Talk about a subjective list. Don't look for hip-hop. And we're not talking jazz or Motown. These are the best rock 'n' roll performers who somehow affected the way we view pop culture.
10. Nirvana
They changed the musical landscape, ushering out '80s keyboard-layered bands like Duran Duran, Flock of Seagulls and A-Ha and establishing the grunge trend for the '90s. They gave Generation X an anthem band and a tragic legendary front man in Kurt Cobain. Had it not been for Cobain, you wouldn't have Hole in your CD collection.
9. Janis Joplin
Clearly the inspiration for women rockers, a tough, guttural blues singer who blazed her own trail in a male-dominated industry. She made it OK for women to be brash and bold, to sweat and have a little fun onstage. Singers like Melissa Etheridge, Chrissie Hynde and Ann Wilson were obviously influenced. Pearl was her own Lilith Fair.
8. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
They set the standard for a live performance, routinely playing four-hour shows night after night. In his heyday, Springsteen was the hard-working, working-class lyricist who left his heart onstage in a pool of passion. With the E Street Band, live performances were magic. In the recording studio, Springsteen was willing to toss out successful formulas, releasing introspective albums like "Nebraska" and "The Ghost of Tom Joad."
7. Bob Dylan
His gravely voice and beatnik poetry defined the '60s, resonating through the Greenwich Village coffeehouse scene and into every baby boomer's bedroom. The fact that "Time Out of Mind" won the 1997 Grammy for Album of the Year is a credit to this legend's creative longevity. No writer's block for this Minnesota boy.
6. The Grateful Dead
Devoted fans? Dead Heads' faithfulness to Jerry Garcia make Parrot Heads' passion for Jimmy Buffett seem as genuine as Ben's devotion to J-Lo. The Dead created the tie-dyed culture and their fans were willing to follow the band around the country, creating a subculture never seen before. The Dead were gifted musicians, spending hours practicing and churning out different set lists night after night.
5. The Rolling Stones
Longevity is why they belong on this list. Lyrically inferior to The Who and no musical match for Led Zeppelin, this is a party band that has endured for almost 40 years. Their catalog of music is impressive, with more than 30 albums and dozens of memorable singles. To see Mick Jagger move like he does today and Keith Richards move at all is a testament to dirty living.
4. Elvis Presley
No one had seen anything like this kid from Memphis, who defined rock star charisma. Like Frank Sinatra, Elvis crossed entertainment genres, finding success in movies as well as music. His charming voice and sexy moves drove women crazy. With the slew of impersonators still making money today, Elvis is perhaps the biggest rock star whose candle burned out long before the legend ever will.
3. Led Zeppelin
From their blues-inspired self-titled debut to the posthumous "Coda," Zeppelin brought a different sound to each record. Jimmy Page is arguably the best rock guitarist of all time—on par with Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore and Eric Clapton—but what made Zeppelin stand out was the dynamic voice of Robert Plant and the percussion of the late John Bonham.
2. The Who
The best of the late '60s British invasion, with rock's most honest songwriter in Pete Townshend and the quintessential charismatic front man in Roger Daltrey. Add the steady bass work of John Entwistle and the no-holds-barred drumming of Keith Moon (check out the drumming on "Quadrophenia") and no one could touch this band on album or onstage. "Tommy," one of the band's three concept albums, was reproduced onstage and screen and is considered a landmark achievement.
1. The Beatles
They set the musical direction of the '60s and redefined the word "mania." Each of the four band members could sing and write music. How many bands feature four different lead vocalists? The John Lennon-Paul McCartney songwriting team is the best ever. With more than 40 albums and dozens of top 10 singles, their place in history is unmatched.
it is great
can you please send me some info on the beatles?
your sincerely
joe
Posted by: joe | May 02, 2004 at 06:11 PM
Where the fuck are Pink Floyd, you intelectually inane person??
Posted by: John Gurd | May 10, 2004 at 11:22 AM
It's an all right list you have here. I like seeing The Who around the top and Led Zeppelin. However, I think AC/DC and Pink Floyd need a spot on the list. Maybe instead of the Grateful Dead or Janis Joplin
Posted by: Derek VanVeller | June 02, 2004 at 09:49 PM
OK where the fuck are THE DOORS and PINK FLOYD.
Posted by: Matej | January 07, 2005 at 07:20 AM
Where in the hell is AC\DC, they are the best bloody band of all time.
Get your act straight
Posted by: Lachster | June 14, 2005 at 07:35 AM
The list seriously needs changing.
