Rock music is a genre of popular music that originated as "rock and roll" in the United States in the 1950s, and developed into a range of different styles in the 1960s and later, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s' and 1950s' rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by blues, rhythm and blues and country music. Rock music also drew strongly on a number of other genres such as electric blues and folk, and incorporated influences from jazz, classical and other musical sources.
Musically, rock has centered on the electric guitar, usually as part of a rock group with electric bass guitar and drums. Typically, rock is song-based music usually with a 4/4 time signature using a verse-chorus form, but the genre has become extremely diverse. Like pop music, lyrics often stress romantic love but also address a wide variety of other themes that are frequently social or political in emphasis.
The dominance of rock by white, male musicians has been seen as one of the key factors shaping the themes explored in rock music. Rock places a higher degree of emphasis on musicianship, live performance, and an ideology of authenticity than pop music.
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. they have dubbed their music simply "rock and roll".
Alan Parsons is an English audio engineer, songwriter, musician, and record producer as well as his own group, the Alan Parsons Project.
Alex Chilton was an American songwriter, guitarist, singer and producer, best known as the lead singer of the Box Tops and Big Star.
The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960 and widely regarded as the most influential acts of the rock era.
Beck Hansen, known by stage name Beck, is an American singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist.
Billy Idol is an English musician, singer, songwriter & actor. He achieved fame in the 1970s as a member of the punk rock band Generation X.
Montreal band, Blinker The Star were known for their heavy, ethereal, melancholic, brash and youthful style of alternative rock music
Blondie is a American rock band founded by Debbie Harry & Chris Stein that pioneered the New York new wave & punk scenes of the 1970s.
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, artist & writer. He has been influential in popular music & culture for more than five decades.
Brian Wilson is an American musician, singer, songwriter & record producer best known for being the leader and co-founder of the Beach Boys.
Bruce Springsteen (Nicknamed "The Boss") is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and humanitarian.
Described as "one of modern music's true innovators" with "a singular body of work virtually unrivalled in its daring and fluid creativity."
Catherine Wheel were an English alternative rock band from Great Yarmouth, formed in 1990 and active until 2000.
Chic is an American band that was organized during 1976 by guitarist Nile Rodgers & bassist Bernard Edwards.
Christopher Isaak (born June 26, 1956) is an American rock musician and occasional actor. He is best known for his hit "Wicked Game".
Chrissie Hynde has one of the most distinctive voices in rock music and is best known as the founder of The Pretenders
So sad to hear of the passing of Chuck Berry, rock 'n' roll legend who influenced generations of great musicians
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk.
Sir Cliff Richard is a British pop singer, musician, performer, actor & philanthropist, he has sold more than 250 million records worldwide.
Coldplay are a British rock band formed in 1996 by lead vocalist and pianist Chris Martin and lead guitarist Jonny Buckland at UCL.
The Cramps were an American punk band, formed in 1976 and active until 2009. The band split after the death of lead singer Lux Interior.
The Cranberries are an Irish rock band who rose to international fame with their debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?
Cream were a 1960s British rock group consisting of bassist/singer Jack Bruce, drummer Ginger Baker, and guitarist/singer Eric Clapton.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's music unerringly reflected the tastes & viewpoints of the counterculture in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The Cure are an English rock band formed in 1976 & has experienced several line-up changes with Robert Smith being the only constant member.
David Bowie was a leading figure in popular music for over five decades & regarded by critics & musicians as a true innovator.
David Gilmour is a guitarist, vocalist and writer with the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, but is also renowned for his solo work.
Dr Feelgood is a well-loved British R&B band hailing from Canvey Island, Essex most known for their singles 'Roxette' & 'Back in the Night'
Sir Elton John is an English pianist, singer-songwriter, composer & pop icon who has sold millions of records and won countless awards.
Elvis Costello is an English musician, singer-songwriter & record producer, his career began in London's pub rock scene during the 1970s.
Elvis Presley was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century & the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music.
Eric Clapton is an English rock & blues guitarist, singer & songwriter. He is the only three-time inductee to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Eurythmics, duo Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart, were one of the defining bands of the 1980s with their New Wave synth-pop sound.
The Faces were an English rock band formed in the wake of the Small Faces’ split in 1969, releasing four studio LPs and one live album.
Angus Young from rock band AC/DC onstage during their 'Back in Black' UK Tour in 1980.
Terry Pastor's photograph of David Bowie from the 'Hunky Dory' album cover photo session.
Van Morrison is a Northern Irish singer, songwriter and musician who is usually known by the name "Van the Man" to his fans.
Chrissie Hynde has one of the most distinctive voices in rock music and is best known as the founder of The Pretenders
Prince was a musical innovator known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, extravagant dress sense and unique vocal range.
Pink Floyd are currently getting set for the 'Their Mortal Remains' exhibition at the V&A - Check out our range of images for sale.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Edition 100 was created to give fans & collectors a chance to own classic, historical pictures of their favorite bands.
The Rolling Stones have been entertaining audiences for more than 50 years. Our collections share the best images spanning their career
The USA has given us many of the world's greatest music artists - we celebrate the best of the best
