You’ve probably come across the 1990 song “Wind of Change” at least once in your life. This is the most recognizable song of the German rock band Scorpions that found success in the early ’80s.
Throughout a career that spans five decades, Scorpions released critically acclaimed albums and hit singles. Blackout propelled them to stardom, becoming their best-selling album. Love at First Sting, on the other hand, solidified their status as one of the most influential rock bands of their era.
If you’re a fan of Scorpions, you’re probably looking for other bands that have similarities. You’re in the right place because we’ll be exploring 13 amazing bands similar to Scorpions. Enjoy reading!
1. Def Leppard
The English rock band Def Leppard exploded onto the music scene in the late 1970s. It was only a matter of time before they became a household name among rock enthusiasts. With their unique blend of heavy metal and melodic elements, they garnered a massive fanbase that easily overlaps with Scorpions’ followers.
Def Leppard is definitely no stranger to success in the music industry. Their extensive discography includes chart-topping hits like “Rocket” and “Hysteria.” Much like Scorpions, they have also left an undeniable impact on rock music history. Both bands performed together at notable events, such as the 1986 Monsters of Rock tour.
Def Leppard proved their dedication to creating timeless songs while evolving alongside shifting trends in popular music. They stand out as one of those rare bands with staying power across generations.
2. Whitesnake
Another hard rock band that can be compared to Scorpions is Whitesnake. The band was put together as the backing band for the vocalist David Coverdale. Eventually, the band developed its own identity and established itself as a major player in the heavy metal genre.
Like Scorpions, Whitesnake found commercial success in the 1980s. The latter garnered popularity with the release of albums such as Ready an’ Willing, Come and Get It, and Saints & Sinners. All of these reached the top ten in the UK Albums Chart. Their most successful is Whitesnake, selling more than eight million copies in the US alone. It produced the hit singles “Here I Go Again” and “Is This Love.”
Both bands also enjoyed a long career in the music industry. They continue working on albums, touring, and releasing new music. This is proof of their enduring popularity among their audiences and their dedication to their craft.
3. Judas Priest
Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969, Judas Priest has long been considered a central figure in the second wave of heavy metal music. Alongside bands like Scorpions, their unique sound helped define classic heavy metal.
Judas Priest is often compared to Scorpions for their mastery of heavy metal. As pioneers of the genre, they helped develop the classic heavy metal sound with guitar riffs and dynamic performances.
Both bands have released numerous iconic albums and songs that continue to resonate with fans worldwide. Scorpions’ “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law” are memorable ballads that became synonymous with their bands.
Judas Priest remains an influential force within the heavy metal community. In 2022, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The band exemplified musical excellence that cemented their legacy as pioneers of heavy metal.
4. Rainbow
Up next, we have Rainbow, a British rock supergroup formed in 1975 by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. Their music blends elements of hard rock, blues, and classical music to create a unique sound that has earned them a loyal following over the years.
Throughout their career, Rainbow has released several critically acclaimed albums. Down to Earth produced their cover version of “Since You Been Gone,” a top ten hit in the UK.
Other commercially successful albums include Difficult to Cure, Straight Between the Eyes, and Bent Out of Shape. In addition, Rainbow embarked on numerous successful concert tours around the world.
Fans of Scorpions who are looking for similar bands should definitely give Rainbow a listen if they haven’t already. You’ll enjoy the band’s unique sound, featuring memorable hooks and choruses. It still appeals to a wide range of rock music fans.
5. Deep Purple
Thanks to Deep Purple, they paved the way for heavy metal music and the modern hard rock genre. They came together in London, England in 1968 as a progressive and psychedelic rock band.
Did you know that Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath are called the “unholy trinity of British hard rock and heavy metal in the early to mid-seventies”? In addition, Deep Purple was the world’s “loudest band” in 1972 at a concert at the London Rainbow Theatre. With sounds reaching 117 decibels, three audience members fell unconscious.
Over time, Deep Purple underwent several changes in its lineup, with different musicians joining and leaving the band. Despite these changes, they continued to tour, playing concerts across the world.
Today Deep Purple remains an influential force in music industry history, largely due to them being pioneers of the heavy metal genre. They have influenced countless other bands, including Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, and Kiss.
6. Iron Maiden
With their hard-hitting guitar riffs and epic lyrics, Iron Maiden has become a household name among rock enthusiasts worldwide. Their signature sound can be heard in albums like The Number of the Beast and Fear of the Dark.
Both Scorpions and Iron Maiden have influenced the genre in many ways. Like Scorpions, Iron Maiden influenced many bands after them. It’s not surprising, considering that the band is one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. Many came to know them for their melodic sound, elaborate stage performances, and their mascot Eddie.
Throughout their career, Iron Maiden sold more than 130 million records worldwide. That’s not all. They also received more than 600 certifications!
In addition, the band received numerous awards, such as a Grammy for Best Metal Performance for “El Dorado.” Other awards include the Brit Awards, Juno Awards, and Guinness Book of World Records.
