The criteria I used to come up with the following list includes each band’s influence on pop music as a whole and other groups in particular, and the overall quality of their music. Here is my list of the top 25 classic rock bands:
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #25 – Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath is considered by many to be the single most influential band in the development of the heavy metal genre. The group was formed in Birmingham, England in 1967. The inaugural members of the band include Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, Terence Butler and Ozzy Osbourne. Their music is known for its eardrum-shattering volume and dark, ominous lyrics. The band’s signature tune is “Iron Man.” Other notable songs include “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” and “War Pigs.
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #24 – Deep Purple
Deep Purple is widely regarded to be a pioneer of the heavy metal genre. Rock journalist Jason Ankeny notes that they are a “true institution of the British hard rock community.” The band has gone through a number of personnel changes, but it’s most commercially successful lineup included Ian Gillian, Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, Roger Glover and Ian Paice. Their signature song is the monstrously popular “Smoke on the Water” – which features one of the catchiest riffs in rock history. Other hits include “Woman From Tokyo” and “Child In Time.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #23 – Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd, is arguably the world’s most successful “cosmic” rock band. What distinguishes the band is their innovative use of special effects and wildly elaborate stage shows. Another thing that sets the band apart is that their 1973 album “Dark Side of the Moon” remained on the Billboard album chart for an astonishing 741 weeks. The founding members of the band are Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, Rick Wright, Nick Mason and Dave Gilmour. Their most popular singles include “Another Brick in the Wall” and “Shine on You Crazy Diamond.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #22 – Steppenwolf
Steppenwolf, one of the most respected bands in rock history, was formed in Los Angeles in 1967 by John Kay, Michael Monarch, Rushton Moreve, Goldy McJohn and John Edmonton. The band is best known for its three top 10 hits – “Born to Be Wild,” “Magic Carpet Ride” and “Rock Me.” Steppenwolf’s edgy, hard-driving sound has had an unmistakable influence on contemporary heavy metal bands.
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #21 – Canned Heat
Canned Heat was formed in Los Angeles in the mid-’60s by Alan Wilson and Bob Hite. The band is known for its innovative fusion of blues, rock and boogie. Their musicianship and original sound has earned them a loyal following throughout the years and their influence is far reaching. Their best known songs include “On the Road Again,” “Let’s Work Together” and “Going up the Country.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #20 – Buffalo Springfield
Buffalo Springfield was formed in Los Angeles in 1966. The band was responsible for launching the careers of Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay and Jim Messina. Though the band was only together for about two years, their signature folk-rock style has had a profound influence on a number of notable artists, including The Byrds, The Eagles, The Flying Burrito Brothers and Jackson Browne. The band’s best known tune is the masterpiece, “For What It’s Worth.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #19 – The Yardbirds
The Yardbirds, who were formed in London in the early ’60s, enjoy the distinction of launching the careers of three of rock’s most notable guitar virtuosos: Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. The band is also known for experimenting with feedback, fuzz tone and distortion, and for forming a link between blues-based rock and pyschodelia. Their best know hits are “For Your Love” and “Heart Full of Soul.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #18 – The Kinks
Along with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who, the Kinks are considered one of the “big four” British Invasion bands. And though they never achieved the same level of commercial success as the other three, they are considered one of the most influential bands in the history of rock. They were formed in 1963 by Ray and Dave Davies and Pete Quaife. Originally, the style of music they played was primarily blues-oriented. Eventually, however, they added country, folk and traditional English musical elements to their style. Their most popular songs include “All Day and All of the Night” and their signature song, “You Really Got Me.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #17 – Procol Harum
Procol Harum was formed in Britain in the early ’60s. The band, which has a devoted following, is considered to be a seminal member of the progressive rock movement. Their hits include “Whiter Shade of Pale” and “Conquisquadore.” Core members of the band include Gary Brooker, Robin Trower, Chris Copping, Bob Scott and Mike Brownlee.
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #16 – Traffic
Traffic was formed in Birmingham, England in 1967. The founding members include Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood and Dave Mason. The band is known for its highly distinctive, eclectic sound and its emphasis on reed instruments and the organ. Traffic has been a strong influence on many bands in the progressive rock genre. The band’s most popular songs are “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” “Hole In My Shoe,” “John Barleycorn” and “Feelin’ Alright.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #15 – The Velvet Underground
Though they never achieved mainstream commercial success, the Velvet Underground is considered one of the most important and influential rock bands of all time. Their sound can best be described as a blending of rock and, as rock journalist Richie Unterberger puts it, the “sonic adventurism of the avant-garde.” Their lyrics contain sexual and drug references and are sung by frontman Lou Reed in a distinctive “sing-speak” style. In addition to Reed, core members of the band include John Cale, Sterling Morrison and Angus Maclise. The group’s most noteworthy songs include “Heroin,” “All Tomorrow’s Parties,” “Venus in Fur” and “Pale Blue Eyes.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #14 – Jefferson Airplane
Jefferson Airplane is best known for being one of the chief architects of the psychedelic rock movement. The band was formed in the summer of 1965, and their original sound was folk and blues-based. Eventually, their musical sensibilities evolved into the intoxicating psychedelic sound they are known for. The core members of the band include Marty Balin, Jack Casidy, Spence Dryden, Paul Kantner, Jorma Kaukonen, and Grace Slick. Their best know songs are the massive hits “White Rabbit” and “Someone to Love.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #13 – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival, which was formed in the San Francisco area in the late ’60s, is known for its powerful and distinctive sound that masterfully blends elements of pop, rockabilly and R&B.; In addition to catchy melodies, their songs also contain sharply observant social commentary. Founding members of the band include chief songwriter John Fogerty, Tom Fogerty, Doug Clifford and Stu Cook. Their signature songs are “Suzie Q,” “Proud Mary,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain” and “Fortunate Son.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #12 – Jethro Tull
