Time for Rock...
Time for Rock...
Founded in: 1987
Alice in Chains (often shortened to AIC) is a legendary American rock band born in the grunge-soaked streets of Seattle, Washington, in 1987. Their sound, while deeply rooted in the heavy metal tradition, carved its own distinctive path, becoming a cornerstone of the grunge movement that exploded in the early 1990s.
The band's core lineup, solidified in 2006, features Jerry Cantrell and William DuVall, a potent duo sharing lead vocals and guitar duties. Mike Inez provides a solid bass foundation, while Sean Kinney keeps the rhythm pulsing on drums. The legacy of Layne Staley, the band's original vocalist who sadly passed away in 2002, and Mike Starr, the original bassist who died in 2011, continues to resonate with fans.
Alice in Chains was named after Staley's previous band, "Alice N' Chains." They rose to global fame as part of the grunge explosion alongside fellow Seattle giants Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. Their iconic albums, "Facelift" (1990), "Dirt" (1992), and "Alice in Chains" (1995), along with the EP "Jar of Flies" (1994), cemented their status as grunge pioneers.
The band faced an extended period of inactivity starting in 1996, largely due to Staley's struggles with substance abuse. This tragic situation led to his passing in 2002 and put the band on hiatus. However, Alice in Chains reemerged in 2005, welcoming DuVall as rhythm guitarist and co-vocalist in 2006. Since then, the band has released three more acclaimed albums: "Black Gives Way to Blue" (2009), "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" (2013), and "Rainier Fog" (2018).
Alice in Chains's signature sound is characterized by powerful, often harmonized vocals, creating a unique two-vocal dynamic. Their music delves into dark and complex themes, reflecting the rawness and angst of their Seattle origins. Though they have weathered personal tragedies and periods of silence, Alice in Chains continues to captivate audiences with their heavy, soulful sound, proving their enduring relevance in the rock world.
Founded in: 1976
Foreigner, a powerhouse rock band formed in the heart of New York City in 1976, is a true fusion of musical talents from across the Atlantic. The band's core was formed by the British guitarist Mick Jones, lead vocalist Lou Gramm, drummer Dennis Elliott, and keyboardist Al Greenwood, along with the American bassist Ed Gagliardi. Completing the lineup was Ian McDonald, a multi-instrumentalist and founding member of the legendary prog-rock group King Crimson.
The band's name, "Foreigner," was born from the diverse nationalities of its members. With British and American musicians sharing the stage, the band was destined to resonate with a global audience. And resonate they did! Foreigner has become one of the best-selling bands of all time, selling over 80 million records worldwide, including a staggering 37.5 million in the United States alone.
Their self-titled debut album in 1977 marked the beginning of an incredible run. It was the first of six consecutive albums, including the 7x platinum 1982 "Records" greatest hits collection, to achieve multi-platinum status and reach the Top 10 in the US. Hits like "Feels Like the First Time" and "Cold as Ice" were early testaments to their signature sound.
The momentum continued with their 1978 album "Double Vision," which yielded the iconic tracks "Hot Blooded" and the title track, cementing their place in the rock pantheon.
Foreigner's lineup saw bassist Rick Wills replace Ed Gagliardi before the recording of their third album, "Head Games," in 1979. This record brought forth more chart-topping singles like "Dirty White Boy" and the title track, further solidifying their influence on the music scene.
Despite the departure of McDonald and Greenwood, reducing the band to a quartet, their next album, "4" (1981), took the world by storm. It reached the top of the charts in the US for an impressive 10 weeks and became their breakthrough album in the UK, hitting the Top 5. The album was a hit factory, producing popular tracks like "Urgent," "Waiting for a Girl Like You," and the timeless anthem "Juke Box Hero."
Foreigner's continued success reached new heights with their 1984 album "Agent Provocateur," which topped the UK charts and featured their biggest hit single, the emotionally charged "I Want to Know What Love Is."
Foreigner's impact on the rock landscape is undeniable. Their music continues to inspire and entertain generations of fans, proving that their blend of powerful vocals, soaring guitar melodies, and catchy hooks is a timeless formula.
Founded in: 1991
Oasis, hailing from the musical heartland of Manchester, burst onto the scene in 1991. Their original lineup was a potent mix of swagger and raw talent: Liam Gallagher (the charismatic frontman), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (the rhythm guitarist), Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (the bassist), and Tony McCarroll (the drummer). But it was the arrival of Liam's older brother, Noel Gallagher, that truly cemented their destiny. Noel, with his sharp songwriting and blistering lead guitar, joined the band just a few months later and soon became the creative driving force, crafting the anthems that would define their sound.
Oasis quickly became synonymous with the Britpop movement, rising to international fame with a sound that was both nostalgic and fresh, drawing inspiration from classic British rock while injecting it with a youthful energy and attitude.
They signed with Creation Records in 1993, unleashing their debut album, "Definitely Maybe," the following year. It was a monumental success, smashing records to become the fastest-selling debut album in British history. The album's iconic tracks, like "Live Forever" and "Champagne Supernova," became anthems for a generation.
The band’s follow-up, "(What's the Story) Morning Glory" (released in 1995 with new drummer Alan White), cemented their status as Britpop royalty. It spent an astonishing ten weeks at the top of the UK charts, becoming one of the biggest selling albums of all time – a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate today.
However, the Gallagher brothers' tumultuous relationship was well documented, their fiery personalities and public spats splashed across the tabloids throughout the 1990s. Despite the drama, their music continued to captivate, creating a legacy that will forever be etched in the history of rock and roll.
Founded in: 1990
Stone Temple Pilots, often shortened to STP, emerged from the San Diego music scene in 1989. The band's original lineup, which remained intact for over two decades, featured the charismatic Scott Weiland (lead vocals), the DeLeo brothers, Dean (guitar) and Robert (bass and backing vocals), and drummer Eric Kretz. This dynamic quartet quickly rose to prominence in the early 1990s, carving a niche in the burgeoning grunge movement.
Their debut album, "Core," released in 1992, became a commercial sensation, propelling them into the ranks of the most successful bands of the decade. STP's sound, a potent blend of hard-hitting rock, grunge influences, and Weiland's powerful vocals, captured the hearts of a generation. The band went on to release four more studio albums: "Purple" (1994), "Tiny Music... Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop" (1996), "No. 4" (1999), and "Shangri-La Dee Da" (2001).
Despite their immense success, internal tensions and Weiland's struggles with addiction eventually led to the band's separation in 2003. The members pursued individual projects, with notable ventures including Velvet Revolver and Army of Anyone.
However, the call of the music brought them back together in 2008 for a highly anticipated reunion tour. This marked a period of renewed energy and creativity, culminating in their self-titled sixth album in 2010, once again featuring Weiland.
Tragically, Scott Weiland's life was cut short in 2015. Despite his passing, the legacy of Stone Temple Pilots continues to resonate, their music standing as a testament to their immense talent and impact on the rock music landscape. The band continues to perform with their new vocalist, Jeff Gutt, who was chosen through an online audition in 2017.