Ranking The 5 Best Rock Bands Who Changed Music FOREVER

The world of rock music pulsates with electrifying energy, captivating audiences for generations. From the rebellious anthems of the early days to the genre-bending experimentation of today, countless bands have left their indelible mark on the musical landscape. But when it comes to the “best” rock bands, the debate ignites passionate discussions and heated arguments. This article delves into the ever-evolving conversation, exploring some of the most influential and iconic rock bands of all time, while acknowledging the subjectivity and personal connections that shape our individual preferences. So, crank up the volume, dust off your air guitar, and prepare to embark on a journey through the electrifying world of rock royalty.

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! 

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➡️ How Our “Best Of The Best” Lists Are Created


StudyFinds’ “Best of the Best” articles are put together with the idea of taking the work out of common consumer research. Ever find yourself searching for a product or service on Google and reading multiple reviews to find items listed across many of them? Our Best of the Best lists are created with that process in mind, with each item ranked by how frequently it appears on expert reviews or lists. With Best of the Best, you are getting consensus picks — making them truly the best of the best!

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.

sculpture of the Beatles
Statue of The Beatles in Liverpool (Photo by Neil Martin on Unsplash)

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. How? “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. 

Queen CDs
Queen CDs (Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash)

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. 

Jimmy Page (right) on stage with Robert Plant (left)
Jimmy Page (right) on stage with Robert Plant (left) (“Jimmy Page with Robert Plant 2 – Led Zeppelin – 1977” by Jim Summaria, http://www.jimsummariaphoto.com/ is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/?ref=openverse.)

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.”

Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon album
Pink Floyd “Dark Side of the Moon” album (© Blue – stock.adobe.com)

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.

Sources:

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. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.

Lea la versión en español en EstudioRevela.com: Las 5 mejores bandas de rock de todos los tiempos, según los expertos.


Comments

  1. 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

  2. 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.

  3. Everyone missed KISS ??? You gotta be mad to not have them as a top 10 to 20 all time best!

  4. 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.

  5. I find it interesting that all bands are British. What country did the pollers take their survey in?

  6. 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. Led Zepplin
      Stones
      Pink Floyd
      Queen
      Beatles
      I don’t even know why the Beatles are regarded as rock in this list ??

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

    1. I agree with you mate. Not matter what the genre. Beatles stones zeppelin are 1 2 and 3.


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