Top 10 Best Hard Rock Artists of All Time

The best hard rock artists of all time.

No Jethro Tull on this list, so you can take your pansy little flute and go home.

1. 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

   Anyone that likes hard rock should go out and buy Led Zeppelin albums 1-8. Once you get familiar with them, you won't dislike a single song on those albums. Led Zeppelin could perfect a studio song and make it different live every time. Look at the musicianship!

   I'd like to see another band try to come up with anything near as epic as Stairway to Heaven. Jimmy Page is the best guitar player of all time, Robert Plant is outstanding, John Bonham's power will knock you out of your seat, and John Paul Jones is a genius. A song such as Kashmir, Trampled Underfoot, Nobody's Fault But Mine, Stairway to Heaven, Heartbreaker... I could go on. Any of those songs would tell you who the greatest hard rock band really is. There is only one answer to that, and that is Led Zeppelin.

2. Guns N' Roses

   

   Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band from Los Angeles formed in 1985. The classic lineup, 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. In addition to hard rock, they are also... read more

   Guns N' Roses is easily the greatest hard rock band ever formed. Simply from a numbers standpoint, Appetite for Destruction is the best-selling album of all time. Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II both broke records of their own.

   But aside from numbers, they are iconic and a perfect example of 80s hard rock. With a dynamic duo like Axl Rose and Slash, who is better? It's a shame they couldn't stay together, but there are rumors of a reunion world tour.

   Also, Slash is the greatest guitarist of all time, and the rest of the band are a bunch of badasses. It's an easy choice for number 1.

   Deepest quality guitar, most unique voice in the history of rock, and tremendous variety in length, pace, and tone make Guns N' Roses the best rock band ever. Throw in the attitude with which they performed, and they will forever be unbeatable. Use Your Illusion I and II will always be staples in my collection, and Estranged (the second half in particular) is the greatest rock ballad of all time.

3. AC/DC

   

   AC/DC is an Australian hard rock band founded in November 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Bon Scott was the lead singer until his death in 1980 from alcohol poisoning. He was succeeded by Brian Johnson.

   The band is known for its blues-influenced rock sound and enduring hits such as Highway... read more

   Angus Young is in a class by himself when it comes to guitar playing. If you look at his athleticism, his skills, his acrobatics, and his physical endurance during any of his performances, one is amazed. Even late in his life! He's one of a kind. He's among the greatest rock and roll guitarists to ever lay his hands on a guitar. AC/DC, since the 1970s, has constantly toured and sold out audiences around the world, including stadiums greater than 100,000. If Angus Young was still with them, they could sell out a quarter million fans easily. Back in Black is the greatest selling hard rock album of all time, selling well over 40 million copies.

   If you look at their touring schedules over the years, they could perform up to 90 to 100 shows a year and sell out every one of them. It is hard to decide who is number one since the greats like Led Zeppelin and many others are up for consideration. Arguably, AC/DC has stood the test of time, and the guitar playing of Angus Young and his brother is in a class by itself. One must factor in the athletic performance, not just the music.

4. Metallica

   

   Metallica is an American heavy and thrash metal band formed in 1981. The original lineup included James Hetfield (vocals and rhythm guitar), Dave Mustaine (lead guitar), Lars Ulrich (drums), and Ron McGovney (bass). They first gained mainstream fame with their 1991 self-titled album (The Black Album... read more

   It's been 30 years since I started listening to Metallica and attending numerous gigs. I have never grown tired of their music or watching them perform live. I enjoy most genres of music where artists can write and play their own instruments. I have over 200 rock bands in my collection, and I consider Metallica to be one of the top three!

   Metallica is such a great band. Each member (early days with Cliff) has their own dramatic story to tell. Plus, all their albums were certified platinum at least one time, from the shredding anthems of Kill 'Em All to the lack of solos of St. Anger. I can't wait for Death Magnetic!

5. 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

   The best thing about Queen was that they didn't just do hard rock. They dabbled in heavy metal (e.g., Liar), opera (e.g., Somebody to Love), classic rock (in several of their songs), progressive rock (e.g., The Prophet's Song), soft rock (e.g., Don't Stop Me Now), dance rock (e.g., Another One Bites the Dust), glam rock (e.g., Killer Queen), synth-pop (e.g., Radio Ga Ga), and rock ballads (e.g., We Are the Champions and Who Wants to Live Forever). Their songs have stood the test of time better than most from the '70s and '80s. I know many people who have heard some of their songs, even the ones that aren't "Bohemian Rhapsody" and the "We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions" medley.

