Legendary English Bands That Defined Rock And Roll
Celebrate the Legendary English Rock Bands! We're exclusively spotlighting the finest bands with prominent English musicians, so iconic names like Queen, Cream, or Dire Straits, often grouped under the label of British bands, won't make the cut. Get ready for an epic countdown of the greatest English rock bands in history!
Oasis
Manchester's Oasis gained fame not only for their exceptional alternative/pop rock sound but also for the tumultuous relationship between brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher. When the siblings were in harmony, not consumed by conflict or under the influence, Oasis was unbeatable. Even during times of tension, the band managed to produce some of the most remarkable music of the 1990s. It is hard to surpass the impact of their debut album Definitely Maybe (1994) and the follow-up (What's the Story) Morning Glory? in launching their career.
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Deep Purple
The lineage of musicians and bands that originated from Deep Purple is truly remarkable. Ian Gillan's powerful vocals and Ritchie Blackmore's raw guitar skills defined the band's highly successful era in the early 1970s. Deep Purple, which gave rise to talents like David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes, played a significant role in shaping the hard rock and heavy metal genre.
Iron Maiden
Maiden, a band that has been around for over four decades, remains significant. As a prominent figure in the British heavy metal movement, Maiden's music, which explores themes of world history, religion, and fantasy, resonates with a fresh wave of rock enthusiasts. Their timeless hits like "The Number of the Beast," "Run to the Hills," and "2 Minutes to Midnight" continue to ignite the crowd's energy.
Genesis
Genesis' transition from innovative, progressive rockers in the late 1960s and '70s to a pop/light rock FM radio staple in the 1980s and beyond may not have pleased some die-hard fans. However, it is worth acknowledging that Genesis successfully adapted to the changing times without compromising their creativity. Notably, the band boasted two incredibly iconic vocalists in Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins.
The Moody Blues
Progressive rock and England, as well as the entire U.K., have formed a fruitful alliance throughout history. The Moody Blues played a significant role in this movement, skillfully blending conceptual and psychedelic rock with a hint of pop. Their iconic song, "Nights in White Satin," continues to be recognized as the hallmark of this legendary band from Birmingham.
The Cure
The music of Robert Smith and his band has captivated audiences for more than four decades. The Cure is widely recognized as pioneers of the alternative, goth, and post-punk rock genres in England. Their timeless hits such as "Just Like Heaven," Lullaby, and "A Letter to Elise" have become beloved classics.
Judas Priest
Priest, a heavy metal force, had to wait for recognition, but their album British Steel in 1980 made a lasting impact on bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax. Rob Halford's operatic voice is highly recognizable in the heavy metal and hard rock genres. While the band experienced more success in the 1980s, they were unable to maintain it consistently. Nevertheless, Priest holds significance in the history of English hard rock and heavy metal.
Radiohead
During the period from approximately 1995 to 2002, Radiohead emerged as one of the most popular bands worldwide. Fans eagerly anticipated the next release from Thom Yorke and the rest of the band, as Radiohead transitioned from a rock group to excelling in alternative and art rock genres, while also incorporating elements of electronica. The albums released during this time, including The Bends (1995), OK Computer (1997), Kid A (2000), and Amnesiac (2001), are considered a remarkable achievement in the history of alternative rock. Even today, Radiohead continues to exert a significant influence on the music scene.
Def Leppard
Originally hailing from Sheffield, Def Leppard transitioned from being a prominent figure in the new wave of British heavy metal to becoming one of the most renowned bands globally during the 1980s. Their albums Pyromania and the immensely successful pop-rock crossover Hysteria played a significant role in their rise to fame. Joe Elliott's distinctively raspy vocals, combined with the powerful double-guitar assault, established Def Leppard as a dominant force in the hard rock genre and propelled them to mainstream success, largely attributed to the influence of producer "Mutt" Lange and the exposure they received on MTV.
The Clash
The Clash distinguished themselves by incorporating elements of new wave and ska into their music, contributing to the emergence of the post-punk sound that was gaining popularity in both the U.K. and the U.S. Despite being born in Turkey, singer Joe Strummer spent most of his formative years in England, making him eligible for inclusion in this list.
Yes
Yes has remained loyal to its origins unlike many other English prog rock bands who have explored different paths throughout their careers. Despite achieving mainstream success in the pop/rock genre, Yes has managed to maintain its unique sound. Despite numerous changes in the lineup, their music remains relevant and has greatly influenced renowned acts such as Rush, Dream Theater, and Tool.
