Let’s be honest here for a moment about Seattle’s famous bands. There are a ton of them! So you might be wondering, how the heck did I pick the top 10 bands to put on this list? Well, simply put, it’s based solely on opinion. That’s right, here’s my list of picks, and I hope you enjoy it (in no particular order):

1. pearl jam

Pearl Jam is a band I hear on the radio all the time, and I still can’t get enough of their hits. Their first and most defining album, Ten, was released on August 27, 1991. Ten managed to stay on the charts for more than two years, going 13-platinum and becoming one of the best-selling rock albums in history. . Not bad for a first pitch!

two. Nirvana

What is there to say about Nirvana that hasn’t already been said? The band that brought alternative and grunge music to the forefront of the music industry, combining memes of punk, rock, acoustic guitar, and conflicting vocal lines. While their first Bleach release in 1989 was a hit for the band on Sub Pop Records, it was Nevermind that catapulted the band to fame.

3. sound garden

Founded in 1984 by singer Chris Cornell, Soundgarden did not achieve commercial success or fame until the grunge genre became popular in the early 1990s. However, they were the first grunge band to be signed to a major label in 1988 with A&M Records. His most successful album came in 1994 titled Superunknown. Not only did it debut at number one on the Billboard charts, but the singles “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman” became Grammy-winning singles.

Four. alice in chains

Another great band from Seattle that came out during the grunge movement of the early 90’s. Something I really enjoy about Alice In Chains is how varied their music can be. Sometimes acoustic and light, but other times full of thick heavy metal distortion. And let’s not forget the harmonized vocals between Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell. To this day, his Dirt album remains one of my favorites.

5. Death Taxi for Cutie

Transatlanticism in 2003 propelled this group to huge commercial success and fame. However, Death Cab For Cutie have had a strong indie following since their debut album, Something About Airplanes in 1998. Definitely a slower paced, emotionally passionate band, I find myself listening to them on rainy days, along with the other Ben Gibbard project , The Postal Service.

6. Jimi Hendrix

In a few words, the best number one guitarists in the rock genre. Well, at least according to Rolling Stone, and I’d say they know what they’re talking about. It still amazes me how phenomenal his riffs and solos are, not to mention the overall structure of the song. He is easily one of the most important and influential musicians of the 20th century and has inspired thousands of people over the years.

7. Heart

I love the heart. As one of the inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2013), they have been one of the most enduring hard rock bands in history. They originally rose to fame in the 1970s after releasing their successful album, Dreamboat Annie. The two singles “Crazy on You” and “Magic Man” were key to his success at the time and remain fan favorites to this day.

8. Queensrÿche

These guys have been quite successful in the progressive heavy metal scene. Formed in 1981, they received worldwide recognition after launching Operation: Mental Crime in 1988. For many, this is considered one of the best concept albums ever released.

9. Dave Matthews Band

To this day, the Dave Matthews Band continues to pack crowded venues (and the gorge), and for good reason. Not only is the music amazing, but seeing them perform live is something everyone should see. As a drummer, I tend to freak out a little while watching Carter Beauford’s solo. Not only a local legend, the Dave Matthews Band also had the highest ticket sales of any North American act between 2000 and 2010. Pretty impressive.

10 modest mouse

Well, technically these guys are from Issaquah. It doesn’t matter though, as they have made a name for themselves in the indie-pop scene. To be fair, it took me several listens to his album. Good news for people who love bad news to truly appreciate them. But once I did, I was hooked.

A friendly list of the 10 most famous bands in Seattle, so to speak. Feel free to disagree, but you have to admit that each group mentioned above has had their share of fame and influence in the music industry. Thanks for reading, and keep rocking!