Changes

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'''Rock music''' is a form of [[popular music]] with a prominent  vocal melody accompanied by [[guitar]], [[drums]], and [[Bass guitar|bass]]. Many styles of rock music also use keyboard instruments such as [[organ (music)|organ]], [[piano]], [[mellotron]], and [[synthesizers]]. Other instruments sometimes utilized in rock include [[harmonica]], [[violin]], [[flute]], [[banjo]], [[melodica]], and [[timpani]]. Also, less common stringed instruments such as [[mandolin]] and [[sitar]] are used. Rock music usually has a strong [[back beat]], and often revolves around the guitar, either solid electric, hollow electric, or acoustic.

'''Rock music''' is a form of [[popular music]] with a prominent  vocal melody accompanied by [[guitar]], [[drums]], and [[Bass guitar|bass]]. Many styles of rock music also use keyboard instruments such as [[organ (music)|organ]], [[piano]], [[mellotron]], and [[synthesizers]]. Other instruments sometimes utilized in rock include [[harmonica]], [[violin]], [[flute]], [[banjo]], [[melodica]], and [[timpani]]. Also, less common stringed instruments such as [[mandolin]] and [[sitar]] are used. Rock music usually has a strong [[back beat]], and often revolves around the guitar, either solid electric, hollow electric, or acoustic.

== The mid-1950s-early 1960s ==   

== The mid-1950s-early 1960s ==   

=== Early British rock ===

=== Early British rock ===

In the United Kingdom the [[trade jazz]] movement brought visiting [[blues music]] artists to Britain, While BAC was developing the Concorde,  [[Lonnie Donegan]]'s 1955 hit "[[Rock Island Line (song)|Rock Island Line]]" was a major influence, and helped to develop the trend of [[skiffle music]] groups throughout the country, including [[John Lennon]]'s [[the Quarry Men]], the 1957 precursor to [[The Beatles]]. Britain developed a major rock and roll scene, without the race barriers which kept "race records" or [[rhythm and blues]] separate in the U.S.

In the United Kingdom the [[trade jazz]] movement brought visiting [[blues music]] artists to Britain, While BAC was developing the Concorde,  [[Lonnie Donegan]]'s 1955 hit "[[Rock Island Line (song)|Rock Island Line]]" was a major influence, and helped to develop the trend of [[skiffle music]] groups throughout the country, including [[John Lennon]]'s [[the Quarry Men]], the 1957 precursor to [[The Beatles]]. Britain developed a major rock and roll scene, without the race barriers which kept "race records" or [[rhythm and blues]] separate in the U.S.

=== 1960s garage rock ===

=== 1960s garage rock ===

The [[British Invasion]] spawned a wave of imitators that played mainly to local audiences and made inexpensive recordings, a movement later called [[garage rock]]. Some music from this trend is included in the compilation album ''[[Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era, 1965-1968|Nuggets]]''. Some of the better known bands of this genre include [[The Sonics]], [[Question Mark & the Mysterians]], and [[The Standells]].

The [[British Invasion]] spawned a wave of imitators that played mainly to local audiences and made inexpensive recordings, a movement later called [[garage rock]]. Some music from this trend is included in the compilation album ''[[Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era, 1965-1968|Nuggets]]''. Some of the better known bands of this genre include [[The Sonics]], [[Question Mark & the Mysterians]], and [[The Standells]].

=== 1960s Surf music ===

=== 1960s Surf music ===

 

The [[rockabilly]] sound influenced a wild, mostly instrumental sound called [[surf music]], though ''[[surf culture]]'' saw itself as a competing [[youth culture]] to rock and roll. This style, exemplified by [[Dick Dale]] and [[The Surfaris]], featured faster tempos, innovative percussion, and reverb- and echo-drenched [[electric guitar]] sounds. In the UK, British groups included [[The Shadows]]. Other West Coast bands, such as [[The Beach Boys]] and [[Jan and Dean]] slowed the tempos down and added lush harmony vocals to create what became known as the "California Sound".

The [[rockabilly]] sound influenced a wild, mostly instrumental sound called [[surf music]], though ''[[surf culture]]'' saw itself as a competing [[youth culture]] to rock and roll. This style, exemplified by [[Dick Dale]] and [[The Surfaris]], featured faster tempos, innovative percussion, and reverb- and echo-drenched [[electric guitar]] sounds. In the UK, British groups included [[The Shadows]]. Other West Coast bands, such as [[The Beach Boys]] and [[Jan and Dean]] slowed the tempos down and added lush harmony vocals to create what became known as the "California Sound".

