The greatest rock & roll band in the world

Just two days after the untimely death of guitarist Brian Jones, the Rolling Stones played a free concert in London’s Hyde Park. The band’s tribute to their fallen band mate signaled the beginning of a new era.

As they took the stage, tour manager Sam Cutler introduced the group by saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, the greatest Rock and Roll band in the world…The Rolling Stones!”

With Mick Taylor assuming the lead guitarist spot, the Stones would quickly reach their apex and the “greatest” moniker stuck.

The beautiful—and sometimes frustrating—thing about music is that “greatest” is purely subjective. Personal taste will determine whether you agree with the band’s bold self-proclamation. For every Rolling Stones fan, there are more than a few Dead Heads, Led Heads or Parrot Heads. (Funny how every group of rock fans are fill-in-the-blank “heads.”)

There is no doubt, though, that the Stones were the most important band for decades; they always moved the dial. Even though they’re aging gracefully, the band of 60-somethings isn’t biggest thing going anymore.

So who owns the belt? It has to be U2, right? They meet all the criteria that the Stones had developed before Mick tossed the torch over to Bono.

They certainly pass the “Super Bowl Halftime Show Test.” If you’re trying to choose the “most famous” rock group to create a buzz, it has to be U2. 

It’s interesting that, given Bono’s overtly political nature, U2 would be able to achieve the level of mainstream success they have. Unlike other rock bands—the Rolling Stones included—their politics aren’t just defined by a disregard for authority. Whether it’s an end to world hunger or ridding Africa of STD’s, Bono tends to make some lengthy emotional pleas during concerts.

The fact that people aren’t turned off by this posturing is a testament to the band’s music. It’s good enough to make everything else background noise.

This past week, U2 rolled into South Florida and played at Sun Life Stadium. In the process, they caused the Marlins to play a home series in Seattle, hung out with LeBron James backstage and serenaded my mom. (Now only if Bono could play center field)

What other band can make the world stop like they can? They’re members of a dying breed: the legit rock star. It’s why we will hold onto guys like Keith Richards or Eric Clapton until they call it quits.

Because of rap music and its odd appeal to middle-class suburbanites, we may never see another rock band that makes it to the top like the Stones or U2. The music industry is too fragmented now. It’s the same reason that network television ratings are drastically lower in the 21st century. We have so many options that it’s hard to imagine that enough people will collectivize to create the kind of following that traditional rock superpowers have enjoyed.

Who will follow? Perhaps we’re just stuck in a moment that we can’t get out of.