The 2000s were for the most part, nondescript, as pop music fragmented into smaller trends. Unlike many past decades, the 2000s did not see the creation or emergence of many styles, with the exception of a few indie-related genres such as emo and electronic subgenres like Liquid funk and UK funky. Convergence of different styles was one of the more defining features of the decade, as seen with the creation and commercial success of the British grime genre and trap and chillwave in the United States.
Nevertheless, distinguishable elements can be attributed to the decade from a musical point of view, such as the common and mainstream usage of pitch correction software Auto-Tune, as well as the rise of the internet, media player programmes such as iTunes and music & video sharing websites such as YouTube. Also, most songs put less focus on elaborate bass-lines that use bass guitars and bass synthesisers in favour of louder and booming drums, and used even more electrical instruments.
Outside of North America, Britpop, post punk revival and alternative rock were at the height their popularity with acts such as The Libertines, Oasis, Lynda Thomas, Travis, Dido, Blur, The Hives, Björk and Radiohead, which still continued at the top of the major charts in the rest of the world since the 1990s.
Despite the hip hop dominance rock music was still popular, notably alternative rock, and especially genres such as post-grunge, post-Britpop, nu metal, pop punk, emo, post-hardcore, metalcore, and in some cases indie rock; the early and mid 2000s saw a resurgence in the mainstream popularity of pop rock and power pop.
Al Foster is an American jazz drummer. He is a versatile drummer who plays in musical styles ranging from bebop to free form to jazz/rock.
Amy Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter known for her deep expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres.
Arctic Monkeys are an English rock band formed in 2002 in Sheffield. The band consists of Alex Turner, Matt Helders, and Nick O'Malley.
B.B. King is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname "The King of the Blues"
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.
Catherine Wheel were an English alternative rock band from Great Yarmouth, formed in 1990 and active until 2000.
Cream were a 1960s British rock group consisting of bassist/singer Jack Bruce, drummer Ginger Baker, and guitarist/singer Eric Clapton.
David Bowie was a leading figure in popular music for over five decades & regarded by critics & musicians as a true innovator.
The Flaming Lips is an American rock band formed in 1983 and best known for its associations with 1960s and 1970s psychedelic subculture.
Florence and the Machine's style is described as 'dark, robust & romantic', a mix of "classic soul & midnight-on-the-moors English art rock.
Foo Fighters is an American rock band founded in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the death of Kurt Cobain.
Celebrate the world's greastest music festival with our exclusive collection of stunning Glastonbury photos taken across the years
Herbie Hancock is a pianist, keyboardist, bandleader, composer, actor & one of the first jazz musicians to embrace synhesizers & funk music.
Ian Dury was an English rock and roll singer-songwriter, bandleader, artist, and actor who first rose to fame during the late 1970s.
Iggy Pop is an American singer-songwriter, musician and actor. He was the vocalist of influential proto-punk band The Stooges.
James Brown was the founding father of funk music, a major figure of 20th century music & dance & referred to as the "Godfather of Soul".
John Prime was an American country folk singer-songwriter who was hugely admired and respected by renowned musicians worldwide.
Johnny Borrell is an English guitarist and singer, currently the front-man of the band Razorlight & part of "The Dalston Set".
Kasabian are an English rock band formed in Leicester in 1997, named after Linda Kasabian, a member of the Charles Manson cult.
Keith Richards is an English guitarist, singer, songwriter, solo artist, and founding member of the rock band The Rolling Stones.
Leonard Cohen wa a Canadian singer, songwriter, poet & novelist. His work explores religion, politics, isolation, sexuality & relationships.
Liam Gallagher is best known as the charismatic, self-assured front man of Manchester Britpop band Oasis.
The Libertines are an English rock band, formed in London in 1997 by frontmen Carl Barât (vocals/guitar) and Pete Doherty (vocals/guitar).
Lou Reed was one of music's most influential icons. His music defied all definitions of genre & left a legacy that has inspired generations
Manchester is inextricably linked to its musical heritage. A city whose music is deeply rooted in its fabric
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.
Morrissey is an English singer, songwriter & author, he rose to prominence as the lead singer of the indie rock band The Smiths.
Muse are an English rock band from Devon, formed in 1994 consisting of Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme & Dominic Howard.
Referred to as rock music's 'Prince of Darkness', Nick Cave's music is characterised by emotional intensity & a wide variety of influences.
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.
Limited edition of Morgan Howell's original painting of the cover of The Beatles' 'Yesterday' vinyl single
Frank Sinatra walking over a London bridge in 1967 during a break from his filming of 'The Naked Runner'
Debbie Harry captured backstage at a Blondie gig in Phildelphia in 1978
Inner sleeve artwork for Pink Floyd's album Wish You Were Here by Storm Thorgerson
Noel Gallagher is regarded as one of the UK’s most respected musicians and the mastermind behind Britpop super group Oasis.
Queen are a British rock band credited with making significant contributions to such genres as hard rock & heavy metal, among others.
Referred to as rock music's 'Prince of Darkness', Nick Cave's music is characterised by emotional intensity & a wide variety of influences.
Bruce Springsteen (Nicknamed "The Boss") is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and humanitarian.
Our contact sheet collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
This print collection by Jill Furmanovsky contains images of Oasis on-the-road, onstage and recording in the studio during their zenith.
Barrie Wentzell is one of music's most respected photographers his portfolio includes many rock'n'roll greats. Here is our great collection