100 Best Rock Bands of All Time [Ranked By Order] – .

It’s been decades since thousands of rock bands arrived in the music world. And many of them couldn’t make it to the end because of their poor performances and low audience ratings; on the other hand, hundreds of inspiring rock bands are gaining fame throughout the decades – and are still attracting everyone with their classical and pop music.

Best Rock Bands of All Time

Well! Whether you are looking for new ones with classical music or the best rock bands of 70s, 80s, 90s or 2000s with catchy tunes and addictive genres, below, we have listed the top best rock bands of all time. Take a look.

1- The Beatles

The Beatles was a four-membered rock n roll music band united back in 1960 in Liverpool. The band had four members, and their names were John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Well! When this fascinating band jumped into the pop music world, they changed it forever. Their first hit was ‘Please Please Me,’ which was released in Britain on January 12, 1963, and it later became the first British album, recorded in one thirteen-hour session that remained number one on the charts for six months.

After that, The Beatles ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ was released in the United States in 1964 and hit number one on the chart within three weeks. After seven weeks at the top of the charts, it fell to the second number to make place for ‘She Loves You,’ which gave room to ‘Can’t Buy MeLove.’ And after gaining huge success, they started to get nicknames, such as ‘The Fab Four’ and ‘The Mop Tops’ (because of their hairstyles). Also, the band appeared in a Hollywood film called ‘A Hard Day’s Night.’

Well! Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, the band decided to separate their ways in 1969 and officially got separated in 1970. Later, two of them (John Lennon and George Harrison) have both died, and on the other hand, the two(Both Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr) are still living and making music separately.

2- Led Zeppelin

New Yardbirds, better known as Led Zeppelin, is another of the four-membered best rock bands 70s that got united back in 1968. The band members’ names are Robert Plant: singer, John Paul Jones: bassist and keyboardist, and John Bonham: drummer. Well! The group was inspired by the above-mentioned band, The Beatles, who changed the pop music world and inspired many youngsters like Led Zeppelin. Anyway, Led Zeppelin’s first hit was “Whole Lotta Love” that they released in 1969.

Later, they started to release other songs and albums, for which they earned more fame around the world. Well! After releasing and gaining huge success and fame, in 1980, they decided to close their band forever. And in 2007, they officially got separated.

3- Queen

Queen is one of the best rock bands of all time that originally had four members: vocalist and pianist Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, bass guitarist John Deacon, and drummer Roger Taylor. The band got united back in the early 1970s season. And later, the band launched many songs and albums together, such as ‘Liar,’ ‘Keep Yourself Alive,’ ‘Jesus,’ and ‘The Night Comes Down.’

The band was doing great together, but for some personal issues in 2005, two members left, and later, the other two also decided to separate their ways forever.

4- Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd is a progressive rock band that was united in 1965 in Cambridge & London and was active from 1965 through 1983 & 1987 to the present. This group also has four members, and their names are Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Rick Wright.

The band is famous for gaining an early following as one of the first British psychedelic groups. Later, they became a leading music band of the progressive rock genre and were cited as one of the best-selling rock bands of all time.

5- Rolling Stones

The world’s greatest rock and roll band, Rolling Stones, originally had five members: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts. But later, members were Mick Taylor, Ron Wood, and Darryl Jones. The band united in early 1949, and their main focus was sweet pop and rock n roll music to entertain their listeners.

Their first hit was ‘Come On’ that topped the chart at number one for eight months and later dropped to the third number for six months. And as of now, two of them are dead, and the other three (Mike Jagger and Keith Richards) are still alive and performing.

6- Prince & The Revolution

The worldwide famous rock band Prince & The Revolution was a six-membered adorable friends group that rocked the world together. The band united in 1997, and its members’ names are Prince, Dez Dickerson, Andre Cymone, Bobby Z, Gayle Chapman, and Matt Fink. They all released 50 plus hit songs together that stayed at the top of the chart for more than five months. But unfortunately, in 1986, they all separated their ways to start solo careers.

7- Guns N’ Roses

Back in the 1980s, when pop was covered by dance music and pop-metal, Guns N’ Roses brought raw, ugly rock & roll hitting music back into the charts. They were not good boys at all; as they say, good boys didn’t play rock n roll and call themselves ugly, misogynistic, and violent; they were also funny, helpless, and occasionally sensitive. But still, they maintained their position at number one by releasing several hit songs and became one of the best 80s rock bands of all time.

