Top Ten Things that Define Rock Music
What do YOU think of first when you think of rock music and it's subgenres?
Most metal and rock band members liked to grow out their hair, sometimes even going overboard with it like the guys in the above image.
Interesting list. I must agree that hair was a defining characteristic of a good chunk of rock bands.
Europe, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and many others had ridiculously wild hairdos.
Volume turned up to 11... get ready for a night of ringing ears and floors sticky with beer.
Is there such a thing as a "quiet" concert? Unless you're seeing Mozart, no.
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 When you think of rock music, the first band that usually comes to mind is AC/DC. With their shrieking vocals, sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll lyrics, and distinctive guitar work, AC/DC is one of the most popular and recognized rock bands in the world.
I am not really a fan, but when I think of a non-specific rock band, this is probably the band they sound most like.
The funny thing is that more tame characters than the dudes you're probably alluding to were considered rebellious - namely, the Beatles.
This is sad but true. Jon Bon Jovi says "last cigarette" in half the songs from *Destination Anywhere*. Although I have to wonder: was that tame in contrast to other rock stars? Yes, it probably was.
A lot of '80s rock stars were heavily addicted to drugs like cocaine and heroin. Thankfully, most of them are sober now, but a lot of people still associate drugs and alcohol with rock music.
To hell with scene kid haircuts and sagging pants. This is what rock 'n' roll is about!
Yep. This is the stereotypical look of someone who came off of a '70s or '80s album cover.
Guitar solos are the thing in rock music, in my opinion. Now that you have mentioned Slash, November Rain certainly has one of the best rock guitar solos. It perfectly fits the song's atmosphere.
We often hear epic guitar solos in epic rock and metal songs, and it makes the songs more fun to listen to.
Very common in heavy metal and hard rock music. Some can be complex, while others are much more simple.
Whatever the first band is that comes to your mind at the mention of rock music, it's always the characteristic drumbeat that they all (well, most of them - there are still lots of obscure bands out there, you know) have in common.
Groupies were women who followed rock and metal band members around for, you guessed it, sex.
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
The Newcomers
Avril Ramona Lavigne is a Canadian–French singer-songwriter and actress. By the age of 15, she had appeared on stage with Shania Twain; by 16, she had signed a two-album recording contract with Arista Records worth more than $2 million.
Evan David Taubenfeld is an American singer and musician, best known for being Avril Lavigne's lead guitarist, music director and frequent collaborator.
Edward Lodewijk "Eddie" Van Halen (January 26, 1955 – October 6, 2020) was a Dutch-American musician, songwriter, producer, and inventor. He was best known as the lead guitarist, occasional keyboardist and co-founder of the hard rock band Van Halen.
Richard Hugh "Ritchie" Blackmore is an English guitarist and songwriter, best known for his work in the hard rock/metal bands Deep Purple and Rainbow. He was ranked number 16 on Guitar World's "100 Greatest Metal Guitarists of All Time" in 2004, and number 50 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the... read more
Ian Gillan is an English singer and songwriter. He originally found success as the lead singer and lyricist for Deep Purple, and the original singer on the rock opera concept album Jesus Christ Superstar by Andrew Lloyd Webber, where Gillan had the leading role (Jesus Christ).
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
Saul Hudson, known professionally as Slash, is a British-American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he achieved worldwide success in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
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
Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara, 5th September 1946 - 24th November 1991) was a Zanzibari-born British singer of Indian descent, songwriter and record producer, known as the lead vocalist and songwriter of the British rock band Queen. He also became known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave... read more
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
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.
Harley-Davidson is an American motorcycle manufacturer known for its iconic heavyweight motorcycles. Founded in 1903, the company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are known for their distinct design and exhaust note. The company aims to provide an unparalleled riding... read more Harley Davidson is a well-known motorcycle brand that is still around today. In the '80s, rock bands like Mötley Crüe and Guns N' Roses were often seen sporting Harley Davidson merchandise.
He's the lead vocalist for Survivor...
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
Triumph was a Canadian hard rock band formed in 1975. They were popular in the late 1970s and the 1980s, building on their reputation and success as a live band. Between their 16 albums and DVDs, the band received 18 gold and nine platinum awards in Canada and the United States. They were nominated... read more
