Top 10 Best English Bands

The Top Ten
1 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

Queen is number one on my list. They created amazing songs that people will remember for a long time. I don't think they will ever be forgotten. Freddie had a beautiful four-octave voice and was one of the best frontmen that ever lived. Roger has great drumming skills and a nice high voice. Brian's guitar skills will never be matched by anybody else. John was one of the quietest and most relaxed bass players I've ever seen. Their concerts will never bore you. Freddie always kept the crowd engaged with his amazing, strong voice, and his strutting on stage. He would make jokes and sometimes laugh out loud. Anyway, Queen is truly an amazing band! They truly 'took my breath away'.

2 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

Yes, versatility and the fact that three of the greatest songwriters ever were in the same band. Couple this with George Martin's musical nous and Brian Epstein's leadership, and they were unique. John said after the breakup that they were a band, just a band who made it big… very big. But I think that The Beatles were more than just a band. They didn't write and sing songs just to suit the times. They led and influenced the times they lived in, creating musical and social changes in a way that has not been heard or seen since.

The six parts of The Beatles' success: the four group members, the manager, and the musical director, gelled into an unstoppable creative force. I think that the main reason for their phenomenal success was their collective creative genius.

3 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

They are better than Queen and The Beatles. Their music always has a positive conclusion, and they are certainly better than a broke-up boy band. Frontman Chris Martin has a rich voice, and the band makes music enjoyable by almost everyone. Vote and take them to the number 1 slot that they certainly deserve.

They have composed some of the most sentimental songs I have ever heard. They should be in the top three.

They have the perfect combination. The greatest lyrics and melodies.

4 One Direction One Direction (commonly abbreviated as 1D) were a British-Irish pop boy band based in London, composed of Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and previously, Zayn Malik until his departure from the band on 25 March 2015. The group signed with Simon Cowell's record label Syco Records... read more

Please, guys, don't insult One Direction. If you don't like them, then why are you even watching this? There is nothing that One Direction has got to do with the insecurities of teenage girls or whatever crap you people are talking about. They deserve to be on the top. They have their fans from all around the world, so at least pretend to show some respect.

This is the best band I have ever heard. Those who think this is not real music should not insult them. There are millions of fans reading this, and they love One Direction. And don't even insult Niall. He is an amazing person, and the other boys are also brilliant. You haters are just jealous of their success at such a young age.

5 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

The Gods of Rock music. Excellent guitar and music. Robert Plant is incredible. Stairway to Heaven is the ultimate rock song ever. But then, who can forget Kashmir?

My favourite band is Queen, but they're already in first. Voting for Led Zep because they deserve better than to finish behind One Direction and Coldplay.

Better than The Beatles! Why? Guitar solos are excellent. Drum beats too... Bass is very good in most songs, and Plant's voice is actually 10/10.

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

Simply the best! What a magical band! The best combination ever: powerful guitars, magical bass and drums, and... Mick Jagger!

One Direction and Coldplay above The Stones? You're having a laugh, aren't you?

The Rolling Stones ARE Rock 'n' Roll. Their raw energy and pure emotion are matched by no other band.

7 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

The reason they are one of the greatest British bands ever is that they dominated the 90s with two of the greatest albums ever made. Morning Glory and Definitely Maybe defined the decade. Even if they didn't really break America, that wasn't due to them not being a great band. It was mostly because whenever they went on tour there, they more or less broke up.

Even their worst albums are still good. They just can't live up to their first two. They also have incredible B-sides.

Oasis or Queen are definitely 1 and 2 for the best. The others are good, but these two have changed music itself.

8 Take That Take That are an English pop group from Manchester, formed in 1989. The group currently consists of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, and Mark Owen.

Their concerts have always been amazing! They never fail to wow the audiences. If you've never been to their show, try to come. I guarantee that even if you don't fancy them, they'll entertain you fully, and you'll go back home with a huge smile on your face!

And yes, I agree about how much they respect their fans. No matter how tired they are, they always put in a big effort to make us all happy. They always try to take as many pictures together as possible. Do you know how much that means for the fans? Fans will remember that 2-3 minute moment for a lifetime!

9 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

Rock gods like none other. Keith is the best drummer, John is the best bassist, Roger is a fantastic singer, and Pete is the greatest songwriter, plus a fantastic guitarist.

I used to not care about these guys. Then I heard Live at Leeds... needless to say, my mind was blown to bits. THE best rhythm section of any band ever!

Their sound endures more than anyone else's, and some of the songs are the most exciting pieces of music ever written.

10 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.

What is actually wrong with this list?! Take That 2nd? Oasis 8th? The Smiths 11th? Who puts One Direction and Take That above The Smiths and Oasis?! The Smiths is my favorite English band, and you cannot beat Morrissey's lyrical genius and Marr's extraordinary musical talent. Listen to How Soon Is Now, There Is A Light That Never Goes Out, or I Know It's Over before you dare press One Direction.

