Rock Music Day: The Best of the Best

Today we’re celebrating Rock Music Day by looking at some of the best rock songs of all time. From classic rock to metal and everything in between, these are the tracks that have stood the test of time.

The best rock songs of all time

Rock music is a genre of popular music that originated in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia in the 1950s. The terms “popular music” and “rock music” are often used interchangeably, although rock music is a subgenre of popular music. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, a style which drew heavily from the genres of blues, rhythm and blues, and from country music. Rock music also drew influence from jazz, folk, and classical music.

The term “rock” was first used to describe this type of music in 1951 by Disc magazine editor Jerry Wexler. In his story “Rock Around the Clock”, published in the May 13, 1951 issue of Billboard magazine, Wexler used the phrase “rocking jazz” to describe Alan Freed’s radio show Playin’ the Hits. The first use of “rocking” in reference to something other than a ship rocking back and forth on waves was in reference to Freed’s show.

In 1954, Bill Haley & His Comets released their version of “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock”, which quickly became a global hit. Haley is often credited as the artist who created rock and roll. However, other artists such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Fats Domino, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison were also significant contributors to the development of rock and roll.

The best rock albums of all time

In celebration of National Rock Music day, we’ve compiled a list of what we believe to be the best rock albums of all time. This list is sure to get you pumped up and ready to rock out!

1. Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin
2. Abbey Road – The Beatles
3. Nevermind – Nirvana
4. Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd
5. Sticky Fingers – The Rolling Stones
6. Highway to Hell – AC/DC
7. Appetite for Destruction – Guns N’ Roses
8. Metallica (The Black Album) – Metallica
9. Back in Black – AC/DC
10. The Wall – Pink Floyd

The best rock bands of all time

It’s safe to say that rock music has had a pretty incredible journey since it first appeared on the scene in the 1950s. From its early beginnings as a genre that was largely influenced by blues and country music, rock has gone on to evolve and adopt elements from virtually every other type of music out there.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes rock music so special, but there’s no denying its massive popularity. Whether it’s the feeling of freedom and rebellion that it emits or the way that it can make you feel like you’re part of a community, rock music has a way of resonating with people on a very deep level.

There have been countless great rock bands over the years, but some have managed to stand out from the rest. Here are just a few of the best rock bands of all time:

The Beatles
Arguably the most popular and influential band in history, The Beatles needs no introduction. The English rock band consists of four members: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They became widely regarded as the foremost and most influential band of their generation, with their sound often being mimicked by other artists. They were also credited with popularizing the “ Beatles hair ” style among men in the 1960s.

Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin was an English rock band formed in London in 1968 by Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham. The band is considered to be one of the pioneers of heavy metal music and they had a massive influence on the genre as a whole. With hits like “ Stairway to Heaven ” and “ Kashmir, ” Led Zeppelin is still just as popular today as they were when they first started making music.

The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962 by Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, and Ian Stewart. The band is renowned for their signature bluesy sound and their rebellious image. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and they continue to tour regularly even though most of their original members have retired or passed away.

The best rock concerts of all time

It’s no secret that rock music has produced some of the best concert experiences of all time. From the early days of Elvis to the British Invasion to stadium tours by Led Zeppelin, The Who and Pink Floyd, rock concerts have always been about putting on a great show.

In recent years, we’ve seen an explosion of festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo that feature dozens of bands playing over the course of several days. These events have become a rite of passage for music fans, and they always produce some amazing moments.

So what are the best rock concerts of all time? That’s a tough question to answer, but we’ve compiled a list of 20 that we think belong at the top. From classic stadium shows to modern festival sets, these are the best performances that rock music has to offer.

The best rock festivals of all time

In celebration of Rock Music Day, we’re taking a look at some of the best rock festivals of all time. From Woodstock to Lollapalooza, these festivals have provided some of the most unforgettable moments in music history.

Woodstock (1969)
Considered by many to be the best rock festival of all time, Woodstock featured an impressive lineup of iconic bands including The Who, Jimi Hendrix, and Sly and the Family Stone. The festival was marred by bad weather and poor organization, but the music more than made up for it.

Lollapalooza (1991)
Lollapalooza was started by Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell as a farewell tour for his band. The lineup featured a mix of alternative rock, grunge, and hip hop acts, and was so successful that it spawned a full-fledged music festival that is still going strong today.

Reading and Leeds Festivals (1976)
The Reading and Leeds Festivals are two separate but equally iconic music festivals in the UK. The festivals feature a mix of rock, indie, punk, and metal bands, and have been running consecutively since 1976. Some of the most memorable moments in the festivals’ history include Nirvana’s now-legendary set in 1991 and Oasis’ headline-grabbing performance in 1995.

The best rock music venues of all time

There are countless incredible rock music venues out there, but some stand out above the rest. Here are ten of the best rock music venues of all time:

1. The Fillmore in San Francisco: This legendary venue has hosted some of the biggest names in rock, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and the Grateful Dead.

