The most popular rock bands in the world of all time
The 20 most successful bands in the history of world rock music can be determined by the number of CDs with their albums sold.
So, the group is in 20th place Journey(Journey). Since 1973, this San Francisco rock band has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide.
In 19th place is an American hard rock band Van Halen, founded in 1972 in California by Dutch-born brothers Edward and Alex Van Halen. Over the entire history of this band, 80 million albums have been sold.
Legendary American rock band The Doors(Doors), formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, has sold approximately 100 million albums worldwide. The Doors became the first American band to release 8 gold albums in a row.
Def Leppard(can be translated as deaf leopard) is a British rock band formed in 1977. To date, this group has sold more than 100 million albums.
One of the most shocking rock bands - KISS founded in 1973 in New York. Thanks to the crazy makeup and stage costumes, even people who are not interested in rock music recognize the musicians of this group. Kiss has forty-five gold and platinum albums and has sold over 100 million records.
Guns N' Roses(Trunks and Roses or Guns and Roses), a Los Angeles-based band formed in 1985. More than 100 million albums of this band have been sold worldwide. This is the youngest group on this list. However, their record sales are comparable to the grandfathers of rock and roll.
The Who(Who) are a British rock band formed in 1964. They were the first to start breaking instruments on stage after the performance. More than 100 million albums of this band have been sold worldwide.
Legendary Metallica- the only group in history that performed on all continents of the Earth, including Antarctica, and in one year, 2013. Sold approx. 110 million albums all over the world.
Bruce Springsteen, an American rock and folk musician from New Jersey, is one of the highest paid rock performers in the world. A twenty-time Grammy Award winner, winner of the Oscar and Golden Globe cinema awards for the best songs for the films “Philadelphia” and “The Wrestler,” Bruce has sold 120 million discs with his songs around the world.
Forever young and energetic Jon Bon Jovi, lead singer of the American rock band Bon Jovi from New Jersey, which was formed in 1983, has released 12 studio albums, five compilations and two live albums. In total, the group's albums have sold 130 million copies.
Eagles(The Eagles) are an American rock band performing melodic guitar-driven country rock and soft rock. Even people far from rock music have probably heard their immortal hit “Hotel California” more than once. Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975, released in 1976, sold 29 million copies and remains the best-selling album in US history. In total, about 150 million of their albums have been sold.
Aerosmith- American rock band from Boston. 150 million albums sold. In terms of the number of gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums, Aerosmith is the first among American groups.
U2(pronounced "Yu tu") are a rock band from Dublin, Ireland, formed in 1976. The group's albums have sold approximately 180 million copies. They have twenty-two Grammy awards to their credit, more than any other group in the world.
AC/DC(translation - alternating / direct current) is an Australian rock band from Sydney (Australia), founded in 1973 by immigrants from Scotland, brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. One of the pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal. The total circulation of discs with their albums is 200 million copies.
Group Queen(Queen) - a cult British group of the 70-90s of the last century. The group has released fifteen studio albums, five live albums and numerous compilations. Many compositions performed by Freddie Mercury have long become classics. Thus, the six-minute composition Bohemian Rhapsody, which combines the features of rock, pop music and opera, is today named the song of the millennium in the UK. In total, Queen has sold approximately 200 million albums worldwide.
Another legendary English rock band The Rolling Stones(rolling stones or tumbleweeds) was founded in 1962. The worldwide circulation of Rolling Stones albums has exceeded 250 million.
Pink Floyd- a British rock band founded in 1965, famous for their philosophical lyrics, acoustic experiments, innovations in album design and grandiose shows. The worldwide circulation of Pink Floyd albums has exceeded 250 million.
And again the British are a British rock band founded in 1968 - Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin is number one on VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. In total, their albums have sold 300 million copies.
The King of Rock and Roll, American singer and actor, Elvis Presley(Elvis Presley) ranks second in the number of discs sold - 600 million copies!
Obviously, the first place is occupied by the immortal Liverpool four Beatles (The Beatles - Beetles). Just imagine: a total of 2.3 billion of their discs have been sold worldwide!
Thus, the most commercially successful and popular groups emerged from England, not America. Indeed, with the exception of Elvis, the leaders of this ranking come from the UK. Although there are no comrades for the taste and color.
