Oldest Bands In Music: Acts That Defy The Laws Of Age And Time
It’s better to burn out than to fade away… but sometimes a band does neither. After decades on the road, the oldest bands in music history still bring the noise.
It’s better to burn out than to fade away – or so said Neil Young. But, once in a while, a band does neither. This list of just a few of the oldest bands in music celebrates the groups who have become a part of our cultural fabric: they’ve weathered the storms together, survived changing trends, and proven that they’ve got what it takes to keep a loyal fanbase coming back for more, decade after decade.
While you’re reading, listen to our Golden Oldies playlist here.
37: Metallica
One of the longest-running metal bands around, in a genre not known for longevity, Metallica continue to innovate and their albums are still going platinum. The group has seen a bit of change through the years, most notably after the death of bass guitar player Cliff Burton, but has remained unchanged since the arrival of Robert Trujillo in 2003.
Year formed: 1981
36: The Radiators
Anyone who’s been to New Orleans since 1978 should know this band. The Radiators have ruled the famed juke joint Tipitina’s and the city’s legendary Jazz Fest, all while making only one personnel change: adding and subtracting a percussionist. Though they called it quits in 2010, they’ve performed live every year since then, and continue to be one of the longest-running groups.
Year formed: 1978
35: Def Leppard
UK hard rock legends Def Leppard deserve inclusion on this list for perseverance alone, having survived two tragedies – the loss of guitarist Steve Clark, and of drummer Rock Allen’s arm – at the height of their fame. For all that they’ve accomplished over the years, they’ve had almost no change in personnel in 40 years, with no living member leaving since guitarist Pete Willis, in 1982.
Year formed: 1977
34: U2
Always a close-knit brotherhood, U2 hasn’t experienced a personnel change since 1978. The core line-up was solidified that year when The Edge’s brother Dik Evans realized the band didn’t need a rhythm guitarist and walked offstage during a show.
Year formed: 1976
33: Madness
The ska-pop veterans of North London are still going strong since releasing the smash single “One Step Beyond.” and accompanying album, back in 1979. The original six-member outfit (dancer Chas Smash, now departed, joined afterward) remains intact and continues to be one of the oldest bands British music has ever known.
Year formed: 1976
32: The Cure
Robert Smith’s crew have probably had the most personnel changes of any bands on this list, but The Cure is arguably about a spirit – a dark and mysterious spirit, of course – more than a line-up. So it makes sense that Smith and the current line-up, which has actually has two-thirds of the original group since bassist Simon Gallup returned, recently celebrated the band’s 40th anniversary by playing songs from their entire history.
Year formed: 1976
31: Iron Maiden
Pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal, Iron Maiden have sold more than 100 million copies of their albums through their long and illustrious career. They turned rock music heavy, with lyrics perfectly suited to Bruce Dickinson’s operatic vocal range. And they’re still going strong today.
Year formed: 1975
30: Eagles
Despite a few stops and starts, the band behind mega-hit “Hotel California” are still working. Among the world’s top-selling bands ever, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and the rest of the group have nothing to prove, but they continue to entertain audiences on tour.
Year formed: 1971
29: Aerosmith
All five members who formed Aerosmith in 1970 are still rocking, which would make them kings of the hill. Only trouble is the five-year 70s-80s stretch when guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford took a flyer. By now, however, they’ve probably forgotten they were ever gone.
Year formed: 1970
28: ZZ Top
That little ol’ band from Texas has maintained the same lineup together for just under a half-century, with nobody ever coming or going. Yes, Billy Gibbons made the first ZZ Top single with two different guys, but the Gibbons/Hill/Beard trio has been in place since 1970. That’s enough to make ZZ Top the longest-running group with an unchanged line-up in the entire history of popular music. There’s got to be magic in those beards.
Year formed: 1969
27: Little Feat
When Little Feat resumed touring in 1987, after a break prompted by founder Lowell George’s death, they promised onstage that it wouldn’t be “one of those jive, once-around-the-block reunions.” They weren’t kidding: they’ve since lost drummer Richie Hayward, but the four survivors of the Dixie Chicken line-up are still all aboard and remain one of the longest-running groups.
