Picking a #1, seems almost impossible. I'm struck by the realization that my own opinion today versus back then is not that consistent. Not as much as I would have thought.

I really have to say Rush. There are artists I didn't buy when I was in high school that I loved but because they were always on the radio. I never bought a tape (Yup, 8 tracks for me in those days). Led Zeppelin was always on, many good ones only on late on weekend nights. A/C D/C definitely defined our weekend ritual of driving around looking for the girls who occasionally drove around too. Because it had borne fruit, like two or three times. Max. Good times for sure.

Funny, some of the music I'm thinking of, I can actually hear a burbling exhaust note along with the music.

Spinal Tap

It’s difficult for me to pick just one favorite as one month I’m really feeling one favorite band and the next I’ve switched to my next favorite. If I can only list one it would have to be Led Zeppelin followed only slightly by Rush and Pink Floyd and AC/DC.

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Number 1 of all time, stuck on a deserted island? Project 86.
My favorite band right now and who knows for how long? Jinjr.

PROJECT 86.

I swear I read through the 4 pages and did not even see Boston mentioned!! Even with their internal issues, they might be number one for me.
Heck, I even have a Barry Goudreau album (yes kids, some of us still have vinyl albums!) that I believe has everyone from the group except Tom Scholz performing on it.
But, many other great bands have already been listed. Steely Dan was truly awesome. Did anyone mention the Doobie Brothers with Tom Johnston (before Michael McDonald showed up & sort of ruined them)? Don't flame me, but I'm also a big fan of Hall & Oates. There are a few others as I go down the list.

And I didn't even get into my Southern Rock favorites!

Hard to say just one.

But a short list would include
BANGLES
Beatles
Beach Boys and other oldie car and surf
Heart earlier
Ronstadt
Stones early bluesy
Cream especially 2005 concert
Lotta Eagles
Lotta Doors
Celtic Woman

Never could get into Pet Sounds

There was a time I would have said Led Zeppelin without hesitation, but lately I've been leaning more towards Queen.

Lots of great bands already mentioned but don’t forget The Grateful Dead

Hard to choose just one. Milli Vanilli, I guess.

Skynyrd. Close second would be Zeppelin and AC/DC.

Queen followed by Great White.

Bob Seger.

Tool. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but super talented musicians putting together some really lyrically and musically complex work.

After that? It's a big jumble. I'm a huge Prince fan, but he doesn't really count as a band and his "bands" have always been mainly for touring. Most of what you hear on the album is Prince. Metallica, but I hate the Load/Reload/St Anger period so much it knocks them out of my top spot.

Going off the music stored on my iPhone, I'd say if I based it off the number of tracks downloaded the top 5 would be

Tool
Metallica
Johhny Cash
Prince
Motorhead

But honestly that list looks a lot heavier than my normal listening habits. I'm admittedly a metal head, but there is a lot of blues, folk, and jazz mixed in there as well. About all I don't listen to is modern pop and (most) modern country (which is modern pop in a cowboy hat).

The Ramones [Original 1961 members].

Its hard to name a favorite:

Iron Maiden
Emerson, Lake and Palmer
Triumph

quote:

Originally posted by SIG4EVA:

Ah, the REAL Metallica.

quote:

Originally posted by Hamden106:
Hard to say just one.

But a short list would include
BANGLES …

So you’ve heard more than that one song? They’re amazing live. Have you had the pleasure?

Van Halen.
Put on great shows in the 80's and I went to most.
Hell, the Richfield Coliseum isn't even standing anymore. Great place for a concert.