Developing a definitive “best of all time” list necessitates a deeply considered thought process, one that must incorporate both subjective and objective viewpoints when compiling a list of this nature. When discussing rock bands, the definition of “rock” itself can be ambiguous. For this compilation, the bands selected represent major rock subgenres, including classic rock, blues-rock, hard rock, heavy metal, alternative rock, and punk.
Top Rock Bands in Music History
To maintain clarity, the bands featured in this list are all established groups, excluding individual artists or solo rock acts (such as Elton John or Neil Diamond). The primary criterion for this ranking focuses on rock groups whose musical output has endured over time and remains significantly relevant within the contemporary music landscape.
30. Aerosmith
Delivering raw energy and unforgettable rock anthems from the 1970s into the early 1990s, Aerosmith, hailing from Massachusetts, is widely recognized as a quintessential example of rock and roll stardom and mastery. With iconic hits like “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Crazy,” and “Walk This Way,” Aerosmith members Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, and Tom Hamilton shattered musical boundaries and built a legacy that few artists have even attempted to emulate.
Even as the band embarks on their farewell tour, the admiration and respect for their music persists. Aerosmith is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity among younger audiences, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok, demonstrating their lasting appeal across generations.
29. ZZ-Top
Pioneering the distinctive Texas blues rock shuffle, ZZ-Top was among the first rock acts to intentionally fuse elements of Texas blues and rock and roll throughout the early 1970s and into the early 2000s. Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard are highly regarded as one of rock music’s finest rhythm sections. With numerous multi-platinum albums and chart-topping singles such as “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “La Grange,” and “Sharp Dressed Man,” the band’s signature blues-rock swagger remains undeniably infectious and timeless.
ZZ-Top is no longer actively creating new music following the passing of founding member Dusty Hill in 2021. However, the remaining members are still alive and influential figures within the music scene today.
28. TOOL
TOOL is often described as one of rock’s most enigmatic, sophisticated, and acclaimed bands. Rooted in progressive metal, the Los Angeles group has not actively pursued mainstream marketing, yet they have achieved significant success through their exceptional and unique songwriting and thought-provoking visual imagery. The quartet, consisting of Maynard James Keenan, Adam Jones, Danny Carey, and Justin Chancellor, formed in 1990 and has since become an arena-filling, multi-platinum, and Grammy Award-winning act, recognized for their complex and artistic approach to rock music.
While TOOL remains active and continues to tour, their 2019 album Fear Inoculum marked their first studio release in over 13 years. Fans eagerly anticipate their next musical endeavor, which, if it follows the pattern of Fear Inoculum, is likely to be another chart-topping album.
27. Oasis
Defining a significant era of rock in the 1990s and early 2000s music scenes, Oasis is crucial to the modern rock narrative and the UK’s musical heritage. Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher spearheaded “Britpop” with Oasis’s distinctive interpretation of classic rock songwriting, evident in their multi-platinum hits “Wonderwall,” “Champagne Supernova,” and “Don’t Look Back In Anger.”
Despite disbanding in 2009, their influence extends far beyond the rock genre, with major acts like Coldplay and Arctic Monkeys citing them as a direct inspiration, demonstrating their lasting impact on contemporary music.
26. KISS
Much of the rock genre and the live concert industry as we know it today owes a debt to KISS. Formed in New York City in 1973, band members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss pioneered many of the theatrical elements and explosive live performances that bands continue to employ today. From pyrotechnics to levitating drum kits and an elaborate band mythology, KISS were masters of branding and cultivating a devoted fan base, cementing their place as innovators in rock showmanship.
Combined with their anthemic stadium rockers “Detroit Rock City,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” and “Love Gun,” it’s no surprise that KISS has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in rock history. The band recently played their final show in December 2023 at New York’s Madison Square Garden, but have since announced plans to continue performing as digital avatars, ensuring their legacy continues into the future.