   In my opinion, however, they excelled in hard rock. Their best hard rock songs include Bohemian Rhapsody (just after the opera section), I Want It All, and Hammer to Fall.

   Brian May also had a distinctive guitar sound with his Red Special that was well-suited to hard rock, best demonstrated in "Fat Bottomed Girls."

   Freddie Mercury may have had a great operatic voice, but he also possessed a gritty, rough voice for many hard rock songs. This is best shown in tracks like "Spread Your Wings," "It's Late," "Hammer to Fall," "Tear It Up," and "I Want It All." Unarguably, Freddie Mercury had one of the most impressive rock voices of all time.

   Roger Taylor and John Deacon were also reliable when called upon for playing a little "rock 'n' roll." Just listen to the backing track of "Don't Stop Me Now." Although "Don't Stop Me Now" is not considered a hard rock song, it shares many characteristics with hard rock, such as a driving beat and rhythm, as well as a deep sound, accomplished by John Deacon's driving bass.

6. 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

   I am shocked to see that nobody mentioned the gods of Heavy Metal. Black Sabbath started it all.

   Don't get me wrong, I love all the other selections on this list, but you can't leave Sabbath out! And for the record, Metallica sucks and to see them at the top of this list is pathetic. Any of the other bands outrate them any day.

   Black Sabbath changed the face of hard rock forever and invented heavy metal along the way. They should stand as second to Zeppelin, or else I'm going to have to bring in a lawyer.

   Also, where the hell is Thin Lizzy?

7. 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

   Metallica is a great band, although not in the same genre. The Who, on the other hand, is a great band composed of some of the most unique characters and artists in rock. Daltrey swung his microphone like a lasso, while Pete Townshend had immense talent that he chose not to showcase, sacrificing his individual spotlight for the band. John Entwistle, also known as the Ox, took an instrument previously considered a "background instrument" and led with his relentless typewriter attack. And then there's Keith Moon, possibly the most innovative and original drummer of all time, inspiring generations that followed, including John Bonham and Neil Peart.

   However, what truly sets the Who apart is their complete embodiment of rock. Their energy, wild demolitions, and off-stage antics define the very genre they created. They emerged after the Beatles and Rolling Stones, paving the way for a future that we continue to enjoy.

8. Nirvana

   

   Nirvana was an American grunge band formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. The band consisted of Kurt Cobain (vocals, guitar), Krist Novoselic (bass), and Dave Grohl (drums), who joined in 1990. Nirvana disbanded following Cobain's death by suicide in 1994.... read more

   If Nirvana were alive, no other band would have existed or come close to it in the present day. Kurt Cobain was the best rock singer ever created by the almighty. His wit was reflected in the playing style of his guitar. His riffs were intelligent, simple, and showed his pain.

   Also, Dave Grohl played the real drums, and the bass by Krist Novoselic simply ran through one's veins. It's very unfortunate that Kurt died so soon.

   Regards,

   Bose.

   Kurt Donald Cobain, the man who turned the music industry upside down with his music, showed that rock is still as good as before when everyone was going with hip-hop. He will always live in my heart.

9. Van Halen

   

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

   Van Halen is definitely a top-five live band. In one of their concerts, they opened for Aerosmith and outperformed them with an amazing show! They had great energy, entertainment (David Lee Roth is an awesome frontman), and an underrated but talented drummer and bass player. And, of course, Edward Van Halen is one of the greatest guitar players ever!

   When it comes to this list, true fans are shouting, Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love!

   With Van Halen not in the top five, this list shows its suckiness. They are #1 in my opinion, but I could accept top 5 because there are some other great bands as well. However, this is a travesty. Eddie Van Halen is the greatest guitar player ever!

   And what other band has survived changing lead singers? Van Halen, that's who! That, in itself, shows their genius.

10. Aerosmith

    

    Aerosmith is an American rock band formed in Boston in 1970. The group consists of Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass), Joey Kramer (drums), and Brad Whitford (guitar).