These should be the top 5
1.AC/DC
2.The Beatles
3.Led Zeppelin
4.The Rolling Stones
5.Black Sabbath
Posted by: Lachster (AGAIN) | June 14, 2005 at 07:39 AM
I love AC/DC, but they just didn't make my top 10. AC/DC was one of the first concerts I ever saw, back in 1976. I knew then they would be a powerhouse and they've proven me right. Rock on.
http://steelkaleidoscopes.typepad.com/steel_kaleidoscopes/2005/06/and_you_thought.html
Posted by: Dan | June 14, 2005 at 08:39 AM
i hate limp biskit they f-ing suck
Posted by: bad funny retard | June 15, 2005 at 12:35 PM
its not bad but i think guns n roses and pink floyd and queen need a place
Posted by: errol | June 16, 2005 at 01:51 PM
I love Guns 'n' Roses (too bad Axel burned out), Queen and Pink Floyd. Syd Barrett was a genius and Brian May is an underrated guitarist. Tough to pick a top 10 list, though. Lots of good music out there, especially from the '70s.
Posted by: | June 18, 2005 at 04:53 PM
don't forget jimi
Posted by: Caiminatrix | June 29, 2005 at 03:34 PM
bruce springsteen no #1 all the way
Posted by: ted | June 03, 2006 at 07:15 PM
Bruce Springsteen is clearly one of the best live performers who ever stepped on stage.
Posted by: Dan | June 05, 2006 at 06:03 AM
The list needs to be increased. I agree with some of your top ten. However, I've seem most of the performers you have mentioned. Bob Seger has to be somewhere there, the best I ever seen live!
Posted by: steve | August 24, 2006 at 07:00 PM
Wilson Pickett, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, blues players like Elmore James, Freddie King and those that came earlier.
Why should Janis Joplin be on the list and not Etta James? Etta sang with a band that had guitars and drums, that fits into your "classic rock" scheme doesnt it? Not if youre marketing it to white suburbia.
Its a shame kids have to grow up seeing the above bands deified and talked about to the point that the origins of the music are obscured.
In short dont stop at what the radio has to offer you.
Posted by: Mick | September 22, 2006 at 12:25 AM
I never saw Bob Seger live but I'm sure he's good. I wouldn't consider him a 'Top 10' performer.
Agreed on the radio comment as well. I'm sure there are bands I've never heard of that are terrific. Joni Mitchell wrote about this: "He Played Real Good For Free."
But a list is a list and this is where I stand ... for now.
Dan
Posted by: Dan | September 30, 2006 at 05:44 AM
Here's my list -
10 U2 - The band has one of the best vocalist (Bono), the most talented guitarist (Edge) and a superb presence onstage.
9 The Grateful Dead - A bunch of really talented musicians who could cast a spell on the audiences with their performance.
8 AC/DC - Have a look at the number of people who attend their concerts !
7 Iron Maiden - I have to say the one thing that really impressed me was Bruce Dickinsons persona and his presence onstage. And of course when he is on stage - he rules.
6 Dire Starits - Some of the best classic performances in concert to date. 'Vintage Performances'is what I would say.
5 The Beatles - Not my favorite band but yeah I give them lot of credit for inspiring bands.
4 The Doors - Ask the Gals. Most of them I know are still obsessed.
3 Led Zeppelin - The charishma of Robert Plant with the talent of Jimmy Page and sheer power of John Bonham is what it takes to be one of the most inspiring rock bands ever.
2 Metallica - Superb stage presence. They have the biggest fan following in Metal history.
1 Pink Floyd - P.U.L.S.E is all I can say. There's nothing better than those concerts.
Posted by: Vinay Lohar | November 03, 2006 at 09:02 AM
Great list, Vinay. I will definitely check out P.U.L.S.E.
Posted by: Dan | November 11, 2006 at 06:11 AM
Once more ; where the fuck is pink floyd ?????
Posted by: Susjan | December 07, 2006 at 12:38 AM
Mother do you think they'll drop the bomb?
Posted by: Dan | December 07, 2006 at 06:01 AM
Dave Matthews Band.... ??? Come on...
Posted by: Vinh | January 17, 2007 at 11:43 AM
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND SUCKS@!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME???
Posted by: bob | March 05, 2007 at 09:16 PM
OMG ppls get some real music not ppl like bob dylan and really old singers
Posted by: Tayla | June 04, 2007 at 04:35 AM
Where the hell is Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd? Like I get some of this list but Jimi and Pink definitely have to do with a lot of what's happening in music today. Seriously
Posted by: Jane | June 17, 2007 at 09:01 PM
how is queen not on this list? no one put on a show like freddy. when people perform they want imitate him.
Posted by: david | June 24, 2007 at 11:10 PM
Freddie Mercury was terrific. But when you only have 10 choices, it's tough.
