The Quick Report

The Best Rock Bands of Every Decade from the 60s to the 00s

19. ZZ Top

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Although the band reinvented itself with synth-infused radio hits in the 1980s, rock fans relish their golden years of the 1970s. Formed in Texas, in 1969, vocalist-guitarist Billy Gibbons, drummer Frank Beard, and bassist-vocalist Dusty Hill churned out an infectious blend of blues and rock that became FM radio staples. Singles from the 70s included “La Grange” and “Tush.”

18. Thin Lizzy

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Thin Lizzy is one of the most influential hard rock bands of all time, particularly the use of melodic, twin lead guitar harmony lines which became a staple of groups like Iron Maiden. Thin Lizzy rose to prominence with 1976’s Jailbreak. The album yielded the single “The Boys Are Back in Town.” Tragically, singer/bassist and principal songwriter Phil Lynott died in 1986.

17. Chicago

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Formed as the Chicago Transit Authority in 1968, the group innovatively blended rock ‘n’ roll with horns and elements of rock, pop, jazz, R&B, and classical music. The band first broke into the top ten in 1970. They churned out numerous top-ten radio hits throughout the 70s and 80s. Selling over 100 million records, Chicago is one of the best-selling groups ever.

16. The Ramones

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Formed in 1974, The Ramones are among the most influential groups ever. Although never commercially successful, they pioneered punk rock with a style more garage-rock and pop than their angst-laden UK counterparts. The Ramones were awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. They were also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.

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