Year formed: 1969
26: Black Sabbath
The Wikipedia page for Black Sabbath members is long and voluminous. But the heavy metal band long fronted by Ozzy Osbourne deserves credit for remaining an essential group for many decades. The band officially retired in 2017.
Year formed: 1968
25: Rush
Though they didn’t set any longevity records, 44 years together is no slouch, with the familiar Rush trio of Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, and drummer Neil Peart remaining stable from 1974-2018. By the time they wound it down, Rush’s musical synchrony was unmatchable.
Year formed: 1968
24: Deep Purple
The most durable of British hard-rock bands, Deep Purple still includes three-fifths of the group that recorded “Smoke On The Water” in 1971. And let’s hear it for Ian Paice, who’s not only an underrated drummer, but the one Purple member who’s been in every line-up. If you see the band on their current tour – a “goodbye” tour, though they’ll be back in the studio afterward – expect it to close with “Hush,” the hit that started it all in 1968.
Year formed: 1968
23: Parliament/Funkadelic
Whatever George Clinton calls it, or whoever’s in the line-up, the funky spirit of this band – which technically began as The Parliaments, back in the 50s – is eternal; and that even counts for the hip-hop experiments on the last few releases. P-Funk’s future’s in doubt now that Clinton’s retiring, but there will still be a Mothership somewhere in the universe
Year formed: 1968
22: Genesis
Founded in 1967, Genesis have had plenty of line-up changes over the years. Among many other transformations, perhaps the most surprising was their move from progressive rock giants to pop music titans. In 2020, it was announced that the group would play live concerts yet again, on a tour called The Last Domino?
Year formed: 1967
21: Van Der Graaf Generator
Prog bands are notorious for their personnel turnover; Yes and King Crimson are a genealogist’s nightmare. But the line-up of Van Der Graaf Generator that recently toured and recorded in 2016 – featuring the core of the late-60s band, including Peter Hammill, Hugh Banton, and Guy Evans –proved to be more intense than ever.
Year formed: 1967
20: Fairport Convention
England’s first great folk-rock band was always more than the sum of its parts, and the changes started early. Their 1968 debut and 1973’s Rosie album were made by entirely different line-ups, yet each is quintessentially Fairport. After 50 years, they play on with long-returned founder Simon Nicol and early joiner Dave Pegg.
Year formed: 1967
19: Chicago
Given their endless personnel changes, you wouldn’t expect to find Chicago among the list of longest-running groups. But as of 2019, four of the seven founders – Robert Lamm and the three horn players – are still officially in the band, even though the horn men have lately been using subs onstage.
Year formed: 1967
18: The Monkees
For a band entirely manufactured for TV, the longevity of The Monkees is remarkable. Their original line-up, consisting of Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and English actor/singer Davy Jones, starred as a 60s pop-rock band on the NBC sitcom The Monkees (1966-68). After their 60s heyday – and an 80s revival – the band still somewhat persists, with surviving members Micky Dolenz and Mike Nesmith reuniting for occasion tours featuring the music of The Monkees.
Year formed: 1966
17: Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd are no longer an active group, but they had a decades-strong run starting in 1965. The psychedelic rock legends can count many classics to their name, with highlights including Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall.
Year formed: 1965
16: Vanilla Fudge
The band that arguably invented heavy metal, and definitely made one of the weirdest concept albums of all time (The Beat Goes On), is still at it despite a few breaks over the years. Presently, only retired bassist Tim Bogert is missing from the 1967 line-up.
Year formed: 1965
15: The Cowsills
Siblings can’t break up (though, sadly, three of The Cowsills have passed). The Cowsills still consist of Bob, Paul, and Susan doing the vintage harmonies (while brother John is an honorary Beach Boy, providing vocals and drums with Mike Love and Bruce Johnston’s touring band), making them a real breath of fresh air on the 60s revival circuit.
Year formed: 1965
14: Moody Blues
Despite a short hiatus in the 70s, the Moody Blues are among the longest-running rock groups ever. Their perhaps best remembered for their studio album, Days of Future Passed, which contains “Nights in White Satin.”
