Top 10 Best Hard Rock Bands of All Time
This is bad-to-the-bone hard rock, no emo-screamo, or happy joy joy, so you can take your pansy little flute and go home.
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 am not that much of a Zeppelin guy, but they kick Guns N' Roses. Axl Rose is such a douchebag. Hate their music, no wonder why Slash left. Zeppelin made Stairway to Heaven, which is by far one of the greatest songs of all time.
(My favorite song of all time is definitely One by Metallica). I am going to play Stairway to Heaven at my dad's funeral. Also, Zeppelin is one of the founding members of hard rock and very early heavy metal. So without them, I don't know if I would listen to many rock bands.
Not much question here. Zep is unsurpassed as a heavy rock band, but, as any fan knows, there's far greater variation in their songs than people would think. This is one thing that sets them apart. That, and the sheer quality of the musicianship.
AC/DC are a Australian hard rock band, formed in November 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, who continued as members until Malcolm's illness and departure in 2014 . They were fronted by Bon Scott until his untimely death due to alcohol poisoning in 1979, after which they hired Brian Johnson... read more If they are not the best rock band of all time, then why do so many TV shows, commercials, and movies play their music? Why? Because they draw attention with their riffs, and the lead singer's raspy voice. Oh, by the way, what other rock band in history has lost their lead singer and produced as many hits as AC/DC?
They were becoming the most popular rock band with Bon Scott, then he passed away. Guess what? They carried on, never seeming to lose any kind of magic. All you naysayers, please recognize the best band to ever take the stage.
Oh, by the way, my 5 and 7-year-old boys are hardcore AC/DC fanatics.
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 is by far one of the greatest collections of musicians who have ever lived. Slash, Izzy, Duff, Steven, Gilby, Matt, Dizzy, and Axl have so much chemistry that even their bad songs have immense depth and playability. It doesn't matter how easy it is to play one of Slash's solos or how much you critique their work, they came up with some of the most influential and interesting music to date, and I have no doubts in my mind that no one would be able to compose a piece that is as good as a Guns N' Roses song. Eddie Van Halen may be a great guitarist, but his music doesn't even come close to having the amount of soul that even the worst Guns N' Roses song does.
Warfaze is a Bangladeshi hard rock band.Line Up:
Palash Noor (vocal)
Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal (Lead guitar),
Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu (drums and percussion)
Samir Hafiz (Guitar),
Shams Mansoor Ghani (keyboards and vocals)
Naim Haque Roger (bass) .
Multiple changes have taken... read more
With the release of their debut album in 1991, Warfaze introduced rock and heavy metal music in the Bengali language in Bangladesh. Warfaze has released songs with many variations, enriched with twin guitar harmonies, keyboards, bass solos, and melodious wide-range vocals. They have created many hit songs and adventurous music as well.
Though not in the English language, Warfaze captured the hearts of rock music lovers with their brilliant compositions in the universal language of music. Their lyrics are always exceptional, addressing reality, social problems, and human emotions. Warfaze is a pride of Bangladesh and the Bengali-speaking community of the Indian subcontinent. Thanks.
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. How in the name of God is Van Halen this low? Many people have deemed them the successors of Led Zeppelin, and if you listen to songs like "Panama," "Hot for Teacher," and "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," you will see that they are well-deserving of that title. Plus, their songs are so catchy, and all instruments are always in sync with each other.
Van Halen is simply a monster of rock, especially hard rock, with Eddie's guitar riffs, Alex's thundering drumming beats, Michael's thudding bass lines, and Diamond Dave's wide and enthusiastic vocals. Van Halen should be in the top five at least because they are simply awesome, and I will never stop loving them.
Sure, all the other bands on here are good, but some, like Iron Maiden, should not be above Van Halen because they are heavy metal, not hard rock. Van Halen also ruled the airwaves in the 1980s, because of their awesomeness. Also, on their most recent album "A Different Kind of Truth" from 2012, Van Halen has not lost their legendary sound one bit, even after a long break from releasing albums and material to the public. Long live Van Halen!
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 brilliant, from their feel-good Hammer to Fall all the way to their beautiful slow moods and melodies demonstrated in songs like Love of My Life. Freddie Mercury's divine voice is the best rock has ever seen.
AC/DC should never be placed ahead of Queen. Queen were so much more talented, and their singer had a much more beautiful voice than the screaming, shouting singer of AC/DC.
The most harmonic hard rock band ever! All band members are very talented in musicality. Freddie's vocal is so hypnotizing!
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 I really like the sharp and quick guitar work, as well as the crisp drums. The lead singer also has a great voice.
There is just something about Metallica that is just outright awesome, something I don't see in other bands like AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, and Iron Maiden. By the way, Of Wolf And Man is my favorite song.
I agree that technically it isn't now a metal band, but since it was classified as such, I think it should stay. Metallica has amazing solos. James Hetfield sang great. Kirk Hammett is one of the greatest guitarists ever. Metallica for life.
