13 Amazing Bands Similar To Aerosmith

Written by Dan Farrant

The 1970s witnessed the rise of the American rock band Aerosmith. They achieved tremendous success and captivated fans with their blues-based hard rock sound. Today, they are one of the most influential rock bands in the world.

Theirs is a rollercoaster career filled with chart-topping hits and memorable performances. It’s no surprise that they have inspired countless bands to follow in their footsteps.

If you’re looking for more rock acts that share characteristics with Aerosmith or have been influenced by their unique sound, you’ve come to the right place. So, without further ado, here are the 13 amazing bands like Aerosmith. Let’s get right into it!

Aerosmith by David W. Baker (CC BY-SA 4.0)

1. Guns N’ Roses

The American hard rock band Guns N’ Roses are legends in their own right. They emerged in Los Angeles in 1985 and gained a reputation for their raw energy and bluesy riffs. They successfully integrated heavy metal elements into their songs, making them one of the most influential bands in rock history.

Much like Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses shares a special connection to hard rock and blues-inspired music. Additionally, both groups are known for their energetic live performances, characterized by powerful vocals and an engaging stage presence.

So if you’re looking for an excellent band like Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses are worth a listen! Check out timeless tracks like “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” and “November Rain” to see what the hype is all about.

2. Bon Jovi

Formed in New Jersey in 1983, Bon Jovi quickly made a name for itself in the hard rock scene. Their name became synonymous with unforgettable anthems and live performances.

Often compared to Aerosmith, Bon Jovi shares many similarities with the group. That’s in terms of longevity, the fusion of rock styles, and passion for creating timeless music.

As an integral part of the hard rock genre, Bon Jovi has successfully navigated through various musical styles while maintaining their signature sound. The album, Slippery When Wet remains one of their biggest commercial successes to date. Some of its tracks, like “Livin’ On A Prayer” and “You Give Love A Bad Name,” remain fan favorites.

Throughout their career, Bon Jovi maintained their status as one of their generation’s most successful and enduring rock bands.

3. AC/DC

Formed in 1973, AC/DC quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock and heavy metal music. Hailing from Australia, this legendary band is often compared to Aerosmith due to its bluesy and guitar-driven rock sound, anthemic songs, and influence on subsequent generations of musicians.

Simply put, this band is celebrated worldwide for its powerful guitar riffs and live performances. Their distinct sound and style not only won them millions of supporters around the world. These also solidified their place as music legends.

Over the years, AC/DC has released stellar tracks. There are timeless hits like “Highway to Hell,” “Thunderstruck,” and “Back In Black.” Give them a listen for an unforgettable experience!

4. The Rolling Stones

As one of the most influential bands in history, The Rolling Stones have enjoyed incredible commercial success and critical acclaim for decades. Formed in 1962, this British rock band enjoyed a six-decade-long career.

Throughout their extensive career, the band has released memorable tracks. Some of their most famous songs to date include “Paint It Black,” “Start Me Up,” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.”

Like Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones became known for their blues-inspired rock sound, high-energy live performances, and longevity in the industry. Needless to say, they are living legends in the world of rock music. And even decades later, their music still resonates with generations of fans.

5. Van Halen

Up next is a legendary rock band formed in Pasadena, California in 1973. Van Halen quickly gained popularity due to their innovative guitar solos, powerful vocals, and catchy hooks. These and more cemented their place as one of the greatest rock bands ever.

Van Halen’s self-titled debut album catapulted them to stardom. A few years later, they gained further popularity and commercial success in 1984, thanks to hit tracks like “Jump” and “Panama.”

Like Aerosmith, Van Halen was known for their unforgettable live performances. Vocalist David Lee Roth’s charismatic stage presence and guitarist Eddie Van Halen’s guitar solos allowed the group’s legacy as innovators and masters of rock guitar to remain intact.

6. KISS

If there’s one thing you’ll remember from the American rock band KISS, it’s their aesthetics. Aside from their heavy metal sound, they became popular for their use of makeup and over-the-top stage persona.

KISS was established in New York City in 1973. And similar to Aerosmith, they are celebrated for their anthemic sound and powerful hooks. Their live shows, in particular, have always been a spectacle to behold.

From the pyrotechnics to the fire-breathing to the theatrical elements, they have always delivered an unforgettable experience and set themselves apart from their counterparts.

To get an idea of what KISS is all about, listen to popular tracks like “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” and “Rock and Roll All Nite.” We promise fans of Aerosmith will not be disappointed!

7. Scorpions

With more than 100 million records sold worldwide, Scorpions are one of the best-selling bands in the hard rock and heavy metal genre. The German band is praised for its ability to evolve with the changing landscape and commit to its outstanding music and loyal fan base.

Like Aerosmith, Scorpions are known for their melodic hard rock approach, anthemic tracks, and energetic performances. They blend hard rock and heavy metal elements to create a unique and recognizable sound. This is evident in albums like Love At First Sting and Crazy World.