Year formed: 1964
13: The Who
Since their original formation in 1964, The Who have taken breaks from the road, gone solo, and suffered tragedy, namely the death of drummer Keith Moon. But despite all of that, singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend are still going. They also deserve a special merit prize among the oldest groups, for lasting the longest after their official “farewell tour,” which was back in 1982. Something tells us that we’ll be hearing “Baba O’Riley” for a few years to come.
Year formed: 1964
12: Neil Young And Crazy Horse
Neil Young And Crazy Horse have never broken up, but they have taken a few extended breaks in the barn. The core of Neil Young, Billy Talbot, and Ralph Molina has been in place since 1969, with the fourth position being held by the late Danny Whitten, the retired Frank Sampedro and, currently, Nils Lofgren.
Year formed: 1963
11: The Dixie Cups
New Orleans’ contribution to the “girl group” era gave the world the classic “Chapel Of Love.” Two of the three original members (sisters Barbara and Rosa Lee Hawkins) still perform regularly, while the third slot is now taken by Athelgra Neville, whose brothers are equally legendary down in Crescent City.
Year formed: 1963
10: The Beach Boys
Life without The Beach Boys is too sad to imagine, but since 1962 we haven’t had to. Through all their complex history there’s always been a version of the group on the road, and currently you have your choice of two: Mike Love has the official Beach Boys, with longtime cohort Bruce Johnston, while Brian Wilson’s solo band features two original bandmates, himself and Al Jardine.
Year formed: 1962
9: The Rolling Stones
Rock immortals in more ways than one, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Ronnie Wood are remarkably durable for a band that’s lived so hard. Three of the members who formed the band in 1962 are still there, and even new guy Ronnie Wood has a few decades to his credit.
Year formed: 1962
8: Golden Earring
Perhaps best known as the writers of “Radar Love,” one of the most famous Dutch bands ever are the true Methuselahs of rock. The two founders, bassist Rinus Gerritsen and guitarist George Kooymans, started in the Hague way back in 1961, while singer Barry Hay joined in 1967 and drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk came aboard in 1970. Other players have come and gone, but no quartet can match the longevity of the core four from the Netherlands.
Year formed: 1961
7: The Zombies
They’ve had some long breaks, but the same band that cut 1968’s beloved Odessey & Oracle album (minus only the late guitarist Paul Atkinson) were still performing it in 2019 – and sounding better than ever, thanks to the golden-voiced Colin Blunstone.
Year formed: 1961
6: Jay And The Americans
Largely intact pre-Beatles groups get scarcer every year, but this vocal group has only had seven different members (including three Jays) in its 60-year history. You can still see three-quarters of the group that recorded the 60s classic “Come A Little Bit Closer.”
Year formed: 1960
5: The O’Jays
Formed in 1958 (with two originals still remaining), R&B stalwarts The O’Jays were already veterans when they hit in the 70s with “Back Stabbers” and “Love Train.”
Year formed: 1958
4: Four Tops
Nobody ever quit Motown quartet Four Tops, which maintained the same line-up for an amazing 44 years, beginning in 1953. Three of the founders have since passed, but the group is alive with sole original Duke Fakir.
Year formed: 1953
3: The Dells
Vocal aficionados love this Chicago group, which represented soul harmony at its smoothest and kept the same five-man lineup for an amazing 49 years, beginning in 1960. Only the death of singer Johnny Carter kept them from hitting a half-century intact as one of the oldest bands.
Year formed: 1945
2: The Oak Ridge Boys
Forget The Beach Boys and their contemporaries: one of America’s longest-running groups is a country quartet with precious little crossover success since the 80s ‘Elvira’ days. The Oak Ridge Boys formed in the 1940s and the current line-up, which still records and tours, has changed very little since the 1970s.
Year formed: 1947
1: The Blind Boys Of Alabama
Most of the original members of this classic gospel group are deceased, but surviving original Jimmy Carter, who gives his age as “a few years past 50,” has been performing with The Blind Boys Of Alabama since 1939. Go and top that.
Year formed: 1939
Looking for more? Discover the best live albums of all time.