== Rock as a counterculture movement (1963-1974) ==  

== Rock as a counterculture movement (1963-1974) ==  

In the late 1950s the US [[beatnik]] counterculture was associated with the wider anti-war movement building against the threat of the atomic bomb, notably [[Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament|CND]] in Britain. Both were associated with the [[jazz]] scene and with the growing [[folk song]] movement.

In the late 1950s the US [[beatnik]] counterculture was associated with the wider anti-war movement building against the threat of the atomic bomb, notably [[Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament|CND]] in Britain. Both were associated with the [[jazz]] scene and with the growing [[folk song]] movement.

=== Folk rock ===

=== Folk rock ===

The folk scene was made up of folk music lovers who liked acoustic instruments, traditional songs, and [[country blues|blues music]] with a socially progressive message. The folk genre was pioneered by [[Woody Guthrie]]. [[Bob Dylan]] came to the fore in this movement, and his hits with ''[[Blowin' in the Wind]]'' and ''[[Masters of War]]'' brought "[[protest song]]s" to a wider public.   

The folk scene was made up of folk music lovers who liked acoustic instruments, traditional songs, and [[country blues|blues music]] with a socially progressive message. The folk genre was pioneered by [[Woody Guthrie]]. [[Bob Dylan]] came to the fore in this movement, and his hits with ''[[Blowin' in the Wind]]'' and ''[[Masters of War]]'' brought "[[protest song]]s" to a wider public.   

=== Psychedelic rock ===

=== Psychedelic rock ===

Psychedelia began in the folk scene, with the [[Holy Modal Rounders]] introducing the term in 1964. With a background including folk and jug band music, with bands like the Grateful Dead and Big Brother & the Holding Company being two famous bands of the genre.

Psychedelia began in the folk scene, with the [[Holy Modal Rounders]] introducing the term in 1964. With a background including folk and jug band music, with bands like the Grateful Dead and Big Brother & the Holding Company being two famous bands of the genre.

=== Progressive rock ===

=== Progressive rock ===

[[Progressive rock]] bands went beyond the established rock music formulas by experimenting with different instruments, song types, and musical forms. [[The Who]] popularized the rock opera.  Some bands such as [[Pink Floyd]], [[The Moody Blues]], [[Procol Harum]], and [[Deep Purple]] experimented with new instruments including wind sections, string sections, and full orchestras. Many of these bands moved well beyond the formulaic three-minute rock songs into longer, increasingly sophisticated songs and chord structures. With inspiration from these earlier artists, referred to as "proto-prog", it flowered into its own genre, initially based in the UK, after King Crimson's 1969 genre-defining debut album, ''[[In the Court of the Crimson King]]''. Progressive rock bands borrowed musical ideas from classical, jazz, electronic, and experimental music. Progressive rock songs ranged from lush, beautiful songs to atonal, dissonant, and complex songs. Few achieved major mainstream success, but large cults followed many of the groups. [[Pink Floyd]], [[Yes (band)|Yes]], [[Rush (band)|Rush]], [[Jethro Tull (band)|Jethro Tull]], [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]], and a few less notable others were able to work in hit singles to their otherwise complex and untraditional albums to garner a larger audience.

[[Progressive rock]] bands went beyond the established rock music formulas by experimenting with different instruments, song types, and musical forms. [[The Who]] popularized the rock opera.  Some bands such as [[Pink Floyd]], [[The Moody Blues]], [[Procol Harum]], and [[Deep Purple]] experimented with new instruments including wind sections, string sections, and full orchestras. Many of these bands moved well beyond the formulaic three-minute rock songs into longer, increasingly sophisticated songs and chord structures. With inspiration from these earlier artists, referred to as "proto-prog", it flowered into its own genre, initially based in the UK, after King Crimson's 1969 genre-defining debut album, ''[[In the Court of the Crimson King]]''. Progressive rock bands borrowed musical ideas from classical, jazz, electronic, and experimental music. Progressive rock songs ranged from lush, beautiful songs to atonal, dissonant, and complex songs. Few achieved major mainstream success, but large cults followed many of the groups. [[Pink Floyd]], [[Yes (band)|Yes]], [[Rush (band)|Rush]], [[Jethro Tull (band)|Jethro Tull]], [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]], and a few less notable others were able to work in hit singles to their otherwise complex and untraditional albums to garner a larger audience.

