To be a top classic rock band you don’t need to have everyone being a star. Sometimes just being able to do what you do well is enough. That can be as part of a band with a couple of musical geniuses. Or maybe there aren't any big stars hogging all the talent and success is achieved from everyone working and performing hard together.
Having said that, it sure does help when you get a band where every member is seen as accomplished in their instrument and musical talent. It may well lead to a lot of those musical differences, which often end up in huge arguments, the occasional fight, and the end of the band. But it can all work perfectly for a long enough period to allow a few albums. Some great songs and many memorable performances.
With that in mind let’s take a look at ten classic rock bands where all the band members were at the top of their game. I’m not going to spend ages making out a detailed case for each band member to prove their worth. In my mind, it’s obvious. Hopefully, you'll agree. They are all great musicians and respected for their ability with their instruments of choice. In their ten bands, it may often have ended up in a breakup, but there was a lot of excellent music along the way.
These ten classic rock bands all had top tier musicians
Cream
Let’s start with one of the original and best supergroups. That in itself suggests a collection of top musicians. Cream was the trio of Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce. Clapton has been a guitar legend for years. Baker on drums is referred to by many as being one of the best around. Bruce, on bass guitar, has staked a very similar claim for his abilities. It’s a powerhouse of top musicians in the one band.
Emerson Lake and Palmer
The prog-rock trio was another top supergroup when they came together. Keith Emerson was a superb keyboard player with The Nice. Greg Lake brought his talents on bass and guitars from his outstanding work with King Crimson. Then Carl Palmer, founder member of Atomic Rooster, showed his incredible drumming ability in this three-man ELP setup. Their complex compositions just wouldn't have worked if they weren't all exemplary musicians.
The Who
In their original lineup, there aren't any arguments about the talents of madcap drummer Keith Moon. Nor will you find dissenters about the powerful vocals from Roger Daltrey. John Entwistle is incredibly well respected for his bass guitar work and is often quoted as an influence on many other bass players. Pete Townshend, with his on-stage theatrics and his aggressive guitar playing style perfectly complemented, combined, and at times led the other three perfectly.
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