Classic rock bands have been hugely popular for decades. Some even rank among the most well-known and influential musicians in the music industry. The genre of classic rock emerged in the 1980s to describe album oriented rock musicians. By the mid-1980s, classic rock bands were played between 60% and 80% of the time on all album rock radio stations. Although it was aired frequently during the 1980s, classic rock bands actually emerged during the 60s and 70s. Most classic rock bands consisted of a drummer, bassist, guitar player and vocalist.
Early Classic Rock Bands
It is difficult to identify one group as the first of all classic rock bands. There were quite a few that were among the earliest, including the Who, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. The Who came from London, England in 1964. The lineup included Pete Townshend on guitar, Roger Daltrey as the vocalist, bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon. The band managed to sell around 100 million records. They also earned notoriety with five multi-platinum album awards and 18 gold in the United States. 47 of the band’s singles made it to the top forty charts for the U.S. and the U.K.
In April of 1962, another of the greatest classic rock bands was created in London. The Rolling Stones came together with a lineup that included harmonica player Brian Jones, vocalist Mick Jagger, pianist Ian Stewart, guitarist Keith Richards, bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts. Early on the band focused a great deal on blues and R&B covers. At first, Jones took up the reins as the leader of the band until Richards and Jagger joined up and began writing material for songs. One of the most notable things about the Rolling Stones is that they are still together and performing. Most classic rock bands have encountered changes or obstacles that changed directions for members, however the Rolling Stones have held strong through the decades.
Most people are aware of some of the history of the famous British band, the Beatles. The band was created in 1960 out of Liverpool, England. The group consisted of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison and John Lennon. The band was active during the 1960s and their popularity spread throughout the world. The band earned recognition as the symbol of 1960s cultural and social revolution.
Popular Classic Rock Bands
Many other classic rock bands have created some of the most influential, listened-to music in the industry. Their sounds and styles vary dramatically, from the whimsical sounds of Led Zeppelin to the spacy, dire outcry of Pink Floyd. Some classic rock fans also boast the Doors and the Grateful Dead as some of the best acts in the genre. Additional classic rock bands include Cream, the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and the Byrds.
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