Who are they, the best rock bands of all time? The 50 best bands are in front of you.
AC/DC
The famous rock band was formed in 1973 in Sydney. Now, probably, there is no person, not even passionate about rock music, who has never heard this name - AC/DC. Unfortunately, in 2016, vocalist Brian Johnson received a disappointing diagnosis. Doctors strongly advised the musician to give up performing, otherwise he would face complete hearing loss. As a result, the singer decided to leave the band for health reasons. Axl Rose was invited to take his place.
Arcade Fire
A unique indie rock project from Canada found its audience from its first album thanks to its unusual and authentic sound. Their third album won the Grammy for Best Album of the Year.
Arctic Monkeys
They may be the best British band of the millennium. At least the guys from Arctic Monkeys themselves have no doubt about it!
Biffy Clyro
It took the Scottish rockers many years of hard work to gain recognition. In 2007, their album Puzzle reached gold status, and songs from it entered the top music charts.
Bloc Party
The British group was created in 2003. From the first album to this day, musicians have been tearing up the charts and the hearts of fans with new hits.
Blur
Who doesn't know one of the most successful rock bands of the 1990s? The musicians are still “on horseback” - in 2015 they released the album The Magic Whip, which was appreciated by both fans and critics.
Coldplay
Another British alternative band on the list of the best. Recognition came to them after the release of their second album Yellow, which blew up the charts in the US and UK. To date, the group's albums have sold more than 80 million copies.
Courteeners
British musicians immediately made a powerful statement. The group's first two albums - St. Jude and Falcon - broke into the local music charts and immediately reached the top ten.
Doves
In the 90s the group was quite popular. Despite the fact that the musicians have been on sabbatical since 2010, we do not forget them.
Editors
The musicians' first two platinum discs sold more than 2 million copies. Many rock fans remember their stunning performance at Glastonbury, after which their second album Editors reached number one in the UK Albums Chart.
Elbow
From the very beginning of their musical career, the group received strong support from music critics. They were called "the smartest band in Britain", their third album was called a "masterpiece". Many musicians are their fans, including such stars as R.E.M., U2.
Foals
The indie rock band was born in 2005 in the UK. Their work was influenced by such trends as math rock and dance-punk.
They can deservedly be called the best rock band of the 21st century. It's that simple.
Green Day
With the release of the single American Idiot, the punks boldly expressed their opinions. And, of course, a true rocker’s September wouldn’t be complete without listening to Wake Me Up When September Ends.
Guns N' Roses
One of the most famous groups of the 1980s. Their influence on rock music is difficult to overestimate.
Joy Division
Musicians were among the first to focus on mood, paving the way for alternative rock.
Kasabian
The British have an impressive number of awards. Over the years they won in the categories “Best Performance of the Year” and “Best Group of Our Time”.
Kings of Leon
The group owes its name to the father and grandfather of its members. Both were called Leons. The famous song Sex On Fire reached number nine on the UK Top 40 list.
The group is considered one of the most popular in rock: in total, more than 300 million albums have been sold. Having created their innovative sound style, the members of the group made a huge contribution to the development of music.
Manic Street Preachers
The guys started out as a punk band, but then they started playing rock. The lyrics have always been politicized.
Mumford And Sons
In 2013, the musicians won the prestigious Grammy Award, their album was recognized as album of the year.
Muse
During their musical career, the group has released 11 albums, 7 studio and 4 live. Record sales exceeded 15 million. More than once the group has been awarded various prestigious awards, including Grammy and MTV Europe Music Awards.
Nirvana
(In the main photo.) The group's history was interrupted due to the suicide of its leader Kurt Cobain in 1994. However, thanks to the musician’s cult of personality, the band is still popular. The albums have sold over 75 million copies.
Oasis
They are one of the most commercially successful rock bands of the 90s.
Pink Floyd
The British band is known for its acoustic experiments, philosophical lyrics and large-scale live shows. One of the most popular rock bands of our time.
Pixies
The group had a significant influence on the rise of alternative music in the 1990s. The team's world tours are still very popular.