    Their style, rooted in blues-based hard rock, also incorporates elements of pop rock, heavy metal... read more

    Either Aerosmith, Nirvana, Metallica, or Green Day for me. I went with Aerosmith as I believe that Steven Tyler is an amazing vocalist and probably, in my opinion, the third best ever after the late great Freddie Mercury and the energetic Robert Plant.

    Queen is my favorite band, but they are not purely hard rock. They have elements of it but have always incorporated soft rock, funk, disco, and pop into their songs as well.

    Aerosmith was rocking when a lot of these top 10 bands shown here were babies strumming on their crib rails. They learned how to rock by listening to them.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    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

    So, the best guitar player of all time and one of the most iconic bands of all time did not make it in the top 10? Crazy.

12. ?

    Warfaze

    

    Warfaze is a Bangladeshi hard rock band founded in 1984. The current lineup includes Palash Noor (vocals), Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal (lead guitar), Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu (drums and percussion), Samir Hafiz (guitar), Shams Mansoor Ghani (keyboards and vocals), and Naim Haque Roger (bass).... read more

    The best rock band of Bangladesh.

The Contenders

13. Bon Jovi

    

    Bon Jovi is a hard rock and pop rock band formed in 1983. The original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Jon Bon Jovi, guitarist Richie Sambora (who left in 2013), bassist Alec John Such (who left in 1994), keyboardist David Bryan, and drummer Tico Torres.... read more

    100 percent Bon Jovi: great songs and great in concert. I saw them many, many times. They have been voted the number one band to see. Plus, they made the most money at their last few concerts, touring all over the world!

    Don't get me wrong, I love lots of other bands and have been to their concerts, but Bon Jovi is my all-time favorite. Second is the boss, Bruce Springsteen. And they don't need the money. Bon Jovi just loves what they do. Just read Jon's bio. It says it all!

    Absolute is the greatest band of all time, and Jon is the most beautiful, hot man I have ever seen in this world. Absolute human perfection. But not only that, Jon Bon Jovi is also the best human soul I've ever seen alive in this world. The god of love. Jon Bon Jovi in my heart forever! Paola S.

14. X Japan

    

    X Japan is a Japanese heavy metal band formed in Chiba in 1982 by drummer and pianist Yoshiki Hayashi (known as Yoshiki) and lead vocalist Toshimitsu "Toshi" Deyama. Originally called X, they pioneered the visual kei movement, combining elaborate visuals with heavy metal and ballads.... read more

    X Japan is the greatest hard rock artist that I've never seen before. This band is a legend, and they came back to be X Japan again a few years ago.

    It's cool seeing X Japan doing so well on these lists. It's clear there are a lot of hardcore fans on this site.

    X Japan is the best band in Japanese history.

15. Kiss

    

    Kiss, often stylized 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). Known for their face paint and elaborate stage... read more

    A lot of great bands up there: Priest, Rush, Van Halen, Zeppelin, Metallica, etc. But even more awesome bands are lower, and that's how it should be. I love some of these bands with all my heart, but it was KISS who got me into rock 'n' roll and metal, and that stays forever. It's like a brand on my heart, no matter what happens, it will always be KISS. That's why I'm voting for them. KISS Forever.

    A member of KISS Army Finland

    Kiss is the greatest. There is not another rock band that filled the seats like Kiss, bigger crowds than Elvis and the Beatles. Also, they put on the greatest live rock show of all bands. On stage, Kiss would blow Metallica away.

16. 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

    The most talented, creative, innovative, technical, and advanced equals THE BEST. Deep Purple is a band of masters. Ritchie Blackmore alone is a whole music universe.

    Details:

    The riff that rules all other riffs is Smoke on the Water;

    the solo that rules all other solos is Highway Star;

    the screams that rule all other screams are in Child in Time;

    the best band live is their Live in Japan performance;

    they are the most technical pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal;

    they were the globe's loudest band of the '70s, officially listed in the 1975 Guinness Book of World Records.

    Anything else for number 1?

    Deep Purple 10 places below Linkin Park? That, sirs and madams, is plain ridiculous. Deep Purple was one of the hard rock-defining bands of the '70s, and their legacy still influences many modern bands. Just imagine the following experiment:

    Set up a pair of speakers in a densely populated area of town, play either Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple or Numb by Linkin Park, and ask passersby which one they know. There's no doubt about the result.

