “Californication,” they are celebrated for their inventive bass lines, catchy riffs, and Anthony Kiedis’ rhythmic vocal style, securing their place in alternative rock history.
# 51 – Def Leppard
Def Leppard epitomized the 80s rock scene with their infectious blend of hard rock and polished production. Known for hits like “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Photograph,” they achieved massive success with albums like Pyromania and Hysteria, becoming icons of the glam metal era and shaping the sound of 80s rock.
# 50 – Rush
Rush was a powerhouse of progressive rock, combining complex instrumentals with philosophical lyrics. Known for Neil Peart’s intricate drumming, Geddy Lee’s soaring vocals and bass lines, and Alex Lifeson’s dynamic guitar work, Rush achieved lasting success with albums like 2112 and Moving Pictures. Their music pushed rock’s boundaries and influenced countless bands across genres.
# 49 – Chicago
Chicago fused rock, jazz, and pop, pioneering the “rock with horns” sound in the late 60s and 70s. Known for hits like “25 or 6 to 4” and “Saturday in the Park,” the band combined innovative brass arrangements with catchy melodies. I long for the days when the Beach Boys and Chicago used to play concerts together in the 70s. Those are amazing shows!
# 48 – King Crimson
King Crimson defined the progressive rock genre with their groundbreaking album In the Court of the Crimson King. Known for their complex compositions, experimental approach, and ever-evolving lineup, they paved the way for avant-garde rock. Robert Fripp’s guitar work and their adventurous sound continue to influence progressive and alternative rock.
# 47 – Toto
Toto achieved pop-rock mastery with their polished musicianship and memorable songs, including “Africa” and “Hold the Line.” Comprised of accomplished session musicians, the band combined rock, jazz, and pop elements with precise instrumentation
# 46 – The Strawbs
The Strawbs began as a folk band but expanded into progressive and rock influences, especially through albums like Hero and Heroine. Known for Dave Cousins’ storytelling and emotive vocals, they combined folk sensibilities with epic, often dark, themes. Their evolution and unique sound gained them a dedicated following and a lasting legacy in British rock.
# 45 – Sly & The Family Stone
Sly & The Family Stone, led by Sly Stone, were pioneers in fusing rock, soul, and funk in the late 1960s and early 70s with hits like “Everyday People” and “Dance to the Music.” As one of the first racially integrated bands, they brought a powerful social message and energy that influenced countless genres and artists.
# 44 – Green Day
Green Day revitalized punk rock in the 1990s, bringing rebellious energy and catchy anthems to mainstream audiences. Dookie and American Idiot showcased their ability to address both personal and political themes with sharp wit and urgency. Known for their high-energy performances, Green Day has remained influential across multiple generations of punk fans.
# 43 – The Kinks
The Kinks carved their place in rock with raw riffs and witty, observational lyrics that captured British life. Songs like “You Really Got Me” and “Waterloo Sunset” displayed Ray Davies’ storytelling style and the band’s musical versatility. Their sound influenced countless bands, from hard rock to punk, and remains beloved for its charm and originalit
# 42 – Television
Television was a pioneering force in New York’s punk scene, blending poetic lyrics with intricate, guitar-driven compositions. Their debut album, Marquee Moon, is hailed as a groundbreaking work that bridged punk and art rock. Known for Tom Verlaine’s mesmerizing guitar work, Television became a cult favorite and a major influence on alternative and indie rock.
# 41 – The Cars
The Cars merged new wave and rock, creating a sleek, synth-laden sound that dominated the late 1970s and early 80s. Hits like “Just What I Needed” and “Drive” brought them commercial success and defined a new wave of radio-friendly rock. With Ric and Ben’s cool vocals and catchy hooks, The Cars became icons of their era.
# 40 – Styx
Who doesn’t love Styx? The band fused hard rock and progressive rock with a theatrical edge, creating a unique style that gained them a loyal fanbase in the 1970s and 80s. Hits like “Come Sail Away” and “Renegade” showcased their dynamic sound, blending intricate instrumentation with catchy melodies. Known for their powerful harmonies and ambitious themes, Styx became a staple of arena rock.
