Time for Rock...
Time for Rock...
Founded in: 1973
Kiss, often stylized as KISS, emerged from the gritty streets of New York City in 1973. The band's founding members, Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals), were driven by a vision: to create a spectacle that would redefine rock 'n' roll.
Their trademark face paint and outrageous stage costumes, combined with their explosive, "shock rock" live performances, quickly propelled them to stardom in the mid-1970s. Their iconic characters – The Starchild (Stanley), The Demon (Simmons), The Spaceman (Frehley), and The Catman (Criss) – captured the imaginations of a generation, cementing Kiss' status as one of America's most successful and influential rock bands.
However, creative differences eventually led to the departure of Criss in 1980 and Frehley in 1982. Their replacements, Eric Carr (the Fox) and Vinnie Vincent (the Ankh Warrior), injected fresh energy into the band, but the early 1980s saw their commercial success wane.
In a bold move, Kiss decided to shed their masks and costumes in 1983, entering a new "unmasked" era. This period, which lasted until 1996, saw the band's musical style evolve while still retaining their signature hard rock sound. Despite numerous lineup changes, with Tommy Thayer (lead guitar, vocals) and Eric Singer (drums, vocals) taking the stage later, Kiss continued to tour and record, proving their enduring legacy.
From their early days as a glam rock phenomenon to their later hard rock evolution, Kiss has always pushed boundaries and challenged the status quo. Their impact on music and pop culture remains undeniable, inspiring generations of artists and fans alike. Kiss stands as a testament to the power of spectacle, innovation, and the enduring spirit of rock 'n' roll.
Founded in: 1964
Lynyrd Skynyrd, often stylized as "Lynyrd Skynrd," is a legendary American Southern rock band that burst onto the scene in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964. The band, originally formed as "My Backyard," was a raw and energetic group comprised of Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass), and Bob Burns (drums).
For five years, the band honed their skills, touring small venues and experimenting with different names and lineups. They finally settled on the name "Lynyrd Skynyrd" in 1969, a nod to their high school gym teacher, Leonard Skinner. The band released their debut album, "(Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nerd 'Skin-'nerd)" in 1973. By this time, the band had solidified their iconic lineup, which included bassist Leon Wilkeson, keyboardist Billy Powell, and guitarist Ed King. Burns departed the group, and Artimus Pyle took his place on drums in 1974. Later, King left in 1975, and Steve Gaines joined in 1976.
During the '70s, Lynyrd Skynyrd soared to the pinnacle of Southern rock, captivating audiences with their powerful anthems like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird." These songs became iconic staples of the genre, defining the band's signature blend of blues, rock, and country influences. The band released five studio albums and one live album, solidifying their status as one of the most influential rock bands of the era.
Tragedy struck the band on October 20, 1977, when their chartered plane crashed, taking the lives of Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines. The crash also severely injured the remaining members.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, though deeply impacted by the loss, refused to fade into oblivion. In 1987, the band reformed with Ronnie's brother, Johnny Van Zant, taking over lead vocals. The reunion tour proved that Lynyrd Skynyrd's legacy lived on, their music continuing to resonate with generations of fans. The band has continued to release albums and tour, ensuring that their distinct Southern rock sound remains a vital part of the music world.
Founded in: 1990
Pearl Jam, the iconic American rock band, emerged from the fertile musical ground of Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Their core lineup, a powerhouse of talent, consists of founding members Jeff Ament (bass), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar), Mike McCready (lead guitar), and the charismatic Eddie Vedder (lead vocals, guitar). Completing the sonic tapestry is Matt Cameron (drums), who joined in 1998, and Boom Gaspar (keyboards), a touring/session member since 2002.
Their history is rich with drumming talent, featuring a rotating cast behind the kit that includes original member Dave Krusen, and former members Matt Chamberlain, Dave Abbruzzese, and Jack Irons.
Pearl Jam's rise to prominence was meteoric. Formed from the ashes of Gossard and Ament's previous bands, Green River and Mother Love Bone, they stormed the mainstream with their debut album, "Ten," in 1991. This album dominated the Billboard 200 charts for nearly five years, achieving iconic status as one of the highest-selling rock albums of all time, going 13x Platinum in the United States.
