April 3, 2009

Greatest Rock Bands of All Time

The other day, a local radio morning show was discussing the greatest rock band of all time. Listeners called in, votes came in for Van Halen, U2, Guns N’ Roses, Queen, Journey, Def Leppard, Styxx, Iron Maiden, Pantera, Metallica, even Bon Jovi, and oddly enough, Poison. It got me thinking about my choice. I've thought about it the last couple days, I cannot chose one band. I simply can’t do it. All I could manage was an attempt to narrow down a top five list:

Metallica
Aerosmith
Lynyrd Skynyrd
AC/DC

Now, my last pick is tricky. Could music be what is today without the Beatles? If it wasn’t them wouldn’t someone else have stepped up and paved the way? No way to know for sure. I like the Beatles, but they’re not a favorite, I can’t give them the top five honor. Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, hard to choose, but I’d give the nod to Floyd. Can I count The Jimi Hendrix Experience? Jimi’s time was short-lived, but his contributions were great. Guns N’ Roses, I don’t care for the new stuff, but they were unstoppable in the 80’s and 90’s. I can’t deny Van Halen’s success and popularity, they switched lead singers and remained a favorite. That’s no easy feat. Still, do they make my top five? I think not. I could have continued like this all day, instead I concluded… my attempt failed. I can only name four; my fifth pick is up for debate.

What do you think? Can you name one or successfully pick five?

3 comments:

Dave P. said...

For someone of your youth, I'd have to say you did a very good job putting together your list, with all those pre-80's bands on your list.

My personal favorites (maybe not the greatest rock bands) would be Pink Floyd, Styx, Journey, Who. For me, #5 would be tough too.

Unknown said...

For me, gotta have Rolling Stones

Kellee said...

Classic Rock has always been my favorite genre. Now the stuff I grew up listening to is even included. It was bizarre the first time I heard GNR referenced as classic rock.

Ahh! Stones and The Who, I failed to mention both, but each are deserving...