Millenials have grown up listening to artists like Kayne West, Adelle, Beyonce and groups like DNCE and One Direction. They're used to one hit wonders and pop music. But every millennial should take some time and listen to the music of past generations. For me, nothing compares to classic rock and it always surprises me how little millennials know about rock and roll. Rock bands have written music that has spanned generations, here are some bands that every millennial should know!
1. The Beatles
From Liverpool, England to the United States, this band started rocking out back in 1960. Millenials may view The Beatles as an overrated band, but they played an influential part in the rock era. They brought us classics like "Hey Jude" and "Yellow Submarine."
2. The Rolling Stones
Another band out of England that formed in London in 1962. The Rolling Stones' lead singer, Mick Jagger is known for his wild dance moves. Their "A Bigger Bang Tour" is the second-highest-grossing concert tour of all time!
3. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
One of my personal favorite rock band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, is a quintessential American rock band. From Gainsville, Florida, they have been playing since 1976. The have brought use classics like "Won't Back Down" and "American Girl."
4. Pink Floyd
Known for their psychedelic songs, this British band took us to places like the dark side of the moon. Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" is the third best-selling album in the US by shipments/sales!
5. Eagles
This American band taught us how to take it easy. Formed in 1971 out of Los Angles. Their greatest hits album is one of the best-selling albums of all time!
6. Queen
Yet another band from London, England. They brought us classic songs like "We Will Rock You" and "Bohemian Rhapsody."
7. Steve Miller Band
The Steve Miller Band was formed in San Francisco, California 1966. The band is led by Steve Miller on guitar and he is also lead vocals. "The Joker" and "Jet Airliner" are a couple of their songs.
8. Led Zepplin
I know, I know another English band! Led Zepplin got its start in London in 1998. Their "Led Zeppelin IV" is the second best-selling album in the US by shipments/sales
9. The Who
This is the last English band on my list! They got their start in 1964. The Who's most iconic song and perhaps most ironic song is "Who are You."
10. Lynard Skynyrd
Who says the South doesn't know how to rock out? Lynard Skynard is known for popularizing Southern rock in the 1970s. I dare you not to break out into song when you hear "Sweet Home Alabama" come on the radio!
11. Fleetwood Mac
This British-American band was formed in London in 1967. They've sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the world's best-selling bands of all time. Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" is the seventh-best-selling album of all time!
12. Styx
An American band from Chicago formed in 1972 but become popular in the late-1970s and 1980s. Styx welcomed us to the grand illusion and showed us how we have too much time on our hands!
"Life is a disease. The only cure is rock 'n' roll."