Best classic rock band of all time?

[ACamp1900]

Well best is just as subjective. The Beatles were GREAT song writers and good to very good musicians. However I rank numerous other bands way ahead of them on musical talent alone, such as Rush, Mahvishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, Steely Dan, Allman Brothers, Pantera, Genesis, Pink Floyd etc.

He meant to say Orchestral Manoeuvres....

 

[ACamp1900]

Agree with wiz on Rush tho... I get that they are skilled on instruments... many bands are... but only Rush has a lead singer with a voice that makes me want to kick a puppy.... On Rush, I just can't.

 

[aubeirish]

Either you love or you dislike Rush. There doesn't seem to be a big middle ground about it. Nevertheless, they are incredible musicians. How many sounds can 3 guys muster anyways?

For me:

Pink Floyd
Queen
Rush

This is a very subjective question...

 

[woolybug25]

Either you love or you dislike Rush. There doesn't seem to be a big middle ground about it. Nevertheless, they are incredible musicians. How many sounds can 3 guys muster anyways?

For me:

Pink Floyd
Queen
Rush

This is a very subjective question...

See... I don't think it really is that subjective. I think most people posting are confusing "best band ever" with "favorite band". I mean, let's be real... regardless if somebody enjoys Rush, there are zero reasons to compare their greatness to the likes of the Beatles or the Stones. There just simply isn't any justification. Hell, someone mentioned Blind Melon (who I personally love), but they only put out one album compiled as we know them (before Shannon Hoon passed away) and had zero #1 hits. That's not a reasonable suggestion for "best ever", nor is Rush.

That being said, I don't really care, as it's created some really good discussions about bands.

 

[gkIrish]

See... I don't think it really is that subjective. I think most people posting are confusing "best band ever" with "favorite band". I mean, let's be real... regardless if somebody enjoys Rush, there are zero reasons to compare their greatness to the likes of the Beatles or the Stones. There just simply isn't any justification. Hell, someone mentioned Blind Melon (who I personally love), but they only put out one album compiled as we know them (before Shannon Hoon passed away) and had zero #1 hits. That's not a reasonable suggestion for "best ever", nor is Rush.

That being said, I don't really care, as it's created some really good discussions about bands.

Yeah I agree that there is no debate about #1 (The Beatles). The real debate is who you rank 2-5 and then who rounds out the top ten. I think there is definitely room for arguments there.

And yeah, I've seen some real questionable bands being listed here. I can name one Blind Melon song lol.

 

[aubeirish]

See... I don't think it really is that subjective. I think most people posting are confusing "best band ever" with "favorite band". I mean, let's be real... regardless if somebody enjoys Rush, there are zero reasons to compare their greatness to the likes of the Beatles or the Stones. There just simply isn't any justification. Hell, someone mentioned Blind Melon (who I personally love), but they only put out one album compiled as we know them (before Shannon Hoon passed away) and had zero #1 hits. That's not a reasonable suggestion for "best ever", nor is Rush.

That being said, I don't really care, as it's created some really good discussions about bands.

Point taken.

 

[ND NYC]

.

 

[BobbyMac]

See... I don't think it really is that subjective. I think most people posting are confusing "best band ever" with "favorite band". I mean, let's be real... regardless if somebody enjoys Rush, there are zero reasons to compare their greatness to the likes of the Beatles or the Stones. There just simply isn't any justification. Hell, someone mentioned Blind Melon (who I personally love), but they only put out one album compiled as we know them (before Shannon Hoon passed away) and had zero #1 hits. That's not a reasonable suggestion for "best ever", nor is Rush.

That being said, I don't really care, as it's created some really good discussions about bands.

Once again, I'm not a Rush fan but Rolling Stone thinks they're one of the greatest. #4 drummer, #4 Bass player.

Only the Who and Zepplin can match it.

Must have been a b!tch for Liefson to keep up with those two being the only guitarist. Never really thought of that before. Damn.

