The Best Classic Psychedelic Rock Bands

A list of the best classicPsychedelic Rock bands that have withstood the test of time and continue to produce great music.

The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They became widely regarded as the foremost and most influential music band in history. Rooted in skiffle, beat and 1950s rock and roll, the group later utilised several genres, ranging from pop ballads topsychedelic rock, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways.

Formed in 1960 in Liverpool, England

The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960. With members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they became widely regarded as the foremost and most influential music band of the 20th century. Rooted in skiffle, beat and 1950s rock and roll, the Beatles later utilised several genres, ranging from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical elements and unconventional recording techniques in innovative ways. In 1963 their enormous popularity first emerged as “Beatlemania”; as the group’s music grew in sophistication following theirsecond album, Rubber Soul (1965), led by primary songwriters Lennon and McCartney’s widening experimentation with intellectual and social commentary, Beatles fans developed a more sophisticated complicity with the band’s creative process. As the members of the band matured creatively and personally they reached 4 No.1 albums before breaking up in 1970.
The Beatles are the best-selling band in history, with estimated sales of over 800 million albums worldwide. They have had more number-one albums on the British charts (17) and held down the top spot longer than any other musical act ( unprepossessed 183 weeks ). According to Billboard magazine , they also amassed a record 182 songs placement on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart ,more than any other artist . The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 ,and all four main members were inducted individually between 1994 & 2015 . In 2008 ,the group topped Billboard magazine list of Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists . In 2012 ,when asked about their legacy by BBC News website readers ,the Beatles were voted “the greatest ever” pop/rock band ahead of Queen & The Rolling Stones .

Members: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group, whose best-known line-up comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, are regarded as the most influential band of all time. With a sound rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, the group were integral to the evolution of pop music into an art form and to the development of the counterculture of the 1960s.

Their clothes, style, and statements made them trendsetters, while their growing musical experimentation inspired their contemporaries to push boundaries. In 1963, their enormous popularity first manifested itself in mainstream consciousness with the release of “Please Please Me”, which topped record charts in several countries including the UK. From then onward, the Beatles produced what critic and historian Stephen Thomas Erlewine has written “might be considered the definitive body of pop music”.

The Beatles built their reputation playing clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg over a three-year period from 1960 onwards. Stuart Sutcliffe, who was with them for part of that time as bass player, died before they achieved worldwide fame. In 1962 they returned to Hamburg with Pete Best as their drummer before making their first recordings for EMI that year at Abbey Road Studios. Between May 1962 and September 1963 they released three singles – “Love Me Do”/”P.S. I Love You”, “Please Please Me” and “From Me To You”/ thank you very much” – which all topped record charts in Britain; two albums – Please Please Me (1963) and With The Beatles (1963); 13 EPs; 20 two-sided singles; and 22 one-sided singlesreleasing a double album – Meet The Beatles! (1964) – for Capitol Records only in North America where stereo albums were not yet available). In 1964 Beatlemania ignited across America when The Beatles made their historic first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show watched by over 70 million people (equal to 37% of US households). Having conquered America they returned home to European soil where they undertook numerous tours during which hysteria continued unabated. They also visited Japan in July 1966 immediately prior to Harrison’s departure from touring due to illness; though he temporarily rejoined his bandmates later that year for filming Help!, Starr was temporarily replaced by session musician Jimmy Nicol on drums during this part of their career.

During 1964–1965 songwriting became increasingly dominated by Lennon–McCartney as composers; songs attributed to Harrison revealed his Less experienced songwriter early on but he gradually grew more confident During 1965 drug use increased particularly with LSD which further influenced the group’s music In 1966 Ian MacDonald wrote Revolution In The Head: a chronological study critiquing every song recorded by The Beatles arguing that Sgt Pepper marked a quantum leap in both lyrical substance and quality Amidst growing tensions within the group relations deteriorated sharply after they agreed And tour manager Neil Aspinall’s suggestion that Brian Epstein should no longer be Their manager Aspinall had become Epstein’s deputy after being promoted from roadie Duties He later said “I was trying my best not To take sides but whenever I saw Brian getting cross or upset I couldn’t help siding with him against John He was such a kind man struggling against real hostility” During 1967 Starr temporarily quit owing To Ringo getting fed up being One Of them chords That Will Syncopate nicely against your hi hat Clang Clang Clang went your hi hat As Time Went On And McCartney took Drumming Lessons He reached An Expert Level By Playing Along With His Favourite Motown Records He said This Was Much More Fun Than Learning ‘Stuff’ Out Of A Book

