The 15 best rock bands of all time

15. Nirvana

Nirvana has defined the '90s era and shaped modern rock with worldwide hits like Smells Like Teen Spirit and Come As You Are. Even though the band ended after Kurt Cobain’s passing in 1994, their music continues to captivate new generations, and their members received a lifetime achievement award for Nirvana in 2023. | © Nirvana

14. Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden is one of the most influential heavy metal bands that helped to define the genre with their soaring guitars, and epic vocals. Known for classics like Run to the Hills and Fear of the Dark, this band is the cornerstone of metal and rock. | © Iron Maiden

13. U2

U2 became a household name after their 1980s breakthrough, earning massive acclaim and one of the most profitable tours in history with the U2 360 tour. Albums like The Joshua Tree, War, and The Unforgettable Fire showcase their unique style and lasting influence. | © Courtesy of the artist

12. Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath is the godfather of heavy metal that turned rock music on its head in 1969 and has since been embraced as the founder of rock’s most popular sub-genre. Few bands in the genre hold a legacy as towering as this band, cementing their status as the pioneers of heavy metal. | © Chris Walter

11. The Who

The Who is one of the best rock bands regarded for spearheading the antics and theatrics associated with bombastic rock concerts. This rock group even set a Guinness World Record in 1976 as the loudest live band. | © Rex Features

10. Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac was an amalgamation of the finest songwriters and musicians from the UK and the US, reaching its peak after Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined in 1974. After Christine McVie passed away in 2022, the band has hinted they may never tour again, leaving an enduring legacy behind. | © Randee St Nicholas

9. AC/DC

AC/DC is a popular hard rock band in the purest form, unleashing classics like Let There Be Rock and Highway to Hell with Bon Scott as lead. After his passing, they soared to new heights with Brian Johnson on the diamond-certified Back in Black. | © AC/DC

8. Metallica

Metallica is the most influential, successful, and universally praised metal band of all time. Formed in 1981 by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, Metallica reshaped the heavy metal genre with iconic albums like Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets. | © Metallica

7. Van Halen

Van Halen helped define the rock scene as one of the most influential bands of the 1980s. Founded by brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, the band burst with an explosive album, Van Halen's groundbreaking guitar skills helped the band to redefine the rock's sound and energy. | © Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

6. The Eagles

Combining elements of old-school rock and folk music, The Eagles played a pivotal role in defining the classic rock genre. Known for their remarkable guitar work and melodic songwriting, The Eagles' music continues to hit the charts, especially with their multiplatinum album Hotel California. | © The Eagles

5. Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd is one of the most profound and important bands in music history, let alone rock music. Creating groundbreaking albums like Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall, Pink Floyd not only became one of the highest-selling bands ever but also shaped the artistic and conceptual scope of rock. | © Pink Floyd Music Ltd.

4. The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones is one of the longest-running bands that stood at the forefront of British rock invasion in the early '60s. Unlike many of their contemporaries, they have adapted and continued popularity with each decade, staying relevant as the music evolved. | © Wikipedia

3. The Beatles

As pioneers of early rock music, The Beatles singlehandedly changed the music industry. Formed in 1960, the legendary lineup of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr created numerous timeless albums like Please Please Me, Abbey Road, and Revolver. | © Reuters

2. Queen

Formed in 1970 by Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, Brian May, and John Deacon, Queen quickly became one of the most beloved bands. Their iconic performance at Live Aid in 1985 only solidified their place among rock’s greatest groups. | © Wikipedia

1. Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin is a definitive rock band formed by the iconic lineup of John Bonham, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones who brought chemistry that few bands have achieved. Their famous songs including Immigrant Song, Good Times Bad Times, and Kashmir redefined rock, setting standards for musicianship and songwriting. | © Michael Putland