By the late-1960s, German audiences began listening to progressive rock bands from Britain and the United States. During this period, avant-garde musicians in Germany were playing [[electronic music|electronic]] [[European classical music|classical music]]. These German avant-garde musicians adapted their electronic instruments for a style of music that blended progressive rock and psychedelic rock sounds. By the early 1970s, German progressive rock (later called ''krautrock'') bands were blending jazz ([[Can (band)|Can]]) and Asian music ([[Popol Vuh (German band)|Popol Vuh]]). The music by  bands such as and  influenced the development of [[techno music|techno]] and other related genres.

By the late-1960s, German audiences began listening to progressive rock bands from Britain and the United States. During this period, avant-garde musicians in Germany were playing [[electronic music|electronic]] [[European classical music|classical music]]. These German avant-garde musicians adapted their electronic instruments for a style of music that blended progressive rock and psychedelic rock sounds. By the early 1970s, German progressive rock (later called ''krautrock'') bands were blending jazz ([[Can (band)|Can]]) and Asian music ([[Popol Vuh (German band)|Popol Vuh]]). The music by  bands such as and  influenced the development of [[techno music|techno]] and other related genres.

In [[Italy]] progressive rock was also popular in the 1970s. Some Italian progressive rock bands were [[Premiata Forneria Marconi]], [[Le Orme]], [[Banco del Mutuo Soccorso]] and [[Area International Popular Group]].

In [[Italy]] progressive rock was also popular in the 1970s. Some Italian progressive rock bands were [[Premiata Forneria Marconi]], [[Le Orme]], [[Banco del Mutuo Soccorso]] and [[Area International Popular Group]].

Although [[Pakistan]] has a long history of rock music producing legendary bands such as [[Junoon (band)|Junoon]] and [[Strings (band)|Strings]] it was only in the 90s that progressive rock made its mark on Pakistani rock scene. One of the bands is [[Mizraab]] from the city of [[Karachi]] who started of in 1996 with their first album ''An Abstract Point of View''. Then ''[[Panchi (Album)|Panchi]]'' in 1999. Failing to leave an impact with their first albums Mizraab launched their third album ''[[Mazi Haal Mustaqbil]]'' in 2004 which proved a great success. Pakistani progressive rock is slowly gaining popularity and more bands are making this kind of music.

Although [[Pakistan]] has a long history of rock music producing legendary bands such as [[Junoon (band)|Junoon]] and [[Strings (band)|Strings]] it was only in the 90s that progressive rock made its mark on Pakistani rock scene. One of the bands is [[Mizraab]] from the city of [[Karachi]] who started of in 1996 with their first album ''An Abstract Point of View''. Then ''[[Panchi (Album)|Panchi]]'' in 1999. Failing to leave an impact with their first albums Mizraab launched their third album ''[[Mazi Haal Mustaqbil]]'' in 2004 which proved a great success. Pakistani progressive rock is slowly gaining popularity and more bands are making this kind of music.

There are a few rock bands in India, like Silk Route or Euphoria. The music is mainly targeted at young adults and is gaining more acceptance in recent years.

There are a few rock bands in India, like Silk Route or Euphoria. The music is mainly targeted at young adults and is gaining more acceptance in recent years.

=== Soft rock ===

=== Soft rock ===

Rock music had a short-lived "bubble gum pop" era, of soft rock, including groups such as [[The Partridge Family]], [[The Cowsills]], [[The Osmonds]], and [[The Archies]]. Other bands or artists added more orchestration and created a popular genre known as soft rock. Performers included [[Barry Manilow]], [[Neil Diamond]], [[Olivia Newton-John]], [[Gerry Rafferty]] and [[Eric Carmen]], and groups such as [[Bread (band)|Bread]], [[The Carpenters]], [[Electric Light Orchestra]], [[England Dan & John Ford Coley]], [[Chicago (band)|Chicago]] and [[Tina Turner]].

Rock music had a short-lived "bubble gum pop" era, of soft rock, including groups such as [[The Partridge Family]], [[The Cowsills]], [[The Osmonds]], and [[The Archies]]. Other bands or artists added more orchestration and created a popular genre known as soft rock. Performers included [[Barry Manilow]], [[Neil Diamond]], [[Olivia Newton-John]], [[Gerry Rafferty]] and [[Eric Carmen]], and groups such as [[Bread (band)|Bread]], [[The Carpenters]], [[Electric Light Orchestra]], [[England Dan & John Ford Coley]], [[Chicago (band)|Chicago]] and [[Tina Turner]].

