Are The Beatles the greatest band of all time? Is there really a debate?

Question

If no, who is, and why? Because I can't for the life of me think of anybody who even comes close.

I saw another questions somebody had asked: Who your favorite band of all time? The first two answers were Yellowcard and the Pussycat Dolls...

I don't mean to sound like a music elitist...nevermind, i guess i do.

Answer 1

yes they are and no there is not.

Answer 2

People often confuse the words "greatest" "best" and "favorite".

Yes, The Beatles are, pretty much without a doubt, the greatest band of all time. They were undeniably widespread years ago, and if anything their legacy has grown on that. More than any other band, I would argue, any reasonably educated person could name at least one Beatles song.

Now, onto the word confusion. Favorite is used to describe the band that best fits one's own personal tastes. My favorite band is Children of Bodom, a Finnish metal group. But they have had little impact on the music community.
Best denotes the most talented of a certain catergory. For example, I would say that the Rolling Stones were better than The Beatles, but not greater.

Sorry about the rant, that's the best I can do for you.

And for the record, neither Yellowcard nor the Pussycat Dolls should qualify as best or greatest. And it's a stretch to believe that any normal person would consider them as a favorite group.

Answer 3

I have been a beatles fan since age 8. they affect the way people feel and frankly...their music is real..down to earth...awesome...they have real talent..they are defently my favorite band of all time. And just because its "cool" to like old classic bands now....doesnt mean alot of us are. I have been raised on classics. Pussycat dolls are probably the lamest ...saddest....most pathetic thing out there...there are plenty of others i could list the same way. BEATLES ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!

Answer 4

I was about 12 years old when Beatles hit airwaves....1963
I am 54 now.
Its only natural that the Beatles would stand out in my mind as significant part of my growing up.
I don't want to sound elitist either ...but...to listen to Beatles its like the songs could have been recorded yesterday.
They just don't have that "dated" sound.
At least not to me.

Answer 5

The Beatles, were indeed, the greatest, most creative & most influential band of all time. Having said that, I, personally, prefer the Rolling Stones. Style of music appeals much more to me and they are certainly better performers.
So, in short, Beatles: more creative & better songwriters. Stones: better performers & better musicians. Equally as influential in the their particular genre of blues-based rock & roll. (I would put Dwight Yoakam in the same category for the Honky-Tonk genre of Country.) Of course, as an individual all-around musician, it would have to be McCartney!

Answer 6

Of course it's debateable, but it's a pretty easy argument to say the Beatles are the greatest. They are great not only because of all their hits and popularity, but also for the way they defined the genre.

Answer 7

hahaha. yes. the beatles are quite amazing. i saw a paul mccartney special and he made up this really cool song pretty much on the spot and played all the instruments himself. who else could do that. The beatles were this amazing supergroup where each member had a unique and strong talent. sigh. i like them my fav albulm are revolver and rubber soul

Answer 8

They were absolutely the greatest!!! Paul was and still is my favorite. I've been to 2 of his concerts.....nothing can beat that! I would go see "The Lake House" again just to hear his song.