Which Band is Better: Van Halen or The Rolling Stones
No doubt, the The Rolling Stones are the superior band between the two. While Van Halen is an incredibly talented group, they simply do not have the extensive history or the universal appeal of The Rolling Stones. The Stones are often considered one of the top five greatest rock and roll bands of all time. As much as I appreciate Van Halen's talent, I wouldn't rank them among the elite.
The Rolling Stones: The Iconic Band
When it comes to rock and roll, no other band can match the raw energy, iconic status, and enduring legacy of The Rolling Stones. Their music has stood the test of time, and their influence on rock music cannot be overstated. While Van Halen is undoubtedly a great band, their musical journey has not reached the same historical heights as The Stones. Keith and Ronnie can only dream of playing a song like 'Eruption,' a testament to The Stones' unique style and approach.
Van Halen's guitarist, Eddie, was an incredible talent. He is recognized as one of the pioneers of the heavy metal movement and significantly changed the world of guitar playing. However, Van Halen's hits are far fewer in comparison to The Rolling Stones. Most of Van Halen's popular songs are from their first two albums, with only sporadic hits popping up after that. By my count, Van Halen has fewer than 20 real hit songs.
The Rolling Stones: The Timeless Legends
The Rolling Stones, on the other hand, have consistently released hit after hit over the years. Their album '40 Licks' is an excellent example, excluding the four new songs added for the upcoming tour of the same name, nearly every song was a hit. Even adding another 30 songs that are well deserving of inclusion, the Stones have consistently produced music of the highest quality. Even if we only consider their work from 1968 to 1978, a span in which Van Halen was producing hits, the Stones have nearly 30 songs that were massive hits.
Originality and Impact
Although I am not a big fan of Van Halen, their 15 or so hit songs are indeed great. The band shows originality even on their cover songs, reworking them into their distinctive style. Musicianship, showmanship, songwriting skills, and a fresh outlook on rock music are all evident in their work. It's easy to understand why fans of rock music appreciate their contributions.
The Clash: An Added Dimension
While we were discussing Van Halen and The Rolling Stones, it's important not to forget about other rock legends such as The Clash. Their raw energy and political stance added a different dimension to the rock scene. It's worth exploring their work to get a more comprehensive understanding of the rich history and diversity of rock and roll music.