5. Aerosmith
Aerosmith formed in Boston in 1970 and became one of the most popular rock groups of the era. Their breakout album was 1975’s Toys in the Attic. The band was a top concert draw, not relying on radio singles. That popularity fueled sales of their entire album catalog. The band reinvented itself in the 80s and 90s with more radio-friendly fare.
4. Fleetwood Mac
Formed in 1967, Fleetwood Mac had two different eras. The first was more blues-based, led by guitarist and singer Peter Green. The next Fleetwood Mac incarnation, adding guitarist/singer Lindsey Buckingham and singer Stevie Nicks, had three multi-platinum albums during the 70s. 1975’s Fleetwood Mac reached #1 with 3 top-twenty singles. 1977’s Rumors, reached #1 and had four top-ten singles.
3. Kiss
Decried by critics, rabid fans made KISS the first group whose albums were so in demand they shipped platinum status. The band was innovative in its elaborate makeup, and costumes, and set the standard for bombastic stage shows. They revolutionized music merchandising. KISS has sold over 25 million albums, 30 of which were gold as of July 2015.
2. Queen
Formed in London in 1970, Queen started out blending hard rock, heavy metal, and progressive rock before later venturing into more radio-friendly fare. They were a major concert draw during the 1970s. Their biggest hit of the era was “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Other hits included “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions,” which became sporting event anthems.
1. Eagles
One of the best-selling bands of all time, the Eagles received six Grammy awards and had six number-one albums. They had 14 top-forty singles during the 1970s. Five singles went to #1: “Hotel California,” “New Kid in Town,” “One of These Nights,” “Best of My Love,” and “Heartache Tonight.” They’ve sold over 200 million albums worldwide.
The 1980s
The 1980s were a time of experimentation and excess that saw the birth of hair metal, thrash metal, alternative rock, new wave, and other new genres. Solo artists and pop excluded, here are the 20 Best rock bands of the 80s.
20. Whitesnake
Founded in 1978 by former Deep Purple singer David Coverdale. Whitesnake had huge success in the 1980s boosted by heavy MTV airplay, which led to a string of top 40 singles and three consecutive platinum albums. The band also became a huge concert draw with the addition of a superstar lineup.