# 39 – Genesis
Genesis transitioned from progressive rock pioneers in the 1970s to a more mainstream sound in the 80s, achieving massive success with Phil Collins as lead singer. Although many hardcore fans will always point towards the Peter Gabriel years as the band’s finest.
# 38 – The Police
The Police combined rock, reggae, and punk influences to create a distinctive sound that defined the late 1970s and early 80s. Hits like “Every Breath You Take” and “Roxanne” displayed their tight musicianship and Sting’s unique vocal style. Known for their edgy sound and intelligent lyrics, they became one of the biggest bands of their era.
# 37 – Soundgarden
Soundgarden were trailblazers of the grunge movement, blending heavy metal and alternative rock to create an intense, moody sound in the 1990s. Their album Superunknown, featuring hits like “Black Hole Sun,” propelled them to worldwide fame. With Chris Cornell’s powerful vocals, they became one of the key players in the Seattle music scene.
# 36 – The Spencer Davis Group
The Spencer Davis Group, led by the soulful voice of Steve Winwood, brought British rhythm and blues to the forefront in the 1960s with songs like “Gimme Some Lovin'” and “I’m a Man.” Their energetic style and Winwood’s talent made them one of the era’s influential bands, helping pave the way for future rock and blues acts.
# 35 – Steely Dan
Steely Dan brought jazz influences and complex arrangements to rock music, creating a sound that was as sophisticated as it was catchy. Albums like Aja and Can’t Buy a Thrill showcase their intricate production and sharp lyricism.
# 34 – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Don’t you miss Tom Petty? What a loss his passing was in so many ways. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers delivered straightforward rock and roll with a heartfelt, Americana touch, achieving success from the late 1970s onward. Songs like “American Girl” and “Free Fallin’” made Petty a beloved figure.
# 33 – The Eagles
The Eagles became icons of the 1970s with their blend of rock, country, and folk, creating timeless hits like “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy.” Known for their harmonies and songwriting, they defined the Southern California sound and became one of the best-selling bands in history
# 32 – Emerson Lake & Palmer
Emerson, Lake & Palmer and some times referred to as ELP were giants of progressive rock, blending classical music influences with rock in the early 1970s. Albums like Tarkus and Brain Salad Surgery showcased their ambitious, technically complex music. Known for their groundbreaking live performances and virtuosity, they remain one of prog rock’s most influential acts.
# 31 – Jethro Tull
Jethro Tull stood out with their unique fusion of rock and folk, featuring Ian Anderson’s distinctive flute and complex songwriting. Albums like Aqualung and Thick as a Brick became classics, showcasing their adventurous spirit. Known for their literary lyrics and innovative sound, Jethro Tull left a unique mark on rock. Are they a progressive rock band? a sift rock band? what are they” I’ll tell you what they are, they are Jethro Tull.
# 30 – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival, active in the late 1960s and early 1970s, defined roots rock with their distinctive Southern-inspired sound and John Fogerty’s gritty vocals. Their timeless hits like “Fortunate Son” and “Bad Moon Rising” captured the social unrest of their era. Known for their swamp rock style, they became legends with a series of iconic songs that resonate even decades later.
# 29 – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd brought Southern rock to the mainstream in the 1970s with anthems like “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.” Their powerful three-guitar lineup and honest storytelling resonated with fans, making them icons of American rock. Despite tragedy striking the band in 1977, their music endures……
# 28 – The Band
The Band, known for their blend of rock, blues, and Americana, gained fame in the late 1960s with hits like “The Weight” and “Up on Cripple Creek.” Collaborating with Bob Dylan, they brought a timeless, earthy quality to rock music that influenced countless artists.
