Top twenty rock bands

Free, formed in 1968, became one of the leading British four-piece rock bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s. With their powerful blues-rock sound, they achieved massive success with hits like "All Right Now" and albums such as "Fire and Water”. Despite internal tensions and struggles, particularly surrounding guitarist Paul Kossoff, Free's influence on rock music remains significant. Their short but impactful career produced some of the most memorable rock anthems. They were one of my favorite bands and lead guitarist Paul Kossoff influenced me imeasurably. He taught me everything I needed to know about vibrato!

Genesis is a British rock band formed in 1967, known for its evolution from progressive rock in the 1970s to pop-rock success in the 1980s and beyond. To say they were just a ‘prog rock’ band would be doing them a disservice, they were an elite and intelligent bunch of musicians. They were very successful commercially, the band has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and has influenced numerous artists across different genres.

Oasis, the British rock band led by the Gallagher family brothers, Noel and Liam, dominated the Britpop scene of the 1990s with their anthemic songs and distinctive style. Their albums "Definitely Maybe" and "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" produced timeless hits like "Wonderwall” "Don't Look Back in Anger” and "Champagne Supernova”. Known for their rivalry and turbulent relationship, Oasis disbanded in 2009. Both brothers have since pursued solo careers,

Gear:

• Gibson ES-335
• Marshall Amplifier

The Who, a legendary rock band from the 1960s, are known for their explosive live performances and rock anthems and identified with the UK Mod movement. With Roger Daltrey's powerful vocals, Pete Townshend's dynamic guitar work, and Keith Moon's frenetic drumming, they created hits like "My Generation” "Baba O'Riley” and "Won't Get Fooled Again”. Their influence on rock music is profound, and they continue to perform and release new music, albeit with some changes in lineup.

Gear:

• Fender Stratocaster
• Marshall Amplifier

ZZ Top, formed in 1969 in Houston, Texas, is known for their bluesy guitar riffs, humorous lyrics, and distinctive image characterized by long beards and sunglasses

Nirvana, the iconic grunge band from Seattle, revolutionized rock music in the early 1990s with their raw sound and introspective lyrics. Fronted by Kurt Cobain, their landmark album "Nevermind" featured hits like "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Come as You Are” which became anthems for a generation. Nirvana's influence on music and culture is immeasurable, despite their brief career, which ended tragically with Cobain's death in 1994. The band's legacy endures, influencing countless artists and fans.

INXS, an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1977, is renowned for its energetic live performances and a string of hit recordings. The band is best known for its work with lead singer Michael Hutchence, whose charismatic presence and vocal talent helped propel INXS to international fame. Blending new wave, rock, and dance music, INXS created a unique sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Foo Fighters, an American rock band formed in 1994 by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, emerged from the grunge era's shadow to become one of the world's leading rock acts. The band's name refers to the unidentified flying objects reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War II, known as "foo fighters." With their powerful sound and Grohl's charismatic leadership, the Foo Fighters have won numerous awards and achieved global fame.

Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1985. The band has been credited with reviving the mainstream popularity of rock music at a time when pop and dance were dominating the charts.

Cream, formed in 1966, was a British rock three-piece supergroup (if not the first supergroup) comprising Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker. Known for their powerful blend of blues, rock, and psychedelia, Cream produced some of rock's most enduring anthems, including "Sunshine of Your Love” "White Room” and "Crossroads”. Their innovative sound and musical prowess set them apart, despite internal conflicts and a brief career span. The band's legacy was cemented with their 1993 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. Cream's reunion concerts in 2005 were a testament to their lasting impact on the music world. Despite personal struggles and a tumultuous relationship among members, Cream remains one of the most influential bands in rock history.

Little Feat is an American rock band formed in 1969 by singer-songwriter Lowell George and keyboardist Bill Payne in Los Angeles, California. Known for their eclectic blend of rock, blues, funk, jazz, country, and R&B, Little Feat has cultivated a devoted following with their distinctive sound, masterful musicianship, and dynamic live performances.

Songs:

1. Willin'
2. Sailin' shoes
3. Feats don't fail me

AC/DC is an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by Scottish-born brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. The band is known for their high-energy performances, gritty sound, and iconic rock anthems. They probably have more tribute acts than any other rockers!

Gear:

• Fender Stratocaster
• Marshall Amplifier

U2, arguably the most successful Irish rock band formed in the late 1970s, and is known for their anthemic sound and socially conscious lyrics. Led by Bono, with The Edge's innovative guitar work, they produced hits like "With or Without You” "Beautiful Day” and "Sunday Bloody Sunday”. U2 rose to global fame in the 1980s and 1990s, and remain active today, continuing to tour and release new music while engaging in humanitarian efforts.

Toto, the penultimate Yacht Rock stadium band of the 1980’s was formed in 1976 in Los Angeles

The Police probably marked the end of the era of three-piece rock bands that were not only commercially successful but had superb musicianship

Songs:

1. Roxxanne
2. Message in a Bottle
3. Every Breath You Take

Gear:

• Fender Stratocaster

Van Halen, a hard rock band formed in the 1970s, revolutionized rock music with Eddie Van Halen's groundbreaking guitar techniques. Known for hits like "Jump” "Panama” and "Runnin' with the Devil” they blended hard rock with a touch of pop. Their dynamic performances and David Lee Roth's charismatic stage presence defined their peak years in the late 1970s and 1980s. Though Eddie Van Halen's passing in 2020 marked a significant loss, their music continues to influence rock musicians.

Queen, fronted by the flamboyant Freddie Mercury, is renowned for their eclectic style, powerful performances, and timeless anthems like "Bohemian Rhapsody” "We Will Rock You” and "We Are the Champions”. Formed in the early 1970s, Queen blended rock, opera, and pop, achieving massive commercial success and critical acclaim. Despite Mercury's death in 1991, the band's legacy endures, with surviving members Brian May and Roger Taylor continuing to perform with new vocalists, including Adam Lambert.

Fleetwood Mac is a British-American rock band formed in London in 1967. Known for their turbulent history, harmonious vocals, and enduring hits, they have become one of the most successful rock bands in history. Originally coming out of the 1960’s UK Blues Boom as a Blues band fronted by Peter Green, they eventually morphed into the most popular California soft rock band ever. You couldn’t get away from their album “Rumours” in 1977 – it was everywhere!

The Rolling Stones need little introduction, being one of the most iconic Rock bands of all time with a six-decade long career. The perennial bad boys of rock have scandalized and entertained us with effete Mick Jagger as frontman and human cockroach Keith Richards on guitar.

Songs:

1. "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"
2. "Paint It Black"
3. "Sympathy for the Devil"
4. "Gimme Shelter"
5. "Angie"
6. "Start Me Up"

Led Zeppelin, formed in 1968, is one of the most iconic four-piece rock bands in history. Consisting of Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones (bass/keyboard), and John Bonham (drums), the band is known for their powerful sound, complex compositions, and profound influence on the rock genre. Amazingly they had all that success without ever releasing a single!

Songs:

1. Stairway to Heaven
2. Whole Lotta Love

Gear:

• Gibson dual neck Jimmy Page
• Marshall Amplifier