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. Their most critically acclaimed period is widely considered to be from 1983 to 1989, during which they released landmark albums like Piece of Mind, Powerslave, Somewhere... read more

    In all technicality, Iron Maiden is classic heavy metal, as are Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, and Van Halen. Metallica is thrash metal, and Rush is art rock. Nirvana is grunge, and Bon Jovi is barely even rock.

    But still, Iron Maiden is better than all of those in my eyes, so I would root for them even if they were in the pop category.

    Actually, Iron Maiden is really a heavy metal band. They don't sing hard rock very much, but I think they still deserve to be in the top 5 because Rush and Linkin Park don't stand a chance.

18. Scorpions

    

    Scorpions are a German rock band formed in 1965 in Hanover by guitarist Rudolf Schenker. Early members included vocalist Klaus Meine and guitarist Michael Schenker, later replaced by Matthias Jabs. The band first gained international attention in the late 1970s, and has since explored styles ranging... read more

    Scorpions: The band that defines rock ballads. They were the first hard rock/heavy metal band to really show that even hard rock can display emotions. A band built on the philosophy of friendship and friendship alone, they kick ass live even after fifty years. Riffing machine Rudolf Schenker and Klaus Meine (by far the man with the best rock voice) are standouts.

    There are so many hits like Still Loving You, Wind of Change, When the Smoke is Going Down, Always Somewhere, Send Me an Angel... the list is truly endless. On the other hand, you have Rock You Like a Hurricane, Blackout, No One Like You, Alien Nation, Raised on Rock, etc. They are pioneers of the genre, one of those bands that define hard rock.

    I agree, Led Zeppelin, Guns N' Roses, AC/DC, and all the greats are amazing, but love it or loathe it, Scorpions would have been in the top 5 if they were American or British. They deserve to be in the top 5 at least, if not the top 3.

19. Judas Priest

    

    Judas Priest are a British heavy metal band formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969. They are frequently ranked among the greatest metal bands of all time and are commonly called "The Metal Gods," after their song on the 1980 album British Steel. Their influence on the development of heavy metal is profound... read more

    The greatest artist in history, after Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, is my absolute favorite. Zeppelin and Sabbath simply deserve a higher ranking, that's all. However, I'm puzzled as to why bands like Judas Priest and Black Sabbath are included in this list of Hard Rock bands. And let's not forget about Metallica being ranked number one... They are fantastic, but number one? Are you kidding me?!

    Well, Judas Priest should be at the top. They're the best band in the world. They have the great vocals from Halford, the amazing drumming from Travis, the beastly bass from Hill, and the overwhelming guitar solos by Downing and Tipton.

    Here are some of their songs you should listen to: Painkiller, The Sentinel, Victim of Changes, Beyond the Realms of Death, Electric Eye, and Breaking the Law.

20. The Doors

    

    The Doors were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965, comprising vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. They were among the most influential and occasionally controversial rock acts of the 1960s, largely due to Morrison's poetic... read more

    Jim Morrison is the greatest rock frontman of all time. He created only masterpieces.

    Avenged Sevenfold are above The Doors? Lots of teenage girls voting on this site then?

21. Avenged Sevenfold

    

    Avenged Sevenfold is an American alternative metal band formed in 1999 in California. Their longest lineup consisted of M. Shadows (vocals), Synyster Gates (lead guitar), Zacky Vengeance (rhythm guitar), Johnny Christ (bass guitar), and The Rev (drums).... read more

    Well, Avenged Sevenfold (A7X) is a band that has many genres, from death metal to hard countrified ballads. I must say that they are different from other metal bands, and all the members have different characters and talents.

    My personal favorite is the late drummer, Jimmy "The Reverend" Sullivan. For me, he is the best drummer of all time. I got goosebumps when I heard their song called M.I.A. because he had an eccentric pattern on the bass drum. I also love Dear God because it's so unpredictable that a metal band would do a country song.

    If I were asked to describe them in two words, it would be PURE AWESOMENESS. Avenged Sevenfold will always hold the number one spot for me. They have the look, sound, and overall attitude. They love making music. Zacky Vengeance and Synyster Gates create a masterpiece whenever they play. Nobody will ever replace Jimmy (Jimmy, may he rest in heaven), though. I love this band, and if you don't, you're just completely messed up. This band is so amazing that people have actually gotten Deathbat tattoos. LOVE Avenged Sevenfold.

