Top 10 Best British Classic Rock Bands

1. Queen

   

   Queen is 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). Before Queen, May and Taylor had played together in a band named Smile. Freddie Mercury, a fan... read more

   Queen are just one of those bands that you can't really fault. They aren't overrated. Every inch of their fame and glory was thoroughly deserved. Their live performances have some people of the current generation wishing they were born earlier. Freddie's vocals are probably the best you will hear on the face of the Earth (and he was one of the greatest pianists). Brian and his Red Special are probably the most emotional guitar leads you will hear. John is possibly the most underrated musician of all time and was Queen's secret weapon. Roger was no slouch on the drums, and his backup voice was also quite impressive.

   Also, all the members of the band were talented writers (they all wrote hits; Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are The Champions, and Don't Stop Me Now belonged to Freddie. Brian had We Will Rock You, Hammer to Fall, and I Want It All. John had Spread Your Wings, Another One Bites The Dust, and I Want To Break Free. Roger had Radio Ga Ga, A Kind Of Magic, and These Are The Days Of Our Lives).

   Enough said.

2. The Beatles

   

   The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the most influential band of all time and were integral to the development of the 1960s counterculture and the recognition of popular... read more

   They were it, like nothing else! If you were alive when they were at their peak, you already know that nothing - and I mean nothing - before or since has captured the imagination and adoration of the world or influenced it as they did. You already know that nothing gets close to this!

   The variety and originality of sound they produced (while occupying the top of the charts) simply left the rest of the world in their dust, and their appearance and style established men's fashion that we still know today. So, the only credible battle about best bands (or, indeed, best popular musical act) can only be about who might occupy a very distant second place.

3. Pink Floyd

   

   Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They gained international acclaim with their innovative, conceptual music blending progressive rock and psychedelia. The classic lineup included Syd Barrett (vocals and guitar), David Gilmour (vocals and guitar), Nick... read more

   Best band of all time. Their music is beyond awesome. They have the best album ever, which is Dark Side Of The Moon. I had to vote for this band. They weren't afraid to be different in music. Plus, they have the deepest of lyrics.

   Lyrics that make you think, music that takes you to another dimension. Very easy to just sit in a dark room and listen to any of their albums all the way through.

   Their songs are accessible but unique and experimental. Not only are they one of the best-selling acts of all time but one of the best, full stop.

4. 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 (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones (bass, keyboard), and John Bonham (drums). The band was largely the brainchild of Jimmy Page, who even financed their first tour... read more

   I consider myself Hendrix's number one fan, yet I believe when we use the word "band" and this being about the best British bands, Led Zeppelin is the definite answer. All the members were excellent musicians. These were multi-talented stars with an incredible thirst for creating music. Their music was so easy to understand and had so many levels.

   Take "Immigrant Song," an iconic two-note masterpiece with incredible drive. You also have songs like "Achilles' Last Stand," "The Rain Song," and others that have so many layers. A singer who was a master at the harmonica like the classic blues stars he admired, a guitarist that could play just about anything with strings, a bass player who also played strings and produced incredible music, and last but not least, the one and only John "Bonzo" Henry Bonham, who did not have to play any other instrument because he was the hungriest percussionist always on the lookout for a groove.

   Bonzo would spice every song up differently to the point where I must have at least four different paced and organized versions of "Moby Dick." You ask bands...this was it. I do not want to put anybody else down. How can you take away from the Stones, Queen, Black Sabbath, or Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac? But Led Zepp had it all. It was bluesy, it was hard, it was sweet, it was simple, it could be complex, it was spicy and creative, and it was always right for any occasion.

   Their music will never grow old, and how long has it been since they decided to call it quits after Bonzo's death?

5. 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

   They're still rocking from the '60s to nowadays. Definitely one of the very best bands from the UK. Sympathy for the Devil is one of the greatest songs. 99.99% of their songs rock.

6. The Who

   

   The Who is an English rock band formed in London, England, in 1964. The most recognizable lineup consisted of 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... read more

   They are simply amazing. They have one of the most energetic lives I've ever seen, yet it's not too much over the top. Exactly what you expect of rock. People always tell me you either have to be a Rolling Stones, Beatles, or The Who fan. I'd pick The Who any day.

