Best British Rock Bands

The Top Ten

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

I was fortunate to grow up in the '60s and '70s and love approximately 80% of the bands on this list. Our bands pushed boundaries in creativity, entertained big time, and penned thought-provoking songs, giving us a huge legacy of avenues to follow.
Should The Beatles be number 1 on this? Yes (in my personal opinion), but who cares! A massive thanks to all of our bands for your brilliant gift!

Listen. I don't understand how anyone can listen to Eleanor Rigby, Paint It Black, or Black Dog and not completely understand why the Beatles, Stones, and Zeppelin are now and always will be the top three greatest British bands ever. Period. End of topic.
That said, four through ten are seriously up for debate, but number 4 is Queen. 'Enough said. The rest of you can fight over 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

Queen was always different, no question about that. The fact that they produced songs from so many different genres shows that these guys were geniuses, both musically and in other aspects.
Also, most of their best songs have stood the test of time (and I don't just mean Bohemian Rhapsody), more than can be said for many other bands.
I do think that The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd deserve their fame. I love all these bands and their music (though in my humble opinion, I prefer Queen over Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd).
P.S. Freddie was probably (actually, most likely) the most impressive rock vocalist of all time. This is justified by other lists, other websites, and all viewpoints of people I know (and myself, of course).
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

Best drummer. Page was a mind-blowing master on the guitar, blending blues, classical, bluegrass, and heavy metal. Jones played bass and organ, adding hypnotic psychedelic vibes. And Plant would bring you back to life with his unique and amazingly loud bellows!
The most versatile band besides the Beatles, of which I'm also a huge fan. Stones, Zep, or latter Beatles - you can't go wrong. But Zep was my personal favorite. Listening to them at night on a dark country road with Page's guitar echoing was a major trip.

They were so good at their craft that honestly, I just have to listen to all the subtleties in almost every song they've ever put out to consider them the best rock and roll/blues-rock/hard-rock band ever.
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

Should be number 1 or 2 after The Beatles. Totally original, one of a kind, and avant-garde. They paved the way for everything that's followed without ever blatantly stealing from others like Zeppelin, who, in my opinion, shouldn't even be in the top 10!

Not my favorite but still amazing! They are unique, and their guitar solos are amazing!

The absolute best. Better than The Beatles, no matter what any Beatles fan or Beatle says. They are unbeatable.
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

Please! All you Stones haters who say they're old and dried up, please, for your fathers' sake, read early Stephen King and listen to young Stones. Master King will teach you what it means to be a Stones fan.

Once The Beatles disbanded, they really came into their own. Just great rock'n'roll.

I'm not a massive fan, but they are still great!
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

Incredible range and pioneers in every sense of the word. Smashing guitars, the craziest drummer ever, and the best bassist of all time. Pete Townshend is an incredible lyricist and composer, producing killer riffs while leading innovation all around.
Oh, and the most iconic scream of rock by one of the most powerful voices ever heard from a band frontman. Between 1969 and 1973, they were the biggest rock band in the world and remained top-notch till '78. After that, they still produced some gems worth listening to, but it was never the real deal again.

The Who are way underrated and deserve much more respect. Anyone who hasn't listened to Quadrophenia cannot call themselves a music fan.
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

I overrated the Beatles and Stones because I knew there would be a riot in England if I didn't have them in the top 5. I came later, so in my opinion, Motörhead, Judas Priest, Saxon, and especially Iron Maiden are all way better than the Beatles, Stones, Led Zep, and Queen. I couldn't cheat Iron Maiden out of the number one spot. They've earned it.

Best band ever, not even joking. Still brilliant even today. Senjutsu is so surprisingly good. Just great. Please vote.

The bridge between heavy metal and prog metal. Passing the torch to Dream Theater.
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

Yet another one of my all-time favorite '70s bands, as well as one of (if not my) favorite heavy metal bands of all time. Ozzy's extreme antics and Iommi's amazing guitar playing make for an amazing band.
Paranoid might just be the best heavy metal album ever. At the time of writing this comment, it's just a day until Halloween, and Sabbath has one of the best Halloween line-ups of any band, no matter the genre.
Radiohead

Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Phil Selway, and Ed O'Brien.
Known for their experimentation and sonic evolution, they rose to international prominence with OK Computer and continued... read more

A band consecrated with everlasting "critical acclaim." Nine albums, each different from the last one, yet with outstanding songs and portraying different and versatile landscapes and moods that simply blow your brains off if you let them.
For the respect of music itself, put them at least in the top ten. They're better than Muse and Oasis for starters.

Masters who continue to pioneer and top their past work to this day. Radiohead are unbeatable and the definitive alternative rock legends.

Radiohead's probably the only perfect band in existence. They make phenomenal music that is timeless.
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. Their music was integral to the development of British rock, with hits like You Really Got Me and... read more

The Kinks influenced more bands, and their music will be listened to and studied for generations. No one could pen lyrics like Ray Davies.

One of my favorites. Was "You Really Got Me" one of the first heavy metal sounds? Maybe. Yet, they could be funny as well.

The Newcomers

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XTC
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The Jam

The Jam were an English mod revival and punk rock band active during the 1970s and early 1980s. They formed in 1972 at Sheerwater Secondary School in Woking, Surrey. The band was fronted by Paul Weller and became known for their energetic performances, sharp social commentary, and influence on British... read more

The Contenders

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

Sure, there may be better bands out there, but hey, if you have Machine Head and In Rock as two of your albums, who really cares? Although I think he's better suited in Whitesnake, Coverdale is still an amazing frontman, even if Ian is easily the best Deep Purple frontman.
Blackmore's guitar playing is iconic and impressive. Sure, you've heard the Smoke on the Water riff a thousand times, but it's timeless. Sure, there are better bands that do the same genre, but in my opinion, Deep Purple is overlooked. Not the best hard rock act to grace the Earth, but it's up there, much higher than most people think.

