Top 10 Best Bands from the UK

The Top Ten
1 The Beatles The Beatles were an English pop rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The members consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They were soon known as the foremost and most influential act of rock era. Rooted in skiffle, beat, and 1950s rock and roll, the Beatles later... read more

I don't know why I need further explanation as to why The Beatles are not only the best UK band, but also the best band that has existed so far. I'm hoping for new bands that will revolutionize music like they did. The closest ones we have gotten are Led Zeppelin, Coldplay, Oasis, Radiohead, Queen, and Pink Floyd. However, these bands are not enough. They still look up to The Beatles. We need bands that will be considered equal to The Beatles in the eyes of the public and other artists/professional musicians.

A Day in the Life, Yesterday, Strawberry Fields Forever, Happiness Is a Warm Gun, In My Life, Blackbird, and so on - do I need to say more?

2 Queen Queen are an English rock band formed in London in 1970. The original lineup was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar, vocals). Before forming into Queen, Brian May and Roger Taylor had played together in a band... read more

Freddie Mercury was the BEST vocalist of all time.

Brian May is one of the greatest guitarists of all time and the only one who could probably blend so well with Mercury's voice.

Roger Taylor has insane drumming skills.

John Deacon is a great bassist! (Just listen to the bassline from Under Pressure.)

The band is responsible for iconic songs like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, Another One Bites the Dust, and We Are the Champions. People from all over the world have heard them - even those from non-English-speaking countries like me. Queen is the greatest band ever!

The only bands from the UK that can match Queen are The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Who. None of them are in the top 3. Even other amazing bands like Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, The Sex Pistols, and The Clash don't make the list!

3 Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin was an English hard rock band formed in London in 1968 as the New Yardbirds. The group consisted of Robert Plant (Vocal), Jimmy Page (Guitar), John Paul Jones (Bass, Keyboard) and John Bonham (Drums) and was very much the child of Jimmy Page who even financed their first tour. He had tasted... read more

Muse ahead of Led Zeppelin? Really? Jimmy Page is one of the greatest guitarists ever. John Bonham is one of the greatest drummers ever. Robert Plant has one of the greatest rock voices ever. John Paul Jones is one of the most underrated musicians ever. They created truly inspirational music that blended many genres, including rock, heavy metal, blues, Indian, and Celtic. Led Zeppelin is truly a brilliant band in every way.

I have never heard of Keane, but I don't understand how anyone could rank them above Zeppelin. They are not only the greatest band in the history of England but also in rock history. Page's guitar ability, combined with Plant's singing skill, makes them the most amazing band in rock history.

4 Coldplay Coldplay are a British pop rock band formed in 1996. The band consists of Chris Martin (lead vocalist and pianist), Jonny Buckland (lead guitarist), Guy Berryman (bassist) and Will Champion (drummer and backing vocalist). Manager Phil Harvey is often considered an unofficial fifth member. The band renamed... read more

I understand that without The Beatles, bands such as Coldplay, McFly, etc., wouldn't exist. However, that isn't an excuse to put Coldplay lower on the list. Everyone has their opinions. In this day and age, people don't want to listen to The Beatles anymore. They're outdated. I'm 16 years old and would much prefer a bit of Coldplay or McFly.

Therefore, I believe this list needs updating. I'm happy that The Beatles are number one, but not many people in the 21st century want to listen to Bowie and such. Coldplay is my favorite band and has helped me through a lot of hard and upsetting periods in my life. Coldplay is number one in my eyes, no matter how long other bands have been around. I don't want to listen to The Beatles. If they came on my radio, I would switch it off. Take my opinion into account. For the older people who still live in the 60s, please wake up.

5 Pink Floyd Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. The band consisted of 5 members - David Gilmour (Vocals and Guitar), Syd Barrett (Vocals and Guitar), Nick Mason (Drums), Roger Waters... read more

I love The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Queen, but I hold Pink Floyd in the highest regard for their perfection and anti-establishment ethos. No need to ask - I was born in the early '50s. I lived through them all and even experienced the Vietnam War as a Marine. I even went to Woodstock. At 62, I believe my opinion carries weight!

Their music will be remembered forever, especially when compared to that of the bands listed above. Sure, Muse may seem significant now, but in retrospect, they will appear insignificant when compared to the giants that were The Beatles, The Who, Queen, and Pink Floyd, among others.

6 The Rolling Stones The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. The first settled line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar), Bill Wyman (bass) and Charlie Watts (drums)... read more

This list is ridiculous. The Beatles had the most influence musically, while the Stones had the most influence stylistically. Everyone wanted to write songs like Paul McCartney and, to a lesser extent, John Lennon. Everyone wanted to be Mick Jagger. Everyone wanted to be Keith Richard.