Albums: Please Please Me, With the Beatles, A Hard Day’s Night, Beatles for Sale, Help!, Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles, Abbey Road, and Let It Be

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group, whose best-known line-up comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, are regarded as the most influential band of all time. With a sound rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, they later utilised several genres ranging from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical elements in innovative ways. In 1963, their enormous popularity first emerged as “Beatlemania”; as the group’s music grew in sophistication led by primary songwriters Lennon and McCartney, their commercial success became termed “Beatlemania”.

During the early 1960s, the Beatles built their reputation playing clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg. From 1962 onwards, they conquered America with a series of successful tours. After their return to Britain they achieved worldwide fame with songs such as “She Loves You” (1963), “I Want To Hold Your Hand” (1964) and “Help!” (1965). As their popularity grew into mass hysteria, they were often referred to as “the Fab Four”.

The Beatles were flamboyant dressers during this period; Starr particularly liked to dress in a military style. They also caused something of a stir when they turned up for a photo shoot for The Ed Sullivan Show wearing leather trousers. Rubber Soul (1965) marked a change in direction for the group towards more personal lyrics combined with Mellotron sounds; it remains one of their most highly regarded albums. Revolver (1966), released shortly afterwards, features further experimentation with drug references and recording techniques; it is similarly rated among critics as one of the finest works of popular music ever released.

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. The first stable line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar), Bill Wyman (bass) and Charlie Watts (drums).

Formed in 1962 in London, England

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London, England, in 1962. The first stable line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Mick Jagger (lead vocals), Keith Richards (guitar, backing vocals), Bill Wyman (bass guitar), Charlie Watts (drums), and Ian Stewart (piano). Stewart was removed from the official line-up in 1963 but continued to work with the band as a contracted musician until his death in 1985. The band’s primary songwriters, Jagger and Richards, assumed leadership after Andrew Loog Oldham became the group’s manager. Jones left the band less than a month prior to his death in 1969, having already been replaced by Mick Taylor, who remained until 1974. After Taylor left the band, Ronnie Wood took his place in 1975 and continues on guitar in tandem with Richards. Since Wyman’s departure in 1993, Darryl Jones has served as their touring bassist. The Stones were at the forefront of the British Invasion of bands that became popular in the United States in 1964 and were identified with the youthful and rebellious counterculture of the 1960s. Rooted in blues and early rock and roll, they later experimented with psychedelic rock, R&B,hard rock and pop ROCK music..

Members: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London, England, in 1962. The first stable line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar, vocals), Bill Wyman (bass), and Charlie Watts (drums). Watts joined in 1963 as their regular drummer. Jones left the band less than a month prior to his death in 1969, having already been replaced by Mick Taylor, who remained until 1974. After Taylor left the band, Ronnie Wood took his place in 1975 and has been on guitar in tandem with Richards ever since. Following Wyman’s departure in 1993, Darryl Jones joined as their touring bassist. The Stones have not had an official keyboardist since 1963; however, they have employed several guest keyboardists for live shows and studio recordings throughout the years.

The Rolling Stones were at the forefront of the British Invasion of bands that became popular in the United States in 1964. They were identified with the youthful and rebellious counterculture of the 1960s. They developed a heavy sound rooted in blues which they came to share with bands like the Animals and Them. The Rolling Stones started releasing compilations of their singles that became common practice among young musicians of that era and blossomed into a form called “blues rock”. Their success continued with 1967’s Between the Buttons and 1968’s Beggars Banquet which along with many others found them experimenting with psychedelic rock.

