Queen is a legendary British rock band formed in 1970. They have captivated millions with their powerful vocals and songs that transcended time.
As true pioneers in the music industry, they have influenced countless bands over the past five decades and continue to shape contemporary music culture today.
But what about other bands that can satisfy your hunger for Queen-esque tunes? Read on as we explore 13 incredible bands similar to Queen that share the same musical styles and infectious energy.
1. Led Zeppelin
Formed in London in 1968, Led Zeppelin quickly rose to prominence as an iconic British rock band. They played a significant role in shaping the modern music landscape.
Queen guitarist Brian May has openly acknowledged Led Zeppelin’s impact on his own band’s sound during the 1970s. Both groups shared an affinity for blending hard-hitting rock with elements of heavy metal and blues. This resulted in unforgettable songs that continue to captivate audiences even today.
Other similar acts to Queen that Led Zeppelin heavily influenced include Cream, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath. There are countless others who have incorporated aspects of Led Zeppelin’s pioneering sound into their own musical repertoire.
2. The Rolling Stones
One of the most influential rock bands in music history is The Rolling Stones. They have forged an iconic path that parallels Queen’s legendary status.
Formed in London in 1962, The Rolling Stones has demonstrated unparalleled longevity and resilience within the industry.
Similar to Queen, The Rolling Stones boast a remarkable line-up of talented musicians. Original members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts laid the foundation for what would become some of the greatest anthems in rock n’ roll history.
Both bands emerged around similar periods within music history – albeit from different areas on each side of the Atlantic. But it is clear that The Rolling Stones have left an indelible mark not only on their fans but fellow musicians as well.
3. Aerosmith
Up next is one of the most iconic American rock bands ever. Aerosmith frequently draws comparisons to Queen due to their immense album sales and influence on classic rock.
Aerosmith came together in Boston in 1970. The lineup features Steven Tyler on lead vocals and harmonica, Joe Perry on guitar, Tom Hamilton on bass, Joey Kramer on drums, and Brad Whitford on guitar.
The band’s unique style blends blues-based hard rock with catchy pop melodies. Some of their memorable hits include “Dream On,” “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” and “Livin’ on the Edge.” These hits showcase their versatility through powerful lyrics and expert song interpretation.
Throughout their impressive career, Aerosmith has collaborated with a variety of artists across generations and genres. This is proof of their adaptability within the ever-evolving music industry.
4. AC/DC
The Australian hard rock band AC/DC has been making electrifying music since the 1970s. Their high-energy music and guitar-driven sound have made them one of the most popular rock bands in history.
Brian May of Queen mentioned in an interview with Guitar World that he loves AC/DC’s energy on stage and thinks they’re a great rock ‘n’ roll band.
Like Queen, AC/DC is an iconic, influential group within the rock community. Both bands have also been praised for their guitar solos and heavy metal sound, though Queen ventured to a more conventional sound.
5. Guns N’ Roses
One of the most iconic bands of the ’80s and early ’90s is Guns N’ Roses. This hard rock band burst onto the scene with a unique blend of rock music. Their hard-hitting riffs, bluesy guitar licks, and Axl Rose’s distinctive vocals made them an instant hit.
Their debut album, Appetite for Destruction, is still regarded as one of the greatest rock albums of all time. It features hits like “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” both of which showcase Guns N’ Roses’ raw energy and musical talent.
Guns N’ Roses are sometimes compared to Queen in terms of influence on music and popularity. Aside from their guitar-heavy sound, both bands also feature charismatic frontmen. Rose has expressed his admiration for Queen’s Freddie Mercury and considers him one of the greatest performers of all time.
6. The Who
If you’re a fan of Queen’s larger-than-life sound and theatrical performances, then you should check out The Who. Both bands were formed in London, England.
The Who came together in 1962. They consist of guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend, lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, drummer Keith Moon, and bassist John Entwistle.
One unique aspect of The Who’s music is their incorporation of rock operas into their albums. Their most famous work, Tommy, was released as a double album in 1969. It follows the story of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who becomes a pinball wizard.
Like Queen, The Who became one of the most influential rock bands. They have sold over 100 million records worldwide and became famous for songs such as “My Generation” and “Baba O’Riley.”
7. Kiss
Another band that came around in the early 1970s was Kiss. This American rock band was formed in New York City, with Gene Simmons (vocals and bass guitar) and Paul Stanley (rhythm guitar, vocals) being the consistent members.