25. Radiohead
One of rock music’s most eclectic and highly respected experimental groups, Radiohead emerged from the late 1980s and has since been instrumental in shaping “art-rock” and redefining what it means to be a rock act in the modern music industry. With albums like The Bends, OK Computer, and In Rainbows, Radiohead has built a discography that is consistently considered timeless from start to finish, pushing the boundaries of rock music.
Original members Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, and Philip Selway continue to perform and create music together. In 2019, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying their status as rock innovators.
24. Journey
“Hit-makers” is an apt description for the American rock band Journey. Formed in San Francisco in 1973, Journey has become a cornerstone of rock and pop culture with their endlessly catchy radio anthems like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Faithfully,” and “Any Way You Want It.” Their songs resonate with a wide audience, making them one of the best rock groups for sing-alongs.
Despite their prime songwriting period peaking in the early 1980s, Journey’s music has remained timeless, appealing to multiple generations of fans and inspiring modern artists. The band’s core lineup during the 80s, featuring Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory, and Steve Smith, contributed to their iconic multi-platinum albums Departure, Escape, and Frontiers, cementing their legacy as one of the best rock bands of their time.
23. Nirvana
Spearheading the 1990s “grunge” movement and profoundly influencing modern hard rock and punk, Nirvana is as significant an act today as they were when they emerged from the Seattle music scene in 1987. Though the band disbanded after Kurt Cobain’s tragic death in 1994, their multi-platinum albums and iconic hit singles such as “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “Heart Shaped Box,” and “Come As You Are” have attracted new generations of listeners over the years, solidifying their place among the Best Rock Groups Of All Time.
Members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic remain active in the modern rock scene, with Grohl fronting the highly successful Foo Fighters. Recently, both Grohl and Novoselic accepted the lifetime achievement award at the 2023 Grammys honoring Nirvana, recognizing their monumental contribution to music.
22. Cream
Despite having one of the shortest careers in rock history, Cream’s legacy is disproportionately large compared to their brief time together. From 1966 to 1968, Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce laid the foundation for many of rock’s most iconic subgenres, from blues rock to psychedelic rock to early heavy metal. The band’s studio experimentation resulted in hit singles and enduring anthems like “Sunshine Of Your Love,” “White Room,” and “Strange Brew,” showcasing their innovative approach to rock music.
Cream also became the first act to release a platinum-selling double album with Wheels of Fire in 1968. Since then, the band has played a crucial role in introducing numerous generations to the captivating brilliance of the electric guitar and the raw power of rock and roll, securing their place as one of the best rock groups for guitar enthusiasts.
21. Heart
Ann and Nancy Wilson redefined the landscape of rock music throughout the 1970s. Blending elements of early rock and roll, folk, and hard rock, the Wilson sisters were essential in expanding the sonic possibilities within rock music. Breaking through in 1975, the band’s debut album Dreamboat Annie demonstrated their ability to write chart-topping hit singles like “Crazy On You,” paving the way for their seminal and multi-platinum album Little Queen in 1977.
Recognizing their significance and legacy in rock, Heart was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. The band remains active and recently announced a major North American tour for 2024, continuing to share their iconic music with fans.
20. Guns N’ Roses
If any band embodies the “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” ethos, it’s Guns N’ Roses. Taking over LA’s Sunset Strip in 1985, the hard rock outfit has since become synonymous with hard rock anthems. With their multi-platinum albums Appetite For Destruction and Use Your Illusion I & II, they have generated millions in record sales and amassed a legion of devoted fans. Despite a relatively short discography compared to others on this list, GNR exemplifies how potent songwriting, musicianship, and attitude can drive a band’s success, making them one of the best rock groups for raw energy.
While the band’s original lineup is no longer fully intact, original members Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan reunited in 2015 and embarked on one of the highest-grossing tours ever, their Not In This Lifetime… tour (2016-2019) generating over $584 million, proving their enduring appeal.