2. The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles: This iconic venue has been a mainstay of the LA rock scene since it opened its doors in 1973. It’s hosted everyone from David Bowie to Guns N’ Roses.

3. CBGB in New York City: This notorious punk rock club was the breeding ground for some of the most influential bands of all time, including the Ramones and Patti Smith Group.

4. First Avenue in Minneapolis: This historic venue was made famous by Prince in his 1984 film Purple Rain, and it continues to be one of the best places to see live music in the Midwest.

5. The 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C.: This beloved club has been a fixture of the DC music scene since 1980, and it’s hosted everyone from Nirvana to Bruno Mars.

6. The Metro in Chicago: This popular club has been a hotspot for live music since it opened its doors in 1982. It’s hosted everyone from Madonna to Metallica.

7. Stubb’s BBQ in Austin: This Texas institution is known for its amazing barbecue, but it’s also one of the best places to see live music in Austin, with regular shows from big names like Willie Nelson and Kendrick Lamar.

8. The Troubadour in West Hollywood: This legendary club has been a mainstay of the LA music scene since 1957, and it’s hosted everyone from Bob Dylan to Lady Gaga.

The best rock music festivals of all time

In celebration of Rock Music Day, we’re taking a look at some of the best rock music festivals of all time. From Woodstock to Lollapalooza, these festivals have provided some of the most unforgettable moments in music history.

Woodstock
Held in 1969, Woodstock was originally conceived as a way to bring people together in peace and love. With performances from iconic bands such as The Who and Jimi Hendrix, the festival went on to become one of the most influential events of the 20th century.

Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza is one of the most popular music festivals in the world, with over 170,000 people attending each year. The festival started out as a showcase for alternative rock bands in 1991, but has since expanded to include a wide range of genres.

Glastonbury Festival
The Glastonbury Festival is one of the largest and most well-known music festivals in the world. Held in England, the festival attracts over 175,000 people each year. With a wide range of musical acts performing, there’s something for everyone at Glastonbury.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is one of the most popular music festivals in the United States. Held annually in Indio, California, the festival attracts over 250,000 people each year. With performances from some of the biggest names in music, Coachella is not to be missed.

The best rock music clubs of all time

In celebration of Rock Music Day, we’re taking a look at the best rock music clubs of all time! These are the places where legends were made, and where rock music will always have a home.

The Whisky a Go Go

This famous Los Angeles club was opened in 1964 and quickly became the place to be for up-and-coming rock bands. The Doors were the house band for a while, and many other greats played there, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, and The Who. The Whisky is still going strong today, and it’s definitely on our list of must-visit rock music clubs.

CBGB

CBGB was opened in 1973 in New York City’s East Village. It quickly became known as the place to go for punk and new wave music. The Ramones got their start there, and many other great bands played CBGB’s stage, including Talking Heads, Blondie, Television, and Patti Smith. Sadly, the club closed its doors in 2006, but its legacy lives on.

The Roxy Theatre

Located on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, The Roxy Theatre is one of the most iconic rock music clubs in the world. It opened its doors in 1973 and has hosted everyone from David Bowie to Guns N’ Roses to Nirvana. If you’re a fan of rock music, this is definitely a place you need to visit.

The best rock music bars of all time

With so many great rock music bars out there, it’s hard to know where to start. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of the best rock music bars of all time.

1. Café Wha? – New York, NY

This legendary Greenwich Village institution has been a favorite of music lovers for decades. Café Wha? is known for its great atmosphere and its long list of musical alumni, including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Bruce Springsteen.

2. The Viper Room – Los Angeles, CA

The Viper Room is one of the most famous rock music bars in the world, and for good reason. This Sunset Strip hotspot has played host to some of the biggest names in rock over the years, including Guns N’ Roses, Nirvana, and Foo Fighters.

3. CBGB – New York, NY

CBGB was the epicenter of the New York punk scene in the 1970s and ’80s, and it remains an important part of musical history today. This East Village bar has been home to some of punk’s most influential bands, including the Ramones, Talking Heads, and Blondie.

4. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge – Nashville, TN

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is one of Nashville’s most iconic music venues. This storied bar has been a favorite of country music legends like Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson for decades. Today, it remains a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.

The best rock music radio stations of all time

As you know, today is Rock Music Day! To celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of the best rock music radio stations of all time. From classic rock to modern hits, these stations have it all. So turn up the volume and get ready to rock out!

-KQRS: Based in Minneapolis, KQRS has been playing classic rock hits since 1972. With a massive playlist of over 3,000 songs, there’s something for everyone on KQRS.

-WFAN: New York’s premier sports radio station also happens to be one of the best rock radio stations in the country. WFAN has been playing rock hits since 1987, and they show no signs of slowing down.

-KSAN: San Francisco’s KSAN is another great option for classic rock lovers. With over 50 years of experience, KSAN knows how to keep their listeners happy.

-WRIF: Detroit’s WRIF is one of the most well-known rock radio stations in the country. They’ve been playing the best in hard rock and heavy metal since 1971, and they continue to be a top choice for headbangers everywhere.