Top 10 Best British Classic Rock 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 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 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

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 (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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 their 1971 hit "Roundabout" off of their 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, Godalming, Surrey, in 1967. The band's longest-existing and most commercially successful lineup consisted of keyboardist Tony Banks, bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford, and drummer/singer Phil Collins. In the 1970s, during which the band... read more

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

The Contenders
11 Moody Blues The Moody Blues were an English rock band. They first came to prominence playing rhythm and blues music, but their second album, Days of Future Passed, which was released in 1967, was a fusion of rock with classical music and established them as pioneers in the development of art rock and progressive... 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!

12 The Clash The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk.

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

13 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.

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!

14 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.

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...

15 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.

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."

16 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

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

17 Cream Cream were a 1960s British rock supergroup power trio consisting of bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce, drummer Ginger Baker, and guitarist/vocalist Eric Clapton.

The best three musicians in their trade in one band.

Eric Clapton is one of the best guitarists ever!

18 Emerson, Lake & Palmer Emerson, Lake & 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.
19 Uriah Heep Uriah Heep are an English rock band formed in London in 1969 that was one of the top rock bands in the early 1970s. Twelve of the band's albums have made it to the UK Albums Chart (Return to Fantasy reached No. 7 in 1975). Uriah Heep's distinctive features include a massive keyboard sound, strong vocal... 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 Rainbow Rainbow are a British rock band led by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore from 1975 to 1984 and 1993 to 1997. They were originally established with Ronnie James Dio as the lead singer and lyricist. Rainbow were ranked No. 90 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. The band has sold over 28 million albums... read more
21 Whitesnake Whitesnake are a rock band formed in England in 1978 by singer David Coverdale, after his departure from his previous band Deep Purple.

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.

22 Sex Pistols The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although they initially lasted just two and a half years and produced only 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... read more

One of the most influential bands of all time.

23 Electric Light Orchestra The Electric Light Orchestra are an English rock band from Birmingham. They were formed in 1970 by songwriters/multi-instrumentalists Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne with drummer Bev Bevan.

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.

24 The Police The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland. They are most known for their songs "Message In A Bottle", "Don't Stand So Close To Me", "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic", "Roxanne",... read more

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

So underrated. They defined the '80s.

25 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.
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