Rock music has been around for decades at this point and truly has become one of the most iconic forms of entertainment ever created. It’s more than the timeless hits. It’s the hair. It’s the solos. It’s the vibe and the attitude that comes along with it. We’ll always have new bands and artists, but some rock bands have written their stories into legend, never to be forgotten.
Whether you’re listening to these iconic bands while working out or working around the office, you’ll be head bobbing and tapping along the entire time. Either way, it’s beneficial to you as that type of music can improve your mood.
After a lifetime of listening to these bands, we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to learn an instrument yourself. As you listen to those records and repeat, you’ll likely find yourself looking for the best guitars to replicate your favorites.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a rock protege, we searched for some of the most legendary rock groups in history. StudyFinds visited 10 expert websites to put together this list of the best rock bands of all time according to rock enthusiasts. If you’ve got your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!
Want to listen to the bands and their legendary albums? Try Amazon Music FREE for 30 Days*
The List: Best Rock Bands, Most Recommended By Experts
1. The Beatles
Would anyone else take the number one spot? The Beatles are more than just a rock band. They are history itself. Master songwriters, performers, and icons. They are the epitome of music. Plus, all of their top songs are still played today.
Each member of the Beatles was special, “With voices like John Lennon and Paul McCartney, The Beatles captured the heart of many, but wouldn’t have been able to do so had it not been for the presence of the equally-renowned George Harrison and Ringo Starr, two of the best instrumentalists who knew exactly what to do to bring out the best in the voices of Lennon and McCartney,” notes Guitar Junky.
Really Simple Guitar followed with this sentiment, “These four guys and the people in their orbits have been associated with more legendary stories than number-one records. But, the fact that 8 of their 20 number 1 hits came after they stopped touring is impressive.”
They are a group that spurned more music from others, “The Beatles are globally recognized and are credited with inspiring many famous musicians to pursue music. The most influential band of all time,” says Music Grotto.
2. The Rolling Stones
If the world forgot about the Beatles, The Rolling Stones would easily slide into the number one spot. A rock band from England that never let age, or anything else, define them.
Even now, they’re still going, “The fact that they remain one of the highest grossing concerts draws in existence, even with their members now well past the age of collecting social security checks, is a testament to more than just will power,” says Music Influence.
“The Rolling Stones were hailed as the greatest rock and roll band in the world in the 1970s, a title they have battled other famous bands to keep. Having sold over 200 million records worldwide, the band is one of the best-selling bands of all time,” mentions Hello Music Theory.
“Their countercultural symbolism, raunchy lyrics and killer musicianship have made them one of the most enduring acts ever,” adds Parade.
3. Queen
The British rock group from London led by the enigmatic Freddie Mercury takes the number three spot on this list. These stadium jams will never be forgotten, and they will rock you.
Freddie was a legend at the front of the group, “Freddie Mercury is probably the best singer of all time. His vocals are the perfect blend of operatic and rocking, and when it comes to his command of the stage and the crowd, well, nobody did it better,” says Guitar Lobby.
There wasn’t a genre they wouldn’t touch as Dig writes, “Though broadly a classic rock band, Queen made forays into disco, funk, and classic pop without ever sacrificing their identity, and they remained a phenomenal live act until they effectively ceased touring in 1986.”
Simply, “Queen reinvented music. There is no other way to put it,” adds The Top Tens.
4. Led Zeppelin
Plant, Page, Jones, and Bonham – names almost as famous as the four Beatles – formed the English rock group Led Zeppelin in 1968 and made their mark on music forever.
As Today puts it, “Over a 10-year, nine-album career from 1969-79, Led Zeppelin was the most popular rock group in the world, ultimately selling more than 50 million records in the U.S. alone.”
They emphasized the larger-than-life persona of rock stars, “No band ever has had such a fanatical following, not even The Beatles. There was so much mystique, so many myths and anecdotes surrounding the band that they almost seemed like they were from another planet,” says Guitar Lobby.
Dig writes, “when it comes to rock on the most grandiose scale, no band has ever flown quite as high as Led Zeppelin.”
5. Pink Floyd
Our all-English rock band list comes to a close with the kings of psychedelic rock music. Hello Music Theory says, “With their music, they became deeply inspirational to other rising artists. The band drew in an audience from the psychedelic music scene, composing music for elaborately planned live performances.”
They were trendsetters of their genre, “One of the pioneers and most influential bands on ambient music, also commonly known as ‘psychedelic’ music, Pink Floyd remains as one of the greatest rock bands the 20th century has given us,” adds Guitar Junky.
“Known for their lengthy compositions, Pink Floyd’s songbook is unusual, trippy, and often philosophical. The band’s most famous album ‘The Wall’ depicts images of a woebegone rock star; the album is purported to be autobiographical,” writes Music Grotto.
You might also be interested in:
- Best Beatles Songs
- Best Songs From the 1980s
- Best Record Players
- Best Surround Sound Systems
- Best Bluetooth Speakers
- Best Smart Speakers
Sources:
- Guitar Lobby
- Dig
- The Top Tens
- Really Simple Guitar
- Guitar Junky
- Music Grotto
- Music Influence
- History Things
- Hello Music Theory
- Today
- Parade
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
1/. Led zep
2/. Stones
3/. Who
4/. Skynyrd
5/. Pink floyd
RUSH…
The Who !! Greatest of all time. Queen sucked- Literally
The Who.How can they not be there.