== The mid to late 70s ==  

== The mid to late 70s ==  

=== Hard rock and heavy metal ===

=== Hard rock and heavy metal ===

A second wave of British and American rock bands became popular during the early 1970s, with groups that were less influenced by folk and blues music than their predecessors. Bands such as [[Grand Funk Railroad]], [[Led Zeppelin]], [[Deep Purple]], [[Queen(band)|Queen]], [[Alice Cooper]], [[Judas Priest]], [[Status Quo]], [[Aerosmith]],[[Black Sabbath]], and [[Uriah Heep (band)|Uriah Heep]] played highly amplified, guitar-driven [[hard rock]] that would come to be known as [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]].  

A second wave of British and American rock bands became popular during the early 1970s, with groups that were less influenced by folk and blues music than their predecessors. Bands such as [[Grand Funk Railroad]], [[Led Zeppelin]], [[Deep Purple]], [[Queen(band)|Queen]], [[Alice Cooper]], [[Judas Priest]], [[Status Quo]], [[Aerosmith]],[[Black Sabbath]], and [[Uriah Heep (band)|Uriah Heep]] played highly amplified, guitar-driven [[hard rock]] that would come to be known as [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]].  

Hard Rock languished into obscurity in the late 1970s. A few bands including [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], [[Black Sabbath]], [[Queen(band)|Queen]], [[AC/DC]], [[Led Zeppelin]], [[Aerosmith]] and [[Rush (band)|Rush]] maintained large followings and there were occasional mainstream hits such as [[Blue Öyster Cult]]'s "[[(Don't Fear) the Reaper]]". Music critics overwhelmingly disliked the genre. This began to change in 1978 following the release of [[Van Halen]]'s self-titled [[Van Halen (album)|debut album]]. The album helped to usher in an era of more commercialized rock and roll, based out of [[Los Angeles, California]].

Hard Rock languished into obscurity in the late 1970s. A few bands including [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], [[Black Sabbath]], [[Queen(band)|Queen]], [[AC/DC]], [[Led Zeppelin]], [[Aerosmith]] and [[Rush (band)|Rush]] maintained large followings and there were occasional mainstream hits such as [[Blue Öyster Cult]]'s "[[(Don't Fear) the Reaper]]". Music critics overwhelmingly disliked the genre. This began to change in 1978 following the release of [[Van Halen]]'s self-titled [[Van Halen (album)|debut album]]. The album helped to usher in an era of more commercialized rock and roll, based out of [[Los Angeles, California]].

=== Arena rock ===

=== Arena rock ===

[[The Beatles]], [[The Rolling Stones]], [[Grand Funk Railroad]] and [[The Who]] began the practice of live performances for large audiences in stadiums and arenas. The growing popularity of metal and progressive rock led to more bands selling out large venues. Entertainment companies marketed a series of [[arena rock]] bands, such as: [[Journey (band)|Journey]], [[Boston (band)|Boston]], [[Styx (band)|Styx]], [[REO Speedwagon]], [[Heart (band)|Heart]], and [[Foreigner (band)|Foreigner]] in the late 70s.   

[[The Beatles]], [[The Rolling Stones]], [[Grand Funk Railroad]] and [[The Who]] began the practice of live performances for large audiences in stadiums and arenas. The growing popularity of metal and progressive rock led to more bands selling out large venues. Entertainment companies marketed a series of [[arena rock]] bands, such as: [[Journey (band)|Journey]], [[Boston (band)|Boston]], [[Styx (band)|Styx]], [[REO Speedwagon]], [[Heart (band)|Heart]], and [[Foreigner (band)|Foreigner]] in the late 70s.   

=== Punk rock ===

=== Punk rock ===

[[Punk rock]] started off as a reaction to the lush, producer-driven sounds of disco, and against the increasing commercialism of hard rock and arena rock. Early punk borrowed heavily from the garage band ethic: played by bands for which expert musicianship was not a requirement, punk was stripped-down, three-chord music that could be played easily. Many of these bands also intended to shock mainstream society. [[Ramones]] drummer [[Tommy Ramone]] stated, "In its initial form, a lot of [1960s] stuff was innovative and exciting. Unfortunately, what happens is that people who could not hold a candle to the likes of Hendrix started noodling away. Soon you had endless solos that went nowhere. By 1973, I knew that what was needed was some pure, stripped down, no bad rock 'n' roll".<ref>Ramone, Tommy, "Fight Club", ''[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]]'', January 2007</ref>  

