The Rolling Stones - The early 1970 line up
There are a few lineups over the years, and, to be honest, I could pick almost all of them for this topic. For simplicity, let's stick with the classic early 1970s one with Mick Jagger, their iconic frontman with distinctive vocals. Bill Wyman was a very accomplished bass player, and Mick Taylor likewise on lead and slide guitar, they were both extremely capable and missed when they left. Charlie Watts was an extraordinarily good drummer with a touch of jazz and a certain style to his rhythms.
Then, of course, there is Keith Richards who remains a legendary guitarist. There are no weak points, and no one acts more like a session musician.
Led Zeppelin
What a superb combination of four musicians. John Bonham’s drumming was extraordinary and so varied too. Robert Plant could be described in that way, too, with his bluesy tones as he set the standard for rock singers with his vocals. When it comes to guitar maestros and rock legends, you don't have to look further than Jimmy Page.
Pick almost any of the band's songs and his guitar playing is indelibly stamped on it. John Paul Jones made the four and is another highly influential and top-ranked bass player.
Queen
There can't be any doubt whatsoever about the musical talents of Freddie Mercury, he is also likely to rank as one of the best-ever frontmen and vocalists. Brian May's guitar playing underpinned much of the band's music with his superbly different sound and phenomenal solos.
Some might question John Deacon as an excellent bass player, but as the man behind several of the band's great songs, and some of the best bass lines as hooks for songs, he merits inclusion here. Roger Taylor likewise has written many great songs for the band and his powerful playing is a standout at times for the band.
The Beatles
Oddly enough some might question their inclusion here. Didn't John Lennon once suggest that Ringo wasn't even the best drummer in the band, never mind the world? Musicians who have played with Ringo appreciate the humor but recognize him as an excellent drum player and percussionist. Paul McCartney, with his left-handed Hofner bass, is another standout player over so many years.
George Harrison was at times overshadowed and perhaps didn't get real recognition as a guitar player until after the band broke up, but his mastery is well known now. As for Lennon, he created so many great hooks and riffs with his rhythm guitar playing that he qualifies for sure. Of course, Lennon and McCartney were also songwriting geniuses too.
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