Acid rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the mid-1960s from the psychedelic scene. Heavy, distorted guitars, long improvised jams, and lyrics that frequently reference drugs and altered states of consciousness characterize it. Acid rock bands influenced many other styles of music, such as hard rock, heavy metal, progressive rock, and punk rock.
In this article, we will explore the 10 best acid rock bands of all time, based on their popularity, influence, and musical quality.
10. The Jimi Hendrix Experience
The Jimi Hendrix Experience was the Band that launched the career of one of the most legendary guitarists of all time, Jimi Hendrix. The trio, consisting of Hendrix, bassist Noel Redding, and drummer Mitch Mitchell, combined blues, rock, and psychedelic elements to create a unique and powerful sound.
Moreover, some of their most famous songs include “Purple Haze”, “Hey Joe”, “Foxy Lady”, and “All Along the Watchtower”. The Jimi Hendrix Experience was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. This band ranks tenth on our list of best acid rock bands.
9. Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd is one of the most influential and successful bands in the history of rock music. The band, formed in 1965, went through several lineup changes, but the most classic one consisted of Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright, and Nick Mason.
Known for their concept albums, experimental sounds, and elaborate live shows, Pink Floyd has left a lasting impact on the music industry. Some of their most acclaimed albums include “The Dark Side of the Moon”, “Wish You Were Here”, “Animals”, and “The Wall”. Also, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Pink Floyd in 1996. This band ranks ninth on our list of best acid rock bands.
8. The Doors
The Doors was a band that epitomized the counterculture of the 1960s, with their provocative lyrics, charismatic frontman, and psychedelic music. The band, formed in 1965, consisted of Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore.
The Doors is known for their songs such as “Light My Fire”, “Break On Through”, “The End”, and “Riders On The Storm”. Also, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted The Doors in 1993. This band ranks eighth on our list of best acid rock bands.
7. Grateful Dead
Grateful Dead was a band that pioneered the jam band scene, with their extensive touring, loyal fan base, and improvisational style. The band, formed in 1965, had a core lineup of Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart, with many other musicians joining and leaving over the years.
Grateful Dead is known for their songs such as “Truckin’”, “Touch Of Grey”, “Casey Jones”, and “Sugar Magnolia”. Also, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Grateful Dead in 1994. This band ranks seventh on our list of best acid rock bands.
6. Jefferson Airplane
Jefferson Airplane was a band that defined the San Francisco sound of the 1960s. They blended folk, rock, and psychedelic music. The band, formed in 1965, had also a classic lineup of Marty Balin, Grace Slick, Paul Kantner, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, and Spencer Dryden.
Jefferson Airplane, renowned for hits like “Somebody To Love,” “White Rabbit,” “Volunteers,” and “Wooden Ships.” They also earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. This band ranks sixth on our list of best acid rock bands.
5. Cream
Cream was a band that is considered one of the first supergroups. It consisted of three virtuoso musicians: Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker. The band, formed in 1966, also combined blues, rock, and psychedelic elements to create a powerful and innovative sound.
Some of their most famous songs include “Sunshine Of Your Love”, “White Room”, “Crossroads”, and “Badge”. Also, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Cream in 1993. This band ranks fifth on our list of best acid rock bands.
4. Iron Butterfly
Iron Butterfly, best known for their epic song “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida,” crafted one of the longest and most influential songs in rock history. The band, formed in 1966, consisted of Doug Ingle, Ron Bushy, Lee Dorman, and Erik Brann.
Iron Butterfly is known for their heavy, psychedelic, and organ-driven sound. Also, some of their other songs include “Soul Experience”, “Flowers And Beads”, and “Stone Believer”. This band ranks fourth on our list of best acid rock bands.
3. Blue Cheer
Blue Cheer pioneered heavy metal with their loud, distorted, and aggressive rock music. The band, formed in 1967, had a classic lineup of Dickie Peterson, Leigh Stephens, and Paul Whaley.
Blue Cheer is known for their songs such as “Summertime Blues”, “Out Of Focus”, “Parchment Farm”, and “Just A Little Bit”. This band ranks third on our list of best acid rock bands.
2. The 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators, a band credited with coining the term “psychedelic rock,” openly embraced the use of LSD and other hallucinogens, pioneering the genre. The band, formed in 1965, consisted of Roky Erickson, Tommy Hall, Stacy Sutherland, Benny Thurman, and John Ike Walton.
Known for songs such as “You’re Gonna Miss Me,” “Fire Engine,” “Reverberation,” and “Slip Inside This House,” The 13th Floor Elevators have made a mark in the music industry. This band ranks second on our list of best acid rock bands.
1. Steppenwolf
Steppenwolf was a band that is famous for their song “Born To Be Wild”. The song stood out as one of the anthems of the 1960s and the biker culture. The band, formed in 1967, consisted of John Kay, Michael Monarch, Goldy McJohn, Rushton Moreve, and Jerry Edmonton.
Steppenwolf is known for their songs such as “Magic Carpet Ride”, “The Pusher”, “Rock Me”, and “Monster”. This band ranks first on our list of best acid rock bands.
The Bottom Line
These are the 10 best acid rock bands of all time, according to our opinion. There are many other great acid rock bands that deserve recognition. For example, The Who, Santana, Deep Purple, Hawkwind, and more.
Furthermore, if you are a fan of acid rock, we hope you enjoyed this article and discovered some new music to listen to. Also, if you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to share them with us.
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