The dawn of the 21st century marked a fascinating era for rock music. While some proclaimed the genre’s demise, the 2000s witnessed a vibrant and diverse rock scene that defied expectations. From stadium-filling anthems to intimate indie sounds, 2000 Rock Bands carved out a unique space in the cultural landscape, leaving an indelible mark on music history.
This wasn’t just a continuation of the sounds of the 90s. The 2000 rock bands embraced innovation, experimented with genre fusion, and connected with audiences in new ways. Many topped the charts, garnered massive global fanbases, and commanded arenas worldwide, demonstrating the enduring power of rock music in a rapidly changing world. For many, this period represents the last major commercial peak for rock, a testament to the incredible talent and creativity on display.
The intense spotlight on 2000 rock bands pushed many to produce exceptional singles and albums that continue to resonate today. To celebrate this dynamic period, we’ve compiled a list of the top 100 rock bands of the 2000s, representing a diverse spectrum of rock subgenres that flourished during this decade. From alternative rock and pop-punk to industrial and progressive rock, this list acknowledges the breadth and depth of 2000 rock bands. Join us as we delve into the sounds that defined a generation and explore the 100 greatest rock bands of the 2000s, along with 50 honorable mentions that deserve recognition.
Top 100 Rock Bands of the 2000s
1. The White Stripes
The White Stripes were more than just a blues-rock duo; they were cultural innovators. Jack and Meg White redefined indie rock with their minimalist yet powerful approach. Their contrasting aesthetics, raw sound, and carefully constructed mythology made them a phenomenon. The White Stripes reinvented rock music for a new century, stripping it down to its essential elements and building something entirely fresh.
After the hype subsided, their discography stood as a testament to their genius. Albums like “Elephant” and “White Blood Cells” are considered landmark rock albums of the 2000s, proving that the adulation surrounding The White Stripes was entirely justified. They remain a touchstone for 2000 rock bands seeking to blend raw energy with artistic vision.
2. The Strokes
The Strokes emerged as the quintessential indie rock band of the early 2000s, achieving both critical acclaim and widespread popularity. Drawing inspiration from New York rock icons like The Velvet Underground and Television, while cultivating a sharp, modern fashion sense, The Strokes’ rise to fame felt almost instantaneous.
Their debut album, “Is This It,” sparked a garage rock revival, inspiring countless bands and reigniting mainstream interest in guitar-driven music. While the garage rock trend eventually faded, The Strokes continued to evolve, exploring new wave and other sonic territories. Their influence is undeniable; every time you hear catchy power chords played by musicians in skinny jeans, you can trace it back to Julian Casablancas and The Strokes, pioneers of 2000 rock bands.
3. Radiohead
Radiohead had already established themselves as one of the most innovative alternative bands of the 1990s. However, they refused to rest on their laurels. As the 2000s began, this UK band boldly moved away from distorted guitars and conventional song structures, venturing into experimental soundscapes. This willingness to push boundaries set a new precedent for ambitious 2000 rock bands.
With their 2000 album “Kid A,” Radiohead shocked some fans while simultaneously attracting a new wave of admirers. Considered by some as “career suicide” at the time, this bold move cemented their status as musical visionaries. By the release of “In Rainbows,” they were even challenging the traditional music industry model. Throughout the 2000s and beyond, Radiohead remained a guiding light for forward-thinking rock and one of the most influential 2000 rock bands.
4. Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters began with a seemingly lighthearted approach, a project for Dave Grohl after his time drumming for Nirvana, the defining rock band of the 90s. Initially, there was a sense of not taking themselves too seriously.
But by the 2000s, Foo Fighters had ascended to arena rock giants. They evolved into a consistently reliable, serious-minded band, reminiscent of classic rock acts of the past. Through various challenges, Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters solidified their position as a cornerstone of modern rock, consistently delivering strong albums and reminding audiences of the enduring appeal of classic rock sensibilities within the landscape of 2000 rock bands.
5. Weezer
Weezer is often linked to the 1990s alternative rock boom. Yet, the 2000s saw Rivers Cuomo and the band fully embrace their role in the rock music ecosystem. While The White Stripes revived garage rock and Interpol spearheaded the post-punk revival, Weezer championed cheerful power-pop, injecting a dose of optimism into the 2000 rock bands scene.
Weezer released a string of acclaimed albums in the 2000s, including “Weezer (The Green Album),” “Maladroit,” and “Weezer (The Red Album).” Although these albums may not have outsold their 90s predecessors, hindsight reveals Rivers Cuomo as one of the most significant rock songwriters of the 2000s, consistently crafting catchy and clever power-pop anthems within the context of 2000 rock bands.
6. Arctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys arrived with so much hype surrounding their debut album that many music fans formed opinions before even hearing their music. However, closer listening revealed Alex Turner’s sharp, witty lyrics and a band that played indie rock with a raw intensity that was becoming increasingly rare. They represented a vital injection of energy into the UK 2000 rock bands scene.
“Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” remains Arctic Monkeys’ masterpiece. Their subsequent releases in the 2000s solidified their reputation across Britain. The 2010s would bring a sonic shift and international superstardom, but their 2000s work established them as key figures among 2000 rock bands.
7. System of a Down
System of a Down initially perplexed many listeners. They delivered a high-energy blend of alternative metal, classic rock influences, and traditional Armenian folk music. They were ambitious yet possessed a distinct sense of humor. Their sound was aggressive, yet they were outspokenly anti-war. By the time audiences grasped their unique formula, System of a Down had become one of the biggest 2000 rock bands globally, all while staying true to their unconventional vision.
8. TOOL
TOOL emerged as the most influential progressive rock band of the 2000s. Their music was often analyzed with a seriousness typically reserved for philosophical treatises or major historical events.
However, it’s debatable whether Maynard James Keenan and the rest of TOOL took themselves quite so seriously. Like System of a Down, humor was an element in their artistic approach. What was undeniable was TOOL’s mastery of crafting intricate, dynamic alt-metal soundscapes, surpassing almost all their contemporaries. Albums like “Lateralus” and “10,000 Days” elevated them to an almost untouchable status within the realm of 2000 rock bands.
9. blink-182
blink-182 arguably dominated rock music in the early 2000s. This wasn’t just because of their catchy, upbeat pop-punk sound or the charisma of Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker.
blink-182 demonstrated a keen ability to evolve. By “Take Off Your Pants and Jacket,” their signature sunny pop-punk began incorporating emo elements. Their self-titled 2003 album further embraced a more melancholic rock sound. Their subsequent hiatus for the latter part of the decade only amplified blink-182’s legendary status among 2000 rock bands.
10. Green Day
Green Day had already brought pop-punk to the mainstream in the early 1990s. However, they experienced a period where they seemed to be overshadowed by bands like blink-182 and Sum 41 during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
But Green Day was poised for one of the most remarkable comebacks in rock history. “American Idiot” emerged as a punk-rock opera that became a global phenomenon. Their subsequent albums and tours propelled Green Day to even greater heights than their initial success, solidifying their place as one of the most enduring and impactful 2000 rock bands.
11. Deftones
Deftones were often categorized within the nu-metal scene. However, they were always an outlier. No other band from that era possessed a better understanding of dynamics than Chino Moreno’s group. While their peers often relied on predictable formulas, Deftones were subtle, nuanced, and consistently surprising. “White Pony” stands as one of the most influential rock albums of the 2000s, showcasing the artistic depth within 2000 rock bands.
12. Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers seemed to have lost momentum in the mid-90s after the massive success of “Blood Sugar Sex Magik.” The unexpected return of guitarist John Frusciante ignited a creative spark, resulting in 1999’s “Californication,” a juggernaut album. This resurgence propelled RHCP to global dominance once again in the 2000s, filling stadiums worldwide. Songs from albums like “By The Way” became ubiquitous, and the California band reveled in their renewed success as veterans among 2000 rock bands.
13. Audioslave
Audioslave was initially labeled a “supergroup,” a term often carrying negative connotations suggesting a lack of genuine artistic chemistry. However, Chris Cornell and the instrumental members of Rage Against the Machine quickly dispelled these doubts. Audioslave’s debut album is considered one of the strongest of the decade, showcasing Cornell’s exceptional vocals at their peak. Although the band released only two more albums before disbanding, Audioslave’s impact and legacy are deeply felt, particularly through their absence, making them a notable entry in the story of 2000 rock bands.
14. The Libertines
The Libertines initially emerged as Britain’s answer to The Strokes, a comparison that singers-guitarists Peter Doherty and Carl Barat openly acknowledged. However, they soon developed their own distinct voice, writing about their experiences and observations of British life. Their compelling songs and the chaotic energy that surrounded the band made them one of the most captivating indie rock groups of the era. Their relatively short initial run only added to their mystique, echoing the trajectory of classic British rock bands and contributing to the diverse landscape of 2000 rock bands.
15. Korn
Korn fundamentally reshaped heavy rock in their own image. However, their distinctive sound became so influential that many other bands adopted similar styles. While Korn faced numerous rivals in the early 2000s, such as Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park, many fans still preferred Korn’s original blend of aggression and introspection. Freed from the pressure of constant innovation, Korn produced albums like “See You on The Other Side,” solidifying their enduring role in the rock music landscape and their status as pioneers among 2000 rock bands.
16. Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age brought the sounds of desert rock and stoner rock to mainstream audiences in the 2000s. This was largely due to the experience guitarist-singer Josh Homme gained playing in bands like Kyuss. Their first few albums established QOTSA as critical darlings. However, with a lineup of top-tier musicians, 2002’s “Songs for the Deaf” became the commercial breakthrough Homme had earned. Subsequent albums refined their formula, cementing the band’s reputation as consistent innovators within 2000 rock bands.
17. Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam stood as the last remaining Seattle grunge band from the “Big Four” to maintain their prominence. The tragedies surrounding Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden added a poignant element to Pearl Jam’s continued success. Throughout the 2000s, Pearl Jam operated on their own terms, often avoiding excessive media attention. They became one of the biggest touring acts in the US, and albums like “Riot Act” demonstrated that Pearl Jam still possessed a potent creative drive, representing the enduring legacy of 90s grunge within the context of 2000 rock bands.