So if you’re looking for a band that features catchy guitar riffs and memorable melodies, you can’t go wrong with Scorpions. Some popular songs of the band include “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Wind of Change.”

8. Def Leppard

The British rock band Def Leppard started its journey in Sheffield, England in 1976. If you’re a fan of Aerosmith, then you’ll appreciate Def Leppard’s songwriting and melodic hard rock sound.

Def Leppard’s music is characterized by its layered harmonies, guitar riffs, and catchy choruses. They achieved immense commercial success with their 1983 album Pyromania. They reached even greater heights with their follow-up release, Hysteria, in 1987. Both of these albums are certified diamond by RIAA.

The band’s sound has evolved over the years. Although they incorporated pop and glam metal elements, they still retained their hard rock roots. Their musical versatility makes them an inspiration to aspiring musicians worldwide.

9. Mötley Crüe

Established in Hollywood in 1981, the American rock band Mötley Crüe rose to prominence during the heavy metal and glam metal eras. Similar to Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe is known for its musical prowess and distinctive visual aesthetic.

Mötley Crüe’s breakthrough came with their second album, Shout at the Devil. It showcased their raw and energetic sound. Subsequent albums like Girls, Girls, Girls and Dr. Feelgood contributed to their popularity and solidified their reputation as rock legends.

Mötley Crüe will always be remembered for their catchy hooks, dark lyrics, and visually spectacular performances. Some of their timeless songs that you should listen to are “Looks That Kill” and “Too Young to Fall in Love.”

10. Whitesnake

Another hard rock band established in the late 1970s is Whitesnake. This English band was initially a backing band for singer David Coverdale, who went on to become the face and voice of the influential group.

Whitesnake is known worldwide for its intricate guitar work, distinctive vocals, and songwriting. Additionally, they have bluesy rock elements, powerful choruses, and catchy hooks reminiscent of Aerosmith. These characteristics led the band to gain immense commercial success and cross-generational appeal.

With their solid catalog of hits, they have established themselves as a significant presence in the rock genre. So if you want to check them out, we recommend their famous albums like Ready an’ Willing and Saints & Sinners.

11. Cheap Trick

One of the best rock bands in rock history is Cheap Trick. The band was formed in Illinois in 1973. They were known for bridging elements of ’60s hard rock and punk rock.

Cheap Trick is celebrated worldwide for the distinctive sound that sets them apart from their peers. Their music is defined by stunning guitar riffs and layered harmonies and has left a permanent mark on the rock genre.

Today, Cheap Trick remains an integral part of the music scene, thanks to timeless hits like “Surrender” and “The Flame.” Fans of Aerosmith are sure to love their songs featuring memorable choruses and bluesy rock sound.

12. Poison

The hard rock and glam metal band Poison formed in Pennsylvania in 1983. They are one of the most popular bands of their era, known for their flamboyant image and party-oriented rock songs.

Over the years, Poison has released several classic albums that are still beloved by fans today. Their debut project, Look What the Cat Dragged In, introduced their signature sound. It also produced hits like “Talk Dirty to Me” and “I Want Action.”

Subsequent albums like Open Up and Say…Ahh! further solidified their success, spawning popular hits like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and “Nothin’ But A Good Time.”

Like Aerosmith, Poison has dealt with a fair share of personal conflicts throughout their career. However, they’ve remained committed to performances that leave audiences wanting more.

13. Cinderella

The American hard rock band Cinderella emerged in the early 1980s, quickly becoming one of the leading bands of the era. The group has frequently been compared to Aerosmith due to their bluesy rock elements and songs that feature catchy hooks and choruses.

Cinderella’s music combines elements of hard rock, blues rock, and glam metal. The result is a sound that’s both gritty and melodic. Additionally, the songwriting prowess and soulful vocals established the band’s identity.

As the cherry on top, Cinderella also had a distinct band image. This is characterized by teased hair, leather attire, and a larger-than-life stage presence.

So, if you’re looking for a band with exceptional talent and genuine musicality, this is the one for you! Check out tracks like “Nobody’s Fool” and “Gypsy Road” to see what we’re raving about.

Summing Up Our List Of Bands Like Aerosmith

There you have our list of bands that are similar to Aerosmith in one way or another. We’re pretty sure you’ll have more additions to your playlist.

From Guns N’ Roses to Cheap Trick to everything in between, these classic rock bands share similarities with Aerosmith while bringing something unique to the table.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your headphones and start listening to embark on an exciting musical journey! And if we miss a band that you want to include, let us know so we can add it.

Photo of author

Dan Farrant, the founder of Hello Music Theory, has been teaching music for over 15 years, helping hundreds of thousands of students unlock the joy of music. He graduated from The Royal Academy of Music in 2012 and then launched Hello Music Theory in 2014. He plays the guitar, piano, bass guitar and double bass and loves teaching music theory.