The dawn of the 2000s marked a pivotal moment for rock music. While some heralded the death of rock in the face of burgeoning pop and hip-hop genres, the 2000s Rock Bands proved that rock was far from deceased. Instead, it was evolving, diversifying, and in many ways, experiencing a powerful resurgence. These bands, frequently topping charts and amassing global fan bases, often played to massive stadium crowds, demonstrating the enduring appeal of rock on a grand scale. This era, in a commercial sense, could be considered the last major stand for rock music as a dominant force in mainstream culture, a glorious hurrah before the shifting tides of musical trends.
The intense spotlight shone upon rock bands in the 2000s had a galvanizing effect. This pressure cooker environment fostered creativity, pushing many groups to produce exceptional singles and albums that would come to define the decade. From alternative rock to pop-punk, industrial to post-grunge, and even the enduring sounds of progressive rock, the 2000s witnessed a vibrant tapestry of rock subgenres flourishing and cross-pollinating. This list celebrates the top 100 rock bands that not only navigated this dynamic musical landscape but also left an indelible mark on the 2000s and beyond. Furthermore, we acknowledge 50 additional bands that, while deserving of recognition, narrowly missed inclusion in our definitive top 100.
Top 100 Rock Bands of the 2000s
1. The White Stripes
The White Stripes were more than just another blues-rock duo. While the blues-rock scene was alive and well, Meg and Jack White offered a transformative vision, essentially redesigning indie rock for the 21st century. Their genius lay in their minimalist yet impactful approach, evident in their stripped-down sound, striking visual aesthetic, and carefully constructed mythology. The White Stripes represented rock music thoroughly reimagined for a new era.
After the band’s dissolution and the initial hype subsided, what remained was a legacy of monumental rock albums. “Elephant” and “White Blood Cells” stand as towering achievements of the early 2000s, cementing The White Stripes’ place as not just a critical darling but a genuinely era-defining band. The widespread acclaim and adoration they received were, in retrospect, entirely justified.
2. The Strokes
The Strokes emerged as the quintessential indie rock band of the early 2000s, achieving both significant commercial success and profound cultural impact. Drawing inspiration from New York rock icons like The Velvet Underground and Television, while cultivating a sharp, trendsetting fashion sense, the quintet’s ascent to fame felt almost instantaneous.
Their debut album, “Is This It,” became a cultural touchstone, sparking a wave of imitator bands and reigniting mainstream interest in guitar-driven music. While the Garage Rock Revival they spearheaded eventually lost momentum, The Strokes demonstrated their adaptability by evolving into a new wave-influenced sound. To this day, the echo of their influence can be heard in countless bands wielding jangly power chords and sporting skinny jeans, a testament to the lasting impact of Julian Casablancas and The Strokes.
3. Radiohead
Radiohead had already established themselves as one of the most innovative and critically acclaimed alternative bands of the 1990s. However, for this groundbreaking group, resting on past laurels was never an option. As the 2000s dawned, the English band boldly moved away from distorted guitars and conventional song structures, venturing into more experimental and electronic territories. This willingness to push boundaries set a new precedent for similarly ambitious bands.
With their seminal 2000 album “Kid A,” Radiohead not only surprised fans but also charted a new course, defying industry expectations and what some considered “career suicide.” By the time of “In Rainbows,” they were even challenging the traditional music industry model with innovative release strategies. Throughout the 2000s and beyond, Radiohead remained a beacon for forward-thinking rock, constantly reinventing themselves and inspiring others to do the same.
4. Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters initially presented themselves with a lighthearted, almost self-deprecating attitude. After the seismic impact of Nirvana, the biggest rock band of the 1990s where Dave Grohl played drums, perhaps a less serious approach felt necessary.
However, as the 2000s progressed, Foo Fighters steadily ascended to arena rock giants. They evolved into a dependable, earnest band, a modern embodiment of the classic rock tradition. Navigating personal and professional challenges, Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters solidified their status, consistently delivering strong albums and becoming one of the most beloved live rock acts of the 21st century.