8- AC/DC

AC/DC is another one of the best rock bands 70s that united with five members, and their names were Angus (lead guitarist) and Malcolm Young (rhythm guitarist). Also, there were three more members in the band – who weren’t famous, and their audience ratings were low as well. That’s why there is a big confusion about their names and identities on the internet right now. Apart from everything, they still released many hit songs from 1973 to (still active).

9- The Jimi Hendrix Experience

The Jimi Hendrix Experience was a short-lived band that got united by three friends, Mitch Mitchell, Noel Redding, and Jimi Hendrix, in the late 1960s. And after a few years, for some unknown reason, the three separated their ways forever. Well! They released only ten singles, from which two topped the chart at number one for three months.

10- Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan was a rock n roll solo artist, author, and singer. He was commonly known as the best songwriter of all time in the world. And he has also written many songs for several classic rock bands and best female rock bands to help them grow. Well, If we talk about his tracks and work, ‘Every Grain of Sand’ and ‘Visions of Johanna’ are his best projects ever.

11- Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Joan Jett, better known as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, is another rock n roll artist, songwriter, composer, musician, record producer, and actress. Joan is famous for her work as the frontwoman of her band Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and earlier founding and performing with several Runaways branches, which recorded and released her hit song “Cherry Bomb.”

12- Grateful Dead

The Grateful Dead was an American-based rock band united in 1965 in Palo Alto, California. The band is best known for its eclectic style, which combined elements of rock, folk, country, jazz, bluegrass, blues, rock and roll, gospel, reggae, and world music for live performances.

13- Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band have gone through ups and downs and struggles throughout their nearly three-decade history, but whenever you see them doing their live concerts, it’s like the glory days never truly ended. The band has almost seven members, and their names are Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Van Zandt, Patti Scialfa, Max Weinberg, Garry Tallent, Roy Bittan, and Nils Lofgren.

The band got united back in 1973, and in 2014, they became one of the best rock bands of the 2000s season. Also, the band has released 40 plus hits tracks and 12 albums that topped the chart two times in a year.

14- The Traveling Wilburys

The Traveling Wilburys were a British–American supergroup consisting of five members, and their names were Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty. The band united in the early 1900s season and later became one of the best rock bands of the 90s of all time. The five boys wrote and released many rock songs together, and after a decade, they separated their ways. And as of now, every one of them is successful in their music-making careers.

15- The Kinks

The Kinks is one of the best punk rock bands of the early 1960s, whose every song topped the chart and stayed there for several months in a row. Also, the band has almost four members, and their names are Ray Davies (alive), Dave Davies (alive), Peter Quaife (alive), Tavistock (dead), and Devonshire (dead). Moreover, their hit songs are ‘Kinks’ and ‘Low Budget’ – that stayed on number one for six months. Well, as of now, two of them are not in the world, and the other three are still making music together.

16- Little Richard and The Upsetters

Little Richard and The Upsetters band were a rock n roll band made by the famous American-based singer and songwriter Little Richard. He found this group in early 1953 and united with his close friends. Their names are Charles Connor, Clifford Burks, Danny Carmichael, Grady Gaines, Jimmy Rice, Luke Gonder, Nathaniel Douglas, Elsie Richard Robinson, Samuel Parker, Thomas Harwell, and Wilbert Smith.

The Upsetters hit songs are ‘Big Bop Bip’ and ‘All Mine’ that topped the chart for two weeks, and in 1960, for some unknown reason, every one of them decided to separate their ways and start a new music-making career alone.

17- The Cure

The Cure was united by Robert Smith (vocals, guitar) along with schoolmates Michael Dempsey (bass), Lol Tolhurst (drums), and local guitar hero Porl Thompson in 1976 in America. Later, they started to write and promote their songs in the South American side, gaining a massive amount of fame and fan followers. After that, they returned to other cities to gain more fame, and as of now, they all work as actors and songwriters in Hollywood.

18- The Band

The Band was a Toronto-made crew that included five members, and their names are Randy Ciarlante, Jim Weider, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Richard Bell, and Rick Danko. This rock n roll band united back in 1967 when every one of them was facing financial issues, and in a year, their songs topped the chart as number one for four months. And as of now, they are still making music, but unfortunately, two of them (whose names are not revealed yet) are not in this world anymore.

19- Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival, also known as Creedence and CCR, was an American-based rock band recorded and performed from early 1968 to late 1972. The rock band originally consisted of lead vocalist, lead guitarist, primary songwriter John Fogerty, rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty, bassist Stu Cook, and drummer Doug. Well, CCR was an amazing band, but unfortunately, for some unknown reasons, they split in 1972.

20- Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band was an American-based rock crew united in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969 by brothers Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson. The band was famous for using different music genres, such as blues, jazz, and country music, which helped them gain a fan following. And as of now, three of them died, and the other three are still making music, but this time separately.

21- David Bowie

David Robert Jones OAL, better known as David Bowie, was an American-based professional singer-songwriter and actor. He was famous in the Hollywood industry for his solo acts in several Hollywood films and songs videos that he made by himself. Also, he is well known in the Hollywood industry (music and film) for being the most influential personality of the 20th century. Well! Unfortunately, on January 10, 2016, at the age of 69, he died due to Liver Cancer.

22- The Ramones

The Ramones were another one of the best punk bands of America that formed in the New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974. The band has almost four male members, whose personalities were the most influential among everyone, and their names were Joey Ramone (Jeffrey Hyman), Johnny Ramone (John Cummings), Marky Ramone (Marc Bell), and C. J. Ramone (Christopher Ward).

The Ramones were childhood friends who released many hits together until Joey, Johny, and Marc died in the early 2000s.

23- Aerosmith

Aerosmith, also known as the world’s best rock band, is an American-based Rock n roll band formed back in the 1970s. This band has almost five members, and their names are Steven Tyler (lead vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass), Joey Kramer (drums), and Brad Whitford (guitar). They focus on blues-based hard rock and other music elements, including pop-rock, heavy metal, glam metal, and rhythm and blues.

Also, the band is inspired by many other rock n roll bands, such as Fleetwood Mac, with whom they collaborated in the 1980s. Well, in between their successful career, they took a break and came back in 1990 with many other hits, such as ‘That Girl’s Mine’ and ‘Ain’t Gonna Lie.’

24- Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac is a British-American-based rock n roll band formed by five childhood friends guitarist Peter Green, drummer Mick Fleetwood and one of the best guitarists Jeremy Spencer, before bassist John McVie and Danny Kirwan. This blues-rock band is famous for being the first band of the 1960s that has two girls and three guys. Also, the band is well-known in the music industry for releasing ‘Mr. Wonderful.’

25- The Eagles

The Eagles Band is an American-based rock n roll crew formed in Los Angeles in the 1971 season. With five number-one single tracks and six number-one albums, six Grammy music Awards, and five American-based Music Awards, the Eagles Band was one of the most successful musical acts of the 1970s in North America.

The band had almost four members, and their names were Glenn Frey (guitars, vocals), Don Henley (drums, vocals), Bernie Leadon (guitars, vocals), and Randy Meisner (bass guitar, vocals).

26- Journey

The Journey Band is another successful American-based rock n roll crew formed in San Francisco in 1973 by former members of Santana, whose names were Steve Miller-Band, and Frumious Bandersnatch. Also, there were a few more members whose names and jobs were Gregg Rolie on vocals and the keyboard, Neal Schon on guitar and vocals, George Tickner on guitar, Ross Valory on bass-vocals, and Prairie Prince on drums.

27- Van Halen

The Van Halen Band is an American-based hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. The band became one of the major stars, and by the early 1980s, they were one of the most successful rock acts of the time. Moreover, ‘1984’ was their most successful album that has 15 songs, from which three songs topped the chart for three months.

28- Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

The Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Band were a folk-rock music supergroup of American singer-songwriters David Crosby and Stephen Stills. The band got formed in the early 19000s with other David and Stephen friends, and their names were Graham Nash and Neil Young. And this is the reason why they named their band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Moreover, they were famous for introducing vocal harmonies to the world.

29- Def Leppard

The Def Leppard Band is an American-based rock n roll band formed in 1977. At first, the band had only two members, and in 1992, the band consisted of Joe Elliott, Rick Savage, Rick Allen, Phil Collen, and Vivian Campbell. They are famous for making themselves a new wave of British heavy metal movement and the empowering tunes – that they use in almost every track.

30- Nirvana

Nirvana was another American-based rock n roll band of youngsters that formed back in the 1970s season. Guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselichis found this fascinating band and later recruited other drummers and singers, Chad Channing and Dave Grohl. The band’s main focus was to promote alternative rock and other rock cultures that can bring the drip feeling to the world.

31- R.E.M.

R.E.M. was an American-based rock band from Athens, Georgia, united in 1980 by drummer Bill Berry, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and lead vocalist Michael Stipe. They were students at the University of Georgia America. R.E.M. was the first alternative rock band that introduced the real meaning of guitar style and vocal usage to the world of music.

32- Pearl Jam

The Pearl Jam Band is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. The band consists of Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Eddie Vedder, and Matt Cameron, who joined in 1998. This band also has many other members that handle different jobs together, but the main ones are mentioned above. Also, every one of them is considered the most influential personality of the decade. And the band was dubbed as “the most popular American rock & roll band of the ’90s”.

