What is the best band in classic rock?

From bluesy British invasions and psychedelic concept albums to hard-driving Southern anthems and Latin-infused grooves, this list spans the full spectrum of an era that defined what rock music could be. Whether you grew up on deep album cuts or radio classics, the debate over who sits at the top never gets old. Cast your vote!

The Beatles

English rock band from Liverpool who revolutionized popular music in the 1960s with groundbreaking albums like Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road.

1/20

Led Zeppelin

English rock band formed in 1968, known for blues-influenced hard rock and iconic albums like Led Zeppelin IV and Physical Graffiti.

2/20

The Rolling Stones

English rock band formed in London in 1962, celebrated for their blues-rooted sound and enduring catalog including Exile on Main St. and Sticky Fingers.

3/20

Pink Floyd

English progressive rock band known for elaborate live shows and landmark concept albums like The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall.

4/20

The Who

English rock band formed in London in 1964, pioneers of arena rock and rock opera with classics like Tommy and Who's Next.

5/20

AC/DC

Australian hard rock band formed in Sydney in 1973, renowned for their electrifying live performances and albums like Back in Black and Highway to Hell.

6/20

Queen

English rock band formed in London in 1970, known for their theatrical style, operatic vocal harmonies, and anthems like Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You.

7/20

Fleetwood Mac

British-American rock band formed in London in 1967, celebrated for their melodic songwriting and the iconic album Rumours.

8/20

The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Rock band led by guitarist Jimi Hendrix whose groundbreaking technique and psychedelic sound redefined electric guitar playing on albums like Are You Experienced.

9/20

The Doors

American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965, known for Jim Morrison's poetic lyrics and the dark, psychedelic sound of albums like L.A. Woman.

10/20

Deep Purple

English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968, regarded as pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock with classics like Machine Head and Perfect Strangers.

11/20

Aerosmith

American rock band from Boston formed in 1970, blending blues-influenced hard rock with massive hits across five decades including Toys in the Attic and Pump.

12/20

Creedence Clearwater Revival

American rock band from El Cerrito, California, known for their swamp rock sound and prolific output of classic singles like Proud Mary and Fortunate Son.

13/20

The Eagles

American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971, celebrated for country-influenced rock anthems and the best-selling album Hotel California.

14/20

Lynyrd Skynyrd

American Southern rock band from Jacksonville, Florida, known for extended guitar workouts and Southern rock anthems like Free Bird and Sweet Home Alabama.

15/20

Free

British rock band formed in London in 1968, best known for the blues-rock classic All Right Now and their raw, stripped-down hard rock sound.

16/20

Bad Company

British rock supergroup formed in 1973, featuring vocalist Paul Rodgers and delivering hard rock classics like Feel Like Makin' Love and Shooting Star.

17/20

Thin Lizzy

Irish rock band formed in Dublin in 1969, celebrated for their twin-guitar harmonies and hard rock anthems like The Boys Are Back in Town and Jailbreak.

18/20

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

American rock band from Gainesville, Florida, known for their heartland rock sound and beloved classics like Breakdown, Refugee, and American Girl.

19/20

Santana

Latin rock band formed in San Francisco in 1966, pioneering the fusion of rock with Afro-Cuban rhythms and blues across landmark albums like Abraxas.

20/20