Greatest band of all time... let alone in England. The Smiths created some of the most unique, inspiring, influential, emotional, and interesting music of all time. There will never again be anything like Morrissey's quintessentially English, yearning voice or Johnny Marr's symphony of glittery, jangly guitars. The Smiths are/will always be number 1 in my book.

The Newcomers

? Slade Slade are an English rock band from Wolverhampton. They rose to prominence during the glam rock era in the early 1970s, achieving 17 consecutive top 20 hits and six number ones on the UK Singles Chart.
The Contenders
11 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

Yo, what the hell is going on here? One Direction is better than Pink Floyd? Go back to junior high or listen to Floyd ASAP! Incredibly powerful lyrics and concepts, some of the most impressive instrumentalists in music history, and the never-ending influence on music they have. Being ranked #9 is disgraceful for them. They are considered by some to be even better than the Beatles. Idiots. All of you.

The fact that Led Zeppelin, The Stones, The Beatles, and even Queen are above Pink Floyd on this list is just an insult to 70's music. Pink Floyd will never be beaten.

12 Mumford & Sons Mumford & Sons are a British indie folk band from London, formed in 2007. The band consists of Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall and Ted Dwane.

I love Mumford and Sons. What I don't understand is why they are 32! They are way better than a 32!

13 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).

Truly the band with the most variations in sound. Don't believe me? Listen to Kid A and The Bends. Note the difference.

I am gonna puke. Radiohead below One Direction? Who are at three?!? Radiohead should be in the top 10 AT LEAST!

They deserve to be at the top. Unlike the Beatles, they are daring and creative. They are the greatest ever.

14 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.

Come on! How could these guys not be on the list?! Some of the greatest rockers of the '80s!

15 Portishead
16 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

Ridiculous! Muse should be in the top 5 along with The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Queen, and Pink Floyd. Muse is the best band I've ever known. They created great music, very intelligent. Lyrically, I love them. They talk about something important. The band members are simply genius. Come on, top 5 at least!

The best band in the 21st century, in my opinion. Fully talented members, meaningful deep lyrics, able to put all musical elements: rock, classical, electronic, etc.

The best band to attack the Illuminati. You should agree!

17 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

Their singer, Bruce Dickinson, is a polymath: a pilot, fencer, radio DJ, and various other things he excels at. Steve Harris plays the bass with his fingers, and not many people can do that. Their drummer, Nicko McBrain, is one of the best drummers on this planet. Their guitarists, Adrian, Dave, and Janick, are amazing. Every song the band has put out on all of their 15 albums is amazing. And best of all, they're British!

Bruce Dickinson is the most talented vocalist of all time in my opinion, and the guitar is incredible. They have 6 DVDs made about them, 5 of which were chart-topping, and to top it off, they even have their own beer. They cannot be beaten by 5 boys with voice correction and 1D.

18 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.

Keane has some of the best lyrics and catchy tunes. While some bands provide me with just a few songs to listen to, there are easily ten or more that I can think of for Keane.

They are much better than One Direction, who shouldn't even be on this list. Keane are the best. Why aren't they number 1!

By far the best. If you just compare them to, let's say, Coldplay, they are so much better...

19 Duran Duran Duran Duran are an English new wave/synthpop band formed in Birmingham in 1978. They were a successful band of the 1980s and a leading band in the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" of the US.

So creative, so clever in their music, what an inspiration to others in the music industry... just awesome. Never get tired of listening to their songs!

Duran Duran changed the face of music in the '80s and took the UK, America, the whole world by storm. Every song is a classic. Not just Duran Duran, but Spandau, Coldplay, etc., are all better than One Direction. Fact! DD beats 1D!

They are so cool and their music is amazing. I'm a teenager and would rather listen to them any day compared to the crappiness of 1D.

20 Deep Purple Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. They are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their musical approach changed over the years. Originally formed as a progressive rock band, the band shifted to a heavier sound in 1970. Deep Purple,... read more

The greatest Rock Band of all time. Those who have not heard their songs do not really know what hard rock is. Smoke on the Water, Black Night, Hush, Soldier of Fortune... the list goes on.

21 Joy Division Joy Division were an English post-punk band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band consisted of singer Ian Curtis, guitarist and keyboardist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook, and drummer Stephen Morris.

Tony Wilson always thought of Joy Division and New Order as the same band. If you listen to that catalogue of work, then it's obvious this lot should be much higher in the list.

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... read more

There is no group like Black Sabbath. Paranoid - ha, ha. What great times we had in college listening to Sabbath. Unforgettable.

Top 20? The band who created metal, the Godfathers, in the top 20? It should be first for me, though.

23 Westlife Westlife were an Irish boy band, formed in July 1998 and disbanded in June 2012. Originally signed by Simon Cowell and managed by Louis Walsh, the group's final line-up consisted of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan.

In Asia, Westlife is still number one.

24 Genesis Genesis are an English rock band formed at Charterhouse School, Godalming, Surrey in 1967. The most commercially successful and long-lasting line-up includes keyboardist Tony Banks, bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford and drummer/singer Phil Collins.
25 Biffy Clyro
8Load More
PSearch List