Which band is better?
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The StonesThe Rolling Stones were formed in 1962 in London. For over sixty years, they have been one of the most popular rock bands with a string of hits and successful tours. Their initial lineup consisted of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts. Initially focusing on cover songs, they eventually came into their own including #1 hits in the mid-60’s “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, “Get Off My Cloud” and “Paint It Black”. This was followed by several other successful albums and songs including “Let’s Spend the Night Together”, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, “Honky Tonk Women”, “Sympathy for The Devil”, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” and “Gimme Shelter”. In 1969, Jones left the band and died shortly thereafter; he was replaced by Mick Taylor.
In 1971, they released the album Sticky Fingers which was the first of their eight consecutive #1 albums, and included the classic song “Brown Sugar”. In 1974, Ronnie Wood replaced Taylor in the band and they continued to have successful albums and tours with songs such as “Angie”, “Start Me Up” and “Miss You”. They are one of the best selling bands of all time, with sales of over 200 million records. Over their career, they’ve won 3 Grammys, the Lifetime Grammy Achievement award, were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and were ranked fourth on Rolling Stone’s “Greatest Artists of All Time”. They were also a significant contributor to the counterculture movement of the 1960’s.
In 1971, they released the album Sticky Fingers which was the first of their eight consecutive #1 albums, and included the classic song “Brown Sugar”. In 1974, Ronnie Wood replaced Taylor in the band and they continued to have successful albums and tours with songs such as “Angie”, “Start Me Up” and “Miss You”. They are one of the best selling bands of all time, with sales of over 200 million records. Over their career, they’ve won 3 Grammys, the Lifetime Grammy Achievement award, were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and were ranked fourth on Rolling Stone’s “Greatest Artists of All Time”. They were also a significant contributor to the counterculture movement of the 1960’s.
The Grateful DeadThe Grateful Dead is known as the first “jam” band, noted for long instrumental and improvisational music at live shows. They formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, CA with members Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, Phil Lesh and Bill Kreurzmann, joined by Mickey Hart in 1967. They are also known for their devoted fan base known as “Deadheads” and as pioneers of the “psychedelic” movement of the 1960’s. Their core years were 1967-1995 starting with their 1965 release The Grateful Dead. Their “Europe ‘72” tour was well received along with its future album release of the same name.
In 1973, they formed their own record label, Grateful Dead Records. Their first commercial success came in 1970 with the releases of Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, which features the chart topping song “Truckin’”. While they continued to release studio albums, their real popularity came from live shows. Unlike most bands, their performances were largely improvised, with no pre-made setlist. Their live performances featured long periods of jamming – improvised instrumental passages. They’ve played over 2,400 concerts during the course of their career, followed devotely by Deadheads, many of which followed them on tour. They are also well known for their merchandising, particularly their famous logos and tie-dyed t-shirts.
Their concerts feature a central hub of activity for buying and selling called “Shakedown Street”. Jerry Garcia died in 1995, a major blow to the band and what many thought would be the end. Over the years, there have been several spin-off bands featuring various members of The Dead, such as The Other Ones, The Dead and Dead & Company.
In 1973, they formed their own record label, Grateful Dead Records. Their first commercial success came in 1970 with the releases of Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, which features the chart topping song “Truckin’”. While they continued to release studio albums, their real popularity came from live shows. Unlike most bands, their performances were largely improvised, with no pre-made setlist. Their live performances featured long periods of jamming – improvised instrumental passages. They’ve played over 2,400 concerts during the course of their career, followed devotely by Deadheads, many of which followed them on tour. They are also well known for their merchandising, particularly their famous logos and tie-dyed t-shirts.
Their concerts feature a central hub of activity for buying and selling called “Shakedown Street”. Jerry Garcia died in 1995, a major blow to the band and what many thought would be the end. Over the years, there have been several spin-off bands featuring various members of The Dead, such as The Other Ones, The Dead and Dead & Company.
