The 5 most successful bands of all time: a journey through music history

Modern pop and rock music is a universal language that connects, inspires, and touches people all over the world. For decades, there have been very special bands whose songs have thrilled millions of fans, broken records, and made music history.

But which bands are the most commercially successful of all time? What criteria can be used to determine this? The answer is not simple, as there are many factors that can be considered to assess a band's success, such as the number of records sold, the awards and accolades received, chart positions, the popularity of live performances, or the cultural significance of the best bands of all time.

In this article, we present five exceptional bands that are undoubtedly among the most successful in the world. We focused on three main criteria:

• sold records
• Grammy Awards and
• Number 1 hits in the US charts.

These criteria reflect both a band's commercial success and artistic acclaim. Of course, this list is not exhaustive and may vary depending on personal taste.

Number 1: The Beatles – Experimentation at the highest artistic level

With over 600 million records sold worldwide, the Beatles are the most successful music group of all time. They took the world by storm with their single "I Want To Hold Your Hand," released in 1963, which sold twelve million copies. Between 1963 and 1970, their songs topped the charts almost everywhere in the world.

The most important key data and facts about the success of the Beatles at a glance:

Their original music captivated the masses. No other band or artist has ever generated such enthusiasm and hysteria. According to their record company EMI, the Beatles sold between 1.3 and 1.6 billion singles and 177 million albums in the USA, more than in any other country. In April 1964, they achieved a historic record when they occupied the top five spots on the US charts. The Beatles were also very popular in Germany, with 12 number-one singles.

The band broke up in 1970 following internal conflicts. The four members, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, continued as solo artists. The Beatles, however, were not only commercially but also artistically very successful.

They have won 11 Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. They have also achieved 20 number 1 hits on the US charts, more than any other band or solo artist.

Among their most famous songs are "Hey Jude" , "Yesterday" , "Let It Be" , "Help!" , "A Hard Day's Night" , "She Loves You" , and many more. The Beatles, of whom only two members are still alive today, are considered one of the most influential groups in rock and pop music and have impacted countless other musicians.

Our recommendations for Beatles fans:

The legendary RED & BLUE compilations of the Beatles on vinyl

The legendary RED & BLUE compilation albums by the Beatles have been an essential part of every music collection for over five decades, delighting fans worldwide. On November 10, 2023, to coincide with the release of the new Beatles song "Now And Then," exciting new editions of these classics were released, featuring expanded tracklists and modern stereo mixes.

This new song is based on a demo by John Lennon from the 1970s. Fresh recordings by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with old guitar parts from the 1990s, provide an impressive finishing touch.

Beatles – all the songs: The stories behind the tracks

This book brings together stories, accounts of the creation of songs and albums, in-depth analyses, and insights from the recording studios and concert tours. 672 pages of pure joy for every Beatles fan.

Second place: U2 – versatile live show giants with a charismatic frontman

U2 are a relatively late-formed rock band. They began their musical career in 1976 in Dublin, Ireland . The band consists of Bono (Paul David Hewson), The Edge (David Howell Evans), Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. They have had many number-one hits in various countries.

The most important key data and facts about U2's success at a glance:

 

Their debut album, "Boy," was released in 1980. It was very well received by the music scene and fans. The record received frequent radio airplay and sold over five million copies. After a slow start, they really took off in the 1980s and released five more albums.

1987 album "The Joshua Tree," "With or Without You" became their first number-one hit in the US. Further successful albums followed, such as "Achtung Baby" (1991), "Zooropa" (1993), "All That You Can't Leave Behind" (2000), and "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" (2004).

To date, U2 have sold over 175 million records and are one of the most popular live bands in the world. They have completed several world tours, setting records for attendance and revenue.

The 360° Tour from 2009 to 2011 is considered the most successful tour of all time, with over 7.3 million attendees and revenues exceeding US$736 million. U2 are also one of the most awarded bands of all time, having won a total of 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band.

U2 are considered the most successful band of their era in live entertainment. Throughout their career, U2 have sold approximately 29 million tickets to date. Only the Rolling Stones surpass this number, having sold around 30 million tickets in the same period.

They also had two number 1 hits in the US charts, "With or Without You" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" . Their best-known songs include "One" , "Beautiful Day" , "Pride (In the Name of Love)" , "Sunday Bloody Sunday" , "Where the Streets Have No Name", and many more. U2 are known for their social and political activism and their support of various humanitarian organizations.

Third place: ABBA – unforgettable earworms in pop perfection

ABBA is one of the most successful pop bands of all time. The Swedish group consisted of the two couples Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson. The name ABBA is an acronym of the first letters of their first names.

The most important key data and facts about ABBA's success at a glance:

 

The band was formed in 1972 and achieved international fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with the song "Waterloo" This marked the beginning of an unprecedented career that made ABBA a global phenomenon.

ABBA have sold over 380 million records worldwide , making them the second best-selling band after The Beatles. They have achieved nine number one albums in various countries, including six in the UK. They have also had nine number one singles in the UK charts, more than any other band except The Beatles.

Her most famous songs include “Dancing Queen” , “Mamma Mia” , “The Winner Takes It All” , “Knowing Me, Knowing You” , “Take a Chance on Me” , “Fernando” and many more.

ABBA have received numerous prestigious and popular awards. In 2012, they received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The band went on indefinite hiatus in 1982 after both partners separated.

Since then, there has been constant speculation about a possible comeback, but this didn't materialize initially. That is, until September 2021, when two new ABBA songs were : “I Still Have Faith In You” and “Don't Shut Me Down” , followed by a brand new album.

