Many factors go into the definition, butsome bands have been able to exemplify exactly what it means to be rock stars in the music industry. Of course, reaching this status is not an easy task, as many great bands have had to risk everything, includingchanging their sound, to get to the top. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to createhit songs that resonate 50 years after their release. Building a legacy isn’t something that just happens; it takes consistent hard work.
There are plenty of musicians who have battled adversity, with some evenleaving their band and later returning. These acts, which have truly embraced being rock stars, are the ones that helped pave specific paths. They have become inspirations to others and have shown how to build from the past while forging a new future. From their appearance to their sound to their lifestyles,they have all committed their lives to the craft, doing whatever it takes to succeed.
10Mötley Crüe
They Have Embraced The Lifestyle
Since their debut album in 1981,Mötley Crüe has captivated audiences with their look and sound. They became one of the leading forces in glam metal, showing up dressed impressively and ready to rock. Throughout their career, they have faced many adversities, including various departures at times, but they have still managed to produce a product for the fans.
They have not only managed to release nine albums, but also a hit movie,The Dirt, which stemmed from a book about the band. Additionally, various band members have written their own books, giving fans as much of an inside look as possible. They have becomeone of the biggest acts in metal, both onstage and off.
9Green Day
The Boulevard Of Broken Dreams Has Led To The Hall Of Fame
Formed in 1987, Green Day emerged at a time when punk was on the rise. They became one of the defining bands of the genre and helped advance fusion genres, such as pop-punk. They have never been afraid to speak their minds, which is evident in their 14 studio albums. Along the way,they have consistently pushed the envelope, making their act bigger.
Although it is not easy to do, the band has managed to create multiple concept albums and even had a musical made about them. Now, the band plays in the biggest stadiums and continues to keep punk thriving decades after it first came to light. They began in a small street club,with their success leading them to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
8Aerosmith
Their Legacy Is Weaved Throughout Pop Culture
One of the biggest advantages Aerosmith had from the start is that lead singer Steven Tyler possesses one of the greatest voices ever. With his excellent vocals, he could make anything sound good, butthe band genuinely produced some of the best hits of all time. They even had one of the biggest crossovers when they teamed up with Run D.M.C. to reimagine their song “Walk This Way.”
Additionally, the band has had high-profile celebrities appear in their music videos, further ingraining them in pop culture. Their Hollywood roots didn’t end there, as they had their tunes featured in blockbuster movies. Tyler was even a judge on American Idol at one point, further enhancing their reach. They will forever be remembered ashit-makers who knew exactly how to expand their audience.
7Motörhead
The Energy Changed When They Hit The Stage
If you wanted heavy metal at its finest, Motörhead was always a great band to turn to. From the beginning in1975, until his death in 2015, bassist and lead singerLemmy Kilmister put everything he had into the band. Although some members changed around him over the years, he remained consistent with touring and recording, resulting in an incredible 23-album discography.
Additionally, the band formed one of the greatest partnerships of all time with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). They created three iconic theme songs, with the company’s COO, Paul Levesque (Triple H), still coming out to them. One of the biggest reasons they had this deal in the first place was that everyone knew when Motörhead came on, the energy in the room turned up. Lemmy was born to be a rock star, andhe will forever be remembered for his talents.
6Black Sabbath
Their Innovations Are Still Inspiring
With their first album,Paranoid, in 1970,Black Sabbath quickly established themselves, having ranked as high as 12th on theBillboard200. Over their next few releases, they continued to push forward heavy metal, becoming pioneers of the genre. Throughout the 1970s, they laid the foundation for what was possible with this type of music, setting the stage for many bands to follow.
They have proven to be true rock stars, adding value to any project they have been involved in.
Even at a time when they weren’t together, the success continued.Ozzy Osbourne has had a successful solo career, while the other members were able to bring in other singers to keep the band going. Eventually, they would find their way back together becausethey understood how important they were to music. They have proven to be true rock stars, adding value to any project they’re involved in.
5AC/DC
Let’s Salute Those Allowing Us To Rock
The one thing that AC/DC has always done is keep the band the most important thing. Throughout their early years,they established an unmistakable sound, which came along with tremendous hits. Because they had created such a strong core,AC/DC was able to overcome the ultimate tragedy. When they had to quickly replace their lead singer, Bon Scott, after his death in 1980, they did so only to go on to create one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Adding Brian Johnson as the lead singer wasn’t difficult because AC/DC is more than a band; they are a brand. Even as they have gotten later into their careers, they still produce hits and remain one of the most sought-after acts. Every time they release something new or show up to perform,it is understood that magic is about to be created. The trust they have built only comes from constantly succeeding at the highest level.
4The Beatles
Beatlemania Is Still Running Wild
Ringo, Paul, John, and George,four talented musicians who were meant to be a band. Together, they changed the course of music history, creating a frenzy known around the world as Beatlemania. Throughout the history of music, it’s hard to find any act that has become as beloved as they have. In fact,this has led to them being the top-selling band, with an estimated 600 million units sold worldwide.
There is no mistaking these four great rock stars.
Although their time together didn’t last as long as fans would have hoped,they did enough during that period to create a lasting legacy. Since the band ended, they have all experienced their own solo success. Even today, Paul and Ringo continue performing, keeping the memory of the band at the forefront of music. From their sound to their image, there is no mistaking these four great rock stars.
3KISS
They Have Mastered The Art Of Marketing
When it comes to marketing, KISS is among the very best. From their beginnings, the band stood out thanks to their signature costumes and face paint. Additionally, they wrote many iconic tunes, which helped them quickly rise to fame. Along the way,they knew when it was time to pivot, including taking the makeup off and putting it back on again.
Over the years, their fans, known as the KISS Army,have been some of the most loyal in the music industry. Their live shows were absolute spectacles, and people would flock from all over the world to see them. With their touring days over, they have now created their own avatars, ensuring that their music will continue forever.
2Metallica
Stadiums Are Having A Tough Time Containing Them
Over the course of their career,Metallica has been considered one of the “Big Four” in thrash metal. Not only have they created 11 studio albums, but they have embraced other challenges, such as making an album full of covers. They even had a movie made calledThrough the Never, which was derived from their song.
Along the way, their songs, such as “Enter Sandman,” have become iconic anthems in sports stadiums.These venues are now places that Metallica calls home, as they have become so big they now only play on the largest stages in the world. In fact, they have had so much success that they have been able to do two-night stays in various cities.
1The Rolling Stones
Their Discography Is Incredible
There are many factors that make the Rolling Stones rock stars. Their longevity is unmatched, as they have been playing for six decades, selling out shows all around the world. Additionally, they have never given up on producing new music, as they have now created 31 studio albums. This is a remarkable achievement that very few have accomplished.
Along the way, they have influenced many, yet they have continuously tried to keep up with the times. Their merchandise can be found everywhere, and to this day, their name remains one of the most relevant in music. Even on stage, they still deliver memorable performances, ensuring that the fans will always get the best.
