It only takes two. Anything else, and you are a solo artist. And maybe in some duos, there is one great songwriter and the other is simply there to help. Perhaps the great one needs help, though.
There are a vast number of two-person bands in rock history. Many bands with many more members could boil down to two great members. But sometimes, as the above states, it only takes two.
Who are some of the best rock bands with only two people? We give you an idea below. We likely have forgotten many others.
Two-person bands that have created excellent rock music
Tenacious D
Funny? Sure, but loud and well-crafted. Jack Black plays the guitar and sings the songs, but Kyle Gass plays a pretty mean guitar. The interplay between the long-time friends is entertaining, but the music is real, and it is really good. Songs such as "Wonderboy," "Tribute," and covers like "Baby One More Time" and "Wicked Game."
Black might appear like a goof, but he is exceptionally talented and sings well. Plus, he and Gass understand how the structures of genres work. When they want to go metal, the archetypes are there. The same can be said of the more poppier fare.
Tears for Fears
Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith of Tears for Fears take a completely different approach to music. The duo was originally part of a more guitar-driven group (Graduate) but found their themes could be better conveyed with synths backing them. The lyrics are intelligent, and the soundscapes are complex.
But they can certainly do that when they want to create a pure pop tune. "Sowing the Seeds of Love" is an attempt to sound like late-1960s Beatles, and it works. "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" are long-time staples of all that is great about the 1980s.
Pet Shop Boys
This duo could have been a one-off. Their first album, Please, is perfect. They could have said "thanks" and goodbye and left knowing what they had done could not be matched. Instead, Neil Tennant (who was a music critic prior to forming Pet Shop Boys) and Chris Lowe continued to churn out hits such as "It's a Sin."
It's bubble-gum pop at its best, as it has wit and intelligence. Can you dance to it? You better. Mostly, it's just good music. Their lack of induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is criminal.
White Stripes
Is this a duo, or is Jack White letting his ex-wife, Meg, come along for the ride? Meg is the drummer and an efficient one, but she will never be mistaken for Neil Peart. Jack is an iconic guitarist, good enough to get the duo inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025.
Of course, there were successful singles, and "Seven Nation Army" will be heard at sporting events for the rest of time, but this group was more about the overall sound and making great albums. Elephant is one of the best records known to humankind, and the White Stripes are arguably the greatest two-person band in the history of music.