Albums: The Rolling Stones, 12 X 5, Out of Our Heads, Aftermath, Between the Buttons, Their Satanic Majesties Request, Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, Exile on Main St., Goats Head Soup, It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll, Black and Blue, Some Girls, Emotional Rescue, Tattoo You, Undercover, Dirty Work, Voodoo Lounge, Bridges to Babylon, A Bigger Bang

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London, England, in 1962. The first stable line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar), Mick Jagger (lead vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Bill Wyman (bass), Charlie Watts (drums), and Ian Stewart (piano). Stewart was removed from the official line-up in 1963 but continued to work with the band as a contracted musician until his death in 1985. The band’s primary songwriters, Jagger and Richards, assumed leadership after Andrew Loog Oldham became the group’s manager. Jones left the band less than a month before his death in 1969, having already been replaced by Mick Taylor, who remained until 1974. After Taylor left the band, Ronnie Wood took his place in 1975 and has been on guitar ever since.

The Rolling Stones were at the forefront of the British Invasion of bands that became popular in the United States in 1964 and were identified with the youthful and rebellious counterculture of the 1960s. They were also instrumental in making blues a major part of rock and roll, by writing most of their songs as well as performing blues standards. They released twenty-seven studio albums through 2016 and recorded numerous successful singles. Their early hits included “Not Fade Away” (1964), “Paint It, Black” (1966), “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (1968) and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965). In 1989, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; they have also received five Grammy Awards for Best Rock Album more times than any other band – tying them with U2 for most wins since it was established in 1995 – as well as eighteen Brit Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for their film Performance. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked them fourth on their list of 100 greatest artists of all time while they placed number ninety two on VH1’s Greatest Artists of Hard Rock listThey are ranked number 2 on 100 Greatests Artists Of All Time by music magazine – NME

The Rolling Stones were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.[12] Rolling Stone magazine ranked them fourth on their list of 100 Greatest Artists entitled The Immortals – The Greatest Artists of All Time

The Grateful Dead

The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The band was known for its extended jams, eclectic songwriting, and live performances that often featured improvised passages. The Grateful Dead’s music blended elements of rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, country, and jazz. They are considered one of the most influential rock bands of their time.

Formed in 1965 in San Francisco, California

The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in San Francisco. The band is known for its eclectic style, which fused elements of rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, reggae, country, jazz, and space rock., and for live performances of long musical improvisation. The core lineup of the Grateful Dead was Jerry Garcia on lead guitar and vocals, Bob Weir on rhythm guitar and vocals, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan on keyboards and vocals, Phil Lesh on bass and vocals, and Bill Kreutzmann on drums.

The band was ranked 57th by Rolling Stone magazine in its The Greatest Artists of All Time issue. Their 1973 album History of the Grateful Dead was nominated for a Grammy Award. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and their box set The Golden Road (1965–1973) was certified five-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In 2015 Grateful Dead’s fourth alumnus Bob Weir was inducted as a solo artist alongside bassist Phil Lesh.

Members: Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, Phil Lesh, and Bill Kreutzmann

The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1965. The band is known for its eclectic style, which fused elements of rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, country, jazz, and psychedelic rock. They are also known for their lengthy jams, which could sometimes last for more than an hour.The Dead’s music spans many genres and has been described as everything from folk to country to psychedelia to rock. They have sold more than 35 million albums worldwide.

The Grateful Dead began their career as the Warlocks, a group formed in early 1965 from the remnants of a Palo Alto jug band called Mother McCree’s Uptown Jug Champions. The Warlocks’ first gig was at Magoo’s Pizza in Menlo Park on May 5,1965; they were paid $35 for the gig.The name “Grateful Dead” was chosen from a dictionary. “Grateful dead” means “a soul that has gone to heaven” or “a deceased person who is remembered with gratitude.”

In December 1965, the Warlocks evolved into the Grateful Dead.Several lineup changes ensued over the next few years; Ron “Pigpen” McKernan (keyboards, harmonica) joined in 1967 and Bob Weir (rhythm guitar) joined in early 1968 . The final lineup change occurred in September 1967 when Phil Lesh replaced founding bassist Dana Morgan Jrim 1968 . Other associated acts include Phil Lesh & Friends hiatus periods), RatDog Weir), and Furthur (Lesh).

