The Best Rock Musicals of All Time

A list of the best rock musicals of all time, including ‘Rent,’ ‘Tommy,’ and ‘Hair.’

“Rock of Ages”

“Rock of Ages” is a musical with a book by Chris D’Arienzo, based on the 2006 film of the same name. The musical features the hits of 1980s rock bands including Journey, Bon Jovi, Poison and more. It tells the story of a small town girl who falls in love with a big city rocker, and features some of the most iconic rock songs of all time.

“Rent”

“Rent” is a1996 rock musical with music, lyrics, and book by Jonathan Larson. The story is loosely based on Giacomo Puccini’s 1896 opera La Bohème, and set in New York City’s Alphabet City in the late 1980s. The musical tells the story of a group of Bohemian friends struggling to make ends meet while following their dreams in the Big Apple.

The musical was groundbreaking for its use of rock music to tell a stories of young people dealing with issues of love, loss, AIDS, and homelessness. It was also one of the first mainstream musicals to deal with same-sex relationships. “Rent” ran for 12 years on Broadway, winning multiple Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. The 2005 film adaptation starred Taye Diggs, Rosario Dawson, and Tracie Thoms.

“Hair”

“Hair” is a rock musical with a book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni, and music by Galt MacDermot. A product of the hippie counterculture and sexual revolution of the late 1960s, several of its songs became anthems of the anti-Vietnam War peace movement. The musical’s profanity, its depiction of the use of illegal drugs, its treatment of sexuality, its irreverence for the American flag, and its nude scene caused much comment and controversy.

“The Who’s Tommy”

The Who’s Tommy is a rock musical with music and lyrics by The Who, and book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff. The story is based on the life of Tommy Walker, a “deaf, dumb and blind” boy, who becomes a pinball champion and “hero to his generation.”

The musical premiered in 1992 in London, and soon afterwards transferred to Broadway where it won five Tony Awards, including Best Score. A film adaptation was released in 1975 starring Roger Daltrey as Tommy.

The Who’s Tommy is widely considered to be one of the best rock musicals of all time, and has had a major influence on subsequent shows such as Rent and Spring Awakening.

“Spring Awakening”

“Spring Awakening” is a Tony Award-winning musical with music by Duncan Sheik and a book and lyrics by Steven Sater. The musical is based on the 1891 German play Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind. Set in late-19th century Germany, the musical tells the story of teenager Melchior Gabor and his struggle to reconcile his yearnings with the stifling sexual repression of his society. The show has been praised for its contemporary rock score and honest exploration of teenage sexuality.

“Passing Strange”

“Passing Strange” is a rock musical with a book and lyrics by Stew and music by Stew and Heidi Rodewald. The show was developed through various workshops, onstage readings, and off-Broadway productions before opening on Broadway in February 2008.

The story follows the central character, Young Romance, as he leaves his middle-class home in Los Angeles to embark on a journey of self-discovery in Europe and Africa. Along the way, he faces challenges and temptations that force him to confront his own identity.

“Passing Strange” was praised by critics for its inventive use of rock music to tell a coming-of-age story. The show won several awards, including the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical, and was nominated for six Tony Awards in total.

“Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson”

“Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” may not be the most well-known rock musical, but it is definitely one of the best. The story follows the life of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, from his early days as a frontier lawyer to his eventual rise to power.

What sets this musical apart is its unique blend of history and comedy. It’s both informative and entertaining, making it a must-see for any fan of rock music ormusicals.

“American Idiot”

“American Idiot” is a rock musical with music by Green Day and lyrics by Billie Joe Armstrong. The story is loosely based on the punk rock band’s 2004 concept album of the same name. The musical follows the lives of three friends, Johnny, Tunny and Will, who are struggling to find meaning in their lives after dropping out of high school.

“The Addams Family Musical”

The Addams Family Musical is a musical comedy based on the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. The musical opened on Broadway in April 2010, and closed in December 2011 after 722 performances. The musical was produced by Stuart Oken, Roy Miller, Kevin McCollum, and Nicholas Rodriguez.

The musical tells the story of the Addams family, who are a happily macabre family living in a Creepy Old House in New York City. The family is turned upside down when their daughter Wednesday Addams falls in love with a boy from a “normal” family. The boy’s parents come to visit the Addamses, and all hell breaks loose!

The Addams Family Musical was nominated for eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It won the Tony Award for Best Lighting Design of a Musical.

“Rock of Ages”

“Rock of Ages” is a Broadway musical with a book by Chris D’Arienzo and music and lyrics by various artists. The musical is based on the rock music of the 1980s, with a particular focus on the hair metal genre. It tells the story of two young lovers who meet at a nightclub and must overcome obstacles to be together.

The musical premiered on Broadway in 2009 and was made into a film in 2012. It has been praised for its high energy, catchy tunes, and nostalgic setting.