This tweet from Hank Azaria was making the rounds:

Fairly safe to say that the greatest rock band of all time discussion is USUALLY between The Stones, The Beatles and Led Zep- so what is the greatest AMERICAN rock band of all time?- I know what I think

https://twitter.com/hanka...67360?s=21

His answer was The Doors followed by Aerosmith.

I would say Aerosmith as without Aerosmith you don't have bands like Guns N' Roses. But I can't forgive them for doing those awful Diane Warren penned big movie ballads in the 90s. To me that tarnishes their legacy. A lot of responses to Hank's tweet said Springsteen but I think of the E Street band as more of a backup to Springsteen than an actual band. Honestly if I had to pick one I'd probably go with the Allman Brothers. What say you?

This is an interesting question. Hard to choose the greatest American band when the UK dominates with the Stones, Queen, The Beatles, Led Zep, etc.... But, I would say there are a few. Aerosmith is one, CCR another, VH. There are many great bands, but if you limit it to rock bands, Hmmmm. Maybe I'm just drawing a blank. I'm not a fan of G&R, The Allman bros had some good music back in the day as well.

What's wrong with "those Diane Warren penned...."? They may not be "rawk, man!", but I happen to like things like that - Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now was a Huge fave of mine when I was a little kid - and who's gonna discount that?! Maybe somebody else shoulda sung it though.....

Yes, I know, it's a little off topic.

But John Coltrane's Quartet rocked.

domainator2010 said:

What's wrong with "those Diane Warren penned...."? They may not be "rawk, man!", but I happen to like things like that - Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now was a Huge fave of mine when I was a little kid - and who's gonna discount that?! Maybe somebody else shoulda sung it though.....

I Don't Want To Miss A Thing is one of the most vomit worthy songs ever written. Cryin' and Crazy are terrible too, though those were written by Aerosmith.

rogifan said:

Empress said:

This is an interesting question. Hard to choose the greatest American band when the UK dominates with the Stones, Queen, The Beatles, Led Zep, etc.... But, I would say there are a few. Aerosmith is one, CCR another, VH. There are many great bands, but if you limit it to rock bands, Hmmmm. Maybe I'm just drawing a blank. I'm not a fan of G&R, The Allman bros had some good music back in the day as well.

I'd love to say Fleetwood Mac but the founding members were British. Maybe The Beach Boys if they're considered a rock band.

rogifan said:

Empress said:

This is an interesting question. Hard to choose the greatest American band when the UK dominates with the Stones, Queen, The Beatles, Led Zep, etc.... But, I would say there are a few. Aerosmith is one, CCR another, VH. There are many great bands, but if you limit it to rock bands, Hmmmm. Maybe I'm just drawing a blank. I'm not a fan of G&R, The Allman bros had some good music back in the day as well.

I'd love to say Fleetwood Mac but the founding members were British. Maybe The Beach Boys if they're considered a rock band.

Yes, this is why I didn't mention Fleetwood Mac, great band though. I think the Beach Boys is a great choice also.

I dont consider the Beach Boys a Rock Band, and even the Doors neither (not pure rock at least).

But if those would count anyway, those two are top.

The Doors are without a doubt the greatest rock band ever, American or otherwise.

[Edited 5/13/20 13:23pm]

[Edited 5/13/20 13:27pm]

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Lynyrd Skynyrd

The Eagles

[Edited 5/13/20 16:35pm]

Pixies and The Beach Boys

rogifan said:

Maybe The Beach Boys if they're considered a rock band.

I think some of their 1960s records were the Wrecking Crew and not the members of the Beach Boys playing on them.

mynameisnotsusan said:

Nirvana!

This answer reminds me of RodeoSchro who is anti-Nirvana/grunge. And that reminded me of Vainandy who is the same for Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, adult contemporary, rap, and most R&B made before & after the 1970s disco era.

mynameisnotsusan said:

Nirvana!

Alice In Chains.

mynameisnotsusan said:

Motley Crue, Wendy & Lisa.

I would say The Eagles are a great choice!

Empress said:

RJOrion said:

Empress said:

Motley Crue, Wendy & Lisa.

I would say The Eagles are a great choice!

i was CLEARLY being sarcastic when i said Wendy & Lisa, but the Eagles are a great choice.

Empress said:

RJOrion said:

Empress said:

in fact The Eagles are so great and their music is so diverse and universal in tone and mood and feeling, i never really thought of them as a "rock band", but i guess they do fall within that genre, so yeah i'd pick The Eagles over Mötley Crüe, everyday.

The Eagles are quite diverse. They have a country sound, rock sound and great ballads.

Empress said:

Steely Dan

Personally I like Marshall Tucker Band. But if I was going by what I hear the most on classic rock radio, then it's Journey & Eagles. Journey gets more airplay on Top 40 oldies than Eagles though. Charlie Daniels Band's early stuff is good too. It's not as straight country like their music after the 1970s.

Empress said:

RJOrion said:

Empress said: in fact The Eagles are so great and their music is so diverse and universal in tone and mood and feeling, i never really thought of them as a "rock band", but i guess they do fall within that genre, so yeah i'd pick The Eagles over Mötley Crüe, everyday.

The Eagles are quite diverse. They have a country sound, rock sound and great ballads.

I only know Hotel California, and I can't stand that song, it's awful.