This list was impossible to make and is incomplete and subjective at best. Yeah, this is a list of what I consider to be the 30 greatest bands of the past 30 years, and by “greatest” I mean some combination of the most popular, longest-lived, most prolific, most innovative, and most influential bands active during this timeframe (which just so happens to roughly correspond to my lifetime). Specifically, however, I’ve attempted to define the best bands that have existed in a post-classic rock world. It seems that (at least when talking to my father or reading Rolling Stone lists) lists like these are always topped by bands such as Zeppelin, The Stones, and some little band called The Beatles. So with that in mind, you won’t be seeing the likes of Van Halen, Journey, or Aerosmith on this list. I also decided to not include solo artists so Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, and John Mellencamp aren’t represented here either. These are actual bands.
As you might expect, trying to whittle the list down to 30 and put it in some sort of order was incredibly difficult. It was made more difficult because this is not a list of my 30 favorite bands (although it includes a few of ‘em). It also wasn’t just some arbitrary ranking as I really have been pouring over this list for the better part of 6 months. Most of these groups are (or should be) household names and need no introduction, so I’m providing no additional reasoning. Here’s the list.
1. Joy Division/New Order
2. U2
3. The Clash
4. REM
5. The Pixies
6. The Ramones
7. Metallica
8. Sonic Youth
9. The Replacements
10. Pearl Jam
11. Nirvana
12. Radiohead
13. Fugazi
14. The Smiths
15. The Police
16. Depeche Mode
17. Talking Heads
18. Husker Du
19. Uncle Tupelo
20. Iron Maiden
21. Guns n Roses
22. Wilco
23. Los Lobos
24. The Flaming Lips
25. Pavement
26. Black Flag
27. Green Day
28. Nine Inch Nails
29. Smashing Pumpkins
30. Descendents
I will say that it’s significantly easier to view bands that have been around awhile or non-current bands in a proper historical context. I mean, how more modern bands will be perceived in 10, 20, or 30 years from now? If my daughters make a list like this in 25 years, what will it look like? Also consider what the landscape of rock music today would look like without any of these bands and, if missing from rock history, where would the biggest holes be? Ponder this list as you spend time with family. It’s a heckuva conversation starter.
I know a lot of people hate these kinds of lists but I love ‘em. Sonic Youth and the Smiths I hate, but the rest of your list looks good. Sonic Youth did somehow influence the whole Seattle scene, so that is significant I guess.
@retro hound — i think a lot of us love these lists; there’s a small group who like hating anything that’s fun
@eric — fantastic work!!
surprised to see Wilco lower than Iron Maiden or Depeche Mode. While i’m not a huge Wilco fan and much prefer the mighty Uncle Tupelo, I think one could argue the former has eclipsed the latter in popularity, prolificness and critical acclaim.
The other band that jumps out is Metallica — i’m curious how, if at all, you accounted for/deducted/etc. for their decline. As a HUGE fan in the late 80s, I was willing to forgive the “black album” but man they’ve become a shell of their former selves. As epic as Lighting-Puppets-Justice were their last 3 (what I’ve heard of them) have been as laughable. Maybe they’re the real world example of the question “better to burn out or fade away?”
I’d argue they should be at least below Fugazi — who i’d love to move a bit higher. I think you could argue that the way they carried their band ($5 shows, etc.) has influenced just about every punk band playing house shows and basements from Gainesville to Portland in some way.
you’re right — if nothing else this is a great conversation starter!
Mark, for what it’s worth, I love Wilco way more than most of the list, but in thinking about the impact on music today, there’s no doubt in my mind that Iron Maiden and Depeche Mode would leave a bigger hole if omitted from music history, at least at this point. In 10 years, I might be singing a different tune. Fugazi was ultra important, but how widespread is the question? We could debate all day and I love it. Thanks!!!
Good call on the inclusion of Black Flag, and especially the Descendents. Just wondering if the Dead Kennedys or Bad Brains were in consideration at all?
Sick list overall.
Yeah, I considered both those bands, but neither struck me as being quite as influential. Thanks!!
I actually like this list….but dude..seriously? no red hot chili peppers? im just curious as to why you left them off?