Becoming a classic rock band is not merely a stroke of luck; it demands immense dedication and a collection of memorable hits. A hallmark of enduring success in this genre is the ability to produce over 10 albums, a feat achieved by a select group of legendary artists. This remarkable accomplishment is especially evident in metal, where icons like Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio have left their mark.
Within the classic rock arena, KISS, AC/DC, and The Rolling Stones stand as monumental figures, transcending the genre to become pop culture phenomena. Their staggering accomplishments not only testify to their talent but also illustrate the impact of perseverance amidst challenges. Despite facing various obstacles, these musicians have repeatedly proven their ability to rise above and continue captivating audiences.
10 – Van Halen
12 Studio Albums
Van Halen is a quintessential example of a band that has navigated through turmoil over its extensive career, which spanned from 1973 until 2020. Renowned for having three different lead singers, the core essence of the band remained with the Van Halen brothers, Alex and Eddie. With Eddie acclaimed as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, the band made waves with their debut album, earning diamond status in the U.S. thanks to a slew of hits.
Despite a challenging period during the 2000s, marked by issues with lead singers, fans’ enthusiasm for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band never waned. Their longest gap between albums lasted from 1998 until their final release in 2012, but this did little to dampen their legacy.
9 – The Who
12 Studio Albums
With timeless tracks like “Baba O’Riley,””Who Are You,”and “My Generation,”The Who have etched their place as pivotal figures in music history. Emerging in 1964 under the leadership of Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, they pioneered the rock opera genre and made substantial contributions to hard rock, power pop, and punk. Despite years of hiatus during the ’80s and ’90s, their scarce releases have left fans curious about what could have been.
The gap between their 1982 release and 2006 saw The Who’s creative output stunted, with additional wait time leading up to their 2019 project, potentially marking their swan song. Their impressive catalog remains a testament to their creativity and influence.
8 – Journey
15 Studio Albums
The name Journey aptly reflects the band’s evolution toward becoming an iconic presence in music history. Initially a jazz rock band, their trajectory changed dramatically with the addition of Steve Perry in 1978, setting the stage for their biggest hits, including the legendary anthem “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
7 – Queen
15 Studio Albums
From 1973 to 1995, Queen stood out as one of the most prolific bands of their time, with 15 studio albums highlighting their journey. They adeptly shifted influences from rock and metal to a more accessible radio-friendly sound, ultimately embracing the stadium rock era. Songs that have become staples like “Another One Bites the Dust”and “Don’t Stop Me Now”showcase their performance charisma.
Their anthemic track “We Are the Champions”has become synonymous with victory across sports celebrations. While Freddie Mercury’s unique talent solidified Queen’s legendary status, his passing in 1991 did not curtail the band’s legacy; they continue to entertain, making every concert a celebration of their rich history.
6 – Aerosmith
15 Studio Albums
Aerosmith, often hailed as “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band,”solidified their reputation with a remarkable array of hits spanning decades. Known for classics like “Dream On,””Crazy,”and “Sweet Emotion,”they have consistently delivered blockbuster albums into the 21st century. Their legendary collaboration with Run-D.M.C. on a remix of “Walk This Way”helped bridge genres, making them a household name.
Aerosmith’s song “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”also captured hearts through its feature in the 1998 blockbuster Armageddon. With over 2,000 live performances under their belt, they have established themselves as true global rock icons.
5 – ZZ Top
15 Studio Albums
Beginning their journey in 1969, ZZ Top emerged as a cornerstone of the blues-rock genre, captivating fans with their distinct style. The duo of Dusty Hill and Billy Gibbons transformed into a formidable live act, and the 1970s saw the release of several successful albums. Although personal challenges and commitments slowed their production rate, they remained influential, with their last album released in 2012.
Following Dusty Hill’s passing in 2021, Billy Gibbons kept the band’s spirit alive, hinting at the possibility of new music. Their impact is undeniable, with classics like “Sharp Dressed Man,”securing their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
4 – Fleetwood Mac
18 Studio Albums
Fleetwood Mac’s quest for their true sound culminated in 1975 with the addition of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Prior to this breakthrough, they diligently released albums in search of recognition. Their crowning achievement came in 1977 with the record Rumours, which boasts an astounding 21x platinum certification in the U.S.
Even after their last studio album in 2003, Fleetwood Mac continued to tour until Christine McVie’s passing in 2022 brought their chapter to a close. Their legacy, however, is monumental, with over 120 million records sold globally, affirming their status as one of the greatest bands of all time.
3 – AC/DC
18 Studio Albums
Overcoming significant adversities, AC/DC emerged as one of rock music’s most celebrated bands, founded by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. With Bon Scott as their first frontman, they produced enduring hits like “Highway to Hell.”The sudden loss of Scott was a pivotal moment, but the swift recruitment of Brian Johnson led to the 1980 release of the landmark album, Back in Black.
This album became one of the best-selling of all time, setting the stage for a prolific collaboration with Johnson, yielding 11 more records and solidifying their legendary status with over 200 million records sold worldwide.
2 – KISS
20 Studio Albums
KISS, known for their distinctive face paint and theatrical performances, has captivated audiences for over 50 years. They dominated album releases during the 1970s and 1980s, followed by a strategic focus on touring in their later years. Recognized with a star on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, their ability to turn the band into a cultural brand has made KISS a lasting name in the industry.
While their regular touring may be winding down, the anticipation surrounding potential future appearances keeps hope alive for fans who cherish their contributions to music history.
1 – The Rolling Stones
31 Studio Albums
Celebrating over six decades of musical excellence, the Rolling Stones boast an astounding 31 studio albums, showcasing their relentless creativity and adaptability. They have consistently been recognized among the top 10 best-selling tours, epitomizing rock star status with their innovative approach that spans multiple genres.
With over 250 million records sold globally and an unwavering legacy, they show no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by their latest album release in 2023. The term “iconic”barely scratches the surface of what the Rolling Stones represent in the world of music.