The Who were the third most influential British band. They were a little pretentious for my taste, seeming to spend a lot of time talking about how important they were.

Led Zeppelin would definitely be in fourth place. Critics hated them, and their albums always received lukewarm reviews. The same goes for Queen. I thought they were brilliant, but critics typically panned them.

My list of unsung but influential British bands would definitely include the Kinks - absolutely brilliant - and ELO, a guilty pleasure. Don't forget solo artists like Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Eric Clapton.

7 The Who The Who is an English rock band formed in London, England in 1964. The most recognizable lineup was Roger Daltrey (lead vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar), John Entwistle (bass guitar), and Keith Moon (drums). They are best known for their live performances and hit songs Baba O'Riley, My Generation, and... read more

The Who were the first band to ever wreck their instruments on stage. They were also the first band to write a rock opera. They set the bar high, and no band will ever be able to top that. All we can do now is recycle and copy. They are the greatest live band ever, definitely better than Led Zeppelin. Zeppelin was good at remaking old blues songs and had some originals, but The Who are still here after 50 years. The Beatles made good albums, but who really thinks The Rolling Stones are that great? They didn't change anything. The Who would blow them all off the stage. There's nothing different we can do today that The Who didn't do 50 years ago. Let's look at facts, not your opinions.

8 Keane Keane are an English rock band from Battle, East Sussex, formed in 1995. The group currently comprises Tim Rice-Oxley, Richard Hughes, Jesse Quin and Tom Chaplin.

Wow, #1! I must say, Keane totally and completely deserves to be #1! Tim Rice-Oxley is a genius when it comes to writing beautiful lyrics and melodies, and Tom Chaplin has the best voice I've ever heard. He needs no autotune to aid him. Not only do they contribute beautiful songs, but they are also so dedicated to their fans. The members of Keane have been cooped up in a studio since the end of September, working on their fourth album. Instead of shutting their fans out, they've been posting pictures and short teaser clips of the music they've been working on. So far, this album sounds like it's going to be their best one yet, so watch out for the second coming of Keane.

9 Iron Maiden Iron Maiden are an English Heavy Metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. The most critically acclaimed period for the band was from 1983-1989. With vocalist Bruce Dickinson, bassist Steve Harris, lead guitarist Dave Murray, rhythm guitarist Adrian... read more

How is Maiden not at least in the top 4? With over 2,000 concerts played over their 35-year run and a more global fanbase than any band on this list, they should be number one. With Bruce's awesome voice, Steve's amazing bass, Nikko's best drumming, and the incredible trio of guitarists - Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Jers - Iron Maiden has made an everlasting impact on music and will always be the best band from the UK. Long live Maiden.

Iron Maiden should at least be in the top 5. You probably won't hear anything quite like Iron Maiden in your life. The overall creativity and how the whole band comes together is just brilliant. I know, I know, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Queen are also amazing bands, but I'm just shocked to see Iron Maiden this low on the list.

10 Oasis Oasis were an English britpop band formed in Manchester in 1991. Developed from an earlier group, the Rain, the band originally consisted of Liam Gallagher (vocals and tambourine), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan, and Tony McCarroll. Noel Gallagher (Liam's Brother) served as the primary... read more

Even if Oasis lacks originality or if the Gallagher brothers are arrogant and rude, their first two albums remain some of the greatest British albums of all time. Although the albums starting with 'Be Here Now' and beyond are inferior to their first two, they still had their moments of greatness. Overall, Oasis has achieved the status of being one of the biggest and greatest British bands of all time, and I am proud to be an Oasis fan. Also, have you heard any of the B-sides the band has produced? They will blow your mind with how amazing they are.

The Contenders
11 Muse Muse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The members are Matt Bellamy (lead vocal, lead guitar, piano, keyboard), Dom Howard (drums, percussion) and Chris Wolstenholme (bass, backing vocals). They've won several awards including 5 MTV Awards, 8 NME Awards, 2... read more

Muse is probably the most unique British band out there right now. Each of their albums has a different style and genre, making them simply amazing for everyone. Matt Bellamy truly has the most amazing voice I have ever heard. It's melodic, expresses emotions perfectly, and he is one of the only rock singers who can actually use falsetto effectively.

Not to mention his incredible guitar-playing skills. The "Plug In Baby" riff was voted the best riff of the decade, and for good reason. His guitar work is always complex, incorporating a wide range of techniques. He also frequently improvises when playing guitar live.

Chris Wolstenholme has been voted one of the greatest bassists of all time, a claim supported by incredible bass riffs in songs like "Hysteria" and the legendary bass riff of "Time Is Running Out," among many others. Their live performances never fail to entertain the crowd, whether it's an arena concert or yet another sold-out stadium concert. The band has won multiple "best live act" awards, and for good reason. Their sets consist of light shows, massive LED screen displays, the band's own superb performance, and, on their recent stadium tour, flamethrowers and other incredible pyrotechnics.

