Top twenty rock bands who are stadium rockers

Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973 by former members of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch. The band has enjoyed worldwide success, particularly during their peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Def Leppard is an English rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield. The band is one of the best-selling music artists in the world, known for their influential sound in the new wave of British heavy metal.

Radiohead, an English rock band formed in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, in 1985, is renowned for its experimental approach to music, blending rock with electronic and other genres

Foreigner is a British-American rock band formed in 1976 by veteran English musician Mick Jones and American singer Lou Gramm. Known for their blend of rock, pop, and blues, Foreigner became one of the most popular rock bands of the late 1970s and 1980s.

The Killers, an American rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada, formed in 2001

Bon Jovi is an American rock band formed in 1983 in Sayreville, New Jersey. The band's lineup consists of… the clues in the name… lead singer Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, guitarist Phil X, and bassist Hugh McDonald. The band's success has made them one of the world's best-selling music artists, with over 130 million records sold worldwide.

Aerosmith is an American rock band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1970. Known as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band” they have sold over 150 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. They’re a bit ‘Spinal Tap’ but that’s a good thing, right?

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They’re X-rated, uninhibited, controversial, take no prisoners with their ‘balls out’ Rock and roll. Only, they don’t have balls, just fragrant ‘lady parts’ (they claim). If you are a rock fan tired of aging, balding has-been guys they are a breath of fresh air, albeit mixed with the aroma of weed!

Songs:

1. Whenever You're Ready
2. Good Old Fashioned Rock and Roll

Gear:

• Gibson Flying V LH
• Gibson SG
• Marshall Amplifier
• Orange amplifier

Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1985. The band has been credited with reviving the mainstream popularity of rock music at a time when pop and dance were dominating the charts.

AC/DC is an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by Scottish-born brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. The band is known for their high-energy performances, gritty sound, and iconic rock anthems. They probably have more tribute acts than any other rockers!

Gear:

• Fender Stratocaster
• Marshall Amplifier

U2, arguably the most successful Irish rock band formed in the late 1970s, and is known for their anthemic sound and socially conscious lyrics. Led by Bono, with The Edge's innovative guitar work, they produced hits like "With or Without You” "Beautiful Day” and "Sunday Bloody Sunday”. U2 rose to global fame in the 1980s and 1990s, and remain active today, continuing to tour and release new music while engaging in humanitarian efforts.

Toto, the penultimate Yacht Rock stadium band of the 1980’s was formed in 1976 in Los Angeles

The Police probably marked the end of the era of three-piece rock bands that were not only commercially successful but had superb musicianship

Songs:

1. Roxxanne
2. Message in a Bottle
3. Every Breath You Take

Gear:

• Fender Stratocaster

Van Halen, a hard rock band formed in the 1970s, revolutionized rock music with Eddie Van Halen's groundbreaking guitar techniques. Known for hits like "Jump” "Panama” and "Runnin' with the Devil” they blended hard rock with a touch of pop. Their dynamic performances and David Lee Roth's charismatic stage presence defined their peak years in the late 1970s and 1980s. Though Eddie Van Halen's passing in 2020 marked a significant loss, their music continues to influence rock musicians.

Queen, fronted by the flamboyant Freddie Mercury, is renowned for their eclectic style, powerful performances, and timeless anthems like "Bohemian Rhapsody” "We Will Rock You” and "We Are the Champions”. Formed in the early 1970s, Queen blended rock, opera, and pop, achieving massive commercial success and critical acclaim. Despite Mercury's death in 1991, the band's legacy endures, with surviving members Brian May and Roger Taylor continuing to perform with new vocalists, including Adam Lambert.

Fleetwood Mac is a British-American rock band formed in London in 1967. Known for their turbulent history, harmonious vocals, and enduring hits, they have become one of the most successful rock bands in history. Originally coming out of the 1960’s UK Blues Boom as a Blues band fronted by Peter Green, they eventually morphed into the most popular California soft rock band ever. You couldn’t get away from their album “Rumours” in 1977 – it was everywhere!

The Rolling Stones need little introduction, being one of the most iconic Rock bands of all time with a six-decade long career. The perennial bad boys of rock have scandalized and entertained us with effete Mick Jagger as frontman and human cockroach Keith Richards on guitar.

Songs:

1. "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"
2. "Paint It Black"
3. "Sympathy for the Devil"
4. "Gimme Shelter"
5. "Angie"
6. "Start Me Up"

Led Zeppelin, formed in 1968, is one of the most iconic four-piece rock bands in history. Consisting of Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones (bass/keyboard), and John Bonham (drums), the band is known for their powerful sound, complex compositions, and profound influence on the rock genre. Amazingly they had all that success without ever releasing a single!

Songs:

1. Stairway to Heaven
2. Whole Lotta Love

Gear:

• Gibson dual neck Jimmy Page
• Marshall Amplifier