Time for Rock...
Time for Rock...
Founded in: 1975
Boston, the American rock band that emerged from the crucible of 1970s Boston, Massachusetts, is a true icon of the genre. Led by the multi-talented Tom Scholz, who wrote, produced, and played the majority of instruments on their 1976 self-titled debut, Boston captivated audiences with their soaring vocals, signature guitar riffs, and powerful ballads. Brad Delp, the iconic lead vocalist, lent his voice to the band's most memorable songs, forming a vocal harmony with Scholz that became a defining element of Boston's sound.
The band's impact on the rock scene is undeniable, fueled by anthems like "More Than a Feeling," "Peace of Mind," "Foreplay/Long Time," "Rock and Roll Band," "Smokin'," and "Don't Look Back." These tracks, along with others, have helped Boston sell over 75 million records globally, placing them among the world's best-selling music artists. Their debut album, a massive commercial success, alone shifted 17 million copies, while their second album, "Don't Look Back," sold a further seven million.
Despite their commercial success, Boston's recording output has been relatively sparse since the 1980s. Nevertheless, they have maintained a devoted fanbase, continuing to tour extensively and hinting at the possibility of a seventh studio album. The band's unique sound, characterized by Scholz's intricate guitar work and Delp's powerful vocals, has cemented their place in rock history, earning them the title of 63rd best hard rock artist by VH1.
After Delp's tragic passing in 2007, the band has continued to perform, with vocalists like Michael Sweet (Stryper) and, since 2013, Tommy DeCarlo, carrying the torch. The current lineup includes guitarist Gary Pihl, bassist Tracy Ferrie, drummer Jeff Neal, and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Beth Cohen, all contributing to Boston's enduring legacy.
Boston's music continues to resonate with audiences across generations, proving that their powerful blend of hard rock and melodic ballads remains timeless. The band's story is one of creative vision, unwavering dedication, and a lasting impact on the world of rock music.
Founded in: 2004
Bring Me The Horizon, a British rock band hailing from Sheffield, burst onto the scene in 2004. Led by vocalist Oli Sykes, with Matt Nicholls on drums, Lee Malia on guitar, and Matt Kean on bass, the band have become global icons, evolving their sound throughout their career.
Their debut album, "Count Your Blessings" (2006), was a pure deathcore assault, dividing listeners and attracting largely negative reviews. However, they soon began to explore new sonic territories, shifting away from their initial sound with "Suicide Season" (2008), which marked a turning point in their career, receiving critical acclaim and a boost in commercial success.
"There Is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let's Keep It a Secret." (2010), their third album, showcased an even wider range of influences, incorporating elements of classical music, electronica, and pop, propelling them to international fame.
"Sempiternal" (2013), their major label debut, reached Gold certification in Australia and Silver in the UK, cementing their status as a force in the rock scene. They reached even greater heights with "That's The Spirit" (2015), debuting at number two in the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200.
Bring Me The Horizon's journey has been one of consistent innovation and artistic growth, transforming them from a deathcore band to a global phenomenon known for their diverse and captivating sound. Their music continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting and influential rock bands of their generation.
Founded in: 1997
Coldplay, the British rock band that needs no introduction, burst onto the scene in 1997, hailing from the heart of London. The band's core consists of the charismatic Chris Martin (vocals, piano), the blistering Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), the solid Guy Berryman (bass), and the driving force behind their sound, Will Champion (drums, percussion). Behind the scenes, the ever-present Phil Harvey serves as their manager, ensuring the band's vision remains sharp and their career trajectory continues to soar.
Their journey began at the hallowed halls of University College London, where they first met as students, calling themselves “Big Fat Noises” before morphing into “Starfish.” Eventually, the name Coldplay stuck, and the band began their ascent. After self-releasing their debut EP, Safety, in 1998, they landed a record deal with Parlophone in 1999. This marked the beginning of their global conquest.
Their debut album, Parachutes (2000), launched them into the stratosphere. It showcased the anthemic "Yellow," a track that became synonymous with the band's sound. The album itself earned them a Brit Award for British Album of the Year and a prestigious Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album.