33- Steve Miller Band

The Steve Miller Band is an American rock band formed in 1966 in San Francisco, California, and had almost four members, whose names and jobs were Steve Miller (Lead Vocalist), James Cooke (Guitarist), Loonie Turner (Bassist), and Tim Davis (Drummer). Well! This band has seen many successes together until Steve Miller went as a solo artist in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

34- Cheap Trick

The Cheap Trick Band is an American-based rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in the early 1973 season by guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson, lead vocalist Randy Hogan, and drummer Bun E. Carlos. Well, the current members of the band are frontman Robin Zander, Nielsen, and Petersson, who are still making music together without their old friends for some unknown reasons.

35- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers had a little story in the Hollywood music industry. They joined back in the late 1970s and, for some unknown reason, said goodbye to their careers in the late 1980s. The band is said to be one of the best rock bands of the 70s as it has released many hit singles and albums.

36- Sly & The Family Stone

Sly & The Family Stone was a band formed back in 1966 in San Francisco by Freddie Stone, Sly Stone, Rose Stone, Larry Graham, Cynthia Robinson, Jerry Martini, and Greg Errico. The band was greatly successful in the United States Of America. But, for some unknown reason, they decided to close their music career in 1983.

37- Metallica

The Metallica Band is an American-based heavy metal band, formed in 1981 in Los Angeles by vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich. This band has been based in San Francisco for most of its career, and only for tours, they exit their city. Anyway, if we talk about their fame and fans, they were massively famous in the United States for being the first band to play thrash metal.

38- Steely Dan

Steely Dan is an American-based rock n roll band founded in 1971 at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. The band was famous for blending rock, jazz, Latin music, R&B, blues, and sophisticated studio production with cryptic and ironic lyrics in their songs. Moreover, Walter and Donald recruited other members, and their names are Jim Hodder and Steve Gadd.

39- Rush

Over four-plus decades, Canadian trio Power Rush (bassist, keyboardist, vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer Neil Peart) became one of rock’s most celebrated and long-lasting bands. The band is famous for selling over 40 million records and was nominated for seven Grammys between 1981-2010 – they also earned 25 gold and platinum albums with the top moving music videos. The band is still making music with two former members, whose names are John and Alex.

40- Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American-based rock n roll band formed in Jacksonville, Florida. The group was originally named ‘My Backyard’ in 1964 and included Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Larry Junstrom, and Bob Burns. Well! For five years, the band owned many different names, and in 1969, they finally owned ‘Lynyrd Skynyrd.’ After that, the band released many singles that topped the chart many times.

41- The Clash

The Clash Band was an English American-based rock band formed in London in 1976 as the main band in the original wave of British punk rock. Well! The Clash achieved its commercial success in the United Kingdom by releasing their first self-titled debut album, ‘The Clash,’ in 1977. Also, the band has almost five members, and their names are Joe Strummer (lead vocals, guitar), Mick Jones (lead vocals and lead guitar), Paul Simonon (bass guitar), Keith Levene (guitar), and Terry Chimes (drums and percussion).

42- The Doors

The Doors Band was an American-based rock n roll band formed in Los Angeles in the early 1965 season, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. They were named the best controversial and influential rock acts of the 1960s, mostly due to their lyrics and tunes. Also, they are well known in the music industry for playing an important role in social issues and charity houses.

43- Coldplay

The Coldplay Band is a British-American-based rock band formed in London in late 1996. The band includes vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer Will Champion and creative director Phil Harvey. They met at University College London and started playing music together from 1996 to 1998 – first calling themselves Pectoralz, Starfish, and later Coldplay. Together they released many hit songs and albums. And as of now, they are still making music under the same name ‘Coldplay.’

44- Beach Boys

The Beach Boys Band is an American-based rock band formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The band includes brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and one of their close friends Al Jardine. The band became one of the most influential bands of the 1960s for its amazing beats, lyrics, guitars, and tunes in every song. Also, later, they included jazz and pop music elements to attract more audiences.

45- The Police

The Police Band is another best rock n roll band of the 70s that gained massive fame and fans following in months by releasing a few hit songs that topped charts many times in a year. There were almost three members, and their names and jobs were Sting (lead vocals, bass guitar), Andy Summers (guitar), and Stewart Copeland (drums, percussion).

46- Talking Heads

Talking Heads were an amazing American rock n roll band formed in 1975 in New York City and stayed active until 1991. The band was formed of Scottish-born friends, and their names were David Byrne (lead vocals, guitar), drummer Chris Frantz, bassist Tina Weymouth, and Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar).

47- Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi is another solo rock n roll artist who changed the pop world forever with his amazing singing and drumming skills. He has two brothers, whose names were Anthony and Matthew. Also, he has four children and is married to his long-term girlfriend, Dorothea Hurley.

48- The Stooges

The Stooges, originally known as the Psychedelic Stooges, also known as Iggy and the Stooges, was an American-based rock n roll band formed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1967, by singer and songwriter Iggy Pop, guitarist Ron Asheton, drummer Scott Asheton, and bassist Dave Alexander. After releasing a few songs together, they earned massive fame, and later, after releasing their second studio album, they started to top the charts with their songs and singles tracks.

49- L7

L7 was formed by two female friends, Donita Sparks and Suzi Gardner, in 1985. Both artists were active in the Art punk community of Echo Park and had met in 1984 through mutual friends connections at the cultural hub of the LA Weekly. When they decided to start a band, they recruited other women, and their names are Dee Plakas (drums, vocals) and Jennifer Finch (bass, vocals). Moreover, The L7 Band has released seven studio albums and has toured widely in the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia, and South America.

50- Genesis

The Genesis Band was formed back in 1967 at Charterhouse School by a few school friends, and their names are keyboardist Tony Banks, bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford and drummer/singer Phil Collins. The band is famous worldwide for their tours and albums that topped the chart three times.

51- The Runaways

The Runaways is another of the best female rock bands that united in 1975. The band released almost four studio albums and one live album. Also, their best-known songs are “Cherry Bomb,” “Hollywood”, “Queens of Noise,” and a cover version of the Velvet Underground song, “Rock & Roll”. They had a great career in rock music. But unfortunately, they ended their careers in the early 1979 season.

52- Foo Fighters

The Foo Fighters Band is one of the most famous pop and rock bands of all time. The band was formed back in 1994, and in a short time, they made themselves able to reach the list of 100 Best Rock Bands of All Time. And as of now, the band’s members’ names are Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, Nate Mendel, Taylor Hawkins, Chris Shiflett, and Rami Jaffee.

53- U2

The U2 Band is an Irish rock band from Dublin, started in 1976. The band consists of almost four members, and their names are Bono (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), The Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion). The band’s main focus was to write catchy lyrics while playing heavy tunes in the background. And as of now, they all are still making music together in the same band name ‘U2.’

54- Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American-based rock and pop band formed in Los Angeles in the 1983 season. Their music combines elements of alternative rock, funk, punk rock, and psychedelic music. Also, the band consists of co-founders Anthony Kiedis (lead vocals) and Flea (bass). Moreover, the recently recruited drummer Chad Smith and guitarist John Frusciante.

55- Blondie

The Blondie Band is an American-based rock n roll band co-founded by the famous songwriter and singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein in the 1970s. Their first two albums changed the blues music world forever and also topped the chart for four months. Moreover, they won one Grammy, for which they are massively famous in the pop world.

56- Green Day

The Green Day Band is a rock n roll band formed in the East Bay-side of California in 1987 by lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong and bassist and backing vocalist Mike. Also, they made this band a trio with Tré Cool – who replaced John Kiffmeyer in 1990 before the recording of their second studio album, ‘Kerplunk’ (1991). The band is still extremely famous in the world of music, and recently they have welcomed their new member Jason White.

57- Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins Band is an American-based alternative rock n roll band from Chicago. This mesmerizing band was formed in 1988 by frontman Billy Corgan, D’arcy Wretzky, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin. Also, the band has experienced many line-up changes in its career. Moreover, the band has won almost five Grammys – for which they are extremely famous in the United States of America.

58- Soundgarden

The Soundgarden Band united back in 1984 with Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, bassist Hiro Yamamoto, Matt Cameron, and Ben Shepherd. Well, as time passed, the lineup of this band also changed, but a few of them stayed permanently until Cornell’s death. Apart from this, they were amazing in their passion. And have also won Grammy awards twice.

59- Santana

The Santana Band is another American-based rock n roll and pop band formed in San Francisco in 1966 by Mexican-American guitarist, singer, and songwriter Carlos Santana. The band has experienced multiple recording and performing line-ups in its history, and Carlos Santana is the only permanent member.

60- The Yardbirds

The Yardbirds Band is an English rock n roll and pop band that was formed in London in 1963. The band’s main lineup includes vocalist and harmonica musician Keith Relf, drummer Jim McCarty, rhythm guitarist/bassist Chris Dreja, and bassist/producer Paul Samwell-Smith. This amazing band was famous for its collaborations with several other well-known rock bands in the music industry.

