Best all around band (mainstream)

[Lance the Advancer]

I know this has been pretty much debated to no end, but I'd like to know who the dopers think is the best all around band in the history of (mainstream) rock?

For me it has to be either Zeppelin, the Doors, or the Ramones.

[Jack Batty]

Stones.

May as well lock this thread up now.

;)

[Lance the Advancer]

The Stones would be next on my list.

[Tokiwoki]

U2

...shortest reply ever. :)

[Mudshark]

Jeffrson Airplane
Frank Zappa
The Doors
Janis Joplin
Jimi Hendrix
The Beatles
The Rolling Stones
The Plastic Ono Band
Blue Ouster Cult

[Mudshark]

Almost forgot Alice Cooper. How could I forget Alice Cooper?

[mswas]

Well it's a good thing this thread is sticking to old bands because being a good band these days is a strike against mainstream success.

Erek

[pulykamell]

I was going to say XTC, but I'm not sure if that qualifies as mainstream...

For the 90s I would say Radiohead, The Flaming Lips, Blur and The Smashing Pumpkins.

But, to answer the question, best all-around rock band of all time...

The Beatles, without a doubt.

followed by:
Led Zeppelin
The Who
Pink Floyd