Top 10 Classic Rock Bands that Aren't Hard Rock

As anyone would have expected (and I more-or-less agree with it, not to be mistaken), the "Greatest Classic Rock Bands" list is filled with both kinds of classic rock bands - those that do belong in the hard rock genre, as well as those that don't. (At least not mainly.) However, that list is mostly dominated by hard rock bands. NOT THAT I HAVE ANYTHING AGAINST THAT. Quite the contrary, even I myself prefer hard rock over other classic rock subgenres. Still, I decided to make a list of those bands of classic rock that DO NOT account for hard rock (or at least their best-known work isn't hard rock), because I am certain that many of this site's users wanted to see this kind of list. And yeah, no, I tried to look for such a list. None to be found. And yes, I KNOW most of these bands do have some hard rock songs, but again, those aren't their best-known songs. And yes, I do consider traditional heavy metal under hard rock, so no Sabbath, Priest or Rainbow here, either. NOTE: When adding new items, keep in mind that classic rock does not refer to anything after 1979!
The Top Ten
1 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.
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 named Smile. Freddie Mercury was a fan of Smile and encouraged them to experiment with more elaborate stage and recording techniques. He then joined the band in 1970, suggested "Queen" as a new band name, and adopted his familiar stage name. John Deacon was also recruited to complete the line-up. ...read more.

Genre(s): glam rock

3 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 would add pop rock to that. Anyway good list also I am wondering when you say that classic rock does not include anything after 1979 does that mean the bands debut album can't be later than that or the majority of the bands work (at least their better known albums) should be before then.

They have some hard rock (EX: Revolution, Helter Skelter, Yer Blues

4 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 (Vocals and Bass), and Richard Wright (Vocals and Keyboard). Barrett was replaced by Gilmour in 1968. ...read more.
5 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 Won't Get Fooled Again. Some noted achievements were their rock operas, Tommy (album), Quadrophenia (album), and A Quick One, While He's Away (song). ...read more.
6 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.
7 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" .
8 T. Rex T. Rex were an English glam rock band, formed in 1967 by singer-songwriter and guitarist Marc Bolan. The band initially called Tyrannosaurus Rex, released four folk albums under this banner.
9 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.
10 Fleetwood Mac Fleetwood Mac are a British-American rock band formed in July 1967, in London. The band have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time.
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