[[Punk rock]] started off as a reaction to the lush, producer-driven sounds of disco, and against the increasing commercialism of hard rock and arena rock. Early punk borrowed heavily from the garage band ethic: played by bands for which expert musicianship was not a requirement, punk was stripped-down, three-chord music that could be played easily. Many of these bands also intended to shock mainstream society. [[Ramones]] drummer [[Tommy Ramone]] stated, "In its initial form, a lot of [1960s] stuff was innovative and exciting. Unfortunately, what happens is that people who could not hold a candle to the likes of Hendrix started noodling away. Soon you had endless solos that went nowhere. By 1973, I knew that what was needed was some pure, stripped down, no bad rock 'n' roll".<ref>Ramone, Tommy, "Fight Club", ''[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]]'', January 2007</ref>  

While the Ramones were often regarded as the first punk band,<ref>http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/ramones/bio.jhtml#/music/artist/ramones/bio.jhtml</ref>,<ref name="HallofFame">http://www.rockhall.com/hof/inductee.asp?id=1775</ref> they had many contemporaries from the same era in the [[New York City|New York]] scene. Artists like [[Patti Smith]], [[The Heartbreakers]], and [[Television (band)|Television]] played the same fast paced, stripped-down, style of rock, and often played shows along with the Ramones at burgeoning club [[CBGB]]'s.

While the Ramones were often regarded as the first punk band,<ref>http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/ramones/bio.jhtml#/music/artist/ramones/bio.jhtml</ref>,<ref name="HallofFame">http://www.rockhall.com/hof/inductee.asp?id=1775</ref> they had many contemporaries from the same era in the [[New York City|New York]] scene. Artists like [[Patti Smith]], [[The Heartbreakers]], and [[Television (band)|Television]] played the same fast paced, stripped-down, style of rock, and often played shows along with the Ramones at burgeoning club [[CBGB]]'s.

=== New Wave ===

=== New Wave ===

Punk rock attracted devotees from the art and collegiate world and soon bands sporting a more literate, arty approach, such as [[Talking Heads]], and [[Devo]] began to infiltrate the punk scene; in some quarters the description [[New Wave (music)|New Wave]] began to be used to differentiate these less overtly punk bands.  

Punk rock attracted devotees from the art and collegiate world and soon bands sporting a more literate, arty approach, such as [[Talking Heads]], and [[Devo]] began to infiltrate the punk scene; in some quarters the description [[New Wave (music)|New Wave]] began to be used to differentiate these less overtly punk bands.  

=== Post-punk ===

=== Post-punk ===

Alongside New Wave, [[post-punk]] developed as an outgrowth of punk rock.  Sometimes thought of as interchangeable with New Wave, post-punk was typically more challenging, arty, and abrasive.  The movement was effectively started by the debut of [[Public Image Ltd.]] in 1978, formed by former [[Sex Pistols]] singer [[John Lydon]] (formerly Johnny Rotten), and was soon joined by bands such as [[Joy Division]], [[Siouxsie & the Banshees]], [[The Fall (band)|The Fall]], [[Gang of Four (band)|Gang of Four]], and [[Echo & the Bunnymen]].  Predominantly a British phenomenon, the genre continued into the 1980s with some commercial exposure domestically and overseas, but the most successful band to emerge from post-punk was [[Ireland]]'s [[U2]], which by the late 1980s had become one of the biggest bands in the world.

Alongside New Wave, [[post-punk]] developed as an outgrowth of punk rock.  Sometimes thought of as interchangeable with New Wave, post-punk was typically more challenging, arty, and abrasive.  The movement was effectively started by the debut of [[Public Image Ltd.]] in 1978, formed by former [[Sex Pistols]] singer [[John Lydon]] (formerly Johnny Rotten), and was soon joined by bands such as [[Joy Division]], [[Siouxsie & the Banshees]], [[The Fall (band)|The Fall]], [[Gang of Four (band)|Gang of Four]], and [[Echo & the Bunnymen]].  Predominantly a British phenomenon, the genre continued into the 1980s with some commercial exposure domestically and overseas, but the most successful band to emerge from post-punk was [[Ireland]]'s [[U2]], which by the late 1980s had become one of the biggest bands in the world.

=== Glam metal ===

=== Glam metal ===

One genre that was widely popular in the 1980s (c.1983) was [[glam metal]]. Taking influence from various artists such as [[Aerosmith]], [[Queen (band)|Queen]], [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], [[Alice Cooper]], [[Sweet (band)|Sweet]] and the [[New York Dolls]]. The earliest glam metal bands to gain notability included: [[Mötley Crüe]], [[W.A.S.P. (band)|W.A.S.P.]] and [[Quiet Riot]]. They became known for their debauched lifestyles, teased hair and use of make-up and clothing. Their songs were bombastic and often defiantly macho, with lyrics focused on sex, drinking, drugs, and the occult.