Bob Miller
November 21, 2019 at 11:42 am
Where are The Beatles, Hendrix and the Eagles?
Donna
November 22, 2019 at 9:15 pm
Um, Hendrix is dead! The Beatles disbanded back in the 70’s. This list is about the oldest bands who STILL play concert dates.
Brian of Nazareth
December 15, 2019 at 5:18 pm
Um, but Rush (given Peart’s retirement) doesn’t play concert dates either… and yet they’re on the list!
Bob miller
November 21, 2019 at 11:49 am
There are more bands that survive the test of time… most of them dont record anymore either because a member or two have passed away to that Big Gig in the sky or they simply want to live another kind of life… Like the 3 I mentioned earlier
I’m sure you can add to this list. Pink Floyd. Et al…..
Jackie
November 21, 2019 at 4:02 pm
The Moody Blues!
John
November 21, 2019 at 9:02 pm
Kansas – formed in the early 70s and still performing – with two of the original members and two others that joined the band in the 80s. Not only are they still performing – they’re still recording. Their album “Prelude Implicit” from 2017 was amazing, and they’re looking to release another full album next spring – all while touring and performing some of their iconic albums from the 70s – in their entirety.
Mikel
November 17, 2020 at 5:52 pm
ACDC? Also many of these are vocal groups rather than bands. The Monkees never even played instruments in a meaningful way. Still others are more of a tribute band to themselves with only 1 original member dude…Foreigner. So the Who is still a performing band with only two guys who don’t tour or record together? No.
Stones, AC/DC, Golden Earring, Chicago, Zz top, PFunk, Aerosmith, Boston, Heart, Cheap Trick, Def Leppard the true acts still rolling at least between rest stops.
Michael
November 22, 2019 at 1:30 am
Umm, has this writer ever heard of the band America??!! They’ve been together for 50 years and still touring actively. Plus they have tons more hits than many of these bands.
Stev
May 24, 2020 at 2:30 pm
The sons of the pioneers was formed in 1933 and are still performing today.
Jimmy
November 22, 2019 at 4:33 am
Blue Oyster Cult still touring. Also recording a new album. Formed in late 60’s
Jay Roberts
November 23, 2019 at 1:55 pm
Hot Rails to Hull lists over 4,000 shows for the oyster boys, although it’s been Eric and Buck for many moons now. Would like to see them get in the RRHOF.
Steve
November 22, 2019 at 3:42 pm
Since you’re including currently active bands that have had long hiatuses or breakups between reformations, you could include Yes, King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Styx, and The Moody Blues. Also, what about the Ventures? Are they still active?
Tom Semioli
November 22, 2019 at 7:43 pm
Graham Parker & The Rumour (1975)
Donna
November 22, 2019 at 9:17 pm
Lynryd Skynryd . . . . . . . . . . . .
Donna M
November 22, 2019 at 9:18 pm
It was Def Leppard that sang “It’s better to burn out than fade away”
Donna M
November 22, 2019 at 9:42 pm
Missed anyone that deserves recognition? Um, HELL YEA! Lynryd Skynyrd, 38 Special, BoDeans, Allman Brothers, Jefferson Airplane – Jefferson Starship – Starship, Fleetwood Mac, Genya Ravan (well maybe she doesn’t count since she was actually in 2 different bands in the 60’s and 70’s), AC/DC, Alice Cooper, Bad Company, Ry Cooder, Doobie Brothers, Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel (he’s been active since ’64!!) B.B.King (active from 1949-2014, died in 2015), Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, David Allan Coe, I could go on and on.
bob wyman
February 7, 2021 at 9:55 am
These 3 Jefferson Airplane – Jefferson Starship – Starship are not the same but from an Airplane fell Hot Tuna.
Santana does not count, well only to 1000, that is how many have been in Carlos’ grip
Donna M
November 23, 2019 at 1:34 am
BOB DYLAN
Sandra
November 23, 2019 at 5:26 am
Seriously…. Fleetwood Mac!
Scott O'Brien
November 23, 2019 at 9:27 pm
Where the hell is Todd Rundgren’s Utopia ? !!!