18. Linkin Park
Linkin Park achieved rapid commercial success but earned critical respect more gradually. Initially viewed by some rock fans as another nu-metal band capitalizing on a trend, Linkin Park’s immense popularity and record sales were undeniable. However, as they moved beyond the sonic template of “Hybrid Theory” and incorporated more experimental and diverse musical elements, critics began to acknowledge Linkin Park’s artistry and, in particular, Chester Bennington’s powerful vocal abilities. They proved to be more than just a trend, evolving into a significant force among 2000 rock bands.
19. The Mars Volta
The Mars Volta positioned themselves as the most audacious and experimental rock band of the 2000s. In many respects, they lived up to this claim. Led by former At the Drive-In members Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez Lopez, The Mars Volta created sprawling concept albums filled with cryptic lyrics and music that incorporated Latin rhythms and avant-garde techniques. Looking back at their output during the 2000s, few bands can be legitimately compared to The Mars Volta’s unique and ambitious vision within the landscape of 2000 rock bands.
20. Animal Collective
Animal Collective was a rock band that could arguably only have emerged in the experimental environment of the 2000s. Taking inspiration from Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys and pushing sunny, melody-driven music into even more surreal and unconventional territories, Animal Collective created a new form of psychedelic rock. Alternately childlike and playful, then dark and unsettling, the band reached a peak with 2009’s “Merriweather Post Pavilion.” Their innovative sound and approach firmly place them among the greatest 2000 rock bands.
21. LCD Soundsystem
22. Modest Mouse
23. Interpol
24. Wilco
25. The Dandy Warhols
26. Slipknot
27. Avenged Sevenfold
28. The Killers
29. Kings of Leon
30. The Hives
31. Franz Ferdinand
32. Arcade Fire
33. Muse
34. Incubus
35. The Flaming Lips
36. Vampire Weekend
37. PJ Harvey
38. Fall Out Boy
39. Underoath
40. Yeah Yeah Yeahs
41. The Offspring
42. The Vines
43. Porcupine Tree
44. Kaiser Chiefs
45. Sigur Ros
46. The Black Keys
47. Spoon
48. Simple Plan
49. AFI
50. Phoenix
51. TV on the Radio
52. Sum 41
53. Bright Eyes
54. Jimmy Eat World
55. Dinosaur Jr.
56. Bullet For My Valentine
57. Killswitch Engage
58. Rammstein
59. Paramore
60. Good Charlotte
61. Mastodon
62. Limp Bizkit
63. Panic! at the Disco
64. Velvet Revolver
65. Marilyn Manson
66. Meshuggah
67. Rilo Kiley
68. The Bravery
69. Kasabian
70. Barenaked Ladies
71. Dream Theater
72. A Perfect Circle
73. The Dillinger Escape Plan
74. Coheed and Cambria
75. Placebo
76. Evanescence
77. Opeth
78. Staind
79. Creed
80. Death Cab For Cutie
81. My Chemical Romance
82. Shinedown
83. Seether
84. Our Lady Peace
85. Oasis
86. Trivium
87. 3 Doors Down
88. Godsmack
89. Papa Roach
90. Puddle of Mudd
91. The Fratellis
92. Rise Against
93. Three Days Grace
94. The National
95. Billy Talent
96. Nickelback
97. The Brian Jonestown Massacre
98. The Gaslight Anthem
99. P.O.D
100. The Darkness
Explore Alt77’s curated playlist dedicated to the Greatest Rock Bands of the 2000s for a deeper dive into the sounds of this era.
To further explore the world of rock music, check out our related articles on The Greatest Albums of the 1990s, The Greatest indie-rock artists and bands of all time, and The Greatest Alternative Rock Songs of the 1990s.
Honorable Mentions
101. Snow Patrol
102. King Tuff
103. Drowning Pool
104. The Von Bondies
105. Aerosmith
106. 30 Seconds To Mars
107. New Found Glory
108. Sufjan Stevens
109. Lifehouse
110. U2
111. Skillet
112. Nightwish
113. Alice in Chains
114. The Fray
115. Hatebreed
116. The All-American Rejects
117. The Black Dahlia Murder
118. Breaking Benjamin
119. Stone Sour
120. OK Go
121. Shadows Fall
122. Yellowcard
123. Symphony X
124. Lamb of God
125. Metallica
126. Bloc Party
127. Hoobastank
128. Switchfoot
129. HIM
130. Daughtry
131. Zebrahead
132. Maroon 5
133. Disturbed
134. The Kooks
135. Death from Above 1979
136. MGMT
137. Yo La Tengo
138. The Thermals
139. The Shins
140. The Hold Steady
141. The Postal Service
142. The Walkmen
143. Wolfmother
144. The Decemberists
145. Between the Buried and Me
146. The Rapture
147. Gojira
148. Tegan and Sara
149. Metric
150. Editors