The new ABBA songs are available not only as audio but also as video. The band created digital avatars of themselves, depicting their younger selves. These avatars are based on motion-capture recordings of the real ABBA members, which were then edited by a team of specialists.

The animated characters can be experienced live in London in a revolutionary concert show. The 's title matches that of the 2021 album: “ABBA Voyage”. Fans can look forward to a unique experience that brings the music and magic of ABBA back to life.

4th place: Queen – Musical brilliance and extravagance

Queen is one of the most legendary rock bands of all time. The British band was founded in London in 1970 and consisted for decades of singer Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, bassist John Deacon and drummer Roger Taylor.

The band is characterized by its diverse musical style , which combines elements of hard rock, glam rock, progressive rock, pop, opera, and other genres. The band is also known for its spectacular live shows, which thrill audiences with lighting effects, pyrotechnics, and theatrical elements.

The most important key data and facts about Queen's success at a glance:

The British rock band has sold over 300 million records worldwide , making them one of the best-selling bands in the world. They have released 18 number-one albums in various countries, including four in Germany. Furthermore, they have reached number one on the UK singles chart 18 times, more than any other band except The Beatles and ABBA.

Her most famous songs include “Bohemian Rhapsody” , “We Are the Champions” , “We Will Rock You” , “Don’t Stop Me Now” , “Another One Bites the Dust” , “Under Pressure” and many more.

The band has numerous awards , including four Grammy Awards, among them a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. They have also achieved four number one hits on the US charts: "Crazy Little Thing Called Love , "Another One Bites the Dust , "Bohemian Rhapsody," and "Under Pressure ." Queen are best known for their charismatic frontman Freddie Mercury, who one of the greatest singers and performers of all time .

He died in 1991 from complications of AIDS. The band continued their career with various guest singers , such as Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert. In 2018, the film "Bohemian Rhapsody," which tells the story of Freddie Mercury's life and the history of Queen, was released. The film was also a huge success and won four Oscars.

Our recommendations for Queen fans:

Queen I (Limited Super Deluxe Edition 6CD+LP)

Queen's self-titled debut album has been released in a newly remixed version titled "Queen I". This reworked version shines in a completely new light, as it is the first and only Queen album to be remixed from the original multi-track masters. 

The album was originally recorded in 1972. Featuring the iconic singles "Keep Yourself Alive" and "Liar", it achieved gold status in both the UK and the US, quickly establishing itself as a timeless classic among Queen fans.

The Collector's Edition includes an impressive 6 CDs and an LP, and is complemented by a 108-page bound book. 

Number 5: The Rolling Stones – living legends

The Rolling Stones are one of the most legendary rock bands of all time. The iconic British band was founded in London in 1962 and consists of singer Mick Jagger and guitarists Keith Richards and Ron Wood. Drummer and co-founder Charlie Watts was also a member of the group until his death in 2021.

 

The performers are characterized by their rebellious musical style, which combines elements of blues, R&B, rock 'n' roll, and other genres. The band was and is also known for their provocative lyrics, extravagant outfits, and scandalous performances.

The Stones have sold over 240 million records worldwide. They have achieved 13 number 1 albums in the US, more than any other band except the Beatles. They have also placed nine number 1 singles on the US charts, including "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" , "Honky Tonk Women" , "Brown Sugar" , "Angie" and "Miss You" .

Among their most famous songs are "Sympathy for the Devil , "Paint It Black , "Gimme Shelter , "Jumpin' Jack Flash , "Start Me Up," and many more. The Rolling Stones still tour regularly and show no signs of slowing down.

In addition to three Grammy Awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1986, the band received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. their new album, "Hackney Diamonds," in 2023 .

Rolling Stone called the album the band's best since "Exile on Main St." Writer Arne Willander praised the diversity and quality of the songs, which combined all the talents, styles, and trademarks of the Rolling Stones. He wrote:

You don't want a sovereign Rolling Stones. You want to be carried away. Picked up. And nobody picks you up like Mick Jagger.”

He called "Sweet Sounds of Heaven ," a duet with Lady Gaga , the longest and most beautiful song on the album. He also mentioned that the album was an epitaph for Charlie Watts , who played drums on two tracks, and gave the album five out of five stars.

Best-selling albums in music history

We conclude this musical journey through the past decades of legendary pop and rock music with statistics on the best-selling albums in music history (all genres). Of our top 5 bands, only the Beatles made it into this ranking.

Conclusion on the most successful rock bands of all time

In this article, we've presented five bands that are among the most successful of all time. We focused on three main criteria: record sales, Grammy Awards, and number-one hits on the US charts.

Of course, there are many other bands that are or were also very successful. A few examples are Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pink Floyd, Metallica, AC/DC , and Coldplay , who are also distinguished by their millions of records sold.

We hope you found this article interesting and perhaps even discovered some new or old favorite songs from the most popular bands of all time. If you enjoy listening to music from bygone eras, then we SCHWARZWALDRADIO . It's one of the most popular oldies radio stations in Germany and worldwide.

In addition to cult special programs with cult presenters such as Helmer Litzke, Garry Preston or Sandra Laeske, you can enjoy the best hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s every day, which many other oldies stations don't have on their playlist.

Whether you prefer rock, pop, soul, or disco, SCHWARZWALDRADIO has something for everyone. Tune in and let yourself be enchanted anew each day by the music of your youth, because SCHWARZWALDRADIO plays only oldies with the long-forgotten-music guarantee.