Top 10 Best American Rock Bands

What are the best Rock Bands that are from the United States of America?
The Top Ten
1 Metallica Metallica is an American Heavy/Thrash Metal band formed in 1981. The original lineup was James Hetfield (Vocalist and Rhythm guitarist), Dave Mustaine (Lead Guitar), Lars Ulrich (Drums), Ron McGovney (Bassist). The group came into mainstream from their Self-Titled album and the hit single "Enter Sandman"... read more

Metallica is, undoubtedly, the best American export in the last 30 years. My personal opinion, but also an unshakeable fact. Metallica might be criticized for becoming mainstream, but at least their experiments proved to garner more fans, while old, real ones - including me - will always remain loyal.

Ave Burton!

You need to be a hipster for not seeing that clearly Metallica is the best band from the US. Ironically, their huge popularity and commercial success made them underrated.

I love Metallica more than any other band because of their style of playing the drums, guitar, and vocals.

2 The Doors The Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore.

They were so necessary in American music history. Morrison's genius compares to the British stars of that era, and no other American really has since, as a frontman and a writer.

The Doors - the American band that came closest to the otherworldliness of British music. They sound as if they're playing with spirits when creating their records. The Doors, like no other US band, can actually transport you somewhere else - somewhere creepy, ominous, dangerous, but at the same time exciting, rejuvenating, and inspiring.

3 Aerosmith Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "the Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band".

Aerosmith is the most versatile band I have ever listened to. Starting with "Aerosmith" and working your way to "Music from a Different Dimension", you can hear the great variety of music they have shared with us over the years. From "Dream On", "Mama Kin", "One Way Street", "Train", "Walk This Way", "Sweet", "Rats", "Nobody's Fault", "Kings and Queens", "Seasons", "Dude", "Janie's", "Cryin", "What It Takes", "Pink", "Street Jesus" – the list goes on. Just a great variety of songs over the years. Thanks, guys, it has been a pleasure listening to you since the 70s.

This isn't even close.

Now with downloads and how music is sold, Aerosmith is not only number 1, but they always will be number 1. The most successful rock band in the United States ever. No band, past, present, or future will ever come close. Kiss, Halen, Guns N' Roses, Nickelback, even Nirvana, all great bands but a distant second at best. They can all dream on.

Aerosmith is what the Stones are to the UK, but Aerosmith is better. They are the best of the best, true rock gods.

Aerosmith will always be number 1. Everyone else can Dream On.

4 Guns N' Roses Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band from Los Angeles formed in 1985. The classic lineup, as signed to Geffen Records in 1986, consisted of vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKagan, and drummer Steven Adler. Apart from hard rock they are also... read more

Guns N' Roses rule! Axl Rose's unique voice, combined with my favorite guitar player of all time, wait for it... Slash! Sweet Child, November Rain, and my favorite song Don't Cry. But where the hell is Nirvana on this list?

If they hadn't imploded, they would have become the United States' version of The Rolling Stones. Nearly everyone from the music scene back then agrees. Axl was the greatest frontman... EVER! The world's last rock star!

English rock music puts American rock to shame. This is an example of the USA producing similar talent, potency, and emotion. This is epic rock and up there with the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. (I don't like The Beatles at all)

5 Nirvana Nirvana was an American grunge band that was formed in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987. Nirvana disbanded after Kurt Cobain committed suicide in 1994. The drummer of the band, David Grohl, went on to start the Foo-Fighters, an alternative rock band... read more

Rock is about non-conforming. Punk is about the spirit behind the music. I couldn't find a band more true to their roots than Nirvana. The perfect blend of rock and roll, punk, and pop. Nirvana had so many different inspirations it's no surprise they forged such a unique sound and single-handedly destroyed an entire industry of corporate glam/hair metal. With just three albums, from 1989-1994, they have made their mark on music in the US and worldwide. For such a short experiment with grunge in the 90's, I'd say this is quite significant. Nirvana is better, more creative, and more emotional than bands like Foo Fighters (whom I also love), Chili Peppers, Guns N' Roses, and many others.

6 Van Halen Van Halen was an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. From 1974 until 1985, the band consisted of guitarist Eddie Van Halen, vocalist David Lee Roth, drummer Alex Van Halen, and bassist Michael Anthony.

Van Halen is hands down the greatest American rock band! There are lists that have them ranked in the top 5 of the greatest rock bands EVER. So, why the hell are they #7 on this "American" list?! Their music speaks for itself, and when they were rolling, no one could touch them! It was them... then everyone else. Crazy ass list...

Rock is about the guitar. Eddie is the hands-down best American rock guitarist, most influential and innovative player. Great songs, harmonies, and riffs. Should be #1 - Pearl Jam #2.

7 Creedence Clearwater Revival Creedence Clearwater Revival, often shortened to Creedence and abbreviated as CCR, was an American rock band active in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

John Fogerty's lyrics are some of the greatest, and they really stand out. The music these guys make is so authentic and southern. It makes you feel like you're sitting on a porch in the south. They are a great rocking band.

Still the best rock music for every generation of Americans. Simple, straightforward rock and roll tunes. They remain the most popular on the radio today. Classics like Bad Moon Rising, Proud Mary, and Down on the Corner are unforgettable.