Albums: The Grateful Dead, Anthem of the Sun, Aoxomoxoa, Live/Dead, Workingman’s Dead, American Beauty, Grateful Dead, Wake of the Flood, From the Mars Hotel, Blues for Allah, Terrapin Station, Shakedown Street, In the Dark, Built to Last, and Without a Net

The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California. The band is known for its eclectic style, which fused elements of rock, folk, country, jazz, bluegrass, blues, gospel, and psychedelic rock; for live performances of lengthy instrumental jams; and for its devoted fan base, known as “Deadheads.” “Their music,” writes Lenny Kaye in the Encyclopedia of Popular Music, “was consciously eclectic and disparate; they drew inspiration from all over—not only from the music hall tradition (they reportedly were the first band to open a show with ‘Me and My Shadow’), but from free jazz (Pharoah Sanders sat in with them on several occasions), avant-garde composer La Monte Young (they soundtracked his 1965 experimental film The Trio’s Prayer), [and] R&B (they once backed Chuck Berry).” They also have been noted for their extended musical improvisations.

The Grateful Dead has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide. The band has earned a dedicated following: many fans refer to themselves as “Deadheads” and are known for their loyal attendance of as many Grateful Dead concerts as possible. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the Grateful Dead sold 2.5 million concert tickets and 7 million albums between 1991 and 1995. Billboard ranked the Grateful Dead the 54th most successful artist of the 1990s. In 2015 they were ranked 87th on VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time

Pink Floyd

Few bands have had as big of an impact on the world of rock music as Pink Floyd. Formed in 1965, the band quickly rose to fame with their innovative and experimental sound. Pink Floyd was one of the first bands to truly embrace the use of psychedelic drugs, and their music often reflected this. The band’s ground-breaking album “The Dark Side of the Moon” is one of the best-selling albums of all time, and is a perfect example of the band’s unique style.

Formed in 1965 in London, England

Pink Floyd was an English rock band formed in London in 1965. Gaining recognition for their live performances and experimental compositions, they achieved international success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music.

Led by Syd Barrett on guitar and vocals, the early Pink Floyd sound was heavily influenced by blues and jazz. Barrett’s erratic behavior due to mental illness led to his departure from the band in 1968, after which they became a five-piece band with guitarist and vocalist David Gilmour taking over lead vocals. Keyboardist Richard Wright also left the band in 1979, but rejoined them as a session musician and co-writer. The final lineup of Pink Floyd consisted of Gilmour, Wright, drummer Nick Mason, and bass guitarist Roger Waters.

Their Contracts with EMI Records expired in 1973, giving the band full creative control over their recordings. Working with producer Bob Ezrin, they produced The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), widely regarded as one of the greatest albums ever made. It incorporated themes of conflict, greed, time, and mental illness; experimentation with audio processing contributed to its unique sound. The album remained on British charts for 741 weeks from 1973 to 1988, longer than any other album in history.

FollowingThe Dark Side of the Moon’s success, Pink Floyd produced Wish You Were Here (1975), reflecting their thoughts on the dissociation caused by success; it explores themes of absence vs presence and reality vs imagination. Animals (1977) was a concept album that built on political unrest in Britain at the time; it is based on George Orwell’s book Animal Farm and was Waters’ response to what he saw as the betrayal of his socialist ideals by the Soviet Union following their apparent victory over Nazi Germany at the end of World War II.

Members: Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, Rick Wright, and Nick Mason

Pink Floyd was an English rock band formed in London in 1965. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music.

The band consisted of four members: Syd Barrett (lead vocals, guitar), Roger Waters (bass guitar, vocals), Rick Wright (keyboards, vocals), and Nick Mason (drums, percussion). Barrett was the original leader of the band; Waters became the primary songwriter and thinker after Barrett’s withdrawal.

Pink Floyd are known for their pioneering work in psychedelic and progressive rock, as well as their iconic status as one of the most influential bands of all time. They have sold over 250 million records worldwide, including 74.5 million certified units in the United States.

Albums: The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, A Saucerful of Secrets, More, Ummagumma, Atom Heart Mother, Meddle, Obscured by Clouds, The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, The Wall, The Final Cut, and A Momentary Lapse of Reason

Pink Floyd was an English rock band formed in 1965. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. Distinguished by their use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, and elaborate live shows, they are one of the most commercially successful and influential groups in popular music history.

