23. 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.
22. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, originally hailing from Florida, with their longevity, consistency, and widespread popularity, have most certainly earned their rightful place on this list. This misfit band is popular amongst older and younger generations alike, and the late Tom Petty, the band’s frontman, is often named as one of the greatest US musicians ever.
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
The band had a unique rock n’ roll identity, where they combined elements of country music, blues, Southern rock, Bob Dylan vibes, and even soul music, to create their own sound; a kind of swampy Florida rock n’ roll vibe. With Mike Campbell on guitar, and Petty’s songwriting and frontman performances, this band certainly earned their place on this list with radio regular hits such as “Learning to Fly”, “American Girl,” and “Refugee”.
