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.
Marc Bolan was an English singer-songwriter, musician, guitarist & poet. He was best known as the lead singer of the glam rock band T. Rex.
Marilyn Manson is an American musician, songwriter, actor, painter, singer, rapper, author, composer and former music journalist.
Mark E Smith was the distictive and uncompromising frontman of the British post-punk band The Fall, regarded by many as a cult icon
The Mars Volta was an American rock band from El Paso, Texas, formed in 2001, their music was a mix of progressive rock & experimental rock.
Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor - often referred to as the 'King of Pop'.
Morrissey is an English singer, songwriter & author, he rose to prominence as the lead singer of the indie rock band The Smiths.
Muddy Waters is known as 'the father of modern Chicago Blues'. His guitar licks and classic songs influenced many great music artists.
Mumford and Sons is a British band formed in West London in 2007 and is at the forefront of the 21st Century folk revival
Muse are an English rock band from Devon, formed in 1994 consisting of Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme & Dominic Howard.
Neil Young's acclaimed solo career spans over 45 years & 35 studio albums, with a continuous & uncompromising exploration of musical styles.
Referred to as rock music's 'Prince of Darkness', Nick Cave's music is characterised by emotional intensity & a wide variety of influences.
Nigel Kennedy is a British violinist and violist & was Yehudi Menuhin’s most famous protégé, studying first at the Menuhin School.
Nirvana were an American rock music band formed by Kurt Cobain & Krist Novoselic, they were considered the 'flagship band' of Generation X.
Noel Gallagher is regarded as one of the UK’s most respected musicians and the mastermind behind Britpop super group Oasis.
O.A.R. is an American rock, jam band founded in 1996 in Rockville, Maryland by lead vocalist Marc Roberge and drummer Chris Culos.
Oasis were an English rock music band formed in Manchester in 1991, to date the band have sold over 70 million records worldwide.
The Offspring are an American punk rock band from California & are considered one of the best-selling punk rock bands of all time.
Ozzy Osbourne is a singer, songwriter & television personality who rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the band Black Sabbath.
Patti Smith is an American singer-songwriter, poet & visual artist. Called the "punk poet laureate", Smith fused rock & poetry in her work.
Paul Weller is an English singer, songwriter and musician. Weller achieved fame with the punk rock/new wave/mod revival band The Jam.
Pearl Jam’s fame has been attributed to its sound, fusing "the riff-heavy stadium rock of the '70s with the grit & anger of '80s post-punk.
Pete Townshend is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, best known as a member of the rock band The Who.
Phil Collins is a world class drummer, songwriter & one of the defining voices of the 1980s, as both a solo artist and frontman for Genesis
Phish is a U.S.-based band known for it's musical improvisation, extended jams, blending of genres, and hugely dedicated fan base.
Pink Floyd are currently getting set for the 'Their Mortal Remains' exhibition at the V&A - Check out our range of images for sale.
British musician PJ Harvey was a distinctive voice in the early-'90s alternative rock explosion.
The Police were one of the definitive rock groups of the 1970s and 1980s playing a unique New Wave style influenced by reggae, jazz and punk
The Pretenders, led by lead vocalist Chrissie Hynde, crossed the bridge between punk and pop with their melodic yet hard, spiky songs
Primal Scream were hugely influential in the 1990's following the release of Screamadelica, with their blend of indie pop and dance fusion.
Prince was a musical innovator known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, extravagant dress sense and unique vocal range.
Fronted by singer Matt Koruba, Program the Dead is a hard, heavy rock band from LA that rails against conformist, mass-media culture
Queen are a British rock band credited with making significant contributions to such genres as hard rock & heavy metal, among others.
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. They have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.
The Ramones' loud, fast, straightforward musical style was influenced by music that the band members grew up listening to in the 50s & 60s.
'I thought of improvisation as a large ball of string (a melody as yet unravelled)'. Cover art for Phish's 1997 album Slip Stitch and Pass
Unique contact sheet print of AC/CD's, Angus Young by photographer David Corio, taken at Hammersmith Odeon, London, November 1st, 1979
Johnny Cash at home on his ranch in San Antonio, Texas in 1960, he always wore black, because he identified with the poor & the down trodden
Sir Elton John is an English pianist, singer-songwriter, composer & pop icon who has sold millions of records and won countless awards.
Ozzy Osbourne is a singer, songwriter & television personality who rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the band Black Sabbath.
Van Morrison is a Northern Irish singer, songwriter and musician who is usually known by the name "Van the Man" to his fans.
The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960 and widely regarded as the most influential acts of the rock era.
A photographic celebration of Manchester's rock music history. Free exhibition at the University of Manchester
The USA has given us many of the world's greatest music artists - we celebrate the best of the best
The Beatles were one of the most popular & influential bands of all time. Here we showcase our collection of their iconic fine art prints
Welcome to our Jazz & Blues Print Collection - over 50 years of iconic images of the world's greatest Jazz & Blues musicians