One genre that was widely popular in the 1980s (c.1983) was [[glam metal]]. Taking influence from various artists such as [[Aerosmith]], [[Queen (band)|Queen]], [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], [[Alice Cooper]], [[Sweet (band)|Sweet]] and the [[New York Dolls]]. The earliest glam metal bands to gain notability included: [[Mötley Crüe]], [[W.A.S.P. (band)|W.A.S.P.]] and [[Quiet Riot]]. They became known for their debauched lifestyles, teased hair and use of make-up and clothing. Their songs were bombastic and often defiantly macho, with lyrics focused on sex, drinking, drugs, and the occult.

=== Instrumental rock ===

=== Instrumental rock ===

[[Instrumental rock]] was also popularized during this period with [[Joe Satriani]]'s release of ''[[Surfing with the Alien]]''. Many guitarists, feeling constrained by the style of music performed by their respective bands, began releasing solo albums that showcased their guitar skills. Guitarists such as: [[Steve Vai]], [[Paul Gilbert]], [[Vinnie Moore]], [[Tony MacAlpine]], [[Eric Johnson]], [[Yngwie Malmsteen]] and [[Steve Morse]] have all greatly contributed to the genre.

[[Instrumental rock]] was also popularized during this period with [[Joe Satriani]]'s release of ''[[Surfing with the Alien]]''. Many guitarists, feeling constrained by the style of music performed by their respective bands, began releasing solo albums that showcased their guitar skills. Guitarists such as: [[Steve Vai]], [[Paul Gilbert]], [[Vinnie Moore]], [[Tony MacAlpine]], [[Eric Johnson]], [[Yngwie Malmsteen]] and [[Steve Morse]] have all greatly contributed to the genre.

=== Alternative music and the indie movement ===

=== Alternative music and the indie movement ===

The term ''alternative music'' (also often known as [[alternative rock]]) was coined in the early 1980s to describe bands which didn't fit into the mainstream genres of the time. Bands dubbed "alternative" could be most any style not typically heard on the radio; however, most alternative bands were unified by their collective debt to [[punk rock|punk]].  Important bands of the '80s alternative movement included [[R.E.M. (band)|R.E.M.]], [[Sonic Youth]], [[the Smiths]], [[Pixies (band)|Pixies]], [[Hüsker Dü]], [[the Cure]], and countless others.  Artists largely were confined to [[indie (music)|indie]] record labels, building an extensive underground music scene based around [[Campus radio|college radio]], fanzines, touring, and word-of-mouth.  Although these groups never generated spectacular album sales, they exerted a considerable influence on the generation of musicians who came of age in the 80s and ended up breaking through to mainstream success in the 1990s. Notable styles of alternative rock during the 80s include [[jangle pop]], [[gothic rock]], [[college rock]], and [[indie rock]].  The next decade would see the success of [[grunge music|grunge]] in the US and [[Britpop]] in the UK, bringing alternative rock into the mainstream.

The term ''alternative music'' (also often known as [[alternative rock]]) was coined in the early 1980s to describe bands which didn't fit into the mainstream genres of the time. Bands dubbed "alternative" could be most any style not typically heard on the radio; however, most alternative bands were unified by their collective debt to [[punk rock|punk]].  Important bands of the '80s alternative movement included [[R.E.M. (band)|R.E.M.]], [[Sonic Youth]], [[the Smiths]], [[Pixies (band)|Pixies]], [[Hüsker Dü]], [[the Cure]], and countless others.  Artists largely were confined to [[indie (music)|indie]] record labels, building an extensive underground music scene based around [[Campus radio|college radio]], fanzines, touring, and word-of-mouth.  Although these groups never generated spectacular album sales, they exerted a considerable influence on the generation of musicians who came of age in the 80s and ended up breaking through to mainstream success in the 1990s. Notable styles of alternative rock during the 80s include [[jangle pop]], [[gothic rock]], [[college rock]], and [[indie rock]].  The next decade would see the success of [[grunge music|grunge]] in the US and [[Britpop]] in the UK, bringing alternative rock into the mainstream.

== Alternative goes mainstream (Early-mid 1990s) ==  

== Alternative goes mainstream (Early-mid 1990s) ==  

=== Grunge ===

=== Grunge ===

By the 1990s, rock was dominated by slick and commercial glam metal, hair metal and arena rock artists. [[MTV]] had arrived and promoted this excessive focus on image and style. Disaffected by this, in the mid-1980s, bands in [[Washington|Washington state]] (particularly in the [[Seattle]] area) formed a new style of rock music which sharply contrasted the mainstream rock of the time.