19. Rage Against The Machine
Emerging from Los Angeles in 1991, Rage Against The Machine has become one of the most popular and impactful aggressive rock acts in history. Both sonically and lyrically, the band has never shied away from confrontation, boldly experimenting with funk, rap, and heavy metal genres while using their music as a platform to address social and political injustices. RATM embodies rock music in its most rebellious and hard-hitting form, making them one of the best rock groups for socially conscious fans.
Hit songs like “Guerrilla Radio,” “Killing In The Name,” and “Bulls On Parade” perfectly illustrate this aspect of their music, highlighting how RATM’s attitude and message are integral to their sound. Members Tom Morello, Zach de la Rocha, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk were recently active, performing as Rage Against The Machine across North America. However, the band has recently hinted at ceasing future performances, interestingly following their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, marking a significant point in their influential career.
18. RUSH
The definitive example of “progressive rock,” RUSH is still celebrated today for their pervasive influence on progressive music. The band significantly shaped the concept album and long-form storytelling in rock with iconic albums like 2112 and Moving Pictures. Their epic songwriting, notably on singles like “YYZ” and “Tom Sawyer,” demonstrates their unparalleled approach to melodic and catchy songwriting within complex structures, making them one of the best rock groups for musicians.
Furthermore, Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, and Alex Lifeson boasted musicianship that has been unmatched since the band’s inception in 1968. While drummer Neil Peart sadly passed away in 2020, the remaining members of RUSH are still alive, though retired from touring and songwriting, their legacy secure in rock history.
17. Iron Maiden
As one of heavy metal’s most enduring, revered, and influential bands, Iron Maiden is as crucial to the foundation of heavy metal as they are to the pillars of modern rock. Emerging from the East London music scene in 1975, Iron Maiden has since made soaring lead guitars, galloping rhythms, and anthemic choruses staples within the metal subgenre. From hit singles like “Run To The Hills,” “The Trooper,” and “Fear of The Dark” to their horror-inspired artwork and stage theatrics, Iron Maiden has become a quintessential part of heavy metal and the broader rock genre, appealing to fans worldwide.
While the band has seen several lineup changes over the years, primary members Steve Harris, Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, Janick Gers, Nicko McBrain, and Bruce Dickinson have remained dedicated to continuing the band’s legacy both in the studio and on tour, ensuring their place as one of the best rock groups in metal history.
16. U2
Formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1976, U2 has become a household name since their breakthrough success in the 1980s and beyond. Boasting one of the most profitable tours in history with the U2 360 tour in the early 2000s, the band is renowned for both their commercial success and critically acclaimed records.
Founding members Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr., and Adam Clayton have collectively created some of the most recognizable alternative rock anthems, from “With Or Without You” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday” to more recent hits like “Beautiful Day” and “Vertigo.” With albums The Joshua Tree, War, and The Unforgettable Fire, U2 has cultivated a sound unique among their generation and has continued to innovate and serve as a leading example for social activism within rock music and beyond, making them one of the best rock groups for socially engaged fans.
15. The Clash
London’s own The Clash were instrumental in developing the foundations of punk music and early new wave. Formed in 1976, the group, comprising Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Topper Headon, has become one of the highest-selling punk rock bands in history, with multi-platinum hits like “I Fought The Law” and “Should I Stay or Should I Go.”
A particularly admirable aspect of the band, and one that remains relevant today, was The Clash’s resistance to purely profit-driven practices within the music industry. Instead, The Clash prioritized voicing opinions on socio-political issues of their time, which largely became a defining theme for the broader punk rock genre, establishing them as one of the best rock groups for politically minded listeners.
14. The Doors
The Doors stand not only as one of rock music’s most important and foundational bands, but they are undoubtedly one of the most iconic and popular acts to emerge from the United States in the 1960s. Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore formed in Los Angeles in 1965 and have since transcended global pop culture barriers to become one of the most recognizable bands in history.