Something about CCR's songs makes me feel very American. All of their songs remind me of little league baseball, pool parties, and summer. The most American band of all time has to be Creedence Clearwater Revival.

8 The Jimi Hendrix Experience The Jimi Hendrix Experience was an English-American rock band that formed in Westminster, London, in September 1966. Composed of singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jimi Hendrix, bassist and backing vocalist Noel Redding, and drummer Mitch Mitchell, the band was active until June 1969. During this time... read more

Jimi Hendrix is the greatest rock guitarist of all time and a brilliant songwriter. It's funny to see Aerosmith at number one. Just one album of Hendrix, Are You Experienced, is by far more important for rock music than the whole discography of Aerosmith.

Only semi-American since they formed in England and all the members, other than Hendrix, were British. Regardless, they're still the best on the list.

9 Lynyrd Skynyrd Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band best known for popularizing the Southern rock genre during the 1970s They are known for songs like "Free Bird", "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Tuesdays Gone" .

Greatest American rock band of all time, period. They have the most unique and recognizable sound of any band ever. Ronnie's lyrics are absolutely genius, and his singing couldn't be better. They simply do not have one bad song. I find it hard to believe the kings of southern rock are not in the top 3, at the very least.

Tremendous live band! Master lyricist in Ronnie Van Zant. Not a weak song in their catalog. Tuesday's Gone, Simple Man, Sweet Home Alabama, and Freebird. Does rock get any better than this? A great band that was taken from us just as they were entering their prime.

10 The Beach Boys The Beach Boys are an American pop rock band formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine.

This should be number one. The Beach Boys are geniuses, they are artists. They did not only do amazing beach songs, but they also created beautiful ballads full of refreshing harmonies that will always bring a smile to my face. The Beach Boys should be known as the greatest band of all time, along with The Beatles.

Their album "Pet Sounds" was so revolutionary, when the Beatles heard it, it was the inspiration for "Sgt. Pepper's..." The Beach Boys are by FAR the most important rock band spawning from the United States.

The Contenders
11 Green Day Green Day are an American pop punk/punk rock band formed in East Bay, California in 1987. The members include Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals and guitar), Mike Dirnt (bass), Tré Cool (drums) and Jason White (guitar). Green Day are associated with punk rock, pop punk and alternative rock. Some of their... read more

What the heck? Why so low on the list! These guys rock the nation and the world! They're better than anything in the top tens!

Green Day has the most songs about American life and what's wrong with our country. Why isn't it first?

Love this band. I literally love all of their songs. Troubled Times, Say Goodbye, American Idiot, and Holiday are my favorites.

12 KISS Kiss, often styled as KISS, was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1973. The original members were Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals)... read more

Critics slander KISS due to their onstage antics but fail to realize that any band that can survive for over 40 years, with many lineup changes, and sell over 100 million albums, as well as pack out arenas all around the world, must have at least some musical talent, right? In fact, not only did KISS have more prowess with their instruments than the critics give them credit for, but they were also an incredibly diverse band. They displayed many versions of rock, including hard rock, glam rock, heavy metal, and they even had a go at disco. I understand disco is not rock, but I am too lazy to go back and change my comment.

The fact that KISS are not higher on this list disappoints me. If there were to be a Mount Rushmore of American rock bands, in my opinion, it would be The Eagles, Van Halen, KISS, and Aerosmith. They should place higher than Guns N' Roses, The Doors, and Nirvana, simply due to their longevity and influence on many people in America and around the world. This influence has helped in the creation of the most loyal fan base in the world in the form of the KISS Army.

KISS' most famous songs include "I Wanna Rock and Roll All Night," "Detroit Rock City," "I Was Made for Loving You," "Shout It Out Loud," "Deuce," "Black Diamond," "God of Thunder," and "Beth." As they blast out before every concert to this day, "You wanted the best, you got the best, the hottest band in the world, KISS."

13 The Eagles The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971 by Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner.

The Eagles are the pinnacle of American music to many. They could write, sing, and play with the best. No way they should be outside the top 3. My guess is that they don't appeal to enough of the younger generation of people voting on a list like this. Their music is more deep and timeless than many of the bands ahead of them.

Their songs range from solemn to energetic, but most of them are closer to solemn, which likely doesn't connect to many of the right now generation. But they managed to avoid the 80s where many good bands of the 70s transitioned badly and instead just reawakened in the mid-90s and continue to make special music today.

14 R.E.M. R.E.M. was an American alternative rock band from Athens, Georgia, formed in 1980 by lead singer Michael Stipe, lead guitarist Peter Buck, bassist/backing vocalist Mike Mills, and drummer Bill Berry.

I came in late with R.E.M.'s "Life's Rich Pageant." It was given to me by a friend on cassette, in exchange for Bryan Adams, just to trade for a while. At first, I didn't care for it until I listened to it, and then I found myself with "Fables," and then to my joy, there was "Murmur," "Reckoning," and "Dead Letter Office." I was blown away when "Document" came out (okay, probably literally) at the time, then "Green," and my first R.E.M. concert. Every album I couldn't wait for... Sorry to see Bill Berry go... Anyone can make arguments on who is the best... I'd make a strong case for R.E.M. Greatest band ever... But then again, they never wanted the attention or to compete with anyone... Thank you, R.E.M.