 

[T Town Tommy]

We should have shut the border as soon as Neil Young got across.

A southern man don't need him around any how.

Guess I am getting old as some of the bands listed here are now considered classic rockers. For T Town, while I love the Stones, CCR, The Doors, etc, I grew up in the decade of decadence so for me my classic rock list isn't really all that classic.... or great. Give me Dokken, Tesla, LA Guns, GnR, Shotgun Messiah, Motley, and I am good.

 

[ACamp1900]

Rolling Stone says so................

 

[kmoose]

See... I don't think it really is that subjective. I think most people posting are confusing "best band ever" with "favorite band". I mean, let's be real... regardless if somebody enjoys Rush, there are zero reasons to compare their greatness to the likes of the Beatles or the Stones. There just simply isn't any justification. Hell, someone mentioned Blind Melon (who I personally love), but they only put out one album compiled as we know them (before Shannon Hoon passed away) and had zero #1 hits. That's not a reasonable suggestion for "best ever", nor is Rush.

True. I've been a big Rush fan for over 30 years, and they are my favorite, but I wouldn't put them forth as the greatest of all time. Although you can certainly make an argument for Neil Peart being the greatest drummer, and maybe even one of the greatest lyricists, of all time. But to say "Rush is trash" is at least twice as dumb as saying "Rush is the gweatest Wock band of all time!"

 

[Valpodoc85]

Best live band ever......


Little Feat

 

[kmoose]

Best live band ever......


Little Feat

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[Rocket89]

Well best is just as subjective. The Beatles were GREAT song writers and good to very good musicians. However I rank numerous other bands way ahead of them on musical talent alone, such as Rush, Mahvishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, Steely Dan, Allman Brothers, Pantera, Genesis, Pink Floyd etc.

The Beatles were great at song writing and greatly affected popular culture but that does not mean they are great technically, which I highly value as far as judging a band. Mahvishnu Orchestra, Weather Report among others are so technically great that they dont fall into popular music for that genre.

But this whole thing is very subjective so calm your tits and keep your panties under control.

To have a meaningful discussion we need to set some boundaries:
What classifies as classic rock? What are its defining characteristics?
What time periods?
What genres can be included?
How do we weight technical ability versus popularity, because most people do not appreciate technical ability but prefer easily digestible songs with catchy hooks.

I could go on but will rest here.

Isn't that kind of like judging the best basketball teams by those who could dunk the best?

Technical ability is somewhat important, but I think it misses the forest for the trees. In some cases, like Neil Peart, being super technical is seen by many as a negative.

 

[fightingirish26]

Isn't that kind of like judging the best basketball teams by those who could dunk the best?

Technical ability is somewhat important, but I think it misses the forest for the trees. In some cases, like Neil Peart, being super technical is seen by many as a negative.

Agreed. Being a talented player is always a good thing, but it means very little if the songs themselves are lacking.

 

[BobbyMac]

Rolling Stone says so................

The Rolling Stone rankings are compiled from a peer poll, not their staff writers.

 

[Bishop2b5]

Best live band ever......


Little Feat

Bama homecoming my freshman year. Incredible. Tightest live act ever.

 

[Cackalacky]

Isn't that kind of like judging the best basketball teams by those who could dunk the best?

Technical ability is somewhat important, but I think it misses the forest for the trees. In some cases, like Neil Peart, being super technical is seen by many as a negative.

Only to the peasants.

I dont think of a band as individuals but as a group. Your analogy is not the same. It would be more correct to look at the team as a whole who plays together in an excellent way.

Rush has Neil Peart but they also have Geddie Lee and Alex Leifson who are phenomenal in their own right and they , together create great music that is technically superior to heavily produced pop music.

 

[GBdomer]

Steve Winwood

Everyone else

Eagles most overrated band of all time

Rush is the fcking worst, Candian rock band lol

 

[BobbyMac]

Steve Winwood

Everyone else

Eagles most overrated band of all time

Rush is the fcking worst, Candian rock band lol

My best friend in HS's dog was named Mr. Fantasy. His other dog was Hippy Dick. Best names ever for dogs. Great, great song.