The Kinks
The Kinks, founded by Ray and Dave Davies in North London, emerged as a significant rock force during the 1960s across England, the U.K., and America. Blending the catchy pop-rock essence of the British invasion with a touch of blues, the band crafted a distinctive sound that captivated the likes of the Ramones, The Doors, Van Halen, and Oasis.
The Smiths
The Smiths, hailing from Manchester, are highly regarded not only in the United Kingdom but also globally as one of the greatest alternative/indie rock bands ever. With Morrissey's deep voice and Johnny Marr's powerful guitar skills, The Smiths produced highly acclaimed albums such as their self-titled debut in 1984 and Meat Is Murder in the following year.
Black Sabbath
Heavy metal is a genre that resides within the realm of rock 'n' roll music. Black Sabbath is widely recognized as the pioneering band of this genre. Drawing inspiration from the blues, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward delivered powerful performances. Iommi's unforgettable riffs and Osbourne's unique vocals, coupled with their dark lyrics, revolutionized the rock scene.
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses, despite not achieving the same level of mainstream success as other English bands during and after their time, are highly respected as pioneers of the "Madchester" sound scene. Hailing from the working-class city of Manchester, the Roses showcased their talent for blending rock with alternative and indie elements, and even incorporating some dance influences. Their self-titled debut album from 1989 is widely regarded as one of the greatest English albums of all time.
The Who
Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend continue to perform as The Who, showcasing not only their classic hits like "Baba O'Riley" and "My Generation," but also captivating a new generation of fans. The band's reputation as one of the greatest conceptual bands of all time is further solidified by their iconic rock masterpieces, Tommy and Quadrophenia.
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd's impact on subsequent bands is undeniably remarkable. Their influence can be seen in various genres such as psychedelic rock, progressive rock, alternative rock, and even certain elements of metal. Bands like Queensryche, Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, and Pearl Jam have all been influenced by Pink Floyd and have incorporated their unique style into their own music. A testament to their enduring popularity, Pink Floyd's 1973 album, The Dark Side of the Moon, has spent an astonishing 900 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.
Joy Division
Joy Division emerged as one of the most popular and respected post-punk rock bands in late 1970s England. The undeniable talent of their late lead singer, Ian Curtis, was evident in their somewhat frenzied sound, which often reflected his personal struggles. However, amidst the intensity, the band also showcased melodic and darker moments in their music. Tragically, Curtis passed away in May 1980. In the aftermath, surviving members Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris formed the influential techno-pop group, New Order.
Led Zeppelin
Black Sabbath and Deep Purple were also influential in shaping a hard, guitar-driven sound that paved the way for the heavy metal genre. Zeppelin outshined them all in this aspect. Led by Robert Plant's exceptional vocal range, Jimmy Page's groundbreaking guitar skills, and John Bonham's dedicated drumming style, Zeppelin's blues-infused hard rock possesses a timeless and iconic sound that continues to be revered.
T. Rex
Marc Bolan's band, T. Rex, possessed a remarkable blend of glam and psychedelic elements while maintaining a distinct rock 'n' roll demeanor. Hailing from London, the band garnered immense popularity in the United Kingdom, primarily due to their chart-topping tracks like "Get It On" and "Telegram Sam." Additionally, T. Rex's influence extended beyond their home country, impacting notable American groups such as R.E.M. and Guns N' Roses.
Rolling Stones
The Stones' remarkable longevity is truly impressive. Mick, Keith, Charlie, and Ronnie, all in their 70s, continue to captivate audiences in stadiums with their influential hits that have inspired generations of musicians. Even after the unfortunate passing of Charlie Watts in August 2021, the band persevered and continued touring.
Roxy Music
Bryan Ferry led Roxy Music, a band that had a significant impact on various aspects of music. They were particularly influential in the glam rock movement of 1970s England. Additionally, their influence extended to British punk rockers and new wave acts, who incorporated elements of Roxy Music's style and attitude. Both Ferry and his bandmate Brian Eno went on to have successful solo careers, with Eno also achieving great success as a producer.
The Beatles
The Beatles encompass more than just John, Paul, George, and Ringo. They are a significant musical institution that revolutionized the era and had a profound impact on numerous bands and artists, too many to quantify. The enduring influence of The Beatles remains strong, as evidenced by the ongoing musical endeavors and tours of surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, who continue to perform the beloved songs that captured the hearts of millions over half a century ago.
Blur
Damon Albarn and his band have been influenced by various rock bands, infusing their own creativity and originality into a unique alternative/indie/psychedelic rock sound. This English act may surprise some music fans who don't typically associate these genres with English artists. Blur's music contains enough pop elements to appeal to mainstream audiences worldwide.