12 U2 U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music. Throughout the group's musical pursuits, they have... read more

I think you'll find that 2 out of the 4 members in the band are English (born in England), so it's a British Isles band all day long.

They should be up there, but their recent music is not as good as their earlier songs.

One of the greatest bands of all time, their style is unique and progresses through generations, producing hit after hit.

13 Bee Gees The Bee Gees were a pop music group formed in 1958. Their line-up consisted of brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb.

The Bee Gees are the 5th best-selling act of all time. They wrote great songs and were not just a disco group. They had hits before Saturday Night Fever and also after. It frustrates me when people say they only did disco and forget their work after Saturday Night Fever. I love songs like Too Much Heaven and How Deep Is Your Love. Listen to many of their songs from the 90s and 2000s, such as The Only Love, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Secret Love, I Could Not Love You More, Alone, Sacred Trust, Wedding Day, just to name a few. These are great songs with excellent lyrics and melodies, written and performed fantastically. Take a listen and find them on YouTube.

14 McFly McFly are an English pop band formed in London in 2003. The band took their name from the Back to the Future character Marty McFly.

McFly is the best band, in my opinion. I think they've created a style that anyone can appreciate. If you listen to some of their older songs, you'll realize they sound like The Beatles, almost like a new Beatles style. Their latest albums have totally changed in style, but I think they're still unique. It's easy to identify with their lyrics, those inspirational and fabulous lyrics. And let's not forget about the melody. The melodies of their songs are just amazing.

The way they play their instruments is impressive. Tom and Danny's vocals as they play the guitar, Dougie's style with his bass, and Harry's approach to the drums are simply outstanding. McFly is my life, and no one's going to change that. McFly rocks!

15 Radiohead Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke (lead vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards), Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboards, other instruments), Colin Greenwoood (bass guitar), Phil Selway (drums), and Ed O'Brien (guitar).

Radiohead is similar to Coldplay - they are the Beatles of the modern era in terms of revolutionizing music. However, Coldplay is better at balancing the uniqueness of John Lennon and the musicality of Paul McCartney than Radiohead is. Radiohead leans more toward John Lennon's chaotic side in songwriting, creating a collage of sounds like Revolution #9, while also incorporating the progressiveness found in Pink Floyd's albums. Despite this, I see Radiohead as a great band, although they're not for everyone. This is not the kind of band you listen to casually - whether on a date, in the office, or at a party. To understand Radiohead fully, you have to appreciate artistry and be willing to invest time in their albums. Their songs are not meant to entertain. They are meant to be felt.

16 Black Sabbath Black Sabbath were a Heavy Metal band formed in Birmingham, England in 1968 by guitarist and songwriter Tony Iommi, singer John "Ozzy" Osbourne, bassist and main lyricist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward... read more

Having Black Sabbath ranked below Oasis and Coldplay is embarrassing. May our Dark Lord Satan take great pleasure in your eternal punishment, which, I hope, involves a pineapple, some rock salt, and a jackhammer.

If not the best, Black Sabbath is one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time. They are surely the best English band. OZZY ROCKS!

This band should be ranked higher than every other band on this list.

17 Arctic Monkeys The Arctic Monkeys, otherwise known as the Death Ramps, are a British indie rock band formed in 2002 in Sheffield, England. The band consists of Alex Turner (lead vocalist, songwriter, electric and rhythm guitarist), Jamie Cook (electric and rhythm guitarist, songwriter), Matt Helders (percussionist,... read more

As a whole, they're one of the best names in the industry currently. All their albums have gone to number one. They are lyrically exceptional and have recently finished a world tour. Need I go on? Like it or not, the Monkeys are one of the best bands to come out of the UK and totally deserve to be higher on this list.

Why are AM below Muse and Coldplay, two of the most dull and bland bands ever? AM have some of the most real and clever lyrics that make you feel things. They show great variation between albums and are one of the best live bands ever. They have already been a giant inspiration and are the best band of this century.

18 Depeche Mode Depeche Mode are an English electronic and synth-pop band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. The group's original line-up consisted of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, Andy Fletcher, and Vince Clarke.

Depeche Mode has always brought excitement, energy, and wonder through their music. Martin Gore belongs in the Songwriters Hall of Fame now! David Gahan is a great singer and performer. Andrew Fletcher has done a brilliant job keeping the band together over the years and helping them stay focused. They are one of the greatest bands of all time. I hope they are inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame soon. They definitely belong there. They are true synth-pop kings.