With hits like “Light My Fire,” “The End,” and “Riders on the Storm,” The Doors demonstrated their talent for writing melodic, psychedelic, and often hauntingly captivating songs. Moreover, frontman Jim Morrison single-handedly created an allure and mystique around the rock and roll lifestyle that has influenced countless groups and artists since. Despite the group’s dissolution in the early 1970s following Morrison’s death, surviving members Robby Krieger and John Densmore have seen the band inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, cementing their legacy as one of the best rock groups from the psychedelic era.
13. The Who
Giving the first glimpse of rock and roll with a sharper edge and a touch of chaos, The Who are largely credited with pioneering the antics and theatrics associated with loud, bombastic “rock” concerts. Roger Daltrey, Keith Moon, Pete Townshend, and John Entwistle formed the band in London in 1962, and they have since become one of the highest-selling and most critically acclaimed rock acts in the genre.
With live shows that set them apart, including breaking the 1976 Guinness World Record for loudest live band, and notable hits like “Pinball Wizard,” “Baba O’Riley,” and “Behind Blue Eyes,” The Who has solidified their position as one of the most quintessential rock acts in music history, making them one of the best rock groups for live performance impact.
12. Black Sabbath
The godfathers of heavy metal, Black Sabbath, revolutionized rock music in 1969 and have since been revered as the founders of rock’s most notorious subgenre. Formed in the industrial town of Birmingham, England, the quartet of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward produced a string of metal’s most defining records and hit songs from 1969 through the early 1980s.
With numerous accolades and a revered status in the metal community, Black Sabbath’s sound and masterful songwriting are undeniably timeless. Songs like “War Pigs,” “Paranoid,” and “N.I.B.” are continually discovered by new generations of musicians and rock enthusiasts, establishing Black Sabbath as a primary and popular gateway to the heavy metal subgenre. To this day, few metal bands come close to possessing a stature and legacy comparable to Black Sabbath’s, further proving the band’s timelessness and importance in the broader rock genre, making them one of the best rock groups for metal origins.
11. Fleetwood Mac
Formed in the UK in 1967, Fleetwood Mac was a fusion of the UK’s and US’s finest songwriters and musicians. Known for blending folk music elements with a more stripped-down approach to rock songwriting, the band reached its peak after vocalist Stevie Nicks and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham joined in 1974. This led to the release of their now-diamond certified and critically acclaimed album Rumours.
To this day, Fleetwood Mac’s music resonates with a wide range of generations, both young and old. Hit singles “Landslide,” “Dreams,” and “The Chain” continue to serve as a masterclass in songwriting and rock music production. Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, and Christine McVie were the band’s core and most consistent members throughout their active years. Following Christine McVie’s death in 2022, the band has dismissed the possibility of touring again, leaving behind a powerful legacy as one of the best rock groups for timeless melodies.
10. AC/DC
Embodying the raw power of hard rock, AC/DC is Australia’s premier hard rock export and one of rock music’s most successful and influential bands. Formed in 1973, the group gained momentum after brothers Malcolm and Angus Young recruited vocalist Bon Scott. From 1975 to 1979, the band released numerous highly praised rock albums, including Let There Be Rock, Powerage, and Highway To Hell, establishing their high-energy rock sound.
Following Bon Scott’s death in 1979, the band experienced an even greater resurgence with new frontman Brian Johnson, who debuted on the diamond-certified 1980 album Back In Black. With hits “Back In Black,” “Thunderstruck,” and “Highway to Hell,” AC/DC has continued to attract legions of listeners with their knack for pure, electrifying rock and roll songwriting above all else. Beyond album sales and widespread influence, AC/DC is revered for maintaining the same tenacious attitude and rock style for over 50 years, sustaining a consistent fanbase and overwhelming critical acclaim within rock, making them one of the best rock groups for pure rock energy. The band remains active, performing and releasing studio albums with its current lineup featuring Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Phil Rudd, Stevie Young, and Cliff Williams.
9. Metallica
Without question, Metallica is the most influential, commercially successful, and universally acclaimed metal band of all time. With a streak of impeccable albums throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, it’s no surprise that Metallica has become the colossal force they are today within rock and heavy metal.