61- Nine Inch Nails

The Nine Inch Nails Band, commonly known as NIN and stylized as NIИ, is an American-based industrial rock band formed in 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio. The band lineup has changed many times, but the Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Trent Reznor was the only permanent member of the band – until the official addition of English musician Atticus Ross joined in 2016.

62- REO Speedwagon

The REO Speedwagon Band is an American-based rock and pop band from Champaign, Illinois. This band was formed in 1967, developed a following during the 1970s, and achieved considerable commercial success throughout the 1980s season. The group’s best-selling album was ‘Hi Infidelity, ‘which contained four US top 40 hits and sold more than 10 million copies in the world.

63- The White Stripes

The White Stripes Band was an American-based rock duo from Detroit, Michigan, and was formed in 1997. The band included Jack White (songwriter, vocals, guitar, piano, and mandolin) and his ex-wife and best friend, Meg White (drums and vocals). Well! Their relationship wasn’t good enough. That’s why they decided to separate their ways in 2000, But still, they remained as friends and band partners forever.

64- Slayer

The Slayer Band was an American-based thrash metal band from California, formed in 1981 by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, drummer Dave Lombardo, and bassist and voice changer Tom Araya. Slayer’s fast and bold musical style made them one of the best “big four” bands of thrash metal, alongside other bands, such as Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.

65- Phish

The Phish Band is an American-based rock band formed in Burlington, Vermont, back in 1983. The band has almost five members, and their names are Trey Anastasio, bassist Mike Gordon, drummer Jon Fishman, and keyboardist Page McConnell. Well, the band is best known for musical improvisation, extended jams, blending of genres, and a dedicated fan base.

66- The Replacements

The Replacements Band was an American-based rock and pop crew formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, back in 1979. Their main focus was to become a punk rock band. Also, they are one of the main frontiers of alternative rock in the world who won several Grammy awards and nominations.

67- The Black Keys

The Black Keys is another famous rock band of a young duo from America. The band is well known in the Hollywood music industry for winning 7 Grammys and releasing four number 1 singles. Moreover, the band has two members, and their names and jobs are Guitarist and vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney – they met as children while living in Akron, Ohio.

68- Radiohead

The Radiohead Band is an English rock crew and street gang from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band is famous for signing to EMI in 1991 and for releasing their debut single “Creep” in 1992 through Radiohead. Moreover, the band has almost five members, and their names are Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, and Philip Selway.

69- No Doubt

The No Doubt Band was an American-based rock crew from California, formed in 1986. The band rocked with vocalist Gwen Stefani, guitarist Tom Dumont, bassist Tony Kanal, and experienced drummer Adrian Young. Well! Since the 1990s, the band has been working with trombonist and keyboardist Gabrial McNair and trumpeter and keyboardist Stephen Bradley in their live concerts.

70- Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden is an English heavy metal band from Leyton, East London, and was united in 1975 by bassist and songwriter Steve Harris. The band has grown to 41 albums, including 17 studio albums, 13 live albums, four episodes, and seven compilations. And its members’ names are Iron Maiden, Adrian Smith, Nicko McBrain, Dave Murray, Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, and Janick Gers.

71- Superdrag

Superdrag is an American-based alternative rock band from Knoxville. The band is best known for their 1996 released single, “Sucked Out,” and topped the chart with their ‘Regretfully Yours,’ for which a video was played on MTV Label. Moreover, its members’ names are John Davis, Tom Pappas, Sam Powers, and Brandon Fisher.

72- Garbage

Garbage was the idea of the famous producers Butch Vig, Duke Erikson, and Steve Marker. The band is well known in the rock n roll music field for winning one NME Icon Award and sixteen other awards for their songwriting skills. Moreover, as of now, the band has almost four members, and their names are Shirley Manson (vocals) and American musicians Duke Erikson (guitar, bass, keyboards), Steve Marker (guitar, keyboards), and Butch Vig (drums, production).

73- Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath was an American-based rock n roll band formed in Birmingham back in 1968 by the famous guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler, and professional vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. The band is well known for winning three Grammy awards, one MTV Nominations, and two Kerrang Awards. As of now, they are still making music with the same band name ‘Black Sabbath.’

74- Arcade Fire

The Arcade Fire band is a Canadian-based indie rock crew formed by husband and wife Win Butler and Régine Chassagne, along with their younger siblings, William Butler, Richard Reed Parry, Tim Kingsbury, and Jeremy Gara. The band’s current lineup also includes former middle member Sarah Neufeld, musician Tiwill Duprate and Stuart Bogie.

