by Nathan Hook

Created on: September 05, 2008

There will always be a certain sense of subjectivity when it comes to determining the world's best rock band. The modern era is littered with so many acts, many sounding exceedingly similar and the record companies have such a strong hold on the industry, mainstream air time is not indicative of all the real talent that exists today.

If the question asks which is the world's best rock band, then it seems to me that we need to hark back to an era where rock and bands were in their hey-day, the 60's, 70's and to an extent the 80's. Let's be real, the bands of those era's cut the mustard in terms of our definition and furthermore carved in granite the definition for a successful formula numerous bands continue to model themselves on today. There are few bands doing anything radically new today and few bands which have captured the imagination of legions of fans trying to emulate their playing prowess since. The modern era is an entirely different beast and so it's easy to look back with nostalgia on those heady days full of visceral guitar riffs, outstanding vocalists and outrageous behaviour.

Surprisingly, the best rock band doesn't come from the music power house of the USA, it comes from little old Britain. Like many of the bands of the 1960's and 70's, Britain was mainly their base of origin. They were influenced by American blues and grabbed the more white bread rock and roll of the 50's and melded it together, kicking and screaming, and bringing a new sound people couldn't get enough of. It began with the Beatles and they took America by storm, but the invasion wasn't over. Other bands like Genesis, The Who, Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones were also making an impact, all of whom are worthy contenders for best rock band. However, there can only be one, and it has to be Led Zeppelin.

Almost no other bands have generated such musical influence and a strong fan base as Led Zeppelin. When DJ's began "breaking out the Led" they assaulted their audiences with a rich mix of wailing blues, ethereal folk music and good old fashioned rock. Led Zeppelin didn't get stale as the 70's progressed and used all the modern equipment available to them to create this wonderfully eclectic mix of controlled raw energy. They remain one of the most popular and well played bands in the world today.

One of their keys to success was their sheer presence as a stage band. Numerous DVD collections are available today and even their early music is conspicuously lavished with this energy.

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