Queen #2. U gotta be mad!
Agree
Where is The Beach Boys? Agree with George Martin. Brian Wilson!!!
The Beatles were not a rock band and neither was Floyd. These two were very talented groups yes, but not as great as Zepplin, Deep Purple, Quo, Cream when it came to rockin your socks off.
Sounds like you “wuzzen’t” there. The Beatles, not a rock band? Give me at least an hour to stop laughing! But I’ll give you kudos for mentioning Status Quo. Saw them twice here in NYC. Easily one of the 2 or 3 greatest live bands I ever saw. They, along with Slade belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
To me, the bottom line is simple. How could anyone, let alone a ‘poll’ that did Not include what I personally believe would contain the most knowledge-based individuals on the matter, the artist themselves.
That said, I personally believe that we, the ‘consumer’ for lack of a better term, absolutely have the majority of such a list because, as I have ‘heard’ most of my life,
the ‘customer’ is ‘always’ right. ‘Supposdly’..
All considered, I do believe that narrowing such an inclusive list to a meager ‘5’ is a tad bit humorous. Of course, I, like every and anyone else have my preferences, each artist mentioned is awesome in their own right. However, 5??? Asinine.
Just a thought from a fan of That Little ‘Ol Band From Texas
I agree with another commentor. “THE BEACH BOYS” are right up their at the Top. They influenced my life a lot!
Relax bud
Just name one Uptempo number that Pink Floyd did that really really Rocks…because I can’t…they really were quite lame in comparison to the other four, and many ither bands, when it actually came to…..Rocking Hard..
Pretenders!!!
I agree with the list of the 5 greatest rock band of all time. They are considered icons in their time of existince. But, take note, they are considered the greatest because of the response and acceptance of their adoring fans by supporting and buying their albums that catapulted their fame and status. No matter what, fans here are the main factors of their being famous and popular.
P.S., You might add more 10 bands in the list to make more exciting. 😊😊😊
Ok with most of this. The Who in my mind tops Floyd and I would comment that the Eagles should be there.
I as far as live bands go, The Who tops everyone in the 1970s just before losing Keith Moon at the end of that decade. And their Studio work absolutely blows Queen away.. Tommy.. who’s next.. Quadrophenia.. are you kidding me?
#1 Pink Floyd / Led Zeppelin
#2 Bee Gees
#3 Boston
#4 BTO (Bachman-turner overdrive)
#5 Electric light Orchestra
#6 Beatles
#7 YES
#8 The Guess Who
VH1 did a pole about 15 years ago with all the top critics and The Beatles were number one and the Rolling stones were number two in pop music and Led Zeppelin was number one and Black Sabbath was number two in the hard rock slot, no Black Sabbath what gives with this pole
Beatles Rolling Stones AC/DC Eagles Pink Floyd
KISS
The Wall? Dark Side of the Moon,Wish you were Here? The Wall was mediocre compared.
Leaving the WHO out is ridiculous. Townshend’s creation of the Rock Opera alone puts them in a unique category. Only a couple of these bands have received Kennedy Honors as well.
What are Kennedy Honours? 🤷♂️
Everyone missed KISS ??? You gotta be mad to not have them as a top 10 to 20 all time best!
Seriously? 🤣🤣🤣
Beatles S U C K!
Oh dear. 🤔
I find it funny that something that should be as subjective as the greatest band ever, in fact isn’t actually subjective at all. Led Zeppelin in on a whole nother playing field that no other band ever got close to, and at this point probably never will.
What about RUSH
Very interesting !
I think the list must be bigger , at the top 20 rock groups
I find it interesting that all bands are British. What country did the pollers take their survey in?
YES IS BEST!!!
Zeppelin, Eagles, stones,Beatles ,queen. Who can argue that?
Cream should be right after the Beatles … absolutely!!!!!
Agree
In my book The Beatles are the undisputed number one. It’s tough to limit to five but I would go with Zepp, Who, Queen, Eagles. Of course this is my opinion and a longer list could easily materialize . But even my next 5 wouldn’t make everybody happy so here goes: Rush, ZZ, Cream,Hendrix, Stones. One of my all time favorites is Todd Rundgren/Utopia. Say what you will.Peace.
1. Stones
2. Zepp
3. Who
4. Beatles
5. Aerosmith
Led Zepplin
Stones
Pink Floyd
Queen
Beatles
I don’t even know why the Beatles are regarded as rock in this list ??
How about Herman’s Hermits…JK
Stones
Who
Pink Floyd
Not as old, would be
PearlJam
Probably Oasis, love them or loathe them.
But as time spent classics, definitely has to be
Rolling Stones
The Who
Pink Floyd.
Beatles may have outstanding sales,but we’re only early 60s til 70.
These bands are still makin music n touring tday, except Pink Floyd,as a band.
Top 1 I’d say are Rolling Stones. Never stopped rocking.
I think Beatles, Zep and Stones would have to be on any top 5 list based on popularity, influence and talent. The Who would be on most lists as well. The 5th would be a tough call between Floyd, Queen, AC/DC, Eagles – you could make a good argument for any of them. Some great bands mentioned by others I feel would not objectively be on most top 5 lists due to being less popular (Rush) or having less longevity (Cream, Hendrix) compared to the other top bands.
The stooges baby!!!