Who is the most influential Band in the last 30 years?

Answer 1

KISS.

Musically, they were average, at best, but they wrote songs with GREAT hooks, and changed all the rules when it comes to marketing. They also redefined the stageshow, and took it to a level that few bands have been able to match. Thirty years ago would make it 1977, and that's when KISS were at their zenith; NOBODY was bigger than KISS in the 1970s, worldwide. NOBODY.

Their songs were easy to play, and that's what prompted a lot of people to pick up instruments to begin with. An astounding number of musicians currently making a living as such owe a huge debt of gratitude to KISS.

Take a look at how many artists of ALL genres have covered KISS, or contributed to full-length tribute albums (not to mention the sheer number of KISS tribute albums in existence). That speaks volumes about their influence.

Answer 2

First let me say I don't like rap. But, if the question is the most INFLUENTIAL, not the best, or my favorite, or even most popular, than the answer has GOT to be a rap group. 30 years ago was 1977. At that time music was country, easy listening, disco, or rock PERIOD. Then along comes the pioneers of rap. Look around now. The entire industry has changed. Disco? GONE! Easy listening? GONE! Country? Now it sounds like the 70's rock! Rap? EVERYWHERE! So I say Run DMC. I HATE rap, but let us give credit where credit is due. Influence means created change, and brother they did it.

Note:
All of this stuff on here about Kiss, U2, and The Rolling Stones is missing the point INFLUENTIAL! Turn on your radio. How many bands out there now sound like the Rolling Stones? Anyway the Stones were just following the long and winding road started by The Beatles. Kiss? Give me a major break. How many bands out there now in full makeup wearing platform boots? U2? Hip, smart, political, adult. Not much of that around either now is there? Don't get me wrong I think they are all great bands, and I would take any one of them over ANY rap any day, but who influenced what we hear today the most? Not what we like today, what we HEAR today. Rap is the BIGGEST change in the last 30 years and that my friend is influence.

Answer 3

American - Kiss albeit retired now
British Invasion - Rolling Stones...still doin' it.

U2 should get honorable mention though, they've only been going since 1980 so they weren't around quite yet...album-wise anyway. But, for a band that has come from a rough up-bringing, been there, and done that...they are still going strong and making great music. Not to mention, they are politically active and try to help out the world. Don't really know of any others with the kind of all encompassing influence that they have.
Maybe I changed my own mind....

U2 should be the winner.

Answer 4

Since 1977 no other band revolutionized music than Nirvana. It took music from the 80s that was littered with glam rock bands and cheesy 80s pop music and virtually killed it with a new style of music.

Metal bands such as Metallica Slayer Anthrax Megadeth etc dont count (I love these bands) because they took what bands in the 70s such as Black Sabbath Ac/Dc Led Zeppelin produced and made it harder

Answer 5

Tool
System of a down
U2

There are many bands that would be influential

Answer 6

maybe the Pixies. Like a man said, not many people listened to them when they were around, but it seems like everyone that did listen to them started a band.

maybe Fugazi, for the impact they had on the diy movement and the possibilities they concieved for independent music.

Answer 7

rolling stones- they would rock even if they r 90, u2- cause they take up causes with their music (the saints are coming), and red hot chilli peppers (they've bin around for a long while i heard.)

Answer 8

Maybe U2

Answer 9

KISS!!!! I luv them I may only be 10 but the lead singer is my hero for he has done the impossible!!!! He licked his elbow!!!!

Answer 10

The Kinks. By far.