Last updated on August 23rd, 2023 at 11:30 am
The United Kingdom has produced some extraordinarily successful musical acts over the years. I am thinking, of course, of creative combos like Black Lace (Agadoo, 1984), the Tellytubbies (Say ‘Eh-oh’ 1997) and Johnny Drip & the Bath Taps (nothing printable). So, by way of a departure from Rotten Romans, Dastardly Danes, Naughty Normans, Tyrannical Tudors – and so on – let’s take a look at Britain’s top ten bands; and quickly, before being overcome in an avalanche of alliteration.
But how, you may ask, do we select the top ten? Is this purely subjective? It appears, from looking at some sites, that it might well be. Others rely on members of the public to vote, or on panels of ‘experts’. What I did was just as valid. I searched for ‘top ten British bands’ and shamelessly stole the results from seven different websites to compile a long list of 25 bands. Most of them had The Beatles, Queen, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd somewhere in their top 5; The Beatles topped 5 out of the 7 lists. I excluded sites that were confused about the difference between ‘English’ and ‘British’ and ignored class acts such as Adele, Eric Clapton, David Bowie and Elton John on the basis that they are individuals, not groups. I also resisted the urge to include a few personal favourites such as Dr Feelgood, 10CC, Wishbone Ash and the Strawbs. Outfits like Fleetwood Mac and the Travelling Wilburys were left out because they weren’t purely British bands. I then Googled every band on the long list and put the number of search results returned into a spreadsheet. Some I had to be sure searched on ‘band’, rather than something completely different; and even then I’m not convinced I didn’t get a few false figures from names like the Cure, Cream, Queen, Genesis and Who. Anyway, when I’d finished, I sorted the spreadsheet in ascending order. So, here’s a bit about the winners, together with links to suggested musical offerings on Amazon should you wish to treat yourself or a friend. And the results are:
No 10 – The Clash
The Clash came out of the British punk scene in 1976 and disbanded in 1986. However, unlike many punk bands, the Clash did more than simply bang out a limited number of chords in record 4:4 time with a shouted vocal and, even now, have a respectable fan-base. Core personnel were Mick Jones on lead guitar, born in Wandsworth in 1955; Joe Strummer, born John Graham Mellor in Ankara, Turkey in 1952 – and who died in Broomfield, Somerset in 2002 on rhythm guitar; Paul Simonon, born in Thornton Heath, Croydon, in 1955 on bass; and drummer Nicky “Topper” Headon, born in Bromley, Kent, in 1955. The Clash released six studio albums, including the acclaimed London’s Calling in 1979. I have to say my personal favourite Clash track is Should I Stay or Should I Go (1982) – cracking number! Their music is widely available, including Hits Back, which includes all their popular sing-along tunes.
No 9 – Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were formed in London in 1968 and are one of the most popular and influential rock bands of all time, combining heavy rock inspiration with blues and folk. After the Beatles, they are the UK’s most successful musical act, having sold some 300 million units worldwide. The group consisted of vocalist Robert Plant (born in West Bromwich in 1948), guitarist Jimmy Page (born in Heston, Middlesex, in 1944), bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, born in 1946 in Sidcup, Kent and drummer John Bonham, born in 1948 in Redditch, Worcestershire, who died in 1980 in Clewer, Berkshire. The band only produced eight studio albums before breaking up after the death of John Bonham. Much of their back catalogue is available, as well as a compilation, Mothership, which includes all the memorable ones – like Whole Lotta Love, Rock and Roll and (of course) Stairway to Heaven.
No 8 – The Cure
The Cure were formed in Crawley, West Sussex, in 1978. The only consistent member has been guitarist Robert Smith, previously with Siouxsie and the Banshees, who was born in Blackburn in 1959. To my shame, beyond the excellent 1983 single, The Love Cats and Friday I’m in Love (1992), they’re right up alongside Herman’s Hermits in the category of ‘bands I don’t really know’. Allegedly, they have a Gothic following. But their Greatest Hits is available – and there is a website.
No 7 – The Rolling Stones
Famous perhaps not so much for their music as for lasting as long as they have, the Rolling Stones were formed in 1962 by gyrating vocalist Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richard(s), both born in Dartford, Kent, in 1943, and guitarist Brian Jones, born in Cheltenham in 1942, who died in Hartfield, East Sussex, in 1969. Bass player Bill Wyman (born in Lewisham in 1936) and drummer Charlie Watts (born in Bloomsbury in 1941) joined later to complete the group that according to the hype rivalled the Beatles throughout the ‘60s. Jones was eventually replaced in 1975 by ex-Faces Ron Wood (born in Hillingdon in 1947), and Wyman left in 1993. The Stones’ music, like that of many British bands of the time, was rooted in US blues – as can be heard in their excellent and joyous Blue and Lonesome album recorded in 2015. In fact, their material varies from the melodic, through marginally funky, to slightly edgy. Sometimes known as ‘the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band’, the Rolling Stones have produced 25 studio albums and several compilations are available too.