Tom
November 24, 2019 at 4:15 pm
The Hollies – having toured every year since 1963!
Darcy
April 22, 2020 at 7:32 pm
yes! I they should be on the list!!
Bastiaan
November 25, 2019 at 2:12 pm
Where’s Wishbone Ash?
Bastiaan
November 25, 2019 at 2:14 pm
I miss Wishbone Ash here…
FM Fats
November 26, 2019 at 7:32 pm
Paul Barrere of Little Feat recently passed.
LeAnn Zerck
December 12, 2019 at 1:03 am
Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
Brian of Nazareth
December 15, 2019 at 5:26 pm
Where in the blue HELL are the Scorpions on this list??? Founded in 1965, they’re still recording… intimating at a 19th album coming in 2020.
brian w
July 6, 2020 at 3:26 am
Thank god, someone else remembers to list the Scorpions. thank you!!
bryan davey
December 19, 2019 at 11:29 am
SPARKS …2020 is going to be a masiveyear for them a musical film penned by them ///new album,, sounrack album and a documentry by edgar wright !
John Perkins
January 7, 2020 at 7:11 pm
Lists like this always bug me because they forget a band which hasn’t stopped touring in fifty, yup 5-0, years: KOOL & the GANG!
Hits like Celebration, Ladies Night, Hollywood Swinging, Fresh, Joanna, Jungle Boogie, and nearly every rap song ever made has kept their music from the 70s and 80s alive and well into the 90s, ’00s, and today.
They’ve never been on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ballot despite their fan base extending and crossing over every bridge — even Van Halen invited them to tour in 2012!
dave Getz
January 19, 2020 at 6:10 pm
Big Brother & the Holding Co formed in 1965. They were the band that launched the career of Janis Joplin. They disbanded in 1972 then got back together in 1987 and have been touring, performing and recording non-
stop ever since. Two of the original members, Dave Getz and Peter Albin keep it going. The other two original members, other than Janis, James Gurley and Sam Andrew both died; Gurley in 2009 and Andrew in 2015
Charles Sawyer
March 26, 2020 at 6:26 pm
Crack The Sky are one of the longest running bands that still records and perform stellar concerts. I first heard them in 1978, but they started in ‘75. They have had some personnel changes over the years, but the core of John Palumbo & Rick Witkowski still amaze me. They are working on a new album, and played shows earlier this year.
Gary R Battista
March 28, 2020 at 5:37 pm
I was gonna say Crack The Sky, excellent band. But really, no Cheap Trick? I guess its only bands with some affiliation to UMusic.
Graham Watson
April 8, 2020 at 6:51 pm
B-52s?
Fred Orcutt
July 11, 2020 at 10:55 pm
Jethro Tull!!!!!!!!
Tomas Marc Vrhovac
July 12, 2020 at 2:50 am
The Scorpions have been together since 1965.
Tony Allen Minton
July 14, 2020 at 5:07 am
Why in the blue hell is KISS not on this list!!! One of if not the best selling rock band ever is not on this. You have treated KISS like the R&RHOF did. Get with it and include KISS since they have touring since 1973-4 and still have 2 original members in Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
GG11
August 10, 2020 at 4:09 pm
Four Finnish bands (still active): Piirpauke (1974), Express (1967), The Boys (1964) and Dallapé (1925, more of a dance orchestra).
Debi Jeter
September 11, 2020 at 5:25 pm
Duran Duran is still going and has been since late seventies.
Kleve K Smith
October 3, 2020 at 5:40 pm
Everyone has overlooked one of the oldest American rock bands.
Not on the original 30 of the article nor in any comment.
Some of the comments are spot on regarding their identifying of rock bands left out.
BUT – THE GRATEFUL DEAD is mentioned nowhere. 1965 to Present – if my math is correct that’s 55 years. Shame on the author of this list. Shame shame!!!
ps. Also not mentioned and still on the road is Grand Funk Railroad (’69 to present)
Dotorimuk
November 23, 2020 at 5:26 am
Is constantly changing members really defying the laws of age and time? Methinks no.
And you didn’t mention Los Lobos.
