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12 Famous Rock Bands From Chicago Of All Time

rock band from Chicago
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Bands From Chicago has always been an interesting topic to talk about. People around the globe are indeed fond of this unique form of band from Chicago. 

However, Chicago’s music scene is one of the most diverse and historic in the country. This article comprises a list of 12 famous rock bands from Chicago which will leave you pleasantly flabbergasted with joy. 

How about diving straight into the list of bands from Chicago? 

1-The Jesus lizard 

The Jesus Lizard is an American rock band, formed in 1987 in Austin, Texas, and based in Chicago, Illinois. 

However, They were “a leading noise rock band in the American independent underground…[who] turned out a series of independent records filled with scathing, disembowelment, guitar-driven pseudo-industrial noise, all of which received positive reviews in underground music publications and heavy college-radio play. 

Furthermore, Their music featured a scathing mix of piercing guitar, machine-like drums, propulsive bass guitar, and psychotic vocals. 

The best hits include, 

  • Monkey trick 
  • Mouth breather
  • Nub
  • Then comes Dudley
  • Boilermaker

2- The Smashing Pumpkins 

This rock band from Chicago was formed in 1988. The band comprises a diverse, densely layered, and guitar-heavy sound, containing elements of gothic rock, heavy Chicago was formed in 1988. the band comprises a diverse, densely layered, and guitar-heavy sound. 

However, the Smashing Pumpkins broke into the musical mainstream with their second album,1933’s Siamese Dream. 

Furthermore, they built their audience with extensive touring, and their 1995 follow-up the double album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart. One of the most Famous Rock Bands From Chicago ever.

Moreover, the band has a strong fan following even to date. 

The best hits include, 

  • ‘Mayonaise 
  • 1979
  • Cherub Rock’
  • Soma
  • Disarm

3- Chicago 

It is one of the longest-running and most successful rock groups, and one of the world’s best-selling groups of all time, having sold more than 100 million records. 

However, the band has been awarded several awards, some of them including, the American music award for Favorite Pop/rock/band/duo/group (1977) and Favorite Pop/rock/band/duo/group (1986), Billboard Award for 1971: Top Album artist, 1971: top album group, etc. 

Furthermore, Chicago’s music has been used in the soundtracks of movies, television programs, and commercials. 

The best hits include, 

  • Beginnings
  • Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is?”
  • Saturday in the Park
  • Hard to Say I’m Sorry
  • “25 or 6 to 4”

4- Resurrection Band

The band also known as Rez Band or REZ, was a Christian rock band formed in 1972.  However, They were part of the Jesus People USA Christian community in Chicago. 

Furthermore, this band is known for its blend of blues-rock and hard rock, the band is later credited as one of the forerunners of the Christian metal genre. One of the most Famous Rock Bands From Chicago ever.

Moreover, the band received some crossover success when they had two music videos featured on MTV.  

The best hits include, 

  • Colors
  • Rainbow’s End
  • Reach of love
  • Innocent blood
  • Surprised

5- Disturbed 

It’s an American heavy metal band from Chicago, formed in 1994. The band consists of a bed vocalist, guitarist/keyboardist, bassist, and drummer. 

Furthermore, the band has released seven studio albums, five of which have consecutively debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. 

Moreover, the band has sold over 17 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful rock bands in the modern era. 

The best hits include, 

  • The sound of silence
  • Down with the sickness
  • Inside the fire
  • Stricken
  • The vengeful one

6- survivor

This band was formed in the year of 1978. However, the band achieved huge success in the 1980s, producing many charting singles, especially in the US. 

Furthermore, the band has won a Grammy award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, a Juno award for International Single of the Year, people’s Choice award for Favorite New Song. One of the most Famous Rock Bands From Chicago ever.

The best hits include, 

  • Eye of the tiger
  • Burning heart
  • Ever since the world began
  • High on you
  • The moment of truth

7- Ministry

It’s an American industrial metal rock band from Chicago. However, the band’s lineup has changed frequently. 

Furthermore, the band attained commercial success in the late 1980s and early 1990s with three of their studio albums. 

Moreover, the band has been nominated for six Grammy awards and has performed at several music festivals, including the second annual Lollapalooza tour in 1992. 

The best hits include, 

  • Just one fix 
  • Jesus built my horrid
  • N.W.O
  • Thieves
  • Every day is Halloween 

8- Fall Out Boy 

The band was formed in the suburbs of Chicago in 2001. The band consists of a lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, bassist, lead guitarist, and drummer. They all are amazing whilst they perform together. People often go crazy for them. 

However, the album named, “take this to Your Grave” became an underground success and helped the band gain a dedicated fan base through heavy touring as well as commercial success. 

Furthermore, the band has been nominated for several awards and has won the “Artists of the Year” award. One of the most Famous Rock Bands From Chicago ever.

The best hits include, 

  • Sugar we’re going down
  • Dance, dance
  • Thnks fr the Mmrs
  • Centuries
  • I don’t care

9- Wilco

This amazing rock band was formed in 1994 in Chicago. Wilco has released eleven studio albums, a live double album, and four collaborations. 

However, Wilco’s musical style has evolved from a 1990s country-rock sound to a current “electric indie rock collective that touches on many eras and genres. 

Furthermore, the band generated media attention for their fourth album named, “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” and the controversy surrounding it. 

Moreover, the band has won two Grammy awards for their fifth studio album, including the best alternative music album. 

The best hits include, 

  • Jesus, etc. 
  • Via Chicago 
  • Impossible Germany
  • Handshake drugs
  • Wilco

10- Earth, Wind, and Fire

The band is often known as “EW&F OR EWF”, It’s an American rock band that was formed in Chicago. 

However, with sales of over 90 million records, they are one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time. 

Furthermore, the band is known for its Kalimba sound, dynamic horn section, and energetic stage shows. 

Moreover, the band has won 6 Grammys from 17 nominations and four American music awards out of 12 nominations. 

Later on, they were inducted into the rock and roll Hall of Fame. The band has also received an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award. One of the most Famous Rock Bands From Chicago ever.

The best hits include, 

  • September
  • Let’s groove
  • Boogie wonderland
  • After the love has gone
  • Reasons 
  • Fantasy

11- Rise Against 

Rise Against is an American punk rock band from Chicago, formed in 1999. However, the band is Rooted in hardcore punk and melodic hardcore. 

Furthermore,  Rise Against’s music emphasizes melody, catchy hooks, an aggressive sound and playstyle, and rapid tempos. 

Moreover, the band is known for its outspoken social commentary, covering a wide range of topics such as political injustice, animal rights, humanitarianism, and environmentalism.

To end, Rise Against is also known for its advocacy of progressivism, supporting organizations such as Amnesty International and the It Gets Better Project. 

However, The band actively promotes animal rights and most of the members are straight edge, PETA supporters and vegetarians.

The best hits include, 

  • Prayer of the refugee
  • Savior 
  • Appeal to reason
  • The back market 
  • Swing life away

12- Lupe fiasco 

The Jesus Lizard is an American rock band formed in 1987 in Austin, Texas, and based in Chicago, Illinois.

However,  They were “a leading noise rock band in the American independent underground…[who] turned out a series of independent records filled with scathing, guitar-driven pseudo-industrial noise, all of which received positive reviews in underground music publications and heavy college-radio play.

Furthermore, Their music featured a scathing mix of piercing guitar, machine-like drums, propulsive bass guitar, and psychotic vocals.

The best hits include, 

  • Monkey trick
  • Mouth breather
  • Nub
  • Then comes Dudley
  • Boilermaker

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