75- The Killers

The Killers Band is an American-based rock crew formed in 2001 by the famous musicians Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning. Well! After visiting several short-term bass performers and drummers in their early days, both Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. joined The Killers in 2002. And as of now, they are one of the best rock bands in the world of all time.

76- Funkadelic

The Funkadelic Band was the original support crew for the doo-wop party, ‘Parliament.’ The band was formed back in 1964, especially for tourism, and was made by three childhood friends, and their names were Frankie Boyce, Richard Boyce, and Langston Booth.

77- The Go-Gos

The Go-Go’s Band is an American-based rock n roll crew formed in California in 1978. The band changed many lineups in its early days. But as of now, they finally decided on a permanent lineup that includes almost five members, and their names and jobs are Belinda Carlisle (vocals), Jane Wiedlin (guitar, background vocals), Margot Olavarria (bass), and Elissa Bello (drums).

78- Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra

The Electric Light Orchestra Band is an English rock crew formed in Birmingham in 1970 by professional songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood with their childhood friend drummer Bev Bevan. And as of now, there are still these three friends in the band.

79- Rage Against the Machine

The Rage Against the Machine Band is an American rock crew from Los Angeles, California. The group was formed in 1991 and consisted of almost four members, and their names and jobs are vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello, and drummer Brad Wilk.

80- Beastie Boys

The Beastie Boys Band was an American hip-hop group from New York City formed in 1981. The group was into producing new music genres, and for this reason, it was massively famous around the world. Moreover, it has almost three members, and their names are Michael “Mike D” Diamond (vocals, drums), Adam “MCA” Yauch (vocals, bass), and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz (vocals, guitar, programming).

81- Misfits

The Misfits Band is an American-based punk rock group usually recognized as the progenitors of the horror punk subgenre, combining punk and other musical effects with horror film melodies. The band was founded in 1977 by the famous vocalist, songwriter, and keyboardist Glenn Danzig and drummer Manny Martínez. Well! As of now, there are almost four members, and their names are Glenn Danzig, Jerry Only, Manny Martínez, and Franché Coma.

82- Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth is an American-based alternative rock band. They formed in 1981, and the most recent lineup of the band includes Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon, Lee Ranaldo, Steve Shelley, and Mark Ibold. Well! Just like other famous bands, Sonic Youth also changed many lineups. But as of now, the above-mentioned members are said to be permanent.

83- MC5

MC5, also known as The MC5, was an American-based rock band from Lincoln Park, Michigan, and was formed in 1963. The real band lineup included vocalist Rob Tyner, guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred “Sonic” Smith, bassist Michael Davis, and professional drummer Dennis Thompson. And as of history, they are famous for being listed by VH1 as one of the most important American hard rock groups of their era.

84- Alice in Chains

The Alice in Chains Band is another American-based rock n roll band from Seattle and was formed in 1987 by the most famous and talented guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell and drummer Sean Kinney – who later conscripted bassist Mike Starr and lead singer Layne Staley. The band is well known for being nominated by Grammy Awards almost six times and winning MTV and Kerrang awards.

85- Kings of Leon

The Kings of Leon Band is an American-based rock n roll crew that formed in Nashville back in 1999. The group is formed of three brothers, and their names are Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill, and their cousin, whose name is Matthew Followill.

86- INXS

INXS was an Australian-based rock n roll band formed with the name of The Farriss Brothers in 1977. The band’s founding partners were bassist Garry Gary Beers, main composer Andrew Farriss, drummer Jon Farriss, guitarist Tim Farriss, lead singer Michael Hutchence, and guitarist and saxophonist Kirk Pengilly. And as of now, they all are still making music somewhere in the United States of America.

87- The Cars

The Cars Band was a famous American-based rock group that was formed in Boston in 1976. The band founders were five childhood friends, and their names and jobs were Elliot Easton (lead guitar), Greg Hawkes (keyboards), Ric Ocasek (rhythm guitar), Benjamin Orr (bass guitar), and David Robinson (drums). Well! The band lasted for only two decades, and in 1996, they said bye to their music careers forever.

88- The Cranberries

The Cranberries was an Irish rock band that was formed in Limerick, Ireland, and was originally named the ‘Cranberry Saw Us.’ The band was formed in 1989 by guitarist Noel Hogan, lead singer Niall Quinn, bassist Mike Hogan, and drummer Fergal Lawler. But later, the well-known musician Quinn was replaced as lead singer in 1990, and after that, they changed their name to ‘Cranberries.’