Posted by: Dan | June 27, 2007 at 01:03 PM
Jimi hendrix should be here and meatloaf and guns 'n' roses
Posted by: Music | July 30, 2007 at 07:19 PM
Mick Jagger and Steven Tyler.......all those who follow try to be them.They are energy, they are rock!!The new ANGRY bald singers of the millenium are never going to change that,even if they do have big lips.Sorry.
Posted by: JIMMY MACK | September 12, 2007 at 01:55 PM
people are always going to complain about lists like these.
Some people would complain if it was changed and some people would disagree with YOUR opinions. If it bothers you all so much...MAKE YOUR OWN LIST!
Posted by: anonymous | April 29, 2008 at 04:44 AM
people are always going to complain about lists like these.
Some people would complain if it was changed and some people would disagree with YOUR opinions. If it bothers you all so much...MAKE YOUR OWN LIST!
Posted by: anonymous | April 29, 2008 at 04:45 AM
Everyone just agree on one thing and stop swearing because most schools in the world haven`t blocked this site and little kids could learn bad words off you guys and put Ac/Dc up the top
Posted by: Scott Concol | May 21, 2008 at 09:06 PM
This is from all ya mum`s go find a better hobbie abdb get off the internet and find a guy/girl and start a life ima out catch ya`s cheers pppfff ROCK'N'ROLL!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Ya mum | May 21, 2008 at 09:10 PM
WHERE ON EARTH IS JIMI HENDRIX .....
YOU MUST BE INSANE....HE WAS GREATEST ON STAGE PRESENCE EVER..
YOU PEOPLE...god sake!!!!
JUST WATCH!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5BOf-8vHoY&feature=related
Posted by: Jayjay | June 25, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Where's QUEEN??????????
Posted by: xcristinax | September 08, 2008 at 04:10 PM
freddie mercury > all
rip
Posted by: me | September 12, 2008 at 01:45 AM
I'm guessing Pink Floyd and The Doors were too fucking good for this list! They were religion... not bands.
Posted by: Hecklar Prick | January 12, 2009 at 06:30 AM
You can't put all the best bands in ten spots and you definitely can't name the Beatles number one. They were the first one's to bring rock to the main vein but they were in no way better than many others in their day. Zeppelin and Hendrix had more musical talent in their fingernails than did the Beatles. Beatles were pop singers that made gazillions from five or six chords.
Posted by: Chiznarlie | January 26, 2009 at 04:17 PM
Angus Young: the best stage guitarist of all time. If you want blood, you've got it. F the boyhumpin beatles.
Posted by: Chiznarlie | January 26, 2009 at 04:19 PM
DMB
Posted by: Chris | January 31, 2009 at 12:38 AM
no QUEEEEEEEEEEN?? Freddie Mercury was/still the greatest.
Posted by: Tutti | March 23, 2009 at 02:50 PM
no def leopard? what the fuck is wrong with you people!?!?
Posted by: leslie mckinnis | April 30, 2009 at 02:39 PM
def leopard sucks serious balls live trust me never go see them live. I'd like to touch on something it is stage performers. So my question is Why the fuck isant alice cooper #1 or even on the list for that mater? He is the king of shock rock, and well that should say it all. Ever get a chance to see him live go see it, dude is the sickest man alive. How is it that the dude that chops his head off in his concerts not #1 or even on list, is just past my thoughts.
Posted by: Fred | May 06, 2009 at 10:55 PM
freddie mercury or bust! he's the greatest..... so why isn't queen even on your list?
just look at their performance at live aid 1986 agaisnt others and you will understand why...
Posted by: ferry | May 08, 2009 at 01:18 AM
Yea, I'll go along with the "where the fuck are Pink Floyd/The Doors", etc... But seriously, what about Queen? Freddie Mercury really knew how to hold the crowd in the PALM OF HIS HAND!!
Posted by: None | May 30, 2009 at 02:55 PM
wheres green day they are so good at performing
Posted by: bob | October 10, 2009 at 03:10 PM
Who are the beatles/ Bugs of some sort?
Posted by: jj | October 11, 2009 at 07:13 PM
Is the who jim carey's band?
Posted by: jj | October 11, 2009 at 07:14 PM
the stones are by far the best live band ever.the beatles couldnt keep up with the stones in terms of live peformances thats one of the reasons they broke up prematurely
Posted by: robbie | March 29, 2010 at 11:19 PM
music is an inspiration for the soul, rejuvenates us, helps us be better. We should make many of our daily tasks to the sound of music
Posted by: megadeth costa rica | May 18, 2010 at 06:44 PM
I know not too many people in America are aware of how awesome Rammstein is (given how they stopped touring here after they got arrested...), so I forgive you for not having them on your list, but do yourself a favor and check out some of their live shows.
Posted by: Michael A Tate | November 01, 2011 at 08:26 PM