Since their inception in 1981, Metallica’s James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Rob Trujillo, along with former members Cliff Burton, Dave Mustaine, and Jason Newsted, have significantly contributed to shaping the sound of modern rock and metal. With albums Ride The Lightning, Master of Puppets, and …And Justice For All, Metallica built a legacy largely considered unmatched in heavy metal. Furthermore, the trajectory and global popularity Metallica experienced after their 1991 self-titled album, known as “The Black Album,” remains unparalleled by any hard rock or heavy metal band to this day. Metallica songs like “Enter Sandman,” “One,” and “Master of Puppets” are cemented as masterpieces of metal songwriting and are often seen as gateways into aggressive music for many listeners, establishing them as one of the best rock groups for metal’s mainstream breakthrough.
8. The Eagles
Combining elements of old-school rock, country, and folk music, The Eagles have played a pivotal role in defining the classic rock genre, and in doing so, are largely considered America’s greatest rock and roll band. Key members Joe Walsh, Don Henley, Timothy B. Schmit, Glenn Frey, and Don Felder formed in Los Angeles in 1971 and have since become one of the highest-selling rock groups in history, with notable hits including “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Life In The Fast Lane.”
The band is celebrated for their exceptional musicianship, particularly in guitar work, and melodic songwriting. Their multi-platinum album Hotel California continues to be a touchstone for aspiring guitarists and rock connoisseurs, many of whom regard it as the epitome of classic rock music, making them one of the best rock groups for American classic rock.
7. Van Halen
Shaping the sound and image of L.A.’s Sunset Strip rock scene, Van Halen is not only considered the primary influence on many of L.A.’s biggest rock acts, but the band itself is one of the most popular bands to emerge from the 1980s. Founded by brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, the band began making waves in 1978 with their self-titled debut album, Van Halen. Since then, few bands have made such a startling and impactful first impression as Van Halen did with their debut.
David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony, Alex Van Halen, and most notably, guitar virtuoso Eddie Van Halen, revolutionized the sound of rock with their first record. Throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s with vocalist Sammy Hagar, Van Halen remained a dominant force in the rock scene. With hits like “Panama,” “Jump,” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” Van Halen penetrated pop culture, and their sound and legacy continue to resonate across nearly every facet of modern rock music, establishing them as one of the best rock groups for guitar innovation.
6. The Rolling Stones
As one of rock’s longest-running acts, The Rolling Stones are still making waves and creating new music over 60 years later. Formed in 1962, The Stones were at the forefront of the British rock invasion in the early 1960s. However, unlike many other groups from their era, The Rolling Stones have successfully evolved through decades of changes in the music industry, remaining relevant and influential.
The surviving members, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, continue to carry the band’s legacy into the present day, performing for new generations and repurposing hit songs like “Gimme Shelter,” “Sympathy For The Devil,” and “Paint It, Black” across various media, notably in film. The fact that The Rolling Stones remain one of the most popular active rock acts globally underscores their unprecedented and unrivaled status as one of the best rock groups in history, demonstrating remarkable longevity.
5. The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Few musicians have single-handedly revolutionized an instrument and genre of music as Jimi Hendrix did. Formed in 1966, the trio known as The Jimi Hendrix Experience pioneered the sound, image, and mystique that is still largely associated with rock music and the electric guitar today. Jimi Hendrix, Noel Redding, and Mitch Mitchell combined forces to create an electrifying, blues-centric, and provocative sonic atmosphere that resulted in world-renowned hits like “Purple Haze,” “Hey Joe,” and “Foxy Lady,” among many others.
While Hendrix was the driving force behind the band’s success and hits, Redding and Mitchell provided the essential rhythmic foundation to bring such extraordinary songs to life. Despite a brief career spanning only four years, the impact and influence The Jimi Hendrix Experience had on rock music only amplifies the astonishing nature of their legacy, making them one of the best rock groups for guitar innovation and psychedelic blues.
4. Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd is among the most profound and significant bands in music history, not just rock music. Finding their footing in 1965 with founder Syd Barrett, the band reached its full potential after Barrett’s departure in 1968 and the solidification of core members Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright, and Nick Mason. With albums Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall, Pink Floyd has become one of the highest-selling and most acclaimed musical acts in history.
While surviving members David Gilmour and Roger Waters are still actively touring and performing Pink Floyd’s music (though separately), the band’s music and message remain as relevant as ever in today’s world. Their conceptual albums and innovative soundscapes place them firmly among the best rock groups for album artistry and thematic depth.
3. Queen
If their performance at Live Aid in 1985 indicated anything, it was that Queen was destined to be one of rock music’s all-time greatest bands. Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, Brian May, and John Deacon began their journey in the London music scene in 1970 and have since become one of the most internationally successful and beloved bands.
Known for their unique and dynamic approach to rock songwriting, Queen has written some of the most recognizable and influential hits in rock music, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are The Champions,” and “Under Pressure.” Frontman Freddie Mercury single-handedly shaped much of the choreographed stage presence and attitude adopted by rock and pop icons today. Furthermore, Mercury’s unparalleled vocal abilities and stage persona are often considered the gold standard for the rock genre. While Mercury passed away in 1991, Brian May and Roger Taylor have continued to carry on the band’s legacy and actively perform with the band worldwide, securing Queen’s place as one of the best rock groups for stage presence and vocal performance.
2. The Beatles
It’s difficult to name another band or artist that has singularly transformed the music industry as profoundly as The Beatles. Formed in 1960, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr remain one of the most cherished acts in modern music, especially rock music.
As pioneers of early rock and the recording and production processes of rock music, it’s no surprise that The Beatles are still held in such high esteem today. With multi-platinum albums like Please Please Me, Abbey Road, Revolver, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles spearheaded the rock music movement and many of its celebrated subgenres, like pop-rock and psychedelic-rock. Simply put, The Beatles revolutionized music forever, and their legacy and global adoration show no signs of diminishing, making them one of the best rock groups for cultural impact and musical innovation.
1. Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin is frequently referred to as the rock band. Formed in 1968, members John Bonham, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones possessed a synergy that no other four-piece rock group has come close to replicating.
Throughout their discography, Led Zeppelin honed a sound and cultivated an audience that has since shaped the entirety of rock as we know it. Known for epics like “Stairway to Heaven,” “No Quarter,” and “Kashmir,” as well as straightforward anthemic hits like “Immigrant Song” and “Good Times Bad Times,” Zeppelin’s mastery of musicianship and songwriting ultimately distinguished them from other rock acts of their era. Although the band ceased operations after the death of drummer John Bonham in 1980, their music and stature continue to be revered by nearly every subsequent generation of rock artists and fans, solidifying Led Zeppelin as the best rock group of all time for many enthusiasts.
The Top Selling Rock Bands Of All Time
Unlike the previous ranking, the following list is purely objective and ordered by the number of albums sold by each rock band. The data below is sourced from the RIAA’s list of highest-grossing artists (based on album sales) to date.
5. Pink Floyd
75 million albums sold
Highest selling album: The Wall, 23 million units.
4. AC/DC
75 million albums sold
Highest selling album: Back In Black, 25 million units.
3. Led Zeppelin
112.5 million albums sold
Highest selling album: Led Zeppelin IV, 24 million units
2. The Eagles
120 million albums sold
Highest selling album: Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975), 38 million units
1. The Beatles
183 million albums sold
Highest selling album: The Beatles (White Album), 24 million units.
Bottom Line
The best rock bands of all time have successfully remained relevant both during their active periods and long after. This enduring relevance is evident in new generations discovering and celebrating these bands, or in modern artists drawing inspiration from these legendary groups in their own music. In either case, the rock bands listed above have undeniably created timeless art and rightfully deserve to be considered the best in the genre, leaving an indelible mark on music history.