89- Bikini Kill

The Bikini Kill Band is an American-based punk rock female group that was formed in Washington in October 1990. The group includes the famous singer and songwriter Kathleen Hanna, guitarist Billy Karren, bassist Kathi Wilcox, and professional drummer, whose name was Tobi Vail. The band was well known for being pioneered by the riot grrrl movement with extreme feminist lyrics and passionate live performances.

90- Toto

The Toto Band is an American-based rock and pop group that was formed in 1977 in Los Angeles. Well! The band’s current members are Steve Lukather, David Paich, Joseph Williams, John Pierce, Robert “Sput” Searight, Dominique “Xavier” Taplin, Steve Maggiora, and Warren Ham. Moreover, they are famous for using several different elements of music in their songs, such as pop, rock, soul, funk, progressive rock, hard rock, R&B, blues, and jazz.

91- Siouxsie and the Banshees

The Siouxsie and the Banshees Band was an English punk rock band and was formed in London in 1976 by the professional vocalist Siouxsie Sioux and bass guitarist Steven Severin. Moreover, the band has been widely influential in the world since their debut album ‘The Scream’ was released in 1978 to critical glory.

92- Against Me!

Against Me! The band is an American punk rock group and was formed in 1997 in Naples, Florida, by songwriter and singer and guitarist Laura Jane Grace. That same year, Grace drove to Gainesville, Florida, which is considered the band’s hometown. And since then, they have been working from there.

93- Veruca Salt

The Veruca Salt Band is an American-based alternative rock band founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1992 by vocalists and guitarists Nina Gordon and Louise Post, drummer Jim Shapiro and professional bassist Steve Lack. And according to the records, they are best known for their first single, ‘Seether’, which was released in 1994.

94- The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground was an American-based rock and punk band formed in New York in 1964. The official lineup of this band is made of singer/guitarist Lou Reed, multi-instrumentalist John Cale, guitarist Sterling Morrison, and drummer Angus MacLise. But unfortunately, for some unknown reason, MacLise was replaced by Moe Tucker in 1965 – who played on most of the band’s songs and albums recordings.

95- The Smiths

The Smiths was a rock band that was formed in Manchester in 1982. The band’s original lineup included singer Morrissey, guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke, and drummer Mike Joyce. And they are still famous in the world of music as one of the most important acts to appear from the British independent music scene.

96- The Pixies

The Pixies Band is an American-band punk and alternative rock crew that was formed in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts. Well! Until 2013, the band included Black Francis, Joey Santiago, Kim Deal, and David Lovering. Moreover, the band separated their ways in 1993 but reunited in 2004.

97- Blink-182

Blink-182 is a California-based pop-punk band that attracted the social media spotlight with several hit songs such as ‘All The Small Things.’ Well! According to a few reports, there are almost three band members, and their names are Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker, and Matt Skiba. Moreover, as one of the band’s members, Blink-182’s first demo tape was recorded in 1993 under the name Blink.

98- Hole

The hole was an American-based pop and alternative rock band formed in California in 1989. The band was founded by professional singer Courtney Love and guitarist Eric Erlandson. Moreover, it had several different bassists and drummers, such as Patty Schemel, Kristen Pfaff (d. 1994), and Melissa Auf der Maur.

99- Stone Temple Pilots

The Stone Temple Pilots Band is an American-based rock n roll group from California that originally includes Scott Weiland, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, and Eric Kretz. Well! In 2016, they launched an online audition for a rising lead vocalist and later announced Jeff Gutt as their new lead singer.

100- Minor Threat

Minor Threat was another one of the best punk bands formed in 1980 in Washington by Ian MacKaye and Jeff Nelson. MacKaye and Nelson had played in several other bands together. Still, when they decided to make their band, they recruited bassist Brian Baker and guitarist Lyle Preslar to form Minor Threat. And after many years, they welcomed their fifth member, whose name was Steve Hansgen (bass player).

Top Ten Bands Of All Time

Band Name	Formed In
Queen	1970
The Velvet Underground	1964
The Who	1964
Ramones	1974
The Beach Boys	1961
Pink Floyd	1965
Led Zeppelin	1968
Rolling Stones	1962
U2	1976
Beatles	1960

The Bottom Line!

It was extremely difficult to make a list of the best selling rock bands of all time, but thanks to the volume of artists and the power of different music genres, and artists’ ratings. Well! We made this list mentioned above by noting the audience ratings, good ratings, and the band’s impact on the audience. And we hope that you found this list of the top best 100 rock bands of all time helpful and informative for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Rock Bands