5. Weezer
Weezer is often nostalgically linked to the 1990s alternative rock explosion. Yet, it was in the 2000s that Rivers Cuomo and the band truly embraced and defined their unique position within the rock music ecosystem. While The White Stripes championed garage rock and Interpol spearheaded the post-punk revival, Weezer took on the mantle of reviving cheerful, infectious power-pop.
Weezer released a string of notable albums throughout the 2000s, including “Weezer (The Green Album),” “Maladroit,” and “Weezer (The Red Album).” While these albums may not have reached the stratospheric sales of their earlier work, in retrospect, Rivers Cuomo’s consistent songwriting output solidified his reputation as one of the most significant and enduring rock songwriters of the 2000s.
6. Arctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys arrived with such intense pre-release buzz and anticipation that many music fans had already formed a preconceived notion of the Sheffield band even before hearing their debut album. However, closer inspection revealed the sharp wit and observational brilliance of Alex Turner’s lyrics and a band delivering indie rock with a raw intensity that was becoming increasingly rare.
“Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” remains Arctic Monkeys’ masterpiece and a defining album of the mid-2000s indie rock scene. Their subsequent two albums further cemented their dominance in the UK throughout the decade. As the 2010s approached, Arctic Monkeys were poised for international success, evolving their sound and reaching an even wider audience.
7. System of a Down
System of a Down initially perplexed many listeners. Their sound was a high-octane fusion of alternative metal, classic rock sensibilities, and traditional Armenian folk music. They were musically ambitious yet possessed a distinct sense of humor. Their music was often aggressive, yet their message was consistently anti-war. By the time audiences fully grasped their unique and multifaceted approach, System of a Down had become one of the biggest rock bands globally, achieving mainstream success without compromising their inherent eccentricity.
8. TOOL
TOOL stands as the most influential progressive rock band of the 2000s. Their music was often analyzed with a level of seriousness typically reserved for philosophical treatises or major historical events.
However, it remains ambiguous whether singer Maynard James Keenan and the rest of TOOL took themselves quite so seriously. Like System of a Down, a subtle undercurrent of humor ran through their complex work. What was undeniable was TOOL’s mastery of crafting tense, dynamic alternative metal soundscapes, executed with unparalleled precision. Albums such as “Lateralus” and “10,000 Days” elevated them to a pedestal of progressive rock royalty, a position they continue to hold.
9. blink-182
blink-182, in many ways, became synonymous with rock music in the early 2000s. This wasn’t solely due to their infectious, catchy sound, nor was it just the charismatic and relatable personas of Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker.
blink-182 possessed a keen understanding of musical evolution. By “Take Off Your Pants and Jacket,” their signature sunny pop-punk had begun incorporating elements of burgeoning emo rock. Their self-titled 2003 album further solidified this shift towards more introspective, melancholy-driven rock. Their subsequent hiatus for the remainder of the decade only amplified blink-182’s legendary status and cemented their legacy as one of the defining bands of the era.
10. Green Day
Green Day had already propelled pop-punk into the mainstream consciousness in the early 1990s. However, they faced the challenge of navigating the late 1990s and early 2000s landscape, often finding themselves in the shadows of bands like blink-182 and Sum 41. A perceived decline in relevance fueled Billie Joe Armstrong’s drive for reinvention.
By the 2000s, Green Day was poised for one of the most remarkable comebacks in rock history. “American Idiot,” a punk rock opera, became a global phenomenon, resonating with audiences worldwide. Their subsequent albums and extensive tours propelled Green Day to even greater heights of fame than they had achieved during their initial breakthrough, solidifying their place as enduring rock icons.
11. Deftones
Deftones were often categorized within the nu-metal movement. However, in many respects, the band operated outside genre constraints. No other group of that era demonstrated a more nuanced understanding of dynamics than Chino Moreno’s Deftones. While their peers often relied on predictable sonic formulas, Deftones embraced subtlety and surprise, crafting atmospheric and textured soundscapes. “White Pony” stands as one of the most influential and critically acclaimed rock albums of the 2000s, showcasing their unique sonic identity.
12. Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers appeared to have lost momentum in the mid-1990s following their groundbreaking album “Blood Sugar Sex Magik.” However, the unexpected return of mercurial guitarist John Frusciante ignited a creative spark that resulted in 1999’s “Californication,” a juggernaut album that revitalized their career.