Jethro Tull was formed by Ian Anderson, Glenn Cornick, Mick Abrahmas and Clive Bunker in England in the late 1960s. Distinguishing characteristics of the band include a fusion of hard rock, blues, folk and classical musical elements, and the wild stage antics of front man flautist Ian Anderson. Anderson is also known for wearing tattered overcoats and his distinctive singing style. Their best-known albums include “Stand Up,” “Benefit” and “Thick as a Brick.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #11 – The Byrds
The Byrds are widely recognized as being the most influential band in the folk-rock genre. Their sound, which is characterized by sublime harmonies and the distinctive guitar artistry of Roger McGuinn, has influenced a wide range of artists. The band was formed in Los Angeles in 1964 by Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, David Crosby, Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke. Their classic tunes include “Mr. Tambourine Man,” Eight Miles High,” and “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #10 – Cream
Though only together for about two years, the British rock group Cream has left an indelible mark on the rock and roll landscape. The band, which is considered the first “power trio” of rock, consisted of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. Cream’s distinctive, guitar-driven sound is characterized by a melding of blues, pop and psychedelia. Their masterpieces include “Sunshine of Your Love” (a song that contains one of the most memorable riffs in history), “Strange Brew” and “Badge.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #9 – Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Emerson, Lake & Palmer was formed in the late 60s by Brits Keith Emerson, Greg Lake and Carl Palmer. The group is recognized as one of the chief architects of the progressive rock movement. Their music is noted for its lush and sophisticated orchestral qualities, and their stage act was energetic to say the least. The band’s most popular tunes include “Luck Man,” “From The Beginning” and “Still…You Turn Me On.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #8 – The Grateful Dead
Music journalist Jason Ankeny eloquently sums up the importance and legacy of the Grateful Dead: “Rock’s longest, strangest trip, the Grateful Dead were the psychedelic era’s most beloved musical ambassadors as well as its most enduring survivors, spreading their message of peace, love, and mind-expansion across the globe throughout the better part of three decades.” The group was formed in San Francisco in 1965. The inaugural members include Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Ron McKernan, and Bill Kreutzmann. The band is noted for its eclectic musical style, which blends elements of folk, country, blues, reggae and jazz. Some of the bands best works include “Truckin,” “Touch of Grey” and “Casey Jones.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #7 – Crosby, Stills & Nash
The musical union of David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash coalesced in 1969 with the release of their self-titled album. This super group (which has intermittently included Neil Young), is distinguished by its gorgeous vocal harmonies and an eclectic musical oeuvre that includes acoustic folk, pop and hard rock. The band is also known for it’s political activism and lingering influence. “It was the only American-based band to approach the overall societal impact of the Beatles,” writes music journalist William Ruhlman. The band’s masterpieces include “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “Helplessly Hoping,” “Teach Your Children” and “Long Time Gone.
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #6 – The Doors
This extraordinarily influential and highly controversial band was formed in Los Angeles in 1965 by Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, John Densmore and Robby Krieger. The band is hailed for its masterful blend of blues, classical, pop and Eastern music, and for its poetic lyrics. Other distinguishing qualities are Ray Manzarek’s effective electric organ work and Jim Morrison’s deep and distinctive vocals. The band’s enduring classics include “Light My Fire,” “Break On Through” and “People Are Strange.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #5 – The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are quite simply one of the best bands ever to have bestowed their gifts upon planet Earth. Their music is characterized by amazingly beautiful, intricate harmonies and lyrics that reflect the California youth culture of the ’60s. The core members of the group include the three Wilson brothers: Brian, Dennis and Carl; their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Some of their masterpieces include “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Good Vibrations” and “In My Room.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #4 – The Who
Rock journalist Stephen Thomas Erlewine sums up nicely how the divergent personalities of the Who coalesced into one of rocks most extraordinary bands: “The group was a whirlwind of activity, as the wild Keith Moon fell over his drum kit and Pete Townshend leaped into the air with his guitar, spinning his right hand in exaggerated windmills. Vocalist Roger Daltry strutted across the stage with a thuggish menace, bassist John Entwistle stood silent, functioning as the eye of the hurricane. These divergent personalities frequently clashed, but these frictions also resulted in a decade’s worth of remarkable music.” Some of their best works include “My Generation,” “I Can See For Miles” and “Behind Blue Eyes.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #3 – Led Zeppelin
Often described as the creators of the heavy metal genre, Led Zeppelin gained prominence by establishing a unique sound that incorporated blues, funk, soul and classical influences. The masterful guitar playing of Jimmy Page and extraordinarily distinctive singing style of Robert Plant helped define this band as one of the greatest in the history of rock. Their masterpieces include “Stairway To Heaven,” “Kashmir” and “Ramble On.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #2 – The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are the original “bad boys” of rock. Though they flirted with divergent musical elements, including pop and psychedelia, they are most clearly defined as being a blues-based, hard rock band. One of the most extraordinary things about the Stones is that they are still together and tour frequently. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are still playing together 15 or even 20 years from now. Some of the best works from their extensive catalog include, “Wild Horses,” “Jumping Jack Flash,” “Satisfaction” and “Brown Sugar.”
Top 25 Classic Rock Bands: #1 – The Beatles
So much has been written about the Beatles and their almost preternatural contribution to pop music that there is really nothing more to say. Their genius is unparalleled. They are without question the best rock band of all time.
Sources:
www.vh1.com
www.music.yahoo.com
www.allmusic.com
www.wikipedia.org
www.songfacts.com