The band initially consisted of college friends Syd Barrett on guitar and lead vocals, Nick Mason on drums, Roger Waters on bass and lead vocals, and Richard Wright on keyboards and backing vocals. They first gained popularity performing in London’s underground music scene during the late 1960s. Under Barrett’s leadership, they released two charting singles and a successful debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967). Despite his declining mental health caused by LSD use, Barrett remained a touring member until 1968 when he was replaced by guitarist David Gilmour.

Waters became the primary lyricist and conceptual leader of the group; developing their thematic ambition towards grandiose opio-metaphorical statements regarding society inspired by contemporary left-wing politics. Pink Floyd subsequently achieved critical acclaim with Meddle (1971), which featured an innovative 23-minute long track “Echoes”;[6] 1973’s The Dark Side of the Moon;[7][8] 1974’s Wish You Were Here;[9][10] 1975’s Animals;[11][12] 1977’s hugely successful concept album about alienation,[13] The Wall,[14][15] 1979’s concept album about disillusionment with society,[16][17], The Final Cut;[18][19] 1983’s Roger Waters political solo album The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking;[20][21] 1985’s A Momentary Lapse of Reason;[22][23] 1987’s Rick Wright solo album Broken China; 1994’s The Division Bell.[24][25] After nearly two decades of personal acrimony between Waters and Gilmour, Pink Floyd reunited in 2005 for a single performance at London’s Live 8 concert.[26][27][28].

The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Jimi Hendrix is widely considered to be one of the best and most influential rock guitarists of all time. He was a master of the Stratocaster and used feedback and distortion to create some of the most iconic guitar solos of all time. The Jimi Hendrix Experience was a psychedelic rock band that Hendrix formed in 1966. The band included bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell.

Formed in 1966 in London, England

The Jimi Hendrix Experience was a British-American rock band active in the late 1960s. Fronted by Jimi Hendrix on lead vocals and guitar, the band also featured Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums. The trio was active in1967-1969

Although best known for their hit songs “Hey Joe” (1966), “Purple Haze” (1967) and “The Wind Cries Mary” (1967), the Experience produced a range of other popular singles and albums, including the chart-topping Are You Experienced (1967) and Axis: Bold as Love (1967).

The group’s work was marked by Hendrix’s highly original lyrical works and innovative guitar playing techniques. His use of feedback, distortion and effects pedals, coupled with his distinctive voice and stage presence, made him one of the most influential electric guitarists in rock music history. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Members: Jimi Hendrix, Mitch Mitchell, and Noel Redding

The Jimi Hendrix Experience was an American-English rock band that formed in Westminster, London, in September 1966. Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jimi Hendrix, bassist and backing vocalist Noel Redding, and drummer Mitch Mitchell comprised the group, which was active until June 1969. During this time, they released three studio albums and became one of the most popular acts in rock.

The Experience was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Rolling Stone ranked them the greatestrock band of all time in their 2004 list.

Albums: Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold as Love, and Electric Ladyland

The Jimi Hendrix Experience was an American-English rock band that formed in London in 1966. The group was active until 1970. Its lineup consisted of singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jimi Hendrix, bassist and backing vocalist Noel Redding, and drummer Mitch Mitchell.

The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Rolling Stone ranked the band’s three studio albums, Are You Experienced (1967), Axis: Bold as Love (1967), and Electric Ladyland (1968), among the 100 greatest albums of all time, and they were ranked number 15 on VH1’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. Jimi Hendrix was posthumously inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1992 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s debut album, Are You Experienced, is widely regarded as one of the greatest debut albums in rock history. The album featured Hendrix’s innovative approach to songwriting and guitar playing which had a significant impact on popular music. Despite being released to mixed reviews, Axis: Bold as Love reached number five in the UK Albums Chart and number two in the US Billboard 200 chart. The album’s artwork caused controversy due to its depiction of Hindu deities. Electric Ladyland is routinely cited as one of Hendrix’s best works and one of the greatest albums ever made. It peaked at number one in both the UK Albums Chart and US Billboard 200 chart, making it Hendrix’s only number-one album.