# 27 – AC/DC
AC/DC burst onto the scene in the mid-1970s with their raw, powerful sound and driving guitar riffs from brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. Songs like “Back in Black” and “Highway to Hell” defined hard rock and became global anthems. Known for their electrifying live performances, they became one of the best-selling bands of all time.
# 26 – Nirvana
Nirvana, led by Kurt Cobain, revolutionized rock in the early 1990s by bringing grunge to the mainstream with Nevermind. Their landmark single “Smells Like Teen Spirit” became the voice of a generation.
# 25 – The Guess Who
The Guess Who, Canada’s first major rock export, achieved international fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with hits like “American Woman” and “No Time.” Known for their catchy melodies and Burton Cummings’ unique voice, they paved the way for Canadian rock bands and became symbols of Canadian pride on the global stage.
# 24 – Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention
Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention challenged conventions in the 1960s and 70s with their experimental, genre-blending sound. Zappa’s unique wit and musical genius, evident in albums like Freak Out!, pushed the boundaries of rock, jazz, and classical music. Their avant-garde approach earned Zappa and his band a cult following and enduring influence.
# 23 – Metallica
Metallica emerged in the 1980s as pioneers of thrash metal, blending speed and aggression with complex musicality on albums like Master of Puppets. Their evolution into mainstream rock with The Black Album in 1991 brought them even greater success
# 22 – Judas Priest
Judas Priest shaped heavy metal in the 1970s and 80s with their signature leather-and-studs look and powerful twin-guitar sound. Songs like “Breaking the Law” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” became metal anthems. Known for their influential sound and Rob Halford’s soaring vocals, they remain a cornerstone of metal music.
# 21 – The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys captured the essence of California with their lush harmonies and sun-drenched songs about surfing, cars, and young love. Led by Brian Wilson’s visionary songwriting and production, albums like Pet Sounds and hits like “Good Vibrations” solidified their place in rock history. Their intricate harmonies and innovative arrangements left an enduring impact on popular music.
# 20 – U2
Opening up the top 20 section of this 100 Greatest Rock Bands of All Time is one of the longest still running bands in music history that is still fueled by all original members. U2, formed in the late 1970s, became one of the world’s biggest bands with their soaring sound, impassioned lyrics, and Bono’s distinctive voice. Albums like The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby brought critical acclaim and commercial success, while their commitment to social issues and reinvention kept them relevant for decades.
# 19 – Kansas
Despite their core progressive rock roots, Kansas found a way into the pop charts for a few years helping them reach an audience that most progressive rock bands never can get.
# 18 – Yes
That’s two amazing progressive rock bands in a row. Hands down, in our books, Yes stands as the greatest progressive rock group of all time.
# 17 – The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers blended funk, sound, and straight-ahead rock and roll better than anyone else. They were huge in the 1970s no matter which version of the band you liked better pre-Michael McDonald or the Michale McDonald era. We loved both
# 16 – Kiss
If there ever was a band that was the complete opposite of the band below at 15 it was Kiss. The cool thing is both bands probably shared more fans than you would think. Thats whats the 1970s was all about.
# 15 – The Grateful Dead
My best friend used to always say you don’t get the spirt of the Grateful Dead’s music unless you have seen them in concert. Then you join the club….and you never want to leave.
# 14 – The Doors
You have to be pretty unique to land in this top 20. Was there ever a rock star like Jim Morrison? There have been a lot of imitators but no one has genuine as Morrison. The band’s music helped define the turbulence of the 1960s.
# 13 – Queen
Who doesn’t love Queen? Queen was first formed in the city of London England in the year 1970. With hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, Another One Bites the Dust,” and a catalog of deep album cuts, the band remains one of the most influential and dominant groups in rock and roll music and pop culture of the past 50 years.
# 12 – Aerosmith
Aerosmith was first formed in 1970 in the city of Boston Massachusetts. They are recognized as one of the greatest American rock and roll bands of all time. In fact, we have argued on this site that they are truly the greatest American rock and roll band of all time.