    I pledge allegiance to the DEATHBAT of the United Nation of SEVENFOLD, and to the GATES for which they stand, PLAGUE, one nation, under CHRIST, indivisible, with SHADOWS and VENGEANCE for all!

22. Rush

    

    Rush is a Canadian progressive rock band that was formed in 1968. The band's most iconic lineup consisted of guitarist Alex Lifeson, bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee, and drummer Neil Peart, who joined in 1974. Following Peart's death from brain cancer on January 7, 2020, Lee and Lifeson announced in October... read more

    Nickelback? I don't mean to be offensive, but they need to get a life. Nickelback is less intelligent than a doorknob. Rush is way more musically talented than half of those bands combined. You're really concentrating on bad modern music. Please make Rush number 1, please?

    Rush is the best rock band of all time. Their individual musicianship and collective musicianship are off the charts. Listen to La Villa Strangiato. Their 40-year body of work is unmatched by any other band.

    Why is Rush ranked 7? This band, without a doubt, should be ranked 1! They are the greatest band of all time. The members are entering their 60s, and their new album acts like their first album (Clockwork Angels). It's unbelievable! Please check it out on YouTube!

23. Jimi Hendrix

    

    Jimi Hendrix was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Though his mainstream career lasted only about four years from 1966 to 1970, he's widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in popular music.... read more

    He's only known for his guitar skills, but his songwriting style was very original. At the time, no one had heard anything as heavy as Hendrix. In my opinion, this makes him a legend. The guitar skills are just an amazing bonus.

    One of the most innovative guitarists of all time, played with his soul more than his mind.

    Jimi would recommend you turn off the computer, plug in the guitar, and let the smoke roll.

24. 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

    This is the absolute best band ever. Pink Floyd is what changed it all. There was nobody else like Pink Floyd. I hate the fact that they broke up the year I was born. I would have loved to see them live.

    Most Floyd songs aren't that hard, to be honest. However, if you listen to their earlier stuff, they could outshine a lot of grunge bands. I still consider them the greatest band ever.

    I grew up with Pink Floyd, the best-ever music. I did grow up with them. I just wish I could have gone to one of their concerts. The light shows and cover bands just can't do them justice.

25. Blue Oyster Cult

    

    Blue Öyster Cult is an American rock band from Long Island, New York, known for blending hard rock and heavy metal with science fiction and occult themes. Their most successful songs include "(Don't Fear) The Reaper," "Godzilla," and "Burnin' for You." The band has maintained a cult following since the... read more

    Really? Blue Oyster Cult at #83? No way this is right. They should be at least in the top 20 with Rush, Kiss, and Foghat. Cities on Flame, Godzilla, Veteran of the Psychic Wars, Don't Fear the Reaper, and Unknown Tongue definitely give this lyrically haunting, shock rock blues boogie band plenty of heavy hard rock.

    For me, the two giants of hard rock are Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. But how I love Blue Oyster Cult, even though they were all but finished after 1981.

26. System of a Down

    

    System of a Down, formed in 1994, is an Armenian-American alternative metal band from Glendale, California. The band name is sometimes shortened to System or SOAD. They're known for their politically charged lyrics, often addressing topics such as genocide and war, in songs like Holy Mountains, Prison... read more

    Number 15? Really? System of a Down is by far the best hard rock band around. You know why? Because there is absolutely no band that can ever compare to their mix of heavy guitar and drums, mixed with god-like vocals in every single song. Radio/Video is one of my personal favorites. Vote until they're number 1!

    Who the hell is X Japan? I've never even heard of them, and when I listened to them, they sucked! System is a lot better than A7X, and Nirvana just really sucks. Tool also deserves to be ahead of them. X Japan shouldn't even be considered hard rock, let alone number 1.

27. 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), Emily Armstrong (vocals), and Colin Brittain (drums). Linkin Park... read more

    Linkin Park has always been above the mark, the most popular band of the decade, the youth's first priority. Their amazingly awesome lyrics, plus the always entertaining combo of singing and rapping altogether, make the band the best!

    I love Linkin Park. Their songs are perfect in every way. Linkin Park forever!

    No band can even get close to an album like Hybrid Theory and Meteora. I can't come through the day without listening to an LP song.

    LP, keep on rocking!

    Linkin Park is a rock band, all right. They're still gonna rock this world with all they've got. This is not the end, this is not the beginning. Just wait for their music!