Their impact continued with "Vs." in 1993, which sold an astounding 950,000 copies in its first week, setting a record for most albums sold in a week at the time. "Vitalogy," their third album, followed in 1994, becoming the second fastest-selling CD in history at the time, with over 877,000 units sold in its first week.
As a key force in the grunge movement of the early 90s, Pearl Jam challenged industry norms, often shunning music videos and interviews, a testament to their commitment to authenticity and artistic control. They have transcended their contemporaries, achieving lasting success and solidifying their place as one of the most influential rock bands of the decade, earning the title of "the most popular American rock and roll band of the '90s."
Founded in: 1974
Rainbow, often referred to as Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow or Blackmore's Rainbow, is a British-American rock band born out of the ashes of Deep Purple. Formed in 1975 by the legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, the band initially featured four members of the band Elf, including vocalist Ronnie James Dio. Their self-titled debut album launched them into the rock scene, but Blackmore soon reshaped the lineup, keeping only Dio and bringing in drummer Cozy Powell, bassist Jimmy Bain, and keyboardist Tony Carey.
This new formation recorded the band's sophomore album, Rising (1976), which solidified their place in the heavy metal world. The next album, Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (1978), saw Bob Daisley and David Stone take the places of Bain and Carey respectively. However, it also marked Dio's departure as he left to join Black Sabbath.
Rainbow's early work, deeply rooted in mystical lyrics, blended hard rock with heavy metal elements. With Dio's departure, the band took a turn towards a more pop-rock direction.
Blackmore and Powell overhauled the band once again in 1979, bringing in vocalist Graham Bonnet, keyboardist Don Airey, and another ex-Deep Purple member, bassist Roger Glover. This lineup propelled Rainbow to commercial success with the hit single "Since You Been Gone" from their fourth studio album, Down to Earth.
After Bonnet, Joe Lynn Turner took the lead vocal reins in 1980, and Rainbow released three more albums: Difficult to Cure (1981), Straight Between the Eyes (1982), and Bent Out of Shape (1983), all of which achieved significant commercial success. Other members during this period included drummers Bobby Rondinelli and Chuck Burgi, as well as keyboardist David Rosenthal.
The band disbanded in 1984 when Blackmore and Glover rejoined Deep Purple. Blackmore resurrected Rainbow again in 1993, following his second departure from Deep Purple. This iteration, featuring a then-unknown Doogie White on vocals, released their eighth and, to date, final studio album, Stranger in Us All (1995).
Rainbow's history is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of rock music. From its early heavy metal roots to its later pop-rock ventures, the band's sound has reflected the diverse talents of its members and the changing musical landscape. Ritchie Blackmore's vision, however, remained a constant, forging a unique and lasting impact on the world of rock music.
Founded in: 1965
The Scorpions, a German hard rock band hailing from Hanover, were forged in 1965 by the masterful guitarist, Rudolf Schenker. While the band has seen numerous lineup changes, the period between 1978 and 1992 stands out as their golden age. This iconic lineup, featuring Klaus Meine (vocals), Rudolf Schenker (rhythm guitar), Matthias Jabs (lead guitar), Francis Buchholz (bass), and Herman Rarebell (drums), achieved monumental success.
Schenker has remained the only constant member, with Meine contributing to every studio album. Jabs has been a consistent presence since 1978, while bassist Paweł Máciwoda and drummer Mikkey Dee joined in 2003 and 2016, respectively, solidifying the band's current core.
The Scorpions' musical identity took shape in the mid-1970s with the addition of guitarist Uli Jon Roth, replacing Michael Schenker. This era solidified their hard rock sound. However, a pivotal shift occurred in 1978 following Roth's departure. Schenker and Meine assumed control of the band, dictating the musical direction. The arrival of Matthias Jabs, coupled with producer Dieter Dierks' influence, led to the emergence of a melodic heavy metal sound infused with power rock ballads.
