31. Heart
Another welcome group of rockin’ ladies on our list are the Wilson sisters, Ann and Nancy, and their band, Heart. These multi-talented sisters and their band really rocked it hard, making them one of the best bands to come out of the 1970s. Their first mainstream hit was “Crazy on You” released in 1976, with influences from hard rock, heavy metal, and folk music.
Heart
Their sound really developed and changed over the years, but their second unforgettable hit came out a year later, “Barracuda”. The song was apparently written by the sisters when they were angry at their old record label who seemed to present the sisters sexually rather than for their music. The song is kicked off by a kickass guitar riff, then the drums hit it, all building up to when Ann starts belting out this absolute banger.
30. Van Halen
Van Halen were revolutionary in their use of keyboards and synthesizers in their music. Back in the 1980s, it was practically unheard of to use keyboards and synthesizers in rock n’ roll music, when keys and synths were mostly associated with pop music, and definitely ‘not cool’ enough for hard rockers. But a band formed by two bothers made bold moves, and managed to change this image, paving a new way for hard rock in the wider music industry.
Van Halen
Van Halen began in Pasadena, California as a heavy metal band, and made a name for themselves with musical innovation and their unforgettable high-energy live performances. Eddie Van Halen, the lead guitarist, is accredited with some ingenious electric-guitar playing, and together with lead vocalist, David Lee Roth, the band gave the world some impressive headbangers.