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)... read more Most people hear Cryin', Miss a Thing, and Sweet Emotion, then say they suck. But they have so much more that truly makes them America's greatest rock and roll band!
Toys in the Attic, Rocks, and Get Your Wings are some of the best albums ever, topped only by Appetite for Destruction.
Kidding? Aerosmith is called "The best hard rock band of all time," and they're not without a reason. Steven Tyler is the most awesome singer in hard rock history!
They've been awesome since the '70s, and they still fill awesome concerts. Guns N' Roses doesn't, Van Halen doesn't... But Aerosmith really does!
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 Deep Purple is undoubtedly the best hard rock band ever. Listen to the huge number of hits they have delivered: Smoke on the Water, Black Night, Child in Time, Highway Star, Hush, Fireball... the list is endless.
There is no one on earth who has not heard Smoke on the Water. They gave rock music to the world.
Deep Purple cannot be taken away from the Top 3 Godfathers of Rock and Metal. It's just sad that a lot of people these days don't even know who they are, except for the song "Smoke on the Water." These guys have greatly contributed to hard rock everywhere!
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 They are the best because of always releasing new songs and successful hits, showing respect to their fans, and staying almost 30 years with the same lineup.
I think this is one of the greatest bands in history because they have been active for a long time. Hope Richie comes back.
Amazing, like kings of melodic rock. Enough said.
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 KISS is easily top ten - there is no Stairway to Heaven or Won't Get Fooled Again in their catalogue, but no band has produced as many good hard rock songs as KISS. They could play an entirely different set list for seven straight days, and all would be good.
What! KISS is the best band ever! How can Rise Against be 10th and KISS 14th? Rise Against is not even a hard rock band! They are melodic hardcore... KISS ARMY forever!
The make-up is why they're on here. Music-wise, they are not so good, but they sure put on a show!
Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band, that was formed 1999 in California. Their longest lineup of members was M. Shadows (Vocals), Synyster Gates (Lead Guitar), Zacky Vengeance (Rhythm Guitar), Johnny Christ (Bass Guitar), and The Rev (Drums)... read more They are awesome! Shadows has an amazing voice, Syn shreds like a pro, Zacky's unique because he's a left-handed guitarist, and the guitar duels they perform are amazing. Johnny's sexy as hell with his bass, and Arin's just an amazing drummer.
Rest in Peace Jimmy 'The Rev' because he's the greatest drummer for me! Their new album Hail to the King has amazing tracks worth hearing!
You guys are the best. I love your hard rock music. Keep making more, please. My name is Justus Crum, and I am 15 years old. My height is 6'2. I love basketball, but the best motivation for hard rock is your music.
That's right, I'm talking to you, Avenged Sevenfold, you're one of the best hard rock bands I listen to.
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 best band of the second British Invasion, or the 1980s as Americans like to call it! They never split and still thrive! I wish Steve Clark was still alive!
I'm not familiar with six of the bands ranked ahead, but Def Leppard and Motley Crue should both be rated higher.
On here because of the one-armed drummer, and, I guess it was cool to be successful even without two arms.
Iron Maiden are an English Heavy Metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. The most critically acclaimed period for the band was from 1983-1989. With vocalist Bruce Dickinson, bassist Steve Harris, lead guitarist Dave Murray, rhythm guitarist Adrian... read more Iron Maiden is unique and a trendsetter. Not to mention "Empire of the Clouds" from these days and the first 9 albums. They are musically extremely rich, and only after researching a song can you really judge the superiority of their music. And the double harmonies on guitar.
Fan for 35 years. They are Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal...everything. But not pop.
They should be ahead of Queen, Metallica, and Warfaze. At least top 5. Listen to their songs such as Hallowed Be Thy Name, Number of the Beast, Run to the Hills, and 2 Minutes to Midnight, and you will fall in love with this band.
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 You've got to be kidding me! How are they not top 3? Songs like War Pigs, Iron Man, Paranoid, and Hand of Doom will be forever remembered. Ozzy is classic, and don't forget Ronnie James Dio took over after him. R.I.P. Dio.
Black Sabbath invented the genre. Who votes for some of these so-called bands?
Pioneers of heavy metal, and Ozzy is just as good flying solo as he is in a band.
Though primarily they are a psychedelic rock band, they have done a bunch of hard rock stuff. They are considered the pioneer of psychedelic rock in Bangladesh. Bandleader James is an awesome lead guitar player, composer, lyricist, and vocalist.
In its golden days, he was accompanied by the legendary Funty on drums and percussions, Babu on bass guitar, and Asad on keyboards. The lineup has changed so many times over its almost 40-year journey, but the power is still the same. Especially live, they are still the best in Bangladesh.
