Depending on who you ask, the list of the most successful bands ever will vary significantly
depending on a variety of factors such as age, music taste and culture. However, as with any business, you can bring it back to numbers. The below list of the Top 10 Best-Selling Bands of All Time, is based on the certified number of records (including digital downloads) each band managed to sell all around the world (to date).
10. The Rolling Stones
Although coming in in tenth position, The Rolling Stones have still sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Founded in London in 1962, The Rolling Stones was originally made up of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman and Ian Stewart. Ian left the band in 1963 followed by Brian in 1969 and Bill in 1993. Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood joined in 1963 and 1975 respectively and have remained with the band since. Whilst Mick Taylor joined in 1969 and left in 2014. However, thel band is now officially made up of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ron Wood.
The rock bands best selling album is Sticky Fingers which was released in 1971, whilst their best-selling single is (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, released in 1965.
09. Metallica
In ninth place, Metallica have sold over 105 million records worldwide.
Founded in Los Angeles in 1981, Metallica was originally made up of James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillp joined in 1983 and 2003 respectively and have remained with the band since. Cliff Burton, David Mustaine and Ron McGovney joined in 1982, whilst Jason Newsted joined in 1986. Ron McGovney was only a member of the band for 1982, whilst David Mustaine left in 1983 followed by Cliff Burton in 1986 and Jason Newsted in 2001. The band today is still made up of James, Lars, Kirk and Robert.
The heavy metal band’s best-selling album was the self titled 1991 album Metallica, whilst
their best-selling single was Enter Sandman also released in 1991.
08. U2
U2 take eighth place with over 115 million record sales worldwide.
Founded in Dublin in 1976, the rock band was originally made up of Paul Hewson (a.k.a.’Bono’), Adam Clayton, David Evans, Larry Mullen, Richard Evans and Ivan McCormick.
Richard Evans left the band in 1978, whilst Ivan McCormick was only with the band in 1976, the rest remain members.
Their best-selling album was The Joshue Tree, released in 1987, whilst their best-selling single is Beautiful Day released in 2000.
07. Maroon 5
Taking 7th place is the pop rock band, Maroon 5 who have sold over 120 million records worldwide.
Formed in 1994 in Los Angeles, the band was formed by Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, Michael Madden and Ryan Dusick. They have since been joined by James Valentine in
2001, Matthew Flynn in 2006, Paul Morton in 2012 and Samuel Farrar in 2016. Whilst Ryan Dusick left the band in 2006.
The groups best-selling album was Songs About Jane released in 2002, whilst their best-selling single was She Will Be Loved released in 2004.
06. AC/DC
In 6th place is AC/DC who have amassed over 125 million worldwide record sales to date.
Founded in Sydney, Australia in 1973, the group was originally formed by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Dave Evans. The group was then joined by Bon Scott in 1974, Phil
Rudd and Mark Evans in 1975, Cliff Williams in 1977, Brian Johnson in 1980 and Simon Wright in 1983. Dave was the first to leave the band in 1974, followed by Bon in 1980, Simon in 1989, Malcolm in 2014, Phil in 2015, and Cliff and Brian in 2016. Most recently, the band was joined by Stevie Young in 2014 and William Rose in 2016.
The hard rock band’s best-selling album was the 1980 album Back In Black, whilst their best-selling single was Highway To Hell released in 1979.
05. Pink Floyd
In fifth position is Pink Floyd, with over 130 million worldwide record sales.
Formed in London in 1965, the group was formed by Nick Mason, Syd Barrett, Roger Waters and Bob Klose. David Gilmour joined in 1967, whilst Bob was only a member in 1965, Syd left in 1968 and Roger in 1984.
The rock band’s best-selling album was their 1973 release titled The Dark Side of the Moon, whilst their best-selling single was Another Brick in the Wall which was released in 1979.
04. Led Zeppelin
Taking fourth place is Led Zeppelin with an impressive 140 million worldwide record sales.
No longer active, the band was formed in 1968 and separated in 1980. Founded in London, by John Baldwin, John Bonham, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant the group maintained the
same members throughout its existence.
The hard rock band’s best-selling album was Led Zeppelin IV released in 1971,whilst their 1969 single Whole Lotta Love was their best-selling single.
03. Queen
With an amazing 150 million worldwide record sales, Queen take third place in the most successful bands ever.
Formed in 1970’s London by Brian May, Roger Taylor, Farrokh Bulsara (a.k.a. ‘Freddie Mercury’) and John Deacon, the band is still represented today by Brian and Roger. Freddie sadly passed away in 1991, whilst John left the group in 1997.
The rock band’s best-selling album was their 1981 Greatest Hits, whilst their best-selling single was Bohemian Rhapsody released in 1975.
02. Eagles
The Eagles take 2nd place in the most successful bands of all time with an incredible 160 million worldwide record sales.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1971 by Don Henley, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner. Joe Walsh has been a member since 1975 whilst Timothy Schmit joined in 1977. Bernie left the
group in 2016, whilst Glenn Frey who joined in 1973 also left in 2016 and Don Felder who joined in 1974 left in 2001.
The rock group’s best-selling album was Their Greatest Hits (1971 – 1975) which was released in 1976, whilst their best-selling single was Hotel California released in 1977.
01. Beatles
The number 1 most successful band ever is the Beatles with an unbelievable 290 million worldwide record sales.
Founded in Liverpool, by George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the band was only together from 1960 to 1970.
The rock group’s best-selling album was the self-titled album The Beatles released in 1968, whilst their best-selling single was She Loves You released in 1963.