Placebo
The famous British alternative group was created by B. Molko and S. Olsdal in 1994. The depressive nature of the lyrics and music hit the mark. The group still releases albums and tours.
Primal Scream
The musicians showed a fresh sound by combining different styles of rock music.
Pulp
The group did not become popular immediately; the musicians achieved success only in the 1990s.
Radiohead
The group has existed since 1985. It is noteworthy that its composition has not changed since then. Radiohead have sold more than 300 million copies of their albums and significantly influenced the development of modern rock.
Razorlight
The English-Swedish group appeared in 2002. She is mostly popular only in her home countries.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
One of the most famous rock bands of our time, more than 80 million albums have been sold. RHCP was ranked #30 on Rock's Top 100 list and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
R.E.M.
The group had a very important influence on the development of alternative rock music.
The Rolling Stones
Everyone has probably heard about this group. The albums have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. The Rolling Stones are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Also, Rolling Stone magazine placed the group in honorable fourth place on its list of the “50 Greatest Artists of All Time.”
The Snow Patrol
An alternative rock band made up of Scots and Irish. They have received prestigious awards more than once, and their singles can be heard in famous TV series and films.
The Stereophonics
Over a quarter of a century, the group released ten albums, the circulation of which exceeded 10 million copies.
The Stone Roses
The band's debut album became a classic before it was released.
The team was formed in 1998 in the USA. The musicians play a mixture of indie and garage rock.
The Suede
The group appeared in the British capital in 1989. One of the "Big Four" of British pop along with Blur, Pulp and Oasis.
The Beatles
Many musicians mention the influence of The Beatles on their work. The team is considered one of the best-selling and most popular in the 20th century.
The Charlatans
The group, which appeared in England, played Britpop. The musicians released ten studio albums, three of them became winners of the British charts.
The Clash
One of the first famous punk rock bands. The Sex Pistols played a big role in its appearance.
The Cure
Over a thirty-year musical career, the group has released 13 albums that have sold 30 million copies.
The Jam
The Jam played hard rock combined with American rhythm and blues.
The Killers
If you have never danced to the hit Mr. Brightside, then you have lost a lot.
The Libertines
The group was created by two friends in 1997. After the release of the second album, the team broke up as a result of a quarrel between colleagues.
The Smiths
It was formed in 1982 in England. Afterwards, critics noted the group's influence on the development of indie rock in the 1980s.
U2
The Irish rock band was formed in 1976. They are one of the most successful and famous groups in the history of rock. During their career, the musicians received as many as 22 Grammy awards - this is more than any other group in the world.
The White Stripes
The last three albums received Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Album.
The Who
Considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time. The group became widely popular thanks to its unusual concert performances.
Music probably arose along with man. It is an integral part of existence. Rock music is one of the most popular trends in this craft. Currently, the best rock bands and their creativity are one of the components of the cultural life of the younger generation.
Every person has their own idol. Whether it is a Russian group or a Western one, they are all united by a love of music and millions of fans around the world. This rating includes only the most famous and popular rock bands. Among them:
The Beatles - separately the members of the ensemble are called "The Beatles", they are also called the "Magnificent Four" and the "Fab Four" - a British rock band from Liverpool, founded in 1960, which included John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
Songs by The Beatles
2. Led Zeppelin
At the end of the 60s, a British rock band appeared on the musical horizon. Some call them the founders of the heavy metal style. The guys took folk and blues motifs, and then diluted them with reggae, country, soul and other motifs in their own interpretation. At the top one could already hear ready-made fantastic songs that were full of drive and enthusiasm. The group created 10 studio albums. All of them, without exception, went platinum.
Songs by Led Zeppelin
3. The Rolling Stones
A musical group from Britain saw the world in 1962 in London. At that time they were called the greatest rock band in the world. The Thundering Stones, as their name is translated, could even compete with the Beatles in popularity and number of fans.
The musicians have released 24 studio albums. 8 of them were considered number one in the world. When the group wrote a single called I can’t get no, they immediately became world stars. They stayed at number one on the charts for four weeks. The creative duo of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards became and are a true legend.
Songs by The Rolling Stones
This is a fairly popular American hard rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1985. The group gained worldwide popularity after the release of its first full-length album, Appetite for Destruction, by Geffen Records in 1987 (according to the RIAA, it is the most commercially successful debut album in the history of rock and roll).
