The 25 Most Popular Rock Bands In 2025(According to Spotify)
Who are the most popular rock bands in 2025?
Rock has been one of the most popular music genres since its inception, with some rock artists making it to the top and rivaling major pop and rap artists in popularity. Here are some of the most popular rock bands according to Spotify Monthly Listeners.
(If you want to see our edition of the Top 25 Most Popular Metal Bands Read Here)
The Most Popular Rock Bands By Spotify Listeners:
25: Oasis - 22.3 million
British classic rock act Oasis rose to fame in 1994. Their hit song "Wonderwall" has spanned decades and is a universally recognized track. With clean guitars and catchy singing, old-school rock fans have a lot to love with Oasis.
24: Foo Fighters - 23 million
Forming in 1994, Foo Fighters has carved out a massive name for themselves. Dave Grohl (previously the drummer of Nirvana) joined Foo Fighters in 1995 and the band has been a huge name in rock and mainstream music since.
23: The Killers - 24 million
Las Vegas rock band, The Killers, started in 2002. Their debut 2004 album, "Hot Fuss" skyrocketed the band's popularity and was received with critical acclaim. With hits like "Mr. Brightside", The Killers have amassed a huge fanbase.
22: The Script - 24.1 million
Irish pop-rock trio, The Script, started in 2001. The band's upbeat pop-influenced blend of rock with an emphasis on piano and powerful vocal hooks has launched them into the mainstream eye.
21: Måneskin - 24.3 million
Maneskin started in Italy in 2015 and the youthful band displays an old-school classic rock sound that bridges new generations with older generations of music. Maneskin ascended in popularity after landing 2nd in an Italian version of X Factor.
20: Fall Out Boy - 24.5 million
Fall Out Boy formed in Illinois in 2001 as a pop-punk side project of Pete Wentz (Bass) and Joe Trohman (Guitar) who were heavily involved in the hardcore punk scene at the time. Fall Out Boy blew up with their album "From Under The Cork Tree" which went double platinum.
19: Toto - 25.4 million
Toto formed in 1977 in Los Angeles and brought an early version of pop-rock to the masses. Toto created a slew of instant radio hits that are still incredibly prominent today with tracks like "Africa", "Hold The Line", and "Rosanna" bringing the band to the forefront of 70's and 80's music.
18: Metallica - 25.5 million
One of the biggest names in rock and metal music, Metallica was formed in 1981. Metallica has grown into one of the most influential rock bands with their mix of thrash metal and clean acoustic songs with powerful vocal melodies.
17: Radiohead - 26.2 million
Radiohead originated from England in 1985. The band blends alternative rock with experimental music and psychedelic rock, following in the footsteps of artists like David Bowie and Pink Floyd.
16: Train - 27.1 million
Train is a pop-rock act that was formed in 1993 in San Francisco. The band leans into pop influences and puts a heavy emphasis on melodic singing and acoustic guitar riffs. The band's sophomore album "Drops Of Jupiter" went double platinum and earned 2 Grammy Awards, displaying Train's commercial success.
15: The Rolling Stones - 28.7 million
Rising from London in 1962, The Rolling Stones were one of the bands at the forefront of the British Invasion. Know as one of the biggest rock bands of all time, The Rolling Stones were one of the bands innovating the new wave of rock 'n' roll that mixed blues and early heavy metal influences.
14: Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi formed in 1983 out of New Jersey and blended rock, pop, and metal into a sound that dominated the 80s and is still prevalent on radio stations and films today. Hits like "Wanted Dead or Alive", "You Give Love a Bad Name", and "Living on a Prayer" are known worldwide.
13: Green Day - 29 million
Hailing from California and forming in 1987, Green Day is quite possibly the biggest punk-rock band of all time. The band's rebellious nature and pop influences lead to some of the biggest anthems of the 90s and 2000s.
12: Guns N' Roses - 29.7 million
At the turn of the 80s to the 90s Guns N' Roses rose to superstar status with their breakout song "Sweet Child O' Mine". The band was one of the pioneers of a darker sound that resembles the start of hair metal and early heavy metal.