They are the most underrated band in music history. Their music is so far ahead of its time that most people cannot comprehend it. If you listen to them and still disagree, you seriously need to reevaluate your life. They are better than the Beatles by light-years. They are the best band in the universe, period.

19 Electric Light Orchestra The Electric Light Orchestra are an English rock band from Birmingham. They were formed in 1970 by songwriters/multi-instrumentalists Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne with drummer Bev Bevan.

They've produced some of the best music. There are well-known songs like Mr. Blue Sky and Don't Bring Me Down, but there are also underrated songs like Wild West Hero, On The Run, Sweet Is The Night, and Wishing.

Legendary band in every respect! From the '70s to now, they have just gotten better and better and have some of the greatest songs ever written to their name.

I'm currently 16, but I remember when I first heard one of their songs, "Mr. Blue Sky," because my grandparents always played it in the car whenever we went on holiday when I was younger. It also brings back really good memories as well.

20 The Smiths The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982. The band consisted of vocalist Morrissey, guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce.

I'd feel like I was cheating on common sense and good music taste if I had written a list like this. The Smiths, 15th? There is no combination better than Morrissey and Marr in the whole of British music! If you have ever been truly miserable, then you will find yourself listening to The Smiths and really understanding the depth and humor of Morrissey, as well as the musical genius of Marr. I first came across There Is a Light That Never Goes Out while listening to 7 Worlds Collide, and I've never turned back. Anyone who does not appreciate The Smiths is missing 99% of their emotions. This list is truly a disgrace.

21 Bullet For My Valentine Bullet for My Valentine are a Welsh metalcore band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band is composed of Matthew Tuck (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Paget (lead guitar, backing vocals), Michael Thomas (drums) and Jamie Mathias (bass guitar). Former members include Nick Crandle and Jason James;... read more

Bullet for My Valentine is amazing! They have changed my life. They have so many amazing songs, and Tears Don't Fall is my ultimate favorite song of all time - even over Metallica. I will forever be a proud Bullet fan. If you're not a Bullet fan, then shame on you!

This is not just one of my favorite bands. It's the only band I've ever truly loved. All their songs feel like bullets that pierce my heart, especially All These Things I Hate, Tears Don't Fall, and Say Goodnight.

22 Dire Straits Dire Straits were a British rock band formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler, his younger brother David Knopfler, John Illsley, and Pick Withers.

I was ready to vote for The Beatles when I thought I'd scroll a bit and found my favorite British band. Their song Money for Nothing is great. That guitar intro is perfection. Barclay James Harvest is also a great band.

A band like no other, thanks to Mark Knopfler's amazing songwriting and guitar-playing style.

One of the best guitarists of all time, one of the best albums Brothers In Arms.

23 Bring Me the Horizon Bring Me the Horizon is a British rock band from Sheffield, Yorkshire. Formed in 2004, the group currently consists of vocalist Oliver Sykes, guitarist Lee Malia, bassist Matt Kean, drummer Matt Nicholls, and keyboardist Jordan Fish. They are signed to RCA Records globally and Columbia Records exclusively... read more

This band is amazing. They have achieved more than most of the bands here, and Oli Sykes has one of the best voices in the world. Not only are their songs well-written, but they also save lives. They should definitely be number one, as they are one of the best-known bands in the world.

Probably one of the best groups ever. If a superhero had a band, this would be its name. They have saved countless teens from suicidal depression. The way Oliver writes lyrics, it's almost as if he can tell what you've been through. The instrumentals are unlike anything seen before.

24 Asking Alexandria Asking Alexandria are an English metalcore band from York, North Yorkshire formed initially in 2008 by lead guitarist Ben Bruce along with former lead singer Danny Worsnop, bassist Joe Lancaster, keyboardist and synth player Ryan Binns, and current members drummer James Cassells and rhythm guitarist... read more

Come on, seriously, number 30? They deserve better than this. It's Asking Alexandria, of course the best scream band of all time.

The only reason I like the UK is because of Asking Alexandria.

25 Yes Yes is an English progressive rock band formed in 1968 by bassist Chris Squire and singer Jon Anderson. They first achieved success in the 1970s with a progressive, art and symphonic style of rock music. Their best known song is their 1971 hit "Roundabout" off of their album Fragile.

Some of these bands listed are a joke, and that is an understatement. I think Yes is a great band. They are extremely talented musicians. If you don't like their music, fine. That doesn't make them a poor choice, only poor listeners.

Their music takes you to another world. It wasn't made for radio airplay and it's not always easy to digest. It's just one of those things you either get or you don't. And for those who do get it, nothing is better.

Most bands don't give a damn about playing something of beauty. They're too concerned with being "cool." Yes has always understood the importance of beauty.

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