Songs by Guns N'Roses
5. Pink Floyd
This is one of the most popular British rock bands. She is famous for her philosophical texts, acoustic experiments, innovations in album design and grandiose shows. They are one of the most influential and most successful groups in rock music - 74.5 million albums sold in the United States (seventh place), and about 300 million were sold worldwide (not counting solo works).
Songs by Pink Floyd
6. Metallica
Metallica is an American metal band formed in 1981. Performs music in the style of thrash metal and heavy metal. Metallica had a major influence on the development of metal and is included (along with bands such as Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax) in the "Big Four of thrash metal".
Metallica's albums have sold a total of over 100 million copies worldwide, making them one of the most commercially successful metal acts. In 2011, one of the largest metal music magazines, Kerrang! in the June issue recognized Metallica as the best metal band of the last 30 years.
In 2009, Metallica was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2012, Metallica founded the independent label Blackened Recordings and purchased the rights to all of their studio albums and videos.
Metallica songs
7. Queen
This is a fairly popular British rock band that achieved widespread fame in the mid-1970s, and is one of the most successful groups in the history of rock music. The media call the group “cult” and write that it still has hundreds of millions of fans to this day.
The group has released fifteen studio albums, five live albums and numerous compilations. Eighteen Queen hits took first place on the charts in different countries. Each member of the group is the author of at least one hit that reached the top of the British charts. The group's concert performances were also recognized as one of the brightest and most significant in the history of rock.
Queen's video clips are also widely known for their innovation in special effects and editing. Shot in 1975, the video for "Bohemian Rhapsody" is considered a key video in the history of music videos, and its success inspired the development of the industry.
Queen songs
8.AC/DC
AC/DC is an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in November 1973 by Scottish brothers Malcolm and Angus Young.
The team has sold over 200 million albums worldwide, including 68 million in the United States.
The most successful album, Back in Black, sold over 22 million in the US and over 42 million abroad. Overall, AC/DC is the most successful and famous rock band from Australia and one of the most popular in the world.
“AC/DC” is an abbreviation for “alternating current/direct current”. Malcolm and Angus Young's older sister, Margaret, suggested the name for the group after seeing "AC/DC" written on the back of a sewing machine (by the way, it was Margaret who suggested that Angus perform on stage in his school uniform).
AC/DC songs
This selection contains the most popular musical groups and foreign performers, whose performances are best heard and seen live. Nowadays, special technical devices and voice editors can improve the voice of singers to such an extent that it is virtually unrecognizable. Therefore, it is the live performance, the efforts of the performers, dancing, lighting, improvisation and other features that make the musical group truly popular. Keep in mind that the list only includes musicians who are currently performing.
U2
The legendary rock band needs no introduction - with the Edge's guitar, Bono's vocals, Adam Clayton's bass and Larry Mullen Jr.'s drums, U2 is one of the world's most popular bands. They released 12 studio albums and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2009, U2 created a special concert platform called “The Claw”, designed in such a way that fans could surround the stage from all sides. The concert tour lasted until 2012, attracting a record number of visitors. 
Coldplay
When it comes to live performances, few can compare to coldplay. The musical group, formed in 1996 with Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland, was complemented by Guy Berryman and Will Champion and achieved international fame in 2000 when they released their single "Yellow". Now this is one of the best bands in the world, whose concert is definitely worth attending. 
Lady Gaga
This performer impresses millions not only with her voice, but also with her eccentric videos, outfits and behavior. Lady Gaga is definitely one of the most amazing performers worth attending live in concert. She herself says that she is a perfectionist, detail-oriented and that she is quite bossy.” 
Red Hot Chilly Peppers
Frankly, there isn't a person on the planet who hasn't heard a Californication song at least once in their life. One of the most popular music groups in the world, the Red Hot Chilly Peppers are famous for the elements of jamming and improvisation during their live performances. Almost all of their songs are popular hits.
Beyonce
Beyonce began her career as the lead singer of Destiny's Child, and her individual work with the album “Dangerously in love” in 2003, after which she was included in the “100 Most Remarkable Women in Music.” Beyonce is incredibly beautiful, she has a wonderful voice and amazing music. Thanks to professional musicians and the band, Beyonce's concerts always have a special drive. 
