When it comes to rock music, some bands have been far more influential than others. The legends and gods of the music industry that have influenced musicians and set trends in the worlds of music, fashion and popular culture. There are far too many to name here, so here are just a few of the most influential bands of all time:
The Beatles
Whether you could truly call them rock remains a matter of debate. However, they deserve to be on this list for being one of the most forward-thinking, influential and phenomenal bands from 1960s onwards. The band formed in Liverpool in 1960 and consisted of Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison. Their roots were 1950s rock and roll, skiffle and beat music.
Led Zeppelin
This English rock band were formed in London in 1968 and went on to become a global phenomenon like no other. The band consisted of Robert Plant, John Bonham, John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page. They had a heavy, guitar-laden sound with roots in blues and later, psychedelia. They are thought by many to be the best rock band of all time. To get your own rock on, visit Guitar Shops Gloucester
Bon Jovi
This rock band got together in 1983 and went to experience colossal success across the globe. The original line-up was Jon Bon Jovi, Ritchie Sambora, Alec John Such, Tico Torres and David Bryan.
AC/DC
This Australian hard rock band formed in 1973. The band was founded of brothers Angus and Malcolm Young who continued until 2014. The original front man was Bon Scott, who sadly died of alcohol poisoning in 1980. Ever since then, the band has been fronted by Brian Johnson.
Black Sabbath
A heavy metal band from Birmingham, England who formed in 1968. The guitarist and songwriter was Tony Iommi, bassist and lyricist Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward and front man Ozzy Osbourne. Their first album received negative feedback, but they soon hit the big time during the 1970s as they improved their sound.
Nirvana
The quintessential grunge band of the 1990s Seattle movement, Nirvana formed in Aberdeen, Washington, U.S in 1987. Following the devastating suicide of front man Kurt Cobain in 1994, the group disbanded. They reached global phenomenal success in a short space of time. David Grohl of Nirvana went on to enjoy similar success with the band Foo Fighters.
Queen
No list of rock band greats would not be complete without Queen. Formed in 1970, this English rock band consisted of Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, Brian May and John Deacon. They are one of the most covered bands of all time, probably second only to The Beatles.
Metallica
This U.S thrash band formed in 1981 and entered the mainstream with their hit single ‘Enter Sandman’. The band line-up includes James Hetfield, Dave Mustaine, Ron McGovney and Lars Ulrich.