5. Metallica
Formed in 1981, Metallica is one of the most influential heavy metal bands and pioneered the genre of thrash metal. Commercial success came with their third album, Master of Puppets (1986). Of their 11 studio releases, only the most recent has not yet reached platinum. Metallica has won 10 Grammy awards. The band has sold more than 125 million albums worldwide.
4. Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi was formed in 1983. Although identified with the hair metal scene, they injected pop sensibilities into their sound, particularly with help from songwriter Desmond Child. From 1986-1989, every Bon Jovi single hit the top ten except one, with four going to #1. The band has sold more than 130 million records worldwide.
3. U2
U2 formed in 1976. They had two #1 hits in 1987 with “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and “With or Without You.” They became one of the top live draws in the world. U2 has released 15 studio albums and 84 singles. They are among the highest-selling artists of all time with 175 million records sold worldwide.
2. Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden was instrumental in defining the genre of heavy metal music and influential for the bands that followed. Formed in London in 1975, Iron Maiden is known for their progressive style and dual lead guitar harmonies. The operatic style of new vocalist Bruce Dickinson propelled the band to six consecutive platinum albums. They have sold over 200 million albums worldwide.
1. AC/DC
AC/DC was formed in 1973. Although successful in the 1970s, the band achieved their first #1 album with 1981’s For Those About to Rock We Salute You. Live performances and FM radio drove their success. AC/DC have sold over 200 million albums worldwide and Back in Black (1980)sold 50 million copies worldwide making it the second best-selling album in history.
The 1990s
The 1990s saw new, alternative forms of rock rise to the forefront such as grunge, experimental, nu-metal, rap-rock, and more. Still, at their core, all these bands have a rock foundation. Here are the 20 Best 90s rock bands.
20. Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth was formed in 1981 and was never commercially successful. Nonetheless, they pioneered experimental, noise, and art music. They had a huge influence on alternative and indie rock music and the bands of the 1990s. Finally gaining major-label support in the 1990s, they scored a British silver status for the album “Goo.”
