Time for Rock...
Time for Rock...
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: 1973
Kansas, the American rock band hailing from Topeka, Kansas, exploded onto the music scene in 1973. Their rise to fame was a testament to their powerful blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and classic rock sensibilities. While initially garnering attention on album-oriented rock charts, their iconic singles, "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind," propelled them to mainstream success.
The band's impact is undeniable. They've amassed an impressive collection of nine gold albums, three multi-platinum albums ("Leftoverture," "Point of Know Return," and "The Best of Kansas"), one platinum studio album ("Monolith"), one platinum live double album ("Two for the Show"), and a million-selling single, "Dust in the Wind."
Kansas's dominance extended beyond record sales. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, they graced the Billboard charts for over 200 weeks, enthralling sold-out crowds across North America, Europe, and Japan. Their enduring popularity is evidenced by "Carry On Wayward Son," which reigned as the second-most played track on US classic rock radio in 1995 and topped the charts in 1997.
Early Years: 1970-1973
The band's origins can be traced back to 1969, when Don Montre and Kerry Livgren (guitars, keyboards, synthesizers) were performing in a Topeka band called The Reasons Why. After forming Saratoga with Lynn Meredith and Dan Wright, they began incorporating Livgren's original material, with Scott Kessler on bass and Zeke Lowe on drums.
In 1970, the band adopted the name "Kansas" and merged with members of their rival Topeka progressive rock group, White Clover. This union brought together Dave Hope (bass) and Phil Ehart (drums, percussion) with Livgren, vocalists Meredith and Greg Allen, keyboardists Montre and Wright, and saxophonist Larry Baker.
From these humble beginnings, Kansas embarked on a journey that would leave an indelible mark on the world of rock music. Their enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans.
Founded in: 1994
Muse, hailing from the seaside town of Teignmouth, Devon, burst onto the scene in 1994. This trio, featuring the soaring vocals and guitar prowess of Matt Bellamy, the thunderous basslines of Chris Wolstenholme, and the driving rhythms of Dominic Howard, has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock.
Their debut album, Showbiz, introduced the world to Bellamy's remarkable falsetto and their melancholic, alternative rock sound. But it was their second album, Origin of Symmetry, that truly cemented their reputation. This masterpiece, brimming with rich orchestration and romantic classical influences, showcased their electrifying live performances.
Absolution, their third album, took the band to new heights. With its soaring strings on tracks like "Butterflies and Hurricanes," it became the first of seven consecutive UK number-one albums, further solidifying their dominance.
Black Holes and Revelations, their fourth album, embraced a blend of electronic and pop elements, as heard in the anthemic "Supermassive Black Hole," catapulting them to international superstardom.
The Resistance and The 2nd Law, their fifth and sixth albums, delved into themes of government oppression and civil unrest, transforming Muse into a stadium-filling phenomenon.
Their seventh album, Drones, reached the summit of the US Billboard 200. This hard-hitting concept album explored the devastating impact of drone warfare. Simulation Theory, their eighth release, embraced the world of synthesizers and drew inspiration from science fiction and the simulation hypothesis.
Their ninth album, Will of the People, released in August 2022, seamlessly weaves together genres and themes from their previous work, offering a captivating culmination of their musical journey.
Muse's journey, from their humble beginnings to their current status as a global rock titan, is a testament to their unique blend of musicality, energy, and progressive vision. They continue to push boundaries and captivate audiences with their sonic explorations and powerful performances, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting and influential rock bands of their generation.
Founded in: 1965
Pink Floyd, the legendary English rock band, burst onto the scene in 1965, London's vibrant musical hub. They quickly became a cornerstone of the psychedelic rock movement, captivating audiences with their extended, experimental compositions, thought-provoking lyrics, and mind-bending live shows. Their influence transcended genres, cementing their status as pioneers of progressive rock and, for many, the ultimate champions of the genre.
The band's early years were defined by the visionary Syd Barrett, guitarist and lead vocalist, whose songwriting propelled them to success with singles like "Arnold Layne" and "See Emily Play" and their groundbreaking debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967). However, Barrett's mental health deteriorated, leading to his departure in 1968, a watershed moment in the band's evolution. Enter David Gilmour, a gifted guitarist and vocalist, whose arrival marked a new era for Pink Floyd.
With Waters taking the reins as primary lyricist and conceptual architect, Pink Floyd embarked on a journey of sonic exploration and philosophical depth. Their landmark albums, The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and The Wall (1979) established them as a force to be reckoned with, their music a tapestry of innovative soundscapes, intricate instrumentation, and deeply personal narratives that resonated with generations of fans.
The iconic The Wall, a concept album exploring themes of isolation and alienation, was also immortalized in the acclaimed 1982 film Pink Floyd – The Wall, which garnered two BAFTA Awards. The band also left their mark on the world of cinema, composing scores for various films.
Internal tensions, however, ultimately led to the departures of Richard Wright in 1981 and Roger Waters in 1985, marking the end of an era. Pink Floyd's legacy, however, remains vibrant, their music continuing to inspire and resonate with listeners worldwide, a testament to their enduring power and artistic genius.
Founded in: 1988
The Smashing Pumpkins, often shortened to simply "Pumpkins," are an American alternative rock powerhouse hailing from Chicago. Formed in 1988 by the enigmatic Billy Corgan (frontman and guitarist), D'arcy Wretzky (bassist), James Iha (guitarist), and Jimmy Chamberlin (drummer), the band has become synonymous with the 90s alt-rock scene. Despite numerous lineup changes since their 2006 reunion, Corgan remains the band's driving force, acting as primary songwriter and the only constant member since its inception. The current lineup features Corgan, Chamberlin, and Iha, showcasing a return to the band's classic roots.
The Pumpkins' sound is a dynamic blend of various rock subgenres, making them a force to be reckoned with. Their music incorporates elements of gothic rock, heavy metal, grunge, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, shoegaze, dream pop, and electronica, resulting in a densely layered and diverse sonic landscape that has evolved throughout their career.
Their debut album, Gish (1991), garnered underground acclaim, foreshadowing their explosive rise. The band truly cemented their status with their sophomore effort, Siamese Dream (1993), released amidst the burgeoning alternative rock wave. Despite a tumultuous recording process, the album became a critical darling, solidifying its place as one of the genre's defining works.
The Pumpkins continued to conquer the charts with their third album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995). This double album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and achieved Diamond certification from the RIAA, a testament to its colossal success. Critical acclaim showered the album, further solidifying the band's dominance.
Following the release of Adore (1998), the band embarked on a two-part project in 2000, Machina and Machina II, before ultimately disbanding due to internal conflicts, drug abuse, and waning commercial success by the late 90s.
The Smashing Pumpkins left an undeniable mark on the world of alternative rock, influencing countless artists and leaving behind a legacy of iconic albums and unforgettable songs that continue to resonate with fans worldwide.