by Alex Cosper (7/21/13) The top bands in history can be measured by sales, airplay, media coverage, critical acclaim and influence. The following list is an opinion based on those factors combined. It is not meant to be a definitive survey, but it serves as a guide for researchers who want to create their own lists based on their own criteria. "Bands" are defined in this list as artists that billed themselves under band names, emphasizing units of musicians, as opposed to solo performers. The list does not include vocal groups who were backed by bands. 1. Beatles 2. Led Zeppelin 3. Rolling Stones 4. Pink Floyd 5. Beach Boys 6. The Who 7. Eagles 8. AC/DC 9. Queen 10. Aerosmith 11. Van Halen 12. U2 13. Pearl Jam 14. Metallica 15. Nirvana 16. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band 17. Creedence Clearwater Revival 18. Bon Jovi 19. Guns N' Roses 20. Def Leppard 21. Santana 22. Prince & The Revolution 23. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 24. Fleetwood Mac 25. Heart 26. Huey Lewis & The News 27. The Doors 28. Chicago 29. Genesis 30. Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band 31. Yes 32. Black Sabbath 33. Doobie Brothers 34. Sly & The Family Stone 35. Kiss 36. KC & The Sunshine Band 37. Steve Miller Band 38. Boston 39. Ventures 40. The Clash 41. The Cars 42. Paul McCartney & Wings 43. R.E.M. 44. Ohio Players 45. Green Day 46. Kool & The Gang 47. Commodores 48. The Kinks 49. Foreigner 50. Three Dog Night © Playlist Research. All rights reserved. |