Paul Clark
January 23, 2021 at 10:06 pm
Seekers 1962 that still work together in the original formate stones and alike are in name only
Andrew
March 8, 2021 at 8:35 pm
You forgot to mention that ZZ Top were previously a fake version of the Zombies
Edith J Sanders
March 16, 2021 at 2:38 am
Not true that the Oak Ridge Boys have had the same line-up since 73. In the 80s, William Lee Golden left for a while and was replaced with Steve Sanders, and then rejoin a few years later, at which time, Sanders left.
Todd Burns
April 9, 2021 at 8:17 pm
Thank you for the correction, Edith! We’ve made a small change to the article to reflect that now.
SupaSoul Productions
April 14, 2021 at 11:28 pm
How about a little love for Tower of Power?
Michael Dennis Osterbuhr
April 15, 2021 at 6:36 pm
How about Uriah Heep? Continuously recording and touring! They just released their summer/fall 2021 tour schedule.
noncentz
April 17, 2021 at 5:42 am
Yes they’re bubblegum, but The Osmonds have been in existence for 63 years. All 4 original members are still alive. Two have retired but the other two still tour as The Osmonds. Later members who joined, including Donny and Jimmy are also still alive. I can think of no other group that had a number 1 Billboard hit that has been around as long without a member dying.
Brett
July 10, 2021 at 8:19 pm
where is Led Zeppelin, the guess who, ACDC, Heart, Stevie Nicks, and Guns and roses
Tex
August 10, 2021 at 2:11 pm
What about John Mayall… the article would have been better titled,”Here are some bands that are older than dirt, but there’s more dirt available.”
Lyle
August 19, 2021 at 5:07 am
Z Z TOP started in 1969 and played with the original members till 2021. 52 years with original members..
ClassicBabou
January 2, 2022 at 9:22 pm
Impressive list but missing so many names. Radiohead, Coldplay, Kings of Leon, De La Soul, Muse, The Hives, The Strokes, Sloan, Rammstein, Explosions, The L.O.X., so many more that should be on this list. Criteria should have been more specific.
Ray Turriff
February 22, 2022 at 12:16 am
Well what about judas priest started in the 60s
Ray Turriff
February 22, 2022 at 12:20 am
Oh forgot to mention metallica is not the longest heavy metal band acdc judas priest and deep purple were around a decade before them and are still touring.
Terry
May 24, 2022 at 1:00 pm
I would have thought Fleetwood Mac would have been in the list.
Louise
June 25, 2022 at 6:12 pm
America-1970. Never stopped touring or producing albums.
Tony Dillon
June 30, 2022 at 5:33 pm
Francis Rossi formed Status Quo in 1962, when he was 13. He still tours to this day. And where are he Hollies? Tony Hicks and Bobby Elliot still perform and they also formed in 1962.
Craig Donnelly
August 9, 2022 at 8:19 pm
The SCORPIONS were formed in 1965 and recorded their first album in 1972.
The original singer, Klaus Meine, and original guitarist, Rudolph Schenker are still in the band and still recording and performing. Guitarist Matthias Jabs joined the band in 1978.
Jimmy Guavass
March 31, 2023 at 4:19 am
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán was founded in 1897 …band is still touring
Kenneth Groves
April 8, 2023 at 1:08 pm
Hawkwind has been continuously touring and recording since 1969.
And, about the only band still charting (in UK )
singles and albums today. Charted in 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021.
Their new single was just released today to warm reviews.
Album coming in weeks.
Dave Brock, active band leader, writer, guitarist singer .. 82.
Steve
April 10, 2023 at 5:19 am
The Isley Brothers
William Barnsby
October 7, 2023 at 8:41 pm
The Isley brothers have just released their 32nd album. Original member Ronald Isley still lead vocalist. Their 1st hit was 1958, that’s 65 years as a recording entity, surely that is a record?
Brenda Blackhalo
May 22, 2024 at 8:38 am
Why does everyone leave Zebra off these lists? Ok, so they may not be as big as U2, etc….but this amazing rock trio has be together since 1975. All original members. Still touring too. They beat U2 by a couple years in the original line up dept. Fact