This list is crazy and out of focus. Deep Purple are one of the founding fathers of the genre. They should be in the top 3. The Beatles are not rock, really.
Muse

Muse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The members are Matt Bellamy (lead vocals, lead guitar, piano, keyboards), Dom Howard (drums, percussion), and Chris Wolstenholme (bass, backing vocals). They have won numerous awards, including five MTV Europe Music Awards... read more

I think that Muse is the best band in the 21st century. Matt is one of the best guitarists and especially one of the best singers in rock history, no doubt. Chris is one of the best bassists, and what can I say about Dom? Along with John Bonham, they dominate the world of music. They are the best!

I couldn't believe that. Muse is one of the best bands. Their style is amazing and spectacular. They have very good songs: Time is Running Out, Starlight, Hysteria, Black Star, United States of Eurasia, etc.

They are similar and different at the same time. The great combination of classical music and hard rock, together with Matt's voice, will leave no one indifferent.
Oasis

Oasis is an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. The original lineup consisted of Liam Gallagher (lead vocals), Paul Arthurs (guitar), Paul McGuigan (bass guitar), and Tony McCarroll (drums). A few months later, Liam invited his older brother Noel Gallagher (lead guitar, vocals) to join the... read more

They went from their debut album in '94 to playing two nights to 150,000 people at Knebworth two years later, where about 2.6 million people applied for tickets. In terms of which British band is actually the best, it's obviously The Beatles. But Oasis is my favorite band.

How on earth are Iron Maiden ahead of Oasis? Makes no sense to me. In my opinion, Oasis are the greatest band of all time.

My all-time favorite band. People forget how big they were. All 7 of their albums went to #1 in the UK!
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.
The band rose to international fame with albums like Pyromania (1983) and Hysteria (1987), the latter of which sold over 20 million copies worldwide. They were inducted... read more

They should be 9th, behind the elite 8. In their time, they were way better than Oasis, Radiohead, and Muse. Those bands have a dull style of rock.

Longevity, live capability, working-class roots, triumph over adversity. The band that has it all - the British Rock Gods.

How can Def Leppard be 13? Hysteria sold over 25 million copies worldwide and still continues to sell on a daily basis.
Genesis

Genesis was an English rock band formed at Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey, in 1967. The band's most commercially successful and longest-running lineup consisted of keyboardist Tony Banks, bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford, and drummer/singer Phil Collins. In the 1970s, the group also included... read more
The Clash

The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Known for their politically charged lyrics and eclectic musical style, they are considered one of the most influential bands in the history of punk rock.

Is there anything more complementary than Strummer's vocals and Jones's riffs? They are more than just a punk band and tried things that no other band had ever done before. I grew up with this band, and they won't get old.

The Clash is an amazing band, and their music has held up very well today!

Best punk band ever, and where are the Pistols?
The Cure

The Cure are an English post-punk and gothic rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex, in 1978. The band has undergone numerous lineup changes, with vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter Robert Smith remaining the only consistent member. They are known for hits such as Just Like Heaven and Lovesong... read more

The Clash, Dire Straits, Rolling Stones, and many more bands should definitely be high on the list, but this is my all-time favorite band, and it should definitely be at least in the top 15.

I like other bands here like The Beatles, Queen, and The Kinks more, but I feel like these guys are just too low on this list.
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

First of the acid rock bands, then they were gone. Well, not Clapton - he is still rocking. Maybe I just like almost everything Clapton ever did. Cream was really special for the time and a great start for what followed.
Here at 16 is OK, I guess, because most of what followed with Clapton was done in the US with American artists or groups considered American.

Cream were innovators of hard rock. The greatest blues rock band ever. Should be top 5.

Best musician on each instrument at the time, and then some.
Coldplay

Coldplay is a British rock band formed in 1996. The group includes Chris Martin (lead vocals, piano), Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), Guy Berryman (bass), and Will Champion (drums, backing vocals). Their manager, Phil Harvey, is often referred to as the unofficial fifth member.... read more

As a newer band, I really think they have proved themselves to be one of the best British rock groups, just like the old rock groups I grew up listening to. I know there are different types of rock music, but if you keep rocking, we will keep listening.

They are very creative artists. They put a nice touch towards their songs. Both Clocks and Speed of Sound are among my many favorite singles.
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. They became one of the most influential bands of the 1980s, known for their distinct blend of jangly guitar pop and introspective... read more
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 the 1971 hit "Roundabout" from the album Fragile.

Arctic Monkeys, The Cure, and Young Guns are higher than Yes. Welp, I've seen everything.

Today's people don't know what real music is.
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

Innovation between each record, good double guitar, excellent vocalist, big influence on other metal bands.
King Crimson

King Crimson was a British progressive rock band formed in 1969. The group underwent numerous lineup changes, but guitarist Robert Fripp remained the consistent driving force. Their most notable lineup from 1972 to 1975 included Fripp, John Wetton, Bill Bruford, and David Cross. The band is best known... read more
The Moody Blues

The Moody Blues were an English rock band known for their influence on art rock and progressive rock. They began by playing rhythm and blues, but their second album, Days of Future Passed, released in 1967, merged rock with orchestral music. The band remained active for many years and was inducted into... read more

They took you into another world.
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. The band is known for its clean sound, literate lyrics, and hit songs like Sultans of Swing and Money for Nothing. Dire Straits disbanded in 1995 but remain influential... read more