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[Rocket89]

Only to the peasants.

I dont think of a band as individuals but as a group. Your analogy is not the same. It would be more correct to look at the team as a whole who plays together in an excellent way.

Rush has Neil Peart but they also have Geddie Lee and Alex Leifson who are phenomenal in their own right and they , together create great music that is technically superior to heavily produced pop music.

The analogy holds. You're taking one area (technical ability: dunking) and saying that since they're so good at it collectively they're the best band (team).

Technical ability is just one part of the equation, it's not THAT important. If it was there'd be metal bands who were supposedly "better" than Rush.

Anyway, in a technical sense Geddy Lee is not a great singer. So, there's a major weakness right there and a huge reason why people don't like Rush.

I like Rush, btw.

 

[Cackalacky]

The analogy holds. You're taking one area (technical ability: dunking) and saying that since they're so good at it collectively they're the best band (team).

Technical ability is just one part of the equation, it's not THAT important. If it was there'd be metal bands who were supposedly "better" than Rush.

Anyway, in a technical sense Geddy Lee is not a great singer. So, there's a major weakness right there and a huge reason why people don't like Rush.

I like Rush, btw.

I am not following you. In music, exceptional technical ability is a function of mastering the fundamentals of musical theory and applying those skills to creating a structured song. Dunking is individual instantaneous event. No team dunks together at the same time. They arent creating a game of exceptional fundamentals by dunking.

I persoanlly love technically skilled bands. I rate them higher than popular crap pop bands. Justin Beiber might be super popular but his music is shit.

 

[Cackalacky]

The analogy holds. You're taking one area (technical ability: dunking) and saying that since they're so good at it collectively they're the best band (team).

Technical ability is just one part of the equation, it's not THAT important. If it was there'd be metal bands who were supposedly "better" than Rush.

Anyway, in a technical sense Geddy Lee is not a great singer. So, there's a major weakness right there and a huge reason why people don't like Rush.

I like Rush, btw.

RE: GL singing ... technically he hits all the notes he should. However the criticism is not his inability to sing but the tone of his voice. He sings quite well. Again we are trailing off into personal preference not a respect or admiration for technical ability. I dont like the Stones. I appreciate and respect their history and creations though. I also think that Hendrix and Page were sloppy guitarists which doesnt negate hiw awesome and creative they were. Lol. Not a popular opinion.

 

[ACamp1900]

Winwood is an all time great voice....

Also, I used to think Cack and I would do really well breaking bread together, but today I learned he doesn't like The Stones.... now the only thing that'll break if we meet is his jaw.

 

[Cackalacky]

Winwood is an all time great voice....

Also, I used to think Cack and I would do really well breaking bread together, but today I learned he doesn't like The Stones.... now the only thing that'll break if we meet is his jaw.

I wear my faults on my sleeve my man. You will always see me comin.
Lmao

 

[kmoose]

Agreed. Being a talented player is always a good thing, but it means very little if the songs themselves are lacking.

What is this one lacking?

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[fightingirish26]

What is this one lacking?

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I love rush. My comment had nothing to do with rush.

 

[Irish#1]

Once again, I'm not a Rush fan but Rolling Stone thinks they're one of the greatest. #4 drummer, #4 Bass player.

Only the Who and Zepplin can match it.

Must have been a b!tch for Liefson to keep up with those two being the only guitarist. Never really thought of that before. Damn.

They must have forgot about Cream. As much as I love LZ and the Who, Clapton, Baker and Bruce take a back seat to no one IMO.


I'm really disappointed no one on here mentioned Hanson.

 

[bkess8]

When work slows down today I will start a new thread with a poll with all the bands mentioned for Greatest Classic Rock Band of all Time!

 

[bkess8]

Can a mod please change the title of this thread to:

Top 5 Classic Rock Bands of all time

Or something to that nature.