By the 2000s, RHCP were once again poised to conquer the world, one stadium at a time. Songs from albums like “By The Way” became ubiquitous, and the California band confidently embraced their renewed global success, cementing their status as stadium rock titans.
13. Audioslave
Audioslave was initially labeled a “supergroup,” a term often carrying negative connotations suggesting a lack of organic chemistry. Chris Cornell and the instrumental section of Rage Against the Machine quickly dispelled this notion. Audioslave’s self-titled debut album stands as one of the strongest of the decade, showcasing Cornell’s vocal prowess at its peak. While the band released two more albums before disbanding, Audioslave’s enduring impact is perhaps most keenly felt in their absence, leaving behind a legacy of powerful rock anthems.
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, The Libertines quickly carved out their own identity, writing songs deeply rooted in their experiences of British life and culture. Their compelling songwriting, combined with the chaotic energy that perpetually surrounded the band, made them one of the most captivating and intriguing indie rock groups of the era. The brevity of their initial run further contributed to their mystique, echoing the trajectory of classic British rock bands.
15. Korn
Korn fundamentally reshaped heavy rock in their own image, pioneering the nu-metal sound. The challenge they faced was the proliferation of bands that emulated their style. While Korn encountered numerous rivals in the early 2000s, such as Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park, many fans still gravitated towards the original architects of the sound. Freed from the pressure of constant innovation, Korn focused on refining their signature sound, releasing albums like “See You on The Other Side” and solidifying their enduring position in the rock landscape.
16. Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age successfully brought the sounds of desert rock and stoner rock into the mainstream charts during the 2000s. This breakthrough was largely attributed to the experience guitarist-singer Josh Homme gained from his prior bands like Kyuss. Their initial albums established QOTSA as critical darlings within the rock scene. However, with a stellar lineup of musicians and a refined songwriting approach, 2002’s “Songs for the Deaf” became the commercial hit that Homme had long deserved. Subsequent albums built upon this foundation, further cementing the rock band’s reputation for delivering consistently high-quality, groove-laden rock.
17. Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam stood as the last remaining Seattle grunge band of the “Big Four” to maintain continuous activity throughout the 2000s. The tragic ends of Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden cast a long shadow, shaping Pearl Jam’s approach. During the 2000s, Pearl Jam deliberately operated on their own terms, often eschewing excessive media attention and focusing on their dedicated fanbase. They evolved into one of the biggest touring draws in the United States, and albums like “Riot Act” demonstrated that Pearl Jam remained a vital and creatively potent force in rock music.
18. Linkin Park
Linkin Park achieved rapid and immense commercial success but gradually earned critical respect. Initially perceived by some rock purists as another nu-metal band capitalizing on a trend in the early 2000s, their phenomenal fame and record sales were undeniable. However, as the band intentionally moved beyond the sonic template of “Hybrid Theory,” incorporating more diverse and innovative musical elements, critics began to acknowledge Linkin Park’s artistry and, in particular, the exceptional vocal talent of Chester Bennington.
19. The Mars Volta
The Mars Volta intentionally positioned themselves as the most adventurous and boundary-pushing 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 crafted sprawling concept albums filled with complex, cryptic lyrics and music that seamlessly blended Latin rhythms with avant-garde experimentalism. Looking back at their output during the 2000s, few bands can be meaningfully compared to the unique sonic and conceptual world of The Mars Volta.
20. Animal Collective
Animal Collective was a rock band that could only have emerged in the experimental and genre-bending environment of the 2000s. Taking inspiration from Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, they pushed sunny, melodic sensibilities into even more surreal and unconventional territories, creating a new form of psychedelic rock. Alternating between childlike playfulness and unsettling darkness, the band reached a critical and creative peak with 2009’s “Merriweather Post Pavilion.” This landmark album alone warrants their inclusion among the greatest and most innovative rock bands of the 2000s.
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 featuring the Greatest Rock Bands of the 2000s to delve deeper into the sounds of this era.
For further exploration into the world of rock music, discover 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