7. Jimi Hendrix Experience

   

   The Jimi Hendrix Experience was an English-American rock band formed in Westminster, London, in September 1966. The group featured Jimi Hendrix on vocals and guitar, Noel Redding on bass and backing vocals, and Mitch Mitchell on drums.... read more

   Despite the fact Hendrix is American, the Experience was formed in England, and the other members are British, I believe. So it's really a British band.

   Sure, Hendrix is by far the greatest American rocker around, but after settling down in England he formed this fantastic group!

8. Deep Purple

   

   Deep Purple is an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. They are regarded as pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their musical style has changed over the years. They originally played progressive rock, but shifted to a heavier sound around 1970.... read more

   Thanks for giving Purple a high ranking. Blackmore, Gillan, Glover, Lord, and Paice were as good as Led Zeppelin. They should be in the top 5.

   Ritchie and John were the greatest. Nobody could compare with them.

9. 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 the 1971 hit "Roundabout" from the album Fragile.

   As good of musicians as you'll ever see or hear. It's amazing that so few have taken the time to listen and understand how great this band was and still is. Close to the Edge is a groundbreaking album. Yes set the stage for many of today's acts, yet no one to date can duplicate their intricate musical scores and soaring keyboard, guitar, and bass leads. Hats off to Yes!

   These guys were one of the godfathers of progressive rock. I'm sure we wouldn't have Opeth without them.

10. Genesis

    

    Genesis was an English rock band formed at Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey, in 1967. The band's most commercially successful and longest-running lineup consisted of keyboardist Tony Banks, bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford, and drummer/singer Phil Collins. In the 1970s, the group also included... read more

    Genesis created absolutely fantastic music. Played with skill, they could teach most modern bands a lot!

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Oasis

    

    Oasis is an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. The original lineup consisted of Liam Gallagher (lead vocals), Paul Arthurs (guitar), Paul McGuigan (bass guitar), and Tony McCarroll (drums). A few months later, Liam invited his older brother Noel Gallagher (lead guitar, vocals) to join the... read more

    Best band since the classic rock era of the sixties and seventies.

12. ?

    Emerson, Lake & Palmer

    

    Emerson, Lake and Palmer were an English progressive rock supergroup formed in London in 1970. The band consisted of keyboardist Keith Emerson, singer, bassist, and producer Greg Lake, and drummer and percussionist Carl Palmer. They became known for fusing classical influences with rock music and for... read more

The Contenders

13. The Clash

    

    The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Known for their politically charged lyrics and eclectic musical style, they are considered one of the most influential bands in the history of punk rock.

    The only band that matters. The greatest band hands down, although T. Rex and The Smiths come close.

14. The Kinks

    

    The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, in 1964 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies. They are regarded as one of the most important and influential rock bands of the 1960s. Their music was integral to the development of British rock, with hits like You Really Got Me and... read more

    When The Kinks' songs first played on the radio in the U.S. in '64/'65, the sound was like nothing I had ever heard before. The songs made you feel alive with the heavy guitar riff. This sound was completely different from The Beatles. I was hooked.

    Their music has not aged with time. It's easy to use the style of a band already established, but to be the first to create a new sound, that's different. In my opinion, they should be number three.

    Should be way higher up in this list! Way higher! Could be as high as three or four! People, listen to their albums from 1966 to '71 and then tell me they didn't influence, well, everyone!

15. Moody Blues

    

    The Moody Blues were an English rock band known for their influence on art rock and progressive rock. They began by playing rhythm and blues, but their second album, Days of Future Passed, released in 1967, merged rock with orchestral music. The band remained active for many years and was inducted into... read more

    The Moody Blues deserve to be in the Top 10. They still tour, and their music is timeless. I am in awe of their passion for what they do!

    Different in style, not a copycat, most underrated rock band!

16. 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. The band is known for its clean sound, literate lyrics, and hit songs like Sultans of Swing and Money for Nothing. Dire Straits disbanded in 1995 but remain influential... read more

    Splendid songwriting by Mark Knopfler.

    Intelligent music and lyrics.

    Incredible fame and fastest/biggest selling band at their time.

    There has always been something universal about their music (as for The Beatles), but the music and the lyrics are more profound, according to me.