This sonic evolution was captured in the 1979 album "Lovedrive." The album marked a turning point for the Scorpions, showcasing a more polished and accessible style. "Lovedrive" also saw the brief return of Michael Schenker before he pursued a solo career.
Over the next decade, the Scorpions reached new heights of success. Albums like "Animal Magnetism" (1980), "Blackout" (1982), "Love at First Sting" (1984), and "Savage Amusement" (1988), alongside the live recording "World Wide Live" (1985) and the compilation "Best of Rockers 'n' Ballads" (1989), solidified their global impact. Each of these albums achieved platinum status in the United States, a testament to their broad appeal.
Their dominance extended beyond American shores. The Scorpions achieved an impressive streak of thirteen consecutive studio albums charting within the Top 10 in Germany, with one reaching the coveted No. 1 position. Their international success was further confirmed by three consecutive albums securing Top 10 spots on the Billboard 200 in the United States.
The Scorpions, with their undeniable talent and enduring legacy, have carved a permanent place in rock history. They masterfully blended hard rock energy with heavy metal grandeur, creating a sound that continues to captivate audiences across generations.
Founded in: 1963
The Animals, a band born in the rough-and-tumble streets of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1963, became a pivotal force in the British Invasion. This iconic quintet, featuring the raspy-voiced Eric Burdon, the fiery guitar riffs of Hilton Valentine, the steady rhythm section of Chas Chandler on bass and John Steel on drums, and the soulful keyboard work of Alan Price, carved their own path in the world of rock 'n' roll.
Their sound, a potent blend of bluesy grit and raw energy, defined their early success. While they stormed the charts with pop-infused hits like "House of the Rising Sun," which topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic, they simultaneously delivered a deeper, rhythm-and-blues-driven experience on their albums. This duality solidified their place as one of the leading bands of the era.
The Animals' meteoric rise, fueled by hits like "We Gotta Get Out of This Place," "It's My Life," and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," was tragically cut short by internal turmoil and poor management. The original lineup disbanded in 1966, leaving a legacy of unforgettable music in their wake.
Burdon, undeterred, reformed the band with a fresh lineup, taking on the name Eric Burdon and the Animals. This new iteration, rooted in psychedelic and progressive rock, produced hits like "San Franciscan Nights" and "Sky Pilot" and cemented their status as musical pioneers.
While the original members briefly reunited in 1968 for a benefit concert, it wasn't until 1975 and again in 1983 that they graced the stage together. Despite numerous regroupings, the magic of the original Animals never truly replicated itself.
Their influence, however, remained undeniable. The Animals left an indelible mark on the history of rock, with a staggering 10 top-20 hits in both the UK and US. Their legacy was further solidified in 1994 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
From their humble beginnings in Newcastle to their global fame, The Animals are a testament to the enduring power of raw talent, unwavering passion, and the undeniable spirit of rock 'n' roll.
Founded in: 1965
Born in the heart of 1960s Los Angeles, The Doors were more than just a rock band. They were a cultural force, a potent mix of psychedelic sounds, poetic lyricism, and electrifying stage presence. The band's core consisted of Jim Morrison, the enigmatic vocalist whose raw, poetic lyrics and unpredictable on-stage antics became synonymous with the era's counterculture; Ray Manzarek, the soulful keyboard maestro; Robby Krieger, the guitarist who provided the band's signature sound; and John Densmore, the steady drummer who anchored their explosive energy.
Their name, taken from Aldous Huxley's "The Doors of Perception," itself inspired by William Blake's writings, hinted at their exploration of consciousness and the power of perception. Signed to Elektra Records in 1966, The Doors, led by Morrison's mesmerizing presence, unleashed a string of iconic albums within a whirlwind five years. Their debut, "The Doors," alongside "Strange Days" and "L.A. Woman," became instant classics, pushing the boundaries of rock music and cementing their place in the pantheon of all-time greats. Dubbed the "Kings of Acid Rock," they were one of the most successful bands of the era, selling over 4 million albums domestically and nearly 8 million singles by 1972.