11: Billy Joel - 30.4 million
Billy Joel AKA "The Piano Man" is a Singer/Songwriter and pianist that grew in popularity in the 1970s. Billy Joel is the 4th best-selling American solo artist of all time and his unique mix of early rock, classical piano, and pop created a sound that fans across the globe still enjoy to this day.
10: Nirvana - 31.4 million
Nirvana started in 1987 and their second album "Nevermind" skyrocketed the band's mix of grunge, alternative rock, and punk, into a revolutionary and incredibly popular sound that launched the band into stardom. One of the most recognizable bands of all time, Nirvana has created a lasting legacy that inspired generations of music.
9: Fleetwood Mac - 33.6 million
Fleetwood Mac originated in London, England in 1967. The band mixed a blend of pop rock, folk, and blues, into a sound that ultimately created one of the best-selling albums of all time, with their 1977 release "Rumours".
8: Red Hot Chili Peppers - 34.6 million
Hailing from Los Angeles, Red Hot Chili Peppers are known for their distinct brand of funk rock with thumping bass lines and a California-themed, surfer sound. RHCP has won 6 Grammies, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and is one of the best-selling bands of all time.
7: Creedence Clearwater Revival - 34.7 million
Forming in 1959 in California, the band underwent a few name changes before deciding on Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1967. CCR was one of the most popular bands of the 60s and 70s with 5 top 10 albums in a row and 14 top 10 singles within a 2-year period.
6: The Beatles - 35.4 million
The Beatles only recorded music for a total of 7 years and caused a cultural phenomenon, becoming the best-selling band of all time. Often regarded as the most influential musical act, The Beatles have definitely created a lasting impact on the music world.
5: AC/DC - 37 million
Australian Rock/Metal outfit, ACDC was formed in 1973. In 1980 ACDC released their hit album "Back In Black" which is currently the second best-selling album of all time. With songs like "Highway To Hell" and "Thunderstruck" ACDC is one of the most recognizable rock/heavy metal bands ever.
4: Linkin Park - 41.9 million
Linkin Park is the most popular metal band on Spotify currently and also takes the place of one of the most popular rock bands of all time! The band's 2000 release "Hybrid Theory" was host to an array of massive hits like "In The End" which is still placing on the Billboard rankings over 24 years after its release. With Linkin Park's mix of rap, hard rock, metal, and electronic elements, the band has doubled their monthly listeners on Spotify in the last 2 years. It's safe to say that Linkin Park's music lives on after the unfortunate passing of the band's frontman Chester Bennington.
3: Arctic Monkeys - 50.2 million
Starting in 2002, Arctic Monkeys is an English rock band that was one of the first bands to benefit from the rise of the internet and social media as music promotion changed from word-of-mouth to an internet-dominated industry. Arctic Monkeys have been nominated for 9 Grammies and their debut album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" became the fastest-selling British album of all time at the date of its release.
2: Elton John - 50.7 million
British pianist and singer/songwriter Elton John was an incredibly influential artist throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Elton John has created an impressive discography with over 50 songs that charted in the top 100 on the US and UK charts. Elton John's mix of classical piano, pop-rock, and blues made him a star and with collaborations with some of the biggest current artists like Dua Lipa, John is staying at the top of the industry being the 51st biggest artist on Spotify at the time of this article.
1: Queen - 51.8 million
Hailing from Britain in 1970, Queen is the largest rock band of all time. Songs like "We Are The Champions" and "We Will Rock You" are anthems that are commonplace at sporting events while hits like "Don't Stop Me Now", "Bohemian Rhapsody", and "Another One Bites The Dust" are timeless classics. Throughout Queen's runtime, the band has created a discography full of chart-topping hits. Queen is currently the 46th most popular artist in the world on Spotify and with their generation-spanning success, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 with each of the individual members also being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for their hit solo careers.
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