15 Bon Jovi Bon Jovi is a hard rock/pop rock band formed in 1983, which had a streak of successful albums in the late 1980s. The band originally consisted of lead vocalist Jon Bon Jovi, guitarist Ritchie Sambora (left in 2013), bassist Alec John Such (left in 1994), keyboard David Bryan, and drummer Tico Torres... read more

For a band to still be here and still rocking certainly makes them who they are.

Their ability to survive trends is a testament to their talent as musicians!

Best Band Ever! Sad that they're so underrated.

16 Kansas Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on album-oriented rock charts and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind".

Kansas is so great. They have variety, distinction, complexity, talent, and ingenuity in their music. They balance so many types of emotions and music unlike any other band. It's unfortunate they aren't played more to the average person. I love their sound more than any other band, and there is no band similar. The only way to know how great they are is to listen to their songs a few times and chances are, you'll fall in love. And not just Dust in the Wind and Carry on Wayward Son. They are great songs, but the band has so much more.

17 Alice In Chains Alice in Chains is an American grunge/alternative metal band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley.

In my opinion, Alice in Chains is the greatest harmonizing band of all time. Just listen to the whole Jar of Flies album.

Terrific writing and a unique sound. They have more great songs than people think.

18 Foo Fighters Foo Fighters are an American alternative rock band, formed in Seattle in 1994. The band was founded by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl after the death of Kurt Cobain and the dissolution of his previous band. The band consists of Dave Grohl (lead vocalist, rhythm guitar, main songwriter), Pat Smear (rhythm... read more

One of the few bands you look forward to a new album from, knowing it will rock your socks off. Hated by critics and loved by their fans, this humble band has become the last shining star of classic rock.

The best, the legendary, the last rock band in the world. The band with a long and rich history. Every new album is popular all over the world!

19 Pearl Jam Pearl Jam is a grunge/alternative rock Band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1990. The band had comprised of Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament... read more

At least Pearl Jam isn't ranked lower than numerous terrible bands like Nickelback and Linkin Park, like on the Best Rock Band List. Although I would put them at Number 1, I'm glad they're in the Top 10 on this list. Now let's work on getting them to the Top 5, then the Top 3, and finally to Number 1.

They pour their heart and soul into every show they ever play. They play as if it was their last show. If you have never seen them live, do yourself a favor and get some tickets, then thank me later.

Lasted over 20 years. Amazing live and great albums. They are not one-dimensional, playing many styles of music, such as Zeppelin did two decades earlier.

20 Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were an American rock band from Gainesville, Florida. In 1976, the band's original lineup was Tom Petty as the lead singer and guitar player, Mike Campbell as the lead guitarist, Ron Blair on bass, Stan Lynch on drums, and Benmont Tench on keyboards.

This incredible band belongs in the top five, to say the least, because they represented an art form that has stood the test of time. Where would we be without this great group of talented musicians who kept us rocking and rolling for 40 fabulous decades? Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were so thrilling to watch in concert, like no other, rain or shine, east or west. They were so talented, so original, and so creative.

They need to be near the top of the list because, like American pie, they'll never go out of style. They are the people's choice, an all-time favorite. Your list definitely needs updating. #27? Really? You're way off.

21 Linkin Park Linkin Park is an American alternative rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The current members include Mike Shinoda (vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Brad Delson (guitar), Dave "Phoenix" Farrell (bass), Joe Hahn (DJ), and Rob Bourdon (drums). Linkin Park is associated with a mixture... read more

There's no band like Linkin Park. Their life story, their struggle, their reality is totally different from others. They've come from a decent background and their songs have simply rocked the world, leading to a very loyal fan base. Their album Hybrid Theory hit 28 million copies sold, followed by Meteora at 25 million and Minutes to Midnight at 20 million copies sold.

Their music is simple but creative, and this band really cemented their songs in my heart.

Linkin Park is one of the greatest bands of all time. Their first album, Hybrid Theory, is the best-selling debut album of the 21st Century so far. It and Meteora are their most popular albums. People liked it because of the perfect blend between rap and rock. Minutes to Midnight was more rock and A Thousand Suns was more electronic. What will LIVING THINGS be?

22 Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Crosby, Stills & Nash were an American-British-Canadian folk rock supergroup made up of David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash. They were known as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young when joined by occasional fourth member Neil Young.

Another base from which rock & roll started!

Best harmonies ever. Take away the drugs, and they were becoming comparable to the Beatles.

23 Heart Heart is an American rock band that first found success in Canada and later in the United States and worldwide.
24 Alice Cooper Alice Cooper was an American rock band formed in Phoenix, Arizona in 1964. The band consisted of lead singer Vince Furnier, Glen Buxton, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith.
25 Megadeth Megadeth is an American thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California. Megadeth was formed in 1983 by guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson, shortly after Mustaine was fired from Metallica. They have released 15 studio albums to date, and have gone through many lineup changes, with Dave... read more
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