#1. Metallica (1981)
Founding member: Lars Ulrich. Singers: James Hetfield (main), Cliff Burton (early years). Genre: Thrash Metal. Known for: Aggressive sounds, complex instrumentals, anthems like “Enter Sandman” and “Master of Puppets.”
#2. Foo Fighters (1994)
Founding member: Dave Grohl (also main singer). Genre: Post-grunge. Known for: Catchy rock anthems with emotional depth, exemplified by “Everlong” and “Learn to Fly.”
#3. AC/DC (1973)
Founding members: Angus Young (lead guitar), Malcolm Young (rhythm guitar) (deceased). Singers: Bon Scott (early years, deceased), Brian Johnson (current). Genre: Hard rock. Known for: Bluesy riffs, electrifying energy, classic hits like “Highway to Hell” and “Back in Black.”
#4. Red Hot Chili Peppers (1983)
Founding members: Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Flea (bass), Hillel Slovak (guitar) (deceased). Singers: Anthony Kiedis. Genre: Funk rock. Known for: Blending diverse styles with energetic stage presence, delivering hits like “Californication” and “Under the Bridge.”
#5. The Rolling Stones (1962)
Founding members: Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Charlie Watts (drums) (deceased), Ronnie Wood (guitar). Singers: Mick Jagger. Genre: Blues-rock. Known for: Timeless classics like “Satisfaction” and “Paint It Black.”
#6. Guns N’ Roses (1985)
Founding members: Axl Rose (vocals), Slash (guitar), Izzy Stradlin (guitar) (departed). Singers: Axl Rose (main), Slash (some vocals). Genre: Hard rock. Known for: Raw energy, soaring vocals, iconic tracks like “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “November Rain.”
#7. Green Day (1986):
Founding members: Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals, guitar), Mike Dirnt (bass), John Kiffmeyer (drums) (replaced by Tré Cool). Singers: Billie Joe Armstrong. Genre: Punk rock. Known for: Catchy anthems like “Basket Case” and “American Idiot,” still evolving with contemporary hits.
#8. Fleetwood Mac (1967)
Founding members: Peter Green (guitar), Mick Fleetwood (drums), John McVie (bass), Jeremy Spencer (guitar). Singers: Multiple throughout history, including Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie. Genre: Rock, pop, blues. Known for: Blending genres, hits like “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams.”
#9. Coldplay (1996)
Founding members: Chris Martin (vocals, piano), Jonny Buckland (guitar), Guy Berryman (bass), Will Champion (drums). Singers: Chris Martin. Genre: Rock. Known for: Arena-filling anthems like “Yellow” and “Viva La Vida.”
#10. Arctic Monkeys (2002):
Founding members: Alex Turner (vocals, guitar), Jamie Cook (guitar), Nick O’Malley (bass), Matt Helders (drums). Singers: Alex Turner. Genre: Indie rock. Known for: Sharp social commentary, catchy garage rock riffs, hits like “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” and “Do I Wanna Know?”