The best rock bands are often considered ones that have a sound that is unique and timeless. Some of the best classic rock bands often have a sound that can be appreciated by listeners of all ages. These bands are those that have been around for the better part of the 70s and are considered iconic and influential by those who know their music.
Countless classic rock bands have created iconic music that is still cherished today. Some of the most iconic and influential rock bands include Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Queen. A list of the best classic rock bands. Also, you must know about the best Rock Bands of the 80s.
1 – The Beatles
The Beatles is best known for its line-up comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, which is regarded as the most influential band of all time. The Beatles are the best-selling music act of all time, with estimated sales of 600 million units worldwide.
2 – The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are the most famous classic rock band, formed in London in 1962. The band consists of vocalist Mick Jagger, multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones, guitarist Keith Richards, bassist Bill Wyman, and drummer Charlie Watts.
3 – Led Zeppelin
English rock band, Led Zeppelin formed in London in 1968. The group consists of vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. They are one of the best-selling music artists of all time, and their total record sales are estimated to be between 200 to 300 million units worldwide.
4 – The Who
The Who, an English classic rock band formed in London in 1964. Their classic line-up consists of major singers Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon.
5 – Pink Floyd
The band was a classic rock band formed in London in 1964. They became a leading band of the progressive rock genre, cited by some as the greatest progressive rock band of all time. They distinguished for their extended compositions, sonic experimentation, philosophical lyrics, and elaborate live shows. Years active- 1964–1995 & 2005 & 2012–2014.
6 – Aerosmith
Aerosmith is one of the classic American rock bands consisting of Steven Tyler (lead vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), Joey Kramer (drums), Tom Hamilton (bass), and Brad Whitford (guitar).
7 – AC/DC
AC/DC, an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by Scottish-born brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. It consists of members including, Angus Young, Phil Rudd, Cliff Williams, Brian Johnson, & Stevie Young.
8 – The Doors
American rock band, The Doors formed in Los Angeles in 1965, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. The Doors were the first American band to accumulate eight consecutive gold LPs.
9 – Creedence Clearwater Revival
American rock band, Creedence Clearwater Revival(CCR), formed in El Cerrito, California. They are one of the best Classic Rock Bands Of All Time. The band initially consisted of lead vocalist, John Fogerty, rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty, bassist Stu Cook, and Doug Clifford.
10 – Eagles (band)
The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971. The band is one of the world’s best-selling bands, having sold more than 200 million records, including 100 million sold in the US alone.
With five number-one singles and six number-one albums, six Grammy Awards, and five American Music Awards, the Eagles were one of the most successful musical acts of the 1970s in North America.
11 – Black Sabbath
English rock band, Black Sabbath formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. The band had multiple line-up changes following Osbourne’s departure in 1979, with Iommi being the only constant member throughout its history.
12 – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Originally, The group formed My Backyard in 1964 and comprised Ronnie Van Zant (lead vocalist), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass guitar), and Bob Burns (drums).
American rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd formed in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Lynyrd Skynyrd No. 95 on their list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”.
13 – Journey (band)
American rock band, Journey formed in San Francisco in 1973 by former members of Santana, Steve Miller Band, and Frumious Bandersnatch. The journey had its biggest commercial success between 1978 and 1987. ‘Escape’, Journey’s seventh and most successful album, reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
14 – ZZ Top
American classic rock band, ZZ Top formed in 1969 in Houston, Texas. The band consisted of guitarist Billy Gibbons, drummer Frank Beard, and vocalist bassist Dusty Hill until Hill died in 2021. They developed a signature sound based on Gibbons’ blues guitar style and Hill and Beard’s rhythm section.
15 – Fleetwood Mac
British-American classic rock band, Fleetwood Mac formed in London in 1967. It was founded by guitarist Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, and Jeremy Spencer before bassist John McVie joined the line-up for their self-titled debut album. They have sold more than 120 million records worldwide, making them one of the world’s best-selling bands.
16 – Ramones
The Ramones is one of the American classic rock bands, which formed in the New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974. In 2011, the group awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The Ramones performed 2,263 concerts, touring virtually nonstop for 22 years.
17 – The Allman Brothers Band
American classic rock band, The Allman Brothers Band, formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1969 by brothers Duane Allman and Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson. Rolling Stone ranked them 52nd on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time in 2004.
18 – The Kinks
English classic rock band, The Kinks formed in Muswell Hill, north London, in 1963 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies. They are one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s. Currently, the group consists of three members, Ray Davies, Dave Davies, & Mick Avory.
19 – Queen
Queen is a British rock band formed in London in 1970. They consist of a line-up including, Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass).
20 – Deep Purple
English classic rock band, Deep Purple, formed in London in 1968. They considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, but their musical approach has changed over the years. Deep Purple has had several line-up changes and an eight-year hiatus (1976–1984).