The band continued their momentum with A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), which mirrored their earlier success, winning the same coveted awards. The trilogy was completed with X&Y (2005), nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammys, cementing their status as one of the world's leading rock acts.
Coldplay then released their fourth studio album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), a monumental release that dominated the charts, topping the charts in over 30 countries. This album's title track achieved a historical feat, becoming the first British single to simultaneously conquer both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart in the 21st century.
Coldplay's impact extends far beyond chart-topping hits. Their captivating live performances have captivated audiences around the world, leaving them breathless with their energy and artistry. Their dedication to causes close to their hearts, coupled with their artistic brilliance, has made them not just a band, but a cultural phenomenon. They've carved a unique path in the rock landscape, proving they are more than just musicians; they are visionaries, activists, and pioneers of their generation.
Founded in: 2004
Cosmos People (English: Cosmos People) is a Taiwanese band consisting of three members: Xiaoyu (lead vocalist and keyboardist), A Kui (guitarist), and Fang Q (bassist). They formed in September 2004 at the Player Rehearsal Studio in ShiDa, Taipei. All members are graduates of Jian Guo High School. The following year, they participated in the Kenting Spring Scream Music Festival, which marked the beginning of their frequent performances. They are known for their unique funk dance music that creates a lively atmosphere.
== Introduction ==
=== Band Name Origin === During the summer of 2004, coinciding with the Athens Olympics, Cosmos People's lead vocalist Xiaoyu and a close friend, Li Yu Xin, who loved street dance, traveled to Japan to attend a street dance competition. On the television in their hotel room, they watched the final of the men's hurdles event at the Olympics. One athlete captivated their attention: Félix Sánchez from the Dominican Republic. Before the race, Sánchez lit up his dazzling LED bracelet and danced his self-created moves, completely immersed in his own "cosmos." He ultimately won the gold medal in the event. This awe-inspiring performance inspired a remarkable description from Xiaoyu and his friend: "This guy is so cosmic!" They then started imitating the athlete's unusual dance moves.
A few months later, Xiaoyu and his high school friend, guitarist A Kui, formed a band focused on dance music and began composing songs. They started participating in various performances. When they needed a band name to register for a performance, they said, "Let's just call ourselves Cosmos People." And so, Cosmos People was born.
== Members ==
=== Former Members === Drummer: Lee Dong You (born September 5, 1985), currently the drummer of 88 Ke Ba Le Zi (88 Guavas) Bassist: Fan Zhong Yu Bassist: Chen Wei Da (A Da) (born December 13, 1985) Drummer: Lin Yu An Drummer: Wei Hong Bo (Wei Pang) (born August 4, 1987)
== History ==
=== 2004–2009: Formation and Debut === Cosmos People was formed during the summer of 2004 by Xiaoyu, the keyboardist, and A Kui, the guitarist, both graduates of Jian Guo High School. They became acquainted in high school and shared a common passion for street dance, which sparked their interest in dance music. They started exploring black funk music. After graduating high school, they formed a band to compose music. Initially, they used Xiaoyu's beatboxing vocals and A Kui's funk guitar to create music. Later, they incorporated instruments like keyboards, drums, and bass. Their current bassist, Fang Q, is a senior from A Kui's high school popular music club.
Founded in: 1991
Counting Crows, hailing from the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, burst onto the music scene in 1991. Led by the distinctive vocals of Adam Duritz, the band's lineup boasts a stellar cast of musicians: guitarist David Bryson, drummer Jim Bogios, keyboardist Charlie Gillingham, multi-instrumentalist David Immerglück, bassist Millard Powers, and guitarist Dan Vickrey. Past members include drummers Steve Bowman and Ben Mize, as well as bassist Matt Malley.
The band's breakthrough came with their debut album, August and Everything After, released in 1993. The album, propelled by the iconic hit single "Mr. Jones," went on to sell over 7 million copies in the US, catapulting Counting Crows to mainstream success. Their distinctive blend of rock, pop, and folk resonated with audiences worldwide.