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 All of the members of the band - Keith Moon, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Roger Daltrey - are on Rolling Stone's list of greatest drummers, guitarists, bassists, and singers. John Entwistle was voted the greatest bassist of all time, Pete Townshend was voted the 10th greatest guitarist, Keith Moon was voted the 2nd greatest drummer of all time, and Roger Daltrey was voted the 62nd greatest singer of all time.
Come on.
I prefer AC/DC, but it's a travesty The Who is this low! Better than Guns N' Roses up there at number 1! Seriously. Remove Appetite from Guns N' Roses's repertoire, and they're an average rock band at best!
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 Nirvana should be in the top 5 at least. Kurt Cobain was a legend, and they created many outstanding tracks in such a short period of time. Whenever I feel lonely, I always listen to Nirvana songs. It's like my best friend.
If only Kurt hadn't killed himself. I wish he could see the imprint that he left on the music world. Nevermind is a top three album of the 90s without a shadow of a doubt.
Nirvana is boss! They are one of the best bands ever, and Kurt is a legend.
Three Days Grace is a Canadian post-grunge/alternative rock band formed in Norwood, Ontario in 1992 with a line-up consisting of guitarist and lead vocalist Adam Gontier, drummer and backing vocalist Neil Sanderson, and bassist Brad Walst. Their original name was Groundswell until they changed it to... read more I love this band so much! Three Days Grace are lifesavers because their songs saved me from ending my life. They also explain ways I have felt before, and it helped me deal with the pain and all these other feelings I have felt in the past. I really recommend this band for people who are going through a rough time.
Three Days Grace is and always will be my favorite band!
Come on! I know these guys are newer, but their sound is just amazing, and no other band has a sound like this. Respect!
Only Three Days Grace has a point in their songs. And the music is good too. They deserve top ten.
Scorpions are a German rock band formed in 1965 in Hanover by Rudolf Schenker. Since the band's inception, its musical style has ranged from hard rock to heavy metal. Scorpions should be in the top ten, if not top five, in this list. Metallica and A7X shouldn't even be here, not that I'm not a fan.
The Scorpions being ranked behind Nirvana has got to be a joke. This band is top 5 for sure.
Great vocals, great guitarist, great songs, everything is great!
Dio was an American heavy metal band formed in 1982 and led by vocalist Ronnie James Dio, after he left Black Sabbath with intentions to form a new band with fellow former Black Sabbath member, drummer Vinny Appice. I am 49 now, and I consider Dio as a Hard and Heavy Rock band because they are unique, from the legendary vocalist Ronnie James Dio to the great other members! They should be on the top of the list. Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Led Zeppelin, Journey, AC/DC, Iron Maiden (Heavy but Melodic), Kiss, Aerosmith, etc., should be on the top also!
Ronnie James Dio has the greatest singing voice rock has ever known. Nothing compares.
Rush was a Canadian progressive rock band that was formed in 1968. The band has had an iconic lineup since 1975, which included Neil Peart (Drums, Percussion), Geddy Lee (Vocals, Bass, Keyboards), and the guitarist, Alex Lifeson. Peart passed away after a 3 year battle with brain cancer in January of... read more Rush should be #2 or #3! They have the greatest musicianship out of all these bands, other than Zeppelin. Remember, there are only 3 guys in Rush, with the sickest, oddest time signatures known to man!
If you haven't seen these guys live and you call yourself a musician or music lover, then you should be ashamed of yourself! They could outplay the whole list of bands! I promise!
I agree with the comment below. Their musical talent at their respective instruments is unmatched! I have seen them live many times, and each time they're better than before. They should be WAY further up on this list!
Breaking Benjamin is an American alternative metal band formed in 1999. The band's members changed between 2010 and 2014, with the exception of Ben Burnley (vocals). The ex-members included Chad Szeliga (drums), Aaron Fink (guitar), and Mark Klepaski (bass)... read more I agree they should be at least top 20. However, not top 10. They are not as aggressive as other bands, and their overall sound is a little too rounded, so to speak. But 43? Come on.
Seriously, Breaking Benjamin is ranked lower than Skillet! This is ridiculous. They should be way up on the list.
Breaking Benjamin is a great band to listen to when you're bored.
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 I don't understand this ranking. It's mostly metal and hardcore bands who took the places other bands deserve, like The Jimi Hendrix Experience or Lordi. They deserve a higher place for sure!
Jimi taught us how to play through those strings.
Without Jimi Hendrix, hard rock would not exist.
Nickelback is a Canadian post-grunge band formed in 1995 in Hanna, Alberta, Canada. The band is composed of guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist Ryan Peake, bassist Mike Kroeger, and drummer Daniel Adair. They are the blueprint of a commercial hard rock band, and that's not a bad thing. They are one of my favorite bands of all time. You can hear the Pantera influence in their riffs. Those who know a bit about them would know they are huge Pantera fans.
This should be number one! It's the best band ever, and I think I am not the only one who thinks this band is one of the greatest.
They are the second-best hard rock band behind Guns and Roses. They have some amazing guitar solos.