# The 6 greatest British bands of all time **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 9, 2024, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019 "2024-09-09T16:26:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/1 "2024-09-09T16:26:51Z")
According to YOU. Genre is open. You can judge by music sales, influence on later music or just the awesomeness of their talent. Whatever _you_ feel qualifies them to be deemed the greatest. But only 6 band and a few words to make your case. I’m hoping this thread will open my eyes to some things I’ve missed. (This weekend I learned about [Terry Reid](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awuJ_tgOwTQ). What an amazing talent - I’d never heard of him.) So what British bands were the greatest ever? ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/2 "2024-09-09T16:28:01Z")
Well the automatics are The Beatles, The Who and The Rolling Stones\*. So the next 3? Mine are Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and ~~Queen~~. Make that Yes. \* I’m not even a Stones fan, but to not include them would be nuts. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/3 "2024-09-09T16:29:03Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > So the next 3? The Kinks Queen Elton John ETA. I didn’t know Zeppelin was British. TIL ---
**Author:** ![Teuton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/teuton/32/3864_2.png) [@Teuton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teuton)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/4 "2024-09-09T16:40:40Z")
Ok. But this is just, like, my opinion man. I’m not going to put the obvious ones in - those top 3 listed above, because they’re almost too much a given. Although I’ve never been that much of a fan of The Who. Queen - One of the greatest live bands ever Iron Maiden - Another great live band, long career, great metal music Blur - Best of the ‘Britpop’ bands, whatever Oasis fans might tell you Paul Weller - Bit of a cheat, because having him lets you include The Jam and Style Council as well as his excellent solo stuff David Bowie - well, duh Madness - I’ve always liked them. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/5 "2024-09-09T16:42:22Z")
In no particular order: - Queen - Led Zeppelin - David Bowie - Beatles - Rolling Stones - Elton John ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/6 "2024-09-09T16:42:41Z")
Are we only considering bands? I’d think so, but the answers reveal otherwise. Kinks for sure. The last two? For me, it would probably be Sabbath and The Clash. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/7 "2024-09-09T16:47:15Z")
I’m not sure I would use the term “greatest.” But here are some of my favorites: King Crimson The Who Black Sabbath Deep Purple Babe Ruth Cream ---
**Author:** ![Jaycat.again](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat.again/32/11525_2.png) [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/8 "2024-09-09T16:48:01Z")
Beatles Stones Kinks Jam Clash Faces. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/9 "2024-09-09T16:56:04Z")
One of these is not like the others. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/10 "2024-09-09T17:01:02Z")
> [@Teuton](#): > > Paul Weller - Bit of a cheat Cheat or not, an excellent pick. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/11 "2024-09-09T17:05:39Z")
Man, that’s hard, and though my first four picks are obvious and not very original, quality matters: The Beatles The Rolling Stones The Kinks The Who The Clash The Smiths ETA: it was extremely tough to leave out Elvis Costello & The Attractions, one of the best bands in the Universe. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/12 "2024-09-09T17:11:15Z")
I’d go with you, but I think I would replace Yes with the Moody Blues. I’m not even that big a fan of theirs and like Yes they had their share of pretentious drivel. What puts them up top for me is their awesome musicianship. Every time I hear a piece of theirs on the radio I’m struck by just how great the music sounds. Too bad that Blind Faith put out only one album. It’s one of my all-time favorites. Talk about musicianship. Speaking of which, what to do about Eric Clapton? He was a member of Cream in 1968, Blind Faith in 1969, and Derek and the Dominoes in 1970. With a backup stint in Delaney & Bonnie and Friends. That stretch is on a top-six list for three years of music. If Paul Weller gets in … ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/13 "2024-09-09T17:14:30Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > One of these is not like the others. King Crimson? 😉 I’m not a huge prog fan, but I find some of it quite interesting and intellectually-challenging. Early KC is in this category, for me. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/14 "2024-09-09T17:17:42Z")
> [@Exapno\_Mapcase](#): > > Speaking of which, what to do about Eric Clapton? This is a bit OT, but I find him to be a _huge_ disappointment. I _ **love** _ his work in Cream. His solo work for the past 40+ years? Absolutely boring to my ears. Completely void of imagination; nothing “interesting” or thought-provoking, just “safe” riffs and chord progressions. Not sure what happened. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/15 "2024-09-09T17:18:26Z")
Beatles Stones ELP King Crimson Who (only because of Keith Moon) Rutles ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/16 "2024-09-09T17:18:51Z")
Beatles Who Kinks Pink Floyd Led Zeppelin Stones ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/17 "2024-09-09T17:20:12Z")
Clapton’s music was fantastic and certainly is on the short list when making a list like this. But he’s such a piece of shit otherwise that makes me struggle to recommend. I started a thread some time ago about whether we can enjoy art by people who are otherwise awful: - [Should people avoid consuming art they enjoy from an artist who they dislike or disagree with on a personal level?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-people-avoid-consuming-art-they-enjoy-from-an-artist-who-they-dislike-or-disagree-with-on-a-personal-level/979721?page=17) ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/18 "2024-09-09T17:24:26Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > I started a thread some time ago about whether we can enjoy art by people who are otherwise awful: I find it interesting that no one mentioned Frank Zappa in that thread. Moon just published a tell-all book. I am not going to read it, because I don’t want his personal flaws to taint my enjoyment of his music. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/19 "2024-09-09T18:18:54Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Well the automatics are The Beatles, The Who and The Rolling Stones I would say the automatics are The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. While I’d include the Who in my 6, I wouldn’t say they’re a sure thing. My last two would be the Kinks and Yes. ---
**Author:** ![XOldiesJock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ec9cab/32.png) [@XOldiesJock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XOldiesJock)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2024, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019/20 "2024-09-09T18:20:08Z")
The Beatles The Rolling Stones Led Zeppelin Elton John (not a band, but really outstanding) David Bowie (see Elton John) The Animals (Yes, not one most people would choose, but Eric Burdon & Co brought a rough edge to the British Invasion and through the 1960s evolved in much the same way the Beatles and Stones did, if a bit unevenly.) If I had to choose a later band as a Plus-One: The Clash. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-6-greatest-british-bands-of-all-time/1007019.md?page=2)