The band's impact was further solidified by two Grammy Award nominations in 1994: "Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal" for "Round Here" and "Best New Artist." Their subsequent album, Recovering the Satellites, topped the US Billboard 200 charts and reached the number one spot in several other countries.
Counting Crows has consistently delivered chart-topping albums, with all but one of their releases landing in the Billboard 200's top 10. Their catalog is packed with unforgettable hits, including "Mr. Jones," "Round Here," "A Long December," "Rain King," "Big Yellow Taxi," and "Accidentally in Love."
Beyond the charts, Counting Crows have earned a reputation for their captivating live performances and their enduring ability to connect with audiences. Their music continues to resonate with fans across generations, cementing their status as a cornerstone of the rock music landscape.
Founded in: 1997
Dire Straits, formed in London in 1977, became a global phenomenon with their unique blend of rock, country, folk, and blues. Led by the legendary guitarist and vocalist Mark Knopfler, the band's core lineup included his brother David Knopfler on rhythm guitar, John Illsley on bass, and Pick Withers on drums.
Their debut single, "Sultans of Swing," catapulted them to international fame, reaching the top ten in both the UK and US. A string of hits followed, including "Romeo and Juliet," "Private Investigations," "Twisting by the Pool," "Money for Nothing," and "Walk of Life," solidifying their status as one of the most popular bands of the 80s.
Their 1985 album, Brothers in Arms, became a cultural touchstone, selling over 30 million copies worldwide and marking a pivotal moment in music history as the first album to sell a million copies on CD. It remains the eighth best-selling album in UK history.
Dire Straits' stripped-down sound, a departure from the prevailing punk rock scene, was deeply rooted in pub rock and showcased influences ranging from J.J. Cale's blues-rock to jazz. While personnel changes occurred throughout their career, Mark Knopfler and John Illsley remained the constant core of the band.
The band's first breakup in 1988 left a void in the music landscape. In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, Mark Knopfler acknowledged the band's immense success, stating, "A lot of press reports were saying we were the biggest band in the world." Dire Straits left an enduring legacy, their music still resonating with audiences worldwide.
Founded in: 1970
The Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), hailing from Birmingham, England, emerged in 1970 as the brainchild of songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood, alongside drummer Bev Bevan. Their music was a unique blend of pop melodies and elaborate orchestral arrangements, often infused with a futuristic aesthetic.
Following Wood's departure in 1972, Lynne took the reins as the band's sole leader. He meticulously arranged and produced every album while writing nearly all the original material. From this point forward, until their initial breakup in 1986, Lynne, Bevan, and keyboardist Richard Tandy remained the band's core members.
The band's name, a clever pun, references both the "electric light" and the "light orchestral music" popularized by the BBC Light Programme in the 1940s and 1960s. ELO's formation stemmed from Lynne and Wood's shared ambition to create modern rock and pop songs infused with classical influences. It essentially grew from the ashes of Wood's previous band, The Move, where Lynne and Bevan also played.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, ELO amassed a string of top-10 albums and singles. Their most commercially successful album, the double LP Out of the Blue (1977), cemented their status as a force to be reckoned with. Two ELO albums reached the pinnacle of the British charts: the disco-inspired Discovery (1979) and the science-fiction themed concept album Time (1981).
However, in 1986, Lynne's enthusiasm waned, leading him to disband the group. While the band has had various reunions and offshoots since then, the original lineup's influence on music remains undeniable. ELO's unique fusion of rock, pop, and classical elements paved the way for countless artists and continue to resonate with generations of music lovers.
Founded in: 2001
Fall Out Boy, the Chicago-born rock band, burst onto the scene in 2001, crafting a unique blend of pop-punk energy and introspective lyrics. The band's core – Patrick Stump (vocals, rhythm guitar), Pete Wentz (bass), Joe Trohman (lead guitar), and Andy Hurley (drums) – emerged from the city's vibrant hardcore punk scene.