By the 1990s, rock was dominated by slick and commercial glam metal, hair metal and arena rock artists. [[MTV]] had arrived and promoted this excessive focus on image and style. Disaffected by this, in the mid-1980s, bands in [[Washington|Washington state]] (particularly in the [[Seattle]] area) formed a new style of rock music which sharply contrasted the mainstream rock of the time.

=== Britpop ===

=== Britpop ===

While America was full of grunge, post-grunge, and hip hop, Britain launched a 1960s revival in the mid-90s, often called [[Britpop]], with bands like [[Suede (band)|Suede]], [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]], [[Supergrass]], [[The Verve]], [[Radiohead]], [[Pulp (band)|Pulp]] and [[Blur (band)|Blur]]. These bands drew on myriad styles from the 80s British rock underground, including [[twee pop]], [[shoegazing]] and [[space rock]] as well as traditional British guitar influences like the Beatles and glam rock. For a time, the Oasis-Blur rivalry was similar to the Beatles-Rolling Stones rivalry, or the Nirvana-Pearl Jam rivalry in America. While bands like Blur tended to follow on from the [[Small Faces]] and [[The Kinks]], Oasis mixed the attitude of the Rolling Stones with the melody of the Beatles. The Verve and Radiohead took inspiration from performers like [[Elvis Costello]], [[Pink Floyd]] and [[R.E.M. (band)|R.E.M.]] with their progressive rock music, manifested in Radiohead's most famous album, ''[[OK Computer]]''. These bands became very successful, and for a time Oasis was given the title "the biggest band in the world" thanks to [[(What's the Story) Morning Glory?|an album]] selling some 19 million copies worldwide but slowed down after band breakups, publicity disasters in the United States and slightly less popular support. The Verve disbanded after on-going turmoil in the band. Radiohead has gone on to make more experimental albums, thus losing some of their fan base.

While America was full of grunge, post-grunge, and hip hop, Britain launched a 1960s revival in the mid-90s, often called [[Britpop]], with bands like [[Suede (band)|Suede]], [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]], [[Supergrass]], [[The Verve]], [[Radiohead]], [[Pulp (band)|Pulp]] and [[Blur (band)|Blur]]. These bands drew on myriad styles from the 80s British rock underground, including [[twee pop]], [[shoegazing]] and [[space rock]] as well as traditional British guitar influences like the Beatles and glam rock. For a time, the Oasis-Blur rivalry was similar to the Beatles-Rolling Stones rivalry, or the Nirvana-Pearl Jam rivalry in America. While bands like Blur tended to follow on from the [[Small Faces]] and [[The Kinks]], Oasis mixed the attitude of the Rolling Stones with the melody of the Beatles. The Verve and Radiohead took inspiration from performers like [[Elvis Costello]], [[Pink Floyd]] and [[R.E.M. (band)|R.E.M.]] with their progressive rock music, manifested in Radiohead's most famous album, ''[[OK Computer]]''. These bands became very successful, and for a time Oasis was given the title "the biggest band in the world" thanks to [[(What's the Story) Morning Glory?|an album]] selling some 19 million copies worldwide but slowed down after band breakups, publicity disasters in the United States and slightly less popular support. The Verve disbanded after on-going turmoil in the band. Radiohead has gone on to make more experimental albums, thus losing some of their fan base.

=== Indie rock ===

=== Indie rock ===

By the mid-90s, the term "alternative music" had lost much of its original meaning as rock radio and record buyers embraced increasingly slick, commercialized, and highly marketed forms of the genre. At the end of the decade, [[hip hop music]] had pushed much of alternative rock out of the mainstream, and most of what was left played [[pop-punk]] and highly polished versions of a grunge/rock mishmash.

By the mid-90s, the term "alternative music" had lost much of its original meaning as rock radio and record buyers embraced increasingly slick, commercialized, and highly marketed forms of the genre. At the end of the decade, [[hip hop music]] had pushed much of alternative rock out of the mainstream, and most of what was left played [[pop-punk]] and highly polished versions of a grunge/rock mishmash.

== Success of hybrid genres ==  

== Success of hybrid genres ==  

=== Pop punk ===

=== Pop punk ===

One result of the 70s punk explosion was pop punk. Championed by bands such as [[the Buzzcocks]] and [[the Ramones]], the genre was never as commercially successful as the name may have suggested, but it's influence can be still be heard in many artists today; the fusion of pop melodies, rapid-fire playing of instruments, and the raw and visceral lyrics and sound of punk rock is apparent in everyone from [[Nirvana]] to [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]].