Kiss is one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time. They sold an estimated 75 million records worldwide. MTV ranks them the ninth “Greatest Metal Band of All Time.”
Throughout their career, Kiss has been known for their elaborate live shows. This often includes pyrotechnics, larger-than-life costumes, and other theatrical elements.
On a musical level, Kiss is far different from Queen. However, they have some similarities, such as their over-the-top live performances. Both bands also achieved commercial success.
8. Def Leppard
Fellow English rock band Def Leppard is up next. They came together in 1976 in Sheffield, England. The band was a part of the new wave of British heavy metal movement in the 1980s.
Like Queen, Def Leppard found success in the ’80s and ’90s. They gained popularity by the release of their On Through the Night and High ‘n’ Dry albums. However, it was Pyromania that helped propel them to mainstream success.
Def Leppard and Queen share many similarities. For one, Def Leppard’s vocalist, Joe Elliot, admitted that the band has always sounded like Queen. Some of their albums were also compared, such as Def Leppard’s On Through the Night and Queen’s self-titled debut album.
Both bands are also friends. Def Leppard appeared at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert to perform with Queen’s Brian May.
9. Pink Floyd
Up next, we have the rock band Pink Floyd, founded in 1965 by Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, Roger Waters, and Richard Wright. They gained a following as one of the first psychedelic rock bands in Britain during the psychedelic rock movement of the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Despite the different musical styles, Pink Floyd has some similarities with Queen. Both bands originated in London, England, and enjoyed their biggest commercial success during the ’70s and ’80s.
In addition, both are considered iconic bands in the rock genre and have a large and dedicated fan base.
Pink Floyd remains influential to this day as one of the most significant bands from the British music scene. Their innovative sound and use of unique visual effects set them apart from their contemporaries.
10. U2
From Dublin, Ireland came one of the most iconic rock bands with a career spanning over four decades. U2 was formed in 1976 when Larry Mullen Jr. posted an ad at his school looking for musicians to join him. The rest is history as they went on to become one of the biggest bands in the world.
One pivotal moment for U2 was their performance at Live Aid in 1985. This performance helped solidify their reputation and catapulted them into international fame.
Given how successful U2 became, it’s no wonder if they’re compared to Queen. Both bands became influential in the rock genre and have a dedicated fanbase. They also experimented with different genres of music. For instance, Queen explored rock, pop, and opera, while U2 ventured into electronic and dance music.
11. Muse
Another English rock band that draws comparison to Queen is Muse. This rock band has been making waves in the music industry since 1994.
The band’s sound blends elements of alternative rock, electronica, and classical music. The resulting unique style sets them apart from other bands.
Muse has nine studio albums under their belt and hits like “Time is Running Out” and “Uprising.” With more than 30 million records sold, they have become one of the most popular bands on the modern music scene.
What makes Muse similar to Queen is their energetic performances and electrifying guitar riffs. Both bands also experimented with different genres of music throughout their careers.
12. Scorpions
The German hard rock band Scorpions is one of the world’s most successful rock bands. They hailed from Germany and were formed in Hanover in 1965. With an estimated 100 million records sold worldwide, Scorpions are a force to be reckoned with.
While lead singer Klaus Meine doesn’t sound like Freddie Mercury, he certainly possesses a unique voice that is easy to recognize.
Rock fans searching for more high-energy music after exhausting Queen’s discography should definitely check out everything Scorpions has to offer. Two of Scorpions’ songs, “Wind of Change” and “Still Loving You,” are popular works you should listen to.
13. Bon Jovi
The American rock band Bon Jovi has been in the music industry since 1983. Their distinctive sound combines elements of heavy metal, pop rock, and anthem-style ballads.
Led by charismatic frontman Jon Bon Jovi, they have sold millions of albums and produced countless memorable hits. Some popular ones include “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
Both of these songs came from one of the band’s most famous releases, “Slippery When Wet.” This showcased the band’s signature style to perfection.
Notably, Bon Jovi and Queen hailed from different countries and formed in different decades. However, both are popular in the rock genre. They have countless hits that fans continue to enjoy worldwide. In addition, both bands used theatrical elements in live performances.
Summing Up Our List Of Bands Similar To Queen
There you have it, the bands that you can listen to if you want something similar to Queen. This just proves the far-reaching influence that Queen has on other bands.
Truly, no band can replicate Queen’s distinct sound. However, the ones we’ve covered here all have a unique style that will remind you of Queen. All of them are well worth a listen.