Wentz and Trohman, initially looking for a creative outlet, formed the band as a side project. Stump soon joined, bringing his powerful vocals and songwriting prowess to the mix. After several drummer changes, Hurley solidified the lineup, setting the stage for their explosive debut.
Their 2003 album, "Take This to Your Grave," became an underground sensation, fueled by relentless touring and a dedicated fan base. The album established their distinct sound – a fusion of catchy melodies, sharp riffs, and introspective lyrics penned by Wentz.
Fall Out Boy's breakout moment arrived in 2005 with "From Under the Cork Tree," a major label release that propelled them to mainstream success. The album spawned two iconic singles, "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and "Dance, Dance," turning the band into pop-punk superstars. Wentz, with his charismatic persona and insightful lyrics, became a tabloid fixture.
Their success continued with "Infinity on High" in 2007, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's worldwide hits, "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and "Thnks fr th Mmrs," solidified their status as pop-punk royalty. Fall Out Boy's journey, from Chicago's underground to the top of the charts, is a testament to their enduring songwriting, captivating performance, and ability to connect with a generation.
Founded in: 1967
Fleetwood Mac, the legendary British-American rock band, emerged from the London blues scene in 1967, the brainchild of guitarist and vocalist Peter Green. Green assembled a formidable lineup, recruiting drummer Mick Fleetwood, guitarist and vocalist Jeremy Spencer, and bassist Bob Brunning. John McVie quickly replaced Brunning shortly after their debut at the 1967 National Jazz & Blues Festival in Windsor. Guitarist and vocalist Danny Kirwan joined the fold in 1968. Christine Perfect, who initially contributed as a session musician, became an official member in July 1970, adding her vocals and keyboards to the mix after marrying John McVie.
In their early years, Fleetwood Mac were a driving force in the British blues scene, achieving a UK number-one single in 1968 with the instrumental "Albatross." Other UK top ten hits followed, including "Man of the World" and "Oh Well" (both 1969) and "The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)" (1970).
However, the band's lineup began to shift dramatically following Green's departure in 1971. Spencer and Kirwan also left in 1971 and 1972, respectively, leading to a string of replacements: Bob Welch replacing Spencer, and Bob Weston and Dave Walker taking Kirwan's spot. By 1974, Weston and Walker had been dismissed and Welch had departed, leaving Fleetwood Mac without a guitarist or male vocalist.
Fate intervened when Mick Fleetwood, scouting studios in Los Angeles, stumbled upon the American folk-rock duo Buckingham Nicks, featuring guitarist and singer Lindsey Buckingham and singer Stevie Nicks. In December 1974, Fleetwood extended an invitation to Buckingham to join Fleetwood Mac. Buckingham accepted, but only on the condition that Nicks would also be welcomed into the band. This pivotal decision marked a turning point in Fleetwood Mac's history, ushering in a new era of soaring harmonies, introspective lyrics, and groundbreaking musical arrangements. The rest, as they say, is rock 'n' roll history.
Founded in: 1994
Foo Fighters, the American rock titans, emerged from the ashes of Nirvana in 1994, Seattle's grunge scene simmering in the background. Born as a solo project by Dave Grohl, the band's founding drummer, Foo Fighters soon transformed into a full-fledged rock machine.
Grohl's initial vision took flight with the release of their self-titled debut in 1995, featuring a powerful lineup that included Nate Mendel (bass) and William Goldsmith (drums), both veterans of the renowned emo band Sunny Day Real Estate. Pat Smear, who had shared the stage with Nirvana on tour, added his signature guitar licks to the mix. The band's first public performance in February 1995 signaled their arrival on the rock scene.
However, the recording process for their sophomore album, The Colour and the Shape (1997), saw the departure of Goldsmith, leaving Grohl to fill the drum chair for the majority of the tracks. Smear also parted ways with the band around this time.
The band soldiered on, welcoming Franz Stahl and Taylor Hawkins into the fold to replace Smear and Goldsmith respectively. This new lineup solidified Foo Fighters' iconic sound, propelling them to international acclaim and a legacy that continues to inspire and enthrall generations of rock fans.