Official Rolling Stones website
No 6 – Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd formed in London in 1965. Initially a fringe psychedelic pop group, they went on to be at the forefront of 1970s prog rock, whose followers considered it a sin to listen to Rod Stewart or Abba. Original members were Syd Barrett, born in 1946 Cambridge, where he died in 2006, on guitar; Nick Mason born in 1944 in Edgbaston, Birmingham, on drums; Roger Waters, born in 1943 in Great Bookham, Surrey, on bass guitar; and Richard Wright, born in 1943 in Hatch End, Middlesex, who died in London in 2008, on keyboards. David Gilmour, born in Cambridge in 1946, joined as guitarist in 1967, replacing Barrett, whose mental health was deteriorating, in 1968. Barrett, Waters and Gilmour knew each other growing up in Cambridge. The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) is astonishing and one of the most successful albums ever – along with The Wall (1979). Frankly, I still get goosebumps hearing Shine On you Crazy Diamond (1975) and want Coming Back to Life (1994) played at my funeral. But not yet. Echoes (The Best of Pink Floyd) is available on CD – as are other albums.
No 5 – Deep Purple
Deep Purple are considered by many as the pioneering heavy-rock-metal band, founded in Hertfordshire in 1968. With various personnel changes over the years, the chief members have been Ian Gillan (born in Chiswick, London in 1945) on vocals; Ritchie Blackmore (born in Weston-super-Mare in 1945) guitar; Jon Lord (born in Leicester in 1941, died in London in 2012) keyboards; Roger Glover (born in Brecon in 1945) bass; and Ian Paice (born in Nottingham in 1948) on drums. I confess to never having progressed beyond Smoke on the Water, with its catchy much-copied opening riff descending into tedious screeching disharmony, but find a Very Best of Deep Purple is available. I’m thinking that must be quite a short album, but their 1970 Deep Purple in Rock was in the charts for over a year and, obviously, they have one or two fans out there.
No 4 – The Beatles
The Beatles were possibly the most influential popular musical act ever and the UK’s most successful musical act with more than 1 billion units sold. They formed in Liverpool in the early 1960s and disbanded in 1970. Half a century later, their music is still played on the radio every day. The classic line-up was John Lennon (born 1940, shot in New York in 1980) on rhythm guitar, Paul McCartney (born 1942) on bass, George Harrison (born 1943, died Los Angeles, USA in 2001) on lead guitar and Ringo Starr (born 1940) on drums. All were Liverpudlians and spearheaded a whole raft of acts from Merseyside in the 1960s, which included Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Searchers and Cilla Black. Ringo replaced drummer Pete Best (born in Chennai, India, in 1941) in 1963, on the eve of the Beatles’ national fame. John Lennon’s close friend, artiste Stu Sutcliffe (born in Edinburgh in 1940) played bass in an earlier version of the group and died in Hamburg, Germany, in 1962. I was weaned on the Beatles and enjoy most of their stuff; but in the unlikely event you’ve never heard them, a good starting point would be the Love remix album. I particularly recommend the version of Harrison’s While My Guitar Gently Weeps.
There are several Beatles’ themed articles on A Bit About Britain, including Lennon and McCartney’s Childhood homes, a bit about Strawberry Fields/Penny Lane and the story of Eleanor Rigby.
No 3 – Cream
Cream were considered the first supergroup (whatever that means) and had a short-lived but glorious existence from 1966-1968. The band consisted of bass player and main songwriter Jack Bruce (born in 1943 in Bishopbriggs, Lanarkshire; died 2014 in Sudbury, Suffolk), deified guitarist Eric Clapton (born in Ripley, Surrey in 1945) and drummer Ginger Baker (born in Lewisham, London in 1939; died 2019 in Canterbury, Kent). Classic numbers like I Feel Free, Sunshine of Your Love and White Room can be found on the Very Best of Cream compilation.
No 2 – Queen
Queen formed in London in 1970. The original line-up was vocalist, front man extraordinaire and multi-instrumentalist Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, 1946; died in London, 1991); guitarist Brian May (born in Hampton, London, in 1946), drummer Roger Taylor (born in Kings Lynn, Norfolk in 1949) and bass-player John Deacon (born in Leicester in 1951). Queen’s music was unique, and varied, including semi-operatic, heavy rock, and disco. The band grew from slightly quirky beginnings to achieve phenomenal success all over the world; their performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert is still discussed in reverential, enthusiastic, tones. The best-selling album in the United Kingdom is Volume 1 of Queen’s Greatest Hits, first released in 1981.