But their rise was marred by Morrison's increasingly erratic behavior and legal troubles. His death in 1971, under shrouded circumstances, marked a turning point. The remaining trio soldiered on, releasing two more albums before disbanding in 1973. They reunited in 1978 for "An American Prayer," a powerful combination of new music and Morrison's haunting poetry recordings. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, marking their place in music history. They've also come together for select one-off projects in the 21st century, continuing to captivate audiences with their legendary sound and enduring mystique.
The Doors' legacy transcends their music. They were a generation's voice, a reflection of the tumultuous 1960s, and their influence on music, culture, and the spirit of rebellion continues to resonate today. They remain a testament to the enduring power of music, poetry, and the audacity to push boundaries, leaving behind a legacy that's as raw, potent, and unforgettable as Jim Morrison himself.
Founded in: 1962
The Guess Who, hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, burst onto the rock scene in 1965. Their golden era spanned the late '60s and early '70s, fueled by the dynamic duo of singer/keyboardist Burton Cummings and guitarist Randy Bachman. Their anthems, including "American Woman," "These Eyes," and "No Time," resonated across the globe, solidifying their status as rock icons.
During their peak, The Guess Who released eleven studio albums, all charting in both Canada and the United States. Their 1970 masterpiece, "American Woman," topped the Canadian charts and reached number nine in the US, while five other albums cracked the Canadian top ten. Their impact on the charts was undeniable, with fourteen Top 40 singles in the US and over thirty in their home country.
In a time when Canadian artists often downplayed their nationality, The Guess Who proudly embraced their Canadian roots. They became symbols of national pride and self-confidence, paving the way for future generations of Canadian musicians.
The Guess Who officially disbanded in 1975, but a nostalgia-driven lineup, organized by former bassist Jim Kale, has toured and recorded under the band's name since 1978. However, this iteration often performs without any original members, a point of contention for Bachman and Cummings. Their displeasure over the use of the Guess Who name and repertoire by the Kale-led group has led to legal battles throughout the years.
Despite the ongoing disputes, The Guess Who's legacy as Canadian rock pioneers remains undeniable. Their music continues to resonate with generations, serving as a testament to their talent, their impact, and their unwavering Canadian spirit.
Founded in: 1969
Thin Lizzy, the legendary Irish hard rock band, emerged from the streets of Dublin in 1969. Led by the charismatic Phil Lynott, who was not only the group's bassist and lead vocalist, but also the primary songwriter, Thin Lizzy initially featured drummer Brian Downey, guitarist Eric Bell, and keyboardist Eric Wrixon. However, Wrixon's tenure was short-lived, leaving the band within a few months.
Bell, a key part of the band's early sound, departed in 1973, paving the way for a whirlwind of guitarists. Gary Moore briefly filled the void, only to be replaced by the twin-guitar attack of Scott Gorham (who remained with the band until their disbandment in 1983) and Brian Robertson (who stayed until 1978, when Moore made a second brief return). Moore's second departure led to the arrival of Snowy White in 1980, who was then followed by John Sykes in 1982. Further bolstering the band's sound, keyboardist Darren Wharton joined in 1980.
This constant evolution of guitarists, coupled with the steadfast rhythm section of Downey and Lynott, contributed to Thin Lizzy's dynamic and energetic sound. Their music, a potent blend of blues, soul, psychedelic rock, and traditional Irish folk influences, is often categorized as hard rock or heavy metal.
Thin Lizzy's impact on the rock world is undeniable. They scored international hits with singles like "Whiskey in the Jar" (1972), "The Boys Are Back in Town" (1976), and "Waiting for an Alibi" (1979), and achieved numerous top ten albums in the UK.
Lynott, a trailblazer for Black Irish musicians in rock, guided Thin Lizzy through their fourteen-year recording career, writing or co-writing virtually all of their material. The band's diverse lineup, drawn from both sides of the Irish border and both the Catholic and Protestant communities, further underscores their unique place in rock history, especially during the turbulent period of "The Troubles."
Thin Lizzy's legacy continues to inspire, demonstrating the power of music to transcend boundaries and create a lasting impact on generations of rock fans.