In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is The Beatles, followed by Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones.
The greatest rock bands of all time created their own sound, filled stadiums for decades and changed the music of those who came after. We weighed their body of work, influence, live shows and staying power.
Which would you put first? Vote below or add the one we missed.
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1. The Beatles
Liverpool · 1960–1970
In barely a decade they reinvented pop and rock record after record. They are the best-selling act in history and the most cited influence in modern music.
2. Led Zeppelin
London · 1968–1980
They fused blues with a new power and laid the foundations of hard rock and heavy metal. 'Stairway to Heaven' is one of the most famous rock songs ever.
3. The Rolling Stones
London · Since 1962
More than sixty years on the road make them the longest-lasting of the great rock bands. Their attitude defined what it means to be a rock band.
4. Queen
London · Since 1970
Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest singers and frontmen in history. Their Live Aid set in 1985 is considered one of the best live performances of all time.
5. Pink Floyd
London · 1965–2014
They took rock into conceptual and experimental territory with albums such as The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. Their concerts pioneered visual spectacle.
6. Nirvana
Aberdeen, USA · 1987–1994
With just three studio albums they changed 1990s rock and brought grunge to the mainstream. Kurt Cobain became the voice of a generation.
7. AC/DC
Sydney · Since 1973
Simple, crushing riffs that haven't changed in fifty years. Back in Black is one of the best-selling albums in history.
8. U2
Dublin · Since 1976
One of the biggest stadium bands of recent decades. The Joshua Tree (1987) made them global stars.
9. The Who
London · Since 1964
Pioneers of rock opera with Tommy and famous for the energy of their live shows. Their influence reaches all the way to punk.
10. Metallica
Los Angeles · Since 1981
They took thrash metal to stadiums and up the charts. Their 1991 'Black Album' is one of the best-selling metal albums ever.
Frequently asked questions
What is the greatest rock band of all time?
In our ranking, The Beatles, for their body of work, sales and influence. Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones complete the podium.
What is the longest-running rock band?
Among the great ones, The Rolling Stones, active since 1962.
Would you change the order?
Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.