No 1 – The Who
The Who are a great band – not sure how they came top, though; but then, if you search for ‘who’ on the Internet, what do you expect? The Who were formed in West London in the 1960s. The original line-up was lead singer Roger Daltrey (born in Acton, London, in 1944), guitarist, singer and creative force Pete Townshend (born in Chiswick in 1945), bass guitarist John Entwistle (born in Chiswick in 1944; died in Paradise, Nevada, USA in 2002) and drummer Keith Moon (born in Wembley in 1946; died in Mayfair, London in 1978). The Who became associated with the Mod movement in 1960s Britain, producing such classics as I Can’t Explain and My Generation, Pinball Wizard, Baba O’ Riley and Behind Blue Eyes – all of which can be found on The Who Essential. I have a wonderful memory of watching the Who (sadly, without the amazing Moon and Entwistle, because I’m far too young) in the rain at Glastonbury, while my deluded friends disappeared to see the boring Chemical Brothers.
And the full 25 long list of best British bands:
25 Radiohead
24 The Kinks
23 Dire Straits
22 Motorhead
21 Sex Pistols
20 Genesis
19 The Stone Roses
18 Bee Gees
17 Blur
16 The Smiths
15 Coldplay
14 Roxy Music
13 Black Sabbath
12 Oasis
11 Iron Maiden
10 The Clash
9 Led Zeppelin
8 The Cure
7 The Rolling Stones
6 Pink Floyd
5 Deep Purple
4 The Beatles
3 Cream
2 Queen
1 The Who
Are your favourites in A Bit about Britain’s top ten British bands? If you purchase an item from Amazon having linked to it from A Bit About Britain, I may receive a small commission. You don’t pay any more.
Next time, we’ll look at solo acts.
Except for the first photo, of the Beatles’ equipment, all images via Wikipedia – please hover your cursor.
This is terrific!
Glad you liked it!
Of course,, lists like that always start debates. I’m totally appalled that Deep Purple placed that high. There are several bands below them in the rankings who could play music beyond the three-chord range. Just my opinion.
Actually, I agree; not really my bag.
An interesting list, Mike. I saw the Who at Wembley Stadium in 1979, with The Stranglers, ACDC and Nils Lofgren – a slightly scary event with Who fans flinging gallon plastic containers of beer in the air and a fire breaking out on stage during the Stranglers’ set. I also saw Led Zep at Knebworth the same year. I don’t really remember much about their performance as I’d drunk rather a lot of Pernod by the time they came on. Memories, memories…. 😉
I had an ugly experience with Pernod once, Clare; at least you can remember it!
Oooh! Nasty! Yes I can remember it. There was only the one bottle passed around among friends.
The Understains! Gone but not forgotten?
Certainly not forgotten, David – and never entirely washed up! – see https://newstains.blogspot.com/
There was I thinking of Ted Heath, Victor Souwester or these days Dave Arch . My youth would have included The Shadows. Lesley
I can do a passable Shadows walk, in the right circumstances. They were a great band!
My dear Mike – Queen, before the Beatles? 😀 Well, it’s your list, and you knew you’d get a bit of flack. 😉
Glad to see Queen at number two! No 1 in my opinion though!
I do regret not seeing Freddie Mercury perform; no one could strut quite like him, and what an amazing voice!
Many of my favourites aren’t even there, Lisa!
I grew up with most of these bands even though I live in Australia. I enjoyed this look back at some amazing groups – thanks for sharing with me at #shoutoutsaturday
Thanks, Debbie. Maybe you should do a list for Australia – can I suggest the Seekers ansd INXS? 🙂
Hi Mike – I’m so unmusical – but the names ring bells … even The Clash – that I posted about recording in the Free Republic of Frestonia – west north Notting Hill .. my post 15 Sept on my day in London returning to places, as well as visiting various exhibitions. I hope I’ll get back to look longer anon … take care – Hilary
It’s a bit of fun, anyway, Hilary. Don’t know where I’d be without music to listen to.
An interesting list many of which I like and followed for years. I wonder if in say 10 or 20 years time, it’ll be the same? Will these great bands ever die out I wonder.
I expect the list has a limited shelf-life, but some of those acts will be in the history books.
Indeed they will!
We’ve certainly produced a lot of bands that have given a lot of pleasure to millions of people. It would be difficult to argue with your list even if mine would be slightly different. Looking forward to your list of solo artists next Mike
Mine would be different, too, Malc! Probably a little less mainstream.
What a great list- I’ve listened to a bunch of these this week!
We saw The Cure live one year BK (before kids) at the big local music festival. I didn’t know much about them, but the hubby had liked them. I quickly became a fan- they put on a tremendous show, and did one of the longest (and most musically interesting) sets of the bands present!
Love the BK suffix! Yes, I can imagine the Cure would be good live.
