Psychedelic Rock Bands of the 60s

What are the best psychedelic rock bands of the 60s? This is a question that often comes up among music fans. While there are many great bands from this era, there are a few that stand out above the rest. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best psychedelic rock bands of the 60s.

The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960. With a line-up comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they are commonly regarded as the most influential band of all time. The group were integral to the development of 1960s counterculture and popular music’s iconic status as an articulator of youth identity. Their sound, rooted in skiffle, beat and 1950s rock and roll, incorporated elements of classical music and traditional pop in innovative ways; the band later explored music styles ranging from ballads and Indian music to psychedelia and hard rock. As pioneers in recording, songwriting and artistic presentation, the Beatles revolutionised many aspects of the music industry and popular culture.

The Rolling Stones

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), 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 player until his death in 1985.

The band’s primary songwriters, Jagger and Richards, assumed leadership after Andrew Loog Oldham became their 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 Jones left the band less than a month before his death in 1969, having already been replaced by Mick Taylor, who remained until 1974.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. Following Wyman’s departure in 1993, Darryl Jones joined as their touring bassist. Other touring keyboardists for the band have been Nicky Hopkins (1967–1982), Billy Preston (1972–1981), Ian McLagan (1978–1981), and Chuck Leavell (1982–present). The Stones were known for their on-stage provocations and off-stage hedonism, often embodied by Jagger, who gained the nickname “Sir Michael Philip Jagger”, while Richards became known as “Keef”.

The Doors

The Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. They were among the most controversial and influential rock acts of the 1960s, mostly because of Morrison’s lyrics and charismatic but unpredictable stage persona.[1][2] After Morrison’s death in 1971 at age 27, the remaining members continued as a trio until disbanding in 1973.

Despite having sold over 150 million units worldwide,[3] the Doors have received only sporadic recognition since breaking up almost 50 years ago. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.[4] Rolling Stone ranked them 62nd on their list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”.[5] In 2002, Manzarek and Krieger started touring as Doors of the 21st Century with Ian Astbury of The Cult on vocals.

Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd was an English rock band formed in 1965 in London. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. Pink Floyd were founded by students Syd Barrett on guitar and lead vocals, Nick Mason on drums, Roger Waters on bass and vocals, and Richard Wright on keyboards and vocals. Barrett was replaced by guitarist David Gilmour in 1968. Wright left Pink Floyd in 1979, followed by Waters in 1985. Gilmour remained as the band’s only constant member following Mason’s departure in 1985.

The Grateful Dead

The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in San Francisco. The band is known for its unique and eclectic style, which blended elements of rock, folk, country, 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, “touches on ground that most other groups don’t even know exists.”They disbanded in 1995 after the death of Jerry Garcia.