7. Dio
The American heavy metal band Dio came around in 1982, with Ronnie James Dio as its lead vocalist. Known for their powerful and energetic music, Dio’s sound is often described as classic heavy metal – melodic yet explosive.
Apart from his work with Dio, Ronnie James Dio was also a former member of other legendary bands such as Rainbow and Black Sabbath. The band released its debut album, Holy Diver, in 1982. It produced the hit singles “Holy Diver” and “Rainbow in the Dark.”
Notably, both Scorpions and Dio have vocalists with exceptional voices. Ronnie James Dio had one of the most recognizable voices in rock history. It has a range that could go from hauntingly beautiful to downright terrifying. Klaus Meine of Scorpions, on the other hand, possesses a melodic voice.
8. UFO
Our next band on the list is UFO, a British rock band formed in 1968. They were cited as an influence on the heavy metal genre. They fit right in with bands like Scorpions due to their high-energy performances and hard-hitting instrumentals.
The band’s name stands for “Unidentified Flying Object.” However, they took the name as a tribute to the London club where they were discovered.
Nevertheless, the band incorporated the space theme into their albums, such as UFO 1 and UFO 2: Flying. Lead guitarist Michael Schenker, who was also a former member of Scorpions, has even claimed to have had several extraterrestrial encounters himself.
In a career that spans 55 years, the band produced 52 albums. Of these, 22 are studio albums, 14 are live recordings, and 16 are compilations. They have sold more than 20 million records worldwide.
9. Bon Jovi
Since their formation four decades ago, Bon Jovi has become one of the most iconic bands in the world. Even with the rise of new bands, they remained popular amongst millions of fans worldwide.
If there’s one thing that both Scorpions and Bon Jovi share, it’s achieving commercial success. Bon Jovi’s breakout success came in 1986 with their album Slippery When Wet, which sold more than 20 million copies. It produced the chart-toppers “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
Bon Jovi would go on to release a total of 15 studio albums and three live albums. They have cemented their status as one of the best-selling American rock bands, with sales of over 120 million records.
With their recent album release called 2020, Bon Jovi continues to impress audiences with their timeless sound while staying relevant to today’s modern listeners.
10. Van Halen
Another longest-running band is Van Halen. This legendary American hard rock band emerged in the ’70s and continued to dominate the music scene for decades. They are known for their unique sound, which includes Eddie Van Halen’s innovative guitar playing and David Lee Roth’s powerful vocals.
One fascinating aspect of Van Halen that is similar to Scorpions is the band’s longevity in the music industry. There have been lineup changes over the years and challenges along the way. Despite that, they continued to tour and perform for millions of fans.
Many attribute their success to maintaining their distinct sound without conforming to trends or sounding like other bands.
11. AC/DC
Up next is AC/DC, a powerhouse band that has been rocking out since the ’70s. Their music is characterized by a blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and blues rock.
Like Scorpions, AC/DC became popular for their hard rock sound. Their music features heavy guitar riffs, thanks to Malcolm and Angus Young, brothers who founded the band in Sydney, Australia. They are often credited with creating some of the most iconic riffs in rock history.
AC/DC’s raw energy and signature sound have influenced countless bands in the genre, both past and present. Guns N’ Roses and Metallica, among others, cited AC/DC as a huge influence in their music. There’s no denying that AC/DC remains one of the greatest rock bands ever to grace this planet.
12. Kiss
Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind at the mention of the rock band Kiss is their elaborate makeup and costumes. Those are some of the things that they became known for.
Founded in New York City in 1973, Kiss would become of the most influential rock bands of all time. They sold more than 75 million records worldwide and received numerous awards.
Both Kiss and Scorpions released iconic anthems throughout their careers. Kiss’ discography includes hit songs such as “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City,” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.” These have become anthems in the world of rock music.
Their live shows are also a major attraction for fans. The shows feature spectacular light shows, elaborate costumes, fire-breathing stunts, and blood-spitting antics by bassist Gene Simmons.
13. Mötley Crüe
Last but definitely not least is Mötley Crüe, a heavy metal band that emerged in California in 1981. In more than four decades in the industry, they have cemented their place as one of the most successful heavy metal bands.
In fact, the band has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. They have many albums that either charted well or were commercial successes. Some of their hits include “Kickstart My Heart” and “Sick Love Song.”
If there’s one thing that can be compared between Mötley Crüe and Scorpions, it’s their songwriting. Both bands created songs featuring catchy hooks and choruses and explored themes that listeners can easily resonate with.
Summing Up Our List Of Bands Like Scorpions
And that’s it for our new topic today. The variety of bands on our list means new additions to your playlist.
From Def Leppard’s timeless songs to Kiss’ rock anthems, we have what you need to satisfy your cravings for hard rock and heavy metal that’s similar to Scorpions.
Did we miss a band that must be included on our list? You can tell us, and we’ll be sure to add it in!