I wouldn’t know a band after the 80s if it hit me over the head. Once they started play long play things on the radio, I never heard who did them. When I watch those specials on TV with all these geezer bands getting together after years and doing reunion tours, I kind of freak out because they sure look old — and probably aren’t more than a year or two older than I am! I will say I’ve seen lots of favorites on this list. Which is somewhat redeeming!
My kids used to keep me reasonably up to date, but I worry that they’re now starting to listen to the same things that I used to 🙂
I might put Dire Straits a bit higher up the list. And, if only because of the Hereford connection, I’d have to include Mott the Hoople. Great work, Mike. I guess we have to thank Lockdown Mk.2 for this!
Dire Straits – fab! One of my personal favourites too. Mott the Hoople – now, there’s a name you don’t hear that often. I remember ‘All the Young Dudes’ and the piano into on another one – ‘Memphis’?
I’d like to have seen The Kinks further up. I don’t like The Rolling Stones
Oh, yes – love the Kinks. I like the Stones selectively.
I like the Kinks a lot, too!
The Beatles is my number One. I always found it odd that so many bands failed to produce good looking, handsome members, they were always so ugly. I listened to the music and I danced along, but so rarely fell for the band.
I seem to remember T’Pau being reasonably un-ugly… 🙂 I was almost weaned on the Beatles.
I like your top 10, but I like your top 25 even better!
Yeah – I was a bit surprised by the top 10, to be honest!
Most people had 5 great years of rock music in their lives, largely aged between 16 and 21. Yet even though Queen didn’t appear till after I had graduated and was “properly” employed as an adult, they became my absolute favourite.
I thought their Live Aid concert was still fantastic in 1985! And I cried my heart out when Freddie Mercury died in 1991. That world has gone forever 🙁
I’m well past 21 (sadly) but still wouldn’t be without rock music. Most music is good, in my book.
Some pretty good bands my fav is Queen or The Who
The Beatles and Pink Floyd would be my tops, I think.
I wonder where the Wurzels rank?
I saw the Rolling Stones at the Epsom Baths Hall in 1963…mostly because our headmistress had forbidden us to attend. What she said about them proved to be right….so all the more reason to attend.
Oo arr, young ‘un!
I love this post! Partly because many of the bands featured are like a soundtrack to my life. As a student, I adored Led Zep, Deep Purple and Pink Floyd. I’ve seen Eric Clapton but not Cream and in 2018 I saw the Rolling Stones at Southampton Stadium. What a gig that was! Dark Side of the Moon has to be one of the best albums ever; in my opinion anyway.
Thanks, June. Totally with you re ‘Dark side of the Moon’!
You’ve certainly worked hard on that! I would always put the Beatles at number 1 though because I feel they changed everything. That’s subjective though, so I won’t argue with your scientific method …
I agree! Actually, I’m sure the best method is to conduct a poll 🙂
Well that’s interesting. My daughter’s office is a shrine to Freddie Mercury, displaying all of Queen’s albums and many other accoutrements of worship. I think he won her over by musical excellence and variety. (She’s a musician and a huge opera fan.) Thanks for the list. Is your email still the same? Greetings to Mrs Britain.
Thanks, Judy. Freddie Mercury was certainly exceptional, and exceptionally talented. Have sent you an email – always contactable via the website contact page, of course.
I’m a Marillion girl, myself, although in the early days they were pretty heavily inspired by Genesis. Great post, Mike, and may you get many commissions! 🙂
Thanks, Alli! I never really got into Marillion (obviously thought there was something fishy about them), but liked Genesis.
Oh very good. I loved Fish, but I have to admit I’m more into them now, with Steve Hogarth in charge. 🙂
Loads on there I’d take issue with and cannot stand, but as Andy says, can’t argue with your method.
Me too, Fraggle; and I’m not sure about the method, personally!
Interesting, even though I disagree with much of the order.
Yes – just a bit of fun, really!
I suppose there would be as many different orders as there are people.
Tempting though it is to argue with the list, I have to respect your method. But I do find it strange that Mike Noxious and the Understains didn’t make it – though maybe they are somewhere off the end in the high thousands.
From the top 10 I’ve seen the Who and the Rolling Stones.
tally ho!
Robin Trower? I take it you’ve visited this – https://newstains.blogspot.com/p/old-stains.html ? 🙂
I hadn’t visited that obscure corner of the webosphere. Or at least maybe I had visited it and the memory got stored somewhere on a floppy drive that I can no longer read. Which reminds me, I once knew an electronics engineer who was trying to develop a storage medium that filled a market niche between the hard drive and the floppy drive. If I recall correctly, which is highly improbable, he called it the flaccid drive. Regrettably the concept never caught on.
Happy days they were.
Needle nydle noo!