Pearl Jam: Longevity, Independence, and the Evolution of Grunge Quick Facts Founded: 1990Origin: Seattle, Washington, USAGenres: Grunge, Alternative Rock, Hard RockClassic Line-Up: Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Jeff Ament, Dave Abbruzzese (later: Matt Cameron)Years Active: 1990–present Origin Story – From Mother Love Bone to Pearl Jam Pearl Jam emerged from the remnants of Mother … Read more
Nirvana: Minimalism, Distortion, and the Redefinition of Alternative Rock Quick Facts Founded: 1987Origin: Aberdeen, Washington, USAGenres: Grunge, Alternative RockClassic Line-Up: Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, Dave GrohlYears Active: 1987–1994 Origin Story – Isolation and Underground Influence Nirvana was formed in 1987 by Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington. The early years were unstable, with … Read more
AC/DC: Simplicity, Consistency, and the Reinforcement of Hard Rock Quick Facts Founded: 1973Origin: Sydney, AustraliaGenres: Hard Rock, Rock and RollClassic Line-Ups:Bon Scott Era – Bon Scott, Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams, Phil RuddBrian Johnson Era – Brian Johnson, Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams, Phil RuddYears Active: 1973–present Origin Story – The Young Brothers … Read more
Queen: Composition, Theatricality, and the Expansion of Arena Rock Quick Facts Founded: 1970Origin: London, EnglandGenres: Rock, Hard Rock, Glam Rock, Arena RockClassic Line-Up: Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, John DeaconYears Active: 1970–present (with different vocal eras after 1991) Origin Story – From Smile to Queen Queen emerged from the remnants of a band called … Read more
Judas Priest: Speed, Precision, and the Codification of Heavy Metal Quick Facts Founded: 1969Origin: Birmingham, EnglandGenres: Heavy Metal, Speed MetalClassic Line-Up: Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, K.K. Downing, Ian Hill, Dave Holland (earlier: John Hinch, later: Scott Travis)Years Active: 1969–present Origin Story – Birmingham’s Second Wave Judas Priest was formed in Birmingham, the same industrial environment … Read more
Iron Maiden: Structure, Speed, and the Expansion of Heavy Metal Narrative Quick Facts Founded: 1975Origin: London, EnglandGenres: Heavy Metal, New Wave of British Heavy MetalClassic Line-Up: Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko McBrain (earlier: Paul Di’Anno, Clive Burr)Years Active: 1975–present Origin Story – Steve Harris and the East London Foundation Iron Maiden … Read more
Metallica: Precision, Aggression, and the Expansion of Heavy Metal Quick Facts Founded: 1981Origin: Los Angeles, California, USAGenres: Thrash Metal, Heavy MetalClassic Line-Up: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Cliff Burton (later: Jason Newsted, Robert Trujillo)Years Active: 1981–present Origin Story – Classified Ads and Shared Influences Metallica was formed in 1981 after drummer Lars Ulrich placed … Read more
The Beatles: Songwriting, Studio Innovation, and the Redefinition of Popular Music Quick Facts Founded: 1960Origin: Liverpool, EnglandGenres: Rock, Pop Rock, Psychedelic RockClassic Line-Up: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo StarrYears Active: 1960–1970 Origin Story – Liverpool and Hamburg The Beatles began as a skiffle-influenced group formed by John Lennon in the late 1950s. Paul … Read more
The Rolling Stones: Longevity, Rebellion, and the Architecture of Rock Quick Facts Founded: 1962Origin: London, EnglandGenres: Rock, Blues Rock, Hard RockClassic Line-Up: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood (earlier: Brian Jones, Bill Wyman)Years Active: 1962–present Origin Story – Blues Obsession Becomes a Band The Rolling Stones began with a shared obsession: American blues. … Read more
Deep Purple: The Bridge Between Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Quick Facts Founded: 1968Origin: Hertford, EnglandGenres: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Progressive RockClassic Line-Up (Mark II): Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, Ian PaiceYears Active: 1968–present Origin Story – Experimentation Before Identity Deep Purple was formed in 1968 by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, keyboardist Jon … Read more