# 11 – Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath was first formed in 1968 out of the town of Birmingham, England. The band released 19 studio albums and eight live albums. They were one of the most influential bands in heavy metal music to come out of the classic rock era.
# 10 – The Ramones
Every subgenre of rock and roll has a band at fueled its own genre. While the Ramones might not have been the first punk rock band, they were one of the loudest, fastest, and most influential punk rock groups to come out of the 1970s.
# 9 – The Yardbirds
While there were many configurations of the Yardbirds in the 1960s, the band served as a breeding ground for three of the greatest guitarists in classic rock history as musicians Eric Clapton Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck all performed with the group at one time. So much of classic ’70s rock was fueled by the experiences those guitar players had as members of The Yardbirds.
# 8 – Jimi Hendrix Experience
While of course, it was all about Jimi Hendrix, one can’t discount how important Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell were to Jimi Hendrix’s playing. The three musicians recorded three studio albums together that remain the heart of the music of Jim Hendrix. This was a band, a power trio to measure all power trios in rock music against forever.
# 7 – Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd has always been one of those bands that have been hard to level because their sound was so distinctive. Nonetheless, their success in the 1970s with albums like Dark Side Of The Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall define them as being one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Experiencing a Pink Floyd show in the 1970s was like experiencing a trip to another planet.
# 6 – The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band defines what it means to be called one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time for two huge reasons. The first reason points to the fact that they inspired an entirely new sound in rock and roll combing southern elements with blues and jazz that created a sound that would first be copied by all of the southern rock bands that would follow, although with the expectation of Lynyrd Skynyrd, none could come close to the brilliance of the Allman Brothers Band. The group, along with the Grateful Dead also inspired the jam band movement of the 1990s and beyond. Of course, the second reason is their amazing catalog of songs that would become classics that still stand strong in the modern period.
# 5 – Van Halen
Vand Halen is the only band in this list that can be celebrated as two different bands because of the wide differences between lead vocalists David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar. While there will always be loyalists to each singer, it was probably the difference between both singers that inspired Eddie Van Halen to write such different music for the different time periods that Van Halen thrived with their different singers. In many ways, the change in singers brought new life to the band and created an even more exciting body of work. Eddie Van Halen changed the way so many guitar players approached the instrument. He stands as one of the most innovative guitar players and even more important, exciting guitar players of all time.
# 4 – The Who
While the sound of so many bands has been copied in rock and roll, no one could ever copy the sound of the original Who. Just name one drummer that could play like Keith Moon or John Entwistle, or sing with the resonance of Roger Daltry, or a guitar player and songwriter with the attitude and talents of Pete Townshend. If there ever was a band that came close to the power of Led Zeppelin on stage, it was The Original Who in the 1970s.
# 3 – The Rolling Stones
The longest-running rock and roll band in classic rock history remains one of the most important groups of all time. Even though only two original Rolling Stones remain in the band, the group would no longer be together if Keith and Mick were no longer around. The Rolling Stones have given rock and roll fans so much joy over the years with a catalog of songs filled with hits and album tracks that remain a vital part of the classic rock experience.
# 2 – Led Zeppelin
If you ever experienced a Led Zeppelin concert in the 1970s, you would understand that seeing Led Zeppelin went beyond a religious experience. It’s almost indescribable to define what it was like to witness the power and mystique of this band on stage. Their body of work remains a vital part of classic rock history filled with albums and songs that one can never get tired of listening to.
# 1 – The Beatles
Although there may be some fans that argue that the Beatles were not a rock band, all they have to do is take a listen to some of their early live shows at the Cavern Club or the times that they did tour to recognize that these were four individuals that put on magnificent rock and roll shows of high energy and maximum rock and roll impact. They took the sound of 50s rock and roll in the beginning and then added their own brilliant original lyrics and melodies creating a sound and a body of work that put them in their own league in rock and roll history.
Updated November 10, 2024
100 Greatest Rock Bands of All Time article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
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So you couldn’t find a place for (Jon) Bon Jovi in a whole Top100 list? That’s quite a joke.