    Mark Knopfler was the king of his generation. All of Dire Straits' songs are just art. They are all Mona Lisas, really. Mark Knopfler just makes it cool, and he knows chords no one else knows. He's amazing. Dire Straits is not only the best band in the UK but the best in the world...

17. Def Leppard

    

    Def Leppard are an English hard rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield as part of the new wave of British heavy metal movement.

    The band rose to international fame with albums like Pyromania (1983) and Hysteria (1987), the latter of which sold over 20 million copies worldwide. They were inducted... read more

    I still remember when I heard the Pyromania album for the first time. Awesome. F-f-f-foolin, Photograph, Die Hard the Hunter, need I say more.

    Def Leppard was a great '80s hair band. Their most famous song is "Pour Some Sugar on Me."

18. Electric Light Orchestra

    

    The Electric Light Orchestra, commonly known as ELO, was an English rock band from Birmingham. It was formed in 1970 by Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne, along with drummer Bev Bevan.

    The band is known for blending rock music with orchestral elements, resulting in a distinctive symphonic rock sound. Their... read more

    Their sound is much like The Beatles during the Sgt. Pepper stage. They started with orchestral, then into rock, then into pop. They changed a lot.

19. Uriah Heep

    

    Uriah Heep are an English rock band formed in London in 1969, and they were one of the top rock bands in the early 1970s. Twelve of their albums have reached the UK Albums Chart, with Return to Fantasy peaking at number 7 in 1975.... read more

    From 2008's Wake the Sleeper through 2015's Outsider, quality hard rock, AOR, and classic rock. Listen, and you will know.

20. The Police

    

    The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. The lineup included Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland for most of the band's existence. They're best known for songs like "Roxanne," "Message in a Bottle," "Don't Stand So Close to Me," "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," and... read more

    One of the greatest rock 'n' roll bands alongside Queen and Pink Floyd.

    So underrated. They defined the '80s.

21. Cream

    

    Cream was a 1960s British rock supergroup power trio consisting of bassist and vocalist Jack Bruce, drummer Ginger Baker, and guitarist and vocalist Eric Clapton. The band was known for its blend of blues, psychedelic rock, and hard rock. Cream is often regarded as one of the first supergroups and was... read more

    The best three musicians in their trade in one band.

    Eric Clapton is one of the best guitarists ever!

22. 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. Their self-titled debut album received mixed reviews, but they quickly gained a strong following... read more

    Hm, never heard better guitar riffs besides Deep Purple and Ozzy. Ah, legendary Ozzy - getting wet eyes when reflecting on this...

23. Rainbow

    

    Rainbow is a British rock band led by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, active from 1975 to 1984 and again from 1993 to 1997. The band was originally formed with Ronnie James Dio as the lead singer and lyricist. Rainbow was ranked No. 90 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock and has sold over 28 million... read more

24. Whitesnake

    

    Whitesnake is an English rock band formed in London in 1978 by singer David Coverdale after his departure from Deep Purple. Originally assembled as Coverdale's backing group, the band quickly developed its own identity, though Coverdale remained the sole consistent member throughout its history.... read more

    Great British rock band, from its early rock-blues to its hard metal sound, always great melodies, lyrics, and David Coverdale's fantastic voice. Who can forget In the Still of the Night, Is This Love, Fool for Your Loving, Here I Go Again, and Don't Break My Heart Again, all superb.

25. Sex Pistols

    

    The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although they lasted only two and a half years and released just four singles and one studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, they are considered one of the most influential acts in the history of popular... read more

    One of the most influential bands of all time.

26. 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. They became one of the most influential bands of the 1980s, known for their distinct blend of jangly guitar pop and introspective... read more

27. Jethro Tull

    

    Jethro Tull are a British rock group formed in Luton, Bedfordshire, in December 1967. Initially rooted in blues rock, the band evolved to incorporate elements of British folk music and hard rock, creating a distinctive progressive rock sound. Ian Anderson, the band's frontman, is particularly known for... read more

    Long live flute rock! Truly deserves better than 25, but then again, there were so many excellent examples of Brits taking blues to its next logical progression. Really great music.

    Truly original masters of all genres, from prog to hard rock to folk to jazz to electro.

    Sure makes the flute sing. Some wonderful songs!