Katy Perry
As a child, Katy Perry's parents forbade her to listen to any pop music, and this is what came of it. She is the only artist to have spent 69 consecutive weeks in the Top 10 charts. Beautiful, talented and unique, Katy Perry seems to have all the makings of a successful singer. Her concerts are always in demand among fans, so don't miss your chance. 
Adele
The list of popular music groups would never be complete without this wonderful singer with a unique voice. Adele entered the Guinness Book of Records by becoming the first artist to sell more than 3 million copies of an album in a year in the UK. Adele can conquer any soul with her music, elegant and mysterious. 
Pink
In 2013, Pink began her “The Truth About Love” tour, with 100 shows in America, Europe and Australia. The tour kicked off in support of her sixth studio album, appropriately titled. An amazingly talented performer, Pink and her band put on some very impressive shows. 
Muse
This popular music group is best known for its extravagant and energetic live shows, as well as its fusion of numerous genres. Muse was founded in 1994 and has released six studio albums. The live performance will leave you breathless, even if you're not a fan. Be sure to go to one of their concerts if you ever get the chance! 
Bon Jovi
Many actually grew up listening to Bon Jovi's music. In 2013, the music group announced a tour in support of their new album “What About Now,” which started in March 2013. The musicians visited Europe, Africa, America and Australia. John Bongiovi always gave his best at his concerts, for which he is appreciated by millions of fans around the world.
Following its long tradition of publishing lists of the greatest bands, writers, singles, concerts, singers or albums in the world, Q magazine has announced the 50 greatest bands of all time.
Q magazine's regular lists sometimes seem to be aimed at pissing people off (who would have thought U 2's "One" could be the greatest song in the world?), but this time a more scientific approach has been taken to compiling the top 50 list groups of all times.
Bands were ranked according to points earned based on sales of the most popular album, biggest live performance and total number of weeks spent in the UK album charts.
Thus, Pink Floyd came out on top. Their concept album1979 "The Wall" sold 23.3 million copies (sales figures for their 1973 opus "Dark Side of the Moon", which almost certainly sold more, were not taken into account due to inaccuracy) , their biggest live performance took place at Knebworth Park in 1975, in front of 125,000 people, and they spent 911 weeks in the UK charts.
"I have to say I suspected Queen would be number one," said Q editor Paul Rees, "but when you think about the huge numbers of The Wall and Dark Side of the Moon, that spot belongs to Pink Floyd . If you look at the top ten, all the quite predictable groups were in it. It’s surprising that such groups as Erasure and Hootie & the Blowfish were on the list. I was just stunned when I saw them on it."
Surprisingly, The Beatles only finished in 8th place behind The Rolling Stones, U2, Dire Straits and Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band. The reason for this result lies in the lack of recent concerts (ahem) and the finite number of albums released.
Despite the fact that all the expected bands were on the list (The Eagles, Oasis, Red Hot Chili Peppers), there were a couple of surprises. Wham! They took a respectable 38th place, The Backstreet Boys – 22nd, Status Quo – 42nd, and The Shadows at 48th.
Q magazine's complete list of the best bands of all time:
- Pink Floyd
- Led Zeppelin
- Rolling Stones
- Queen
- Dire Straits
- Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
- The Beatles
- Bob Marley and the Wailers
- Fleetwood Mac
- The Eagles
- The Beach Boys
- Oasis
- Bon Jovi
- Guns N' Roses
- Nirvana
- Genesis
- Bee Gees
- Metallica
- Boston
- R.E.M.
- Backstreet Boys
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- AC/DC
- The Police
- Steve Miller Band
- Santana
- Simply Red
- Supertramp
- The Carpenters
- Journey
- Spice Girls
- Def Leppard
- Deep Purple
- Aerosmith
- Wham!
- Pearl Jam
- Hootie & the Blowfish
- Status Quo
- Simple Minds
- Wet Wet Wet
- "N Sync
- Eurythmics
- Duran Duran
- Erasure
- The Shadows
- Boyz II Men
- Van Halen
(Dedicated to Sergei Malinovsky!)
