Meltdown – My Top American Bands
With Independence Day weekend here, I thought I’d pay tribute to American bands. I asked you guys about this on my socials the other day, so here it goes…..
#15 – Lynyrd Skynyrd.
This southern rock outfit was one of the biggest bands of the ’70s. Check out their documentary ‘If I Leave Here Tomorrow.’ Must watching for any rock fan.
#14 – KISS
Gene once told me something that I’d never thought about: KISS is the only “stadium” band to come out of NYC. Many around the world may think they’re from Detroit because of the success they had here and of course “Detroit Rock City”, but they’re an east coast band.
#13 – Motley Crue
From the mean streets of L.A., the Crue rose to prominence in the ’80s and is playing to sold out stadiums in 2022. ‘The Dirt’ was worth the watch, but the book was better….as everyone says about any movie. LOL
#12 – Red Hot Chili Peppers
With two of the band members, Chad Smith and Anthony Kiedis, hailing from the great state of Michigan, this born and bred American band will embark on it’s first stadium tour this summer. They’re in the Rock Hall for a reason.
#11 – Pantera
You could say that RHCP should be higher than the Cowboys From Hell, but this is my list! LOL Let’s face it, Dimebag was an innovator and this band lead the metal charge in the ’90s. Their fans are diehard. Think about this- there’s a whole era of metal fans that will never get to see Pantera. I’m glad I did.
#10 – Soundgarden
The Seattle sound took over in the ’90s, and Soundgarden was one of the founding fathers. The first time I played ‘Outshined,’ I knew there was something special about this band.
#9 – Pearl Jam
Another one of the grunge era bands that lead the charge in the ’90s. ‘Ten’ was a change changer and shot the band into superstar status quickly.
#8 – The Grateful Dead
I’m not the biggest fan, but you can’t deny their impact on music and jam bands all over the world. I did get to see them once, in 1991.
#7 – Alice In Chains
Once again, this is my list and I can put the bands in any order I want to. A.I.C. is my favorite band from the grunge era, and it’s not close. The first single I ever played on the radio from them was ‘We Die Young’. Shortly after I saw them open for the Clash of the Titans tour with Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax in 1991. Years later, Jerry Cantrell would tell me that’s where they “Earned their bones” by touring with those metal bands.
#6 – The Eagles
One of the premiere bands to come out of the ’70s from right here in the U.S. of A. Just the song ‘Hotel California’ puts this band on the list.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UehilhnMt5Y
#5 – Nirvana/Foo Fighters
I mean, what has to be said about Nirvana? Even if you don’t like them, you have to admit that they changed the game. I throw in the Foo Fighters here as well because of Dave Grohl. This guy was in the biggest band in the world, then started from scratch another band, and now they’re one of the biggest bands in the world!
#4 – Aerosmith
The Bad Boys from Boston was an easy one to put on this list. It doesn’t get much more American than this!
#3 – Van Halen
Here’s where I had to make a judgment call. Eddie and Alex van Halen weren’t born here, but the band was (Like Metallica with Lars) so I included them. It’s a no-brainer. Each member of VH is a legend. Eddie is top 3 in rock guitarists in my book. Too easy.
#2 – Guns N’ Roses
This band epitomizes Americana. From the gritty streets of Hollywood, GNR put out what some would say is the greatest debut album from any band. They were to the ’80s what Aerosmith was to the ’70s. And like my #1 pick, still playing stadiums in 2022.
#1 – Metallica
This band has been around me my whole life. The first record I ever bought with my own money was ‘Ride The Lightning.’ The guys duked it out and road-dogged it through the ’80s, then blew wide open in the 90s with the Black album. I don’t need to say much more about Metallica, you already know. The Greatest American Band!
Some honorable mentions…..ZZ Top. Killer ole band from Texas. Kid Rock. Say what you will, but he oozes the Red, White and Blue. Ted Nugent. Pure, raw American firepower. Boston. I mean, they’re from Boston! Speaking of Bean Town, I’m a big Cars fan too.
There’s just a few. What are your thoughts? Hit my up on FB and Twitter @Meltdownwrif, or email me Meltdown@wrif.com
-Meltdown-