One result of the 70s punk explosion was pop punk. Championed by bands such as [[the Buzzcocks]] and [[the Ramones]], the genre was never as commercially successful as the name may have suggested, but it's influence can be still be heard in many artists today; the fusion of pop melodies, rapid-fire playing of instruments, and the raw and visceral lyrics and sound of punk rock is apparent in everyone from [[Nirvana]] to [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]].

=== Post-grunge ===

=== Post-grunge ===

In the wake of Cobain's death a new style of music called ''post-grunge'' evolved. Similar to the relationship between pop punk and punk rock, post-grunge differed from grunge in its more radio-friendly pop-oriented sound. After Australia's [[Silverchair]] achieved international success with their debut album [[Frogstomp]] record labels began to actively search for the "next Nirvana". Former Nirvana drummer [[Dave Grohl]]'s new band the [[Foo Fighters]] helped further popularize the genre, and other bands such as [[Creed (band)|Creed]], [[Collective Soul]], [[Everclear (band)|Everclear]] and [[Live (band)|Live]] helped cement post-grunge one of the most commercially viable sub-genres of the late nineties.

In the wake of Cobain's death a new style of music called ''post-grunge'' evolved. Similar to the relationship between pop punk and punk rock, post-grunge differed from grunge in its more radio-friendly pop-oriented sound. After Australia's [[Silverchair]] achieved international success with their debut album [[Frogstomp]] record labels began to actively search for the "next Nirvana". Former Nirvana drummer [[Dave Grohl]]'s new band the [[Foo Fighters]] helped further popularize the genre, and other bands such as [[Creed (band)|Creed]], [[Collective Soul]], [[Everclear (band)|Everclear]] and [[Live (band)|Live]] helped cement post-grunge one of the most commercially viable sub-genres of the late nineties.

=== Nu metal and Rapcore ===

=== Nu metal and Rapcore ===

In the early 90s bands like [[Red Hot Chili Peppers]], [[Rage Against the Machine]], [[311]], [[Cypress Hill]] and later [[Limp Bizkit]] and [[Korn]] had brought a fresh sound by combining  rap and rock with much success. Later in the decade this style, which contained a mix of grunge, metal, and hip-hop, became known as [[rapcore]] and spawned a wave of successful bands like [[Linkin Park]] and [[P.O.D.]]. Many of these bands also considered themselves a part of the similar genre ''nu metal''.

In the early 90s bands like [[Red Hot Chili Peppers]], [[Rage Against the Machine]], [[311]], [[Cypress Hill]] and later [[Limp Bizkit]] and [[Korn]] had brought a fresh sound by combining  rap and rock with much success. Later in the decade this style, which contained a mix of grunge, metal, and hip-hop, became known as [[rapcore]] and spawned a wave of successful bands like [[Linkin Park]] and [[P.O.D.]]. Many of these bands also considered themselves a part of the similar genre ''nu metal''.

=== Garage rock revival ===

=== Garage rock revival ===

After existing in the musical underground, garage rock saw a resurgence of popularity with the [[garage rock revival]]. Bands like [[The White Stripes]], [[The Strokes]], [[The Vines]], and [[The Hives]], [[Ryver Road]] all released successful singles and albums.  This wave is also sometimes referred to as ''back-to-basics rock'' because of its raw sound.

After existing in the musical underground, garage rock saw a resurgence of popularity with the [[garage rock revival]]. Bands like [[The White Stripes]], [[The Strokes]], [[The Vines]], and [[The Hives]], [[Ryver Road]] all released successful singles and albums.  This wave is also sometimes referred to as ''back-to-basics rock'' because of its raw sound.

=== Post-punk revival ===

=== Post-punk revival ===

Additionally, the retro trend has led to a [[Post-punk revival]] with bands like [[The Libertines]], [[The Killers (band)|The Killers]], [[Bloc Party]], [[Franz Ferdinand (band)|Franz Ferdinand]], [[Interpol (band)|Interpol]], and [[Editors]]. Many of these bands are also sometimes included under the umbrella term of Indie Rock.

Additionally, the retro trend has led to a [[Post-punk revival]] with bands like [[The Libertines]], [[The Killers (band)|The Killers]], [[Bloc Party]], [[Franz Ferdinand (band)|Franz Ferdinand]], [[Interpol (band)|Interpol]], and [[Editors]]. Many of these bands are also sometimes included under the umbrella term of Indie Rock.

== Social impacts ==  

== Social impacts ==  

The influence of rock and roll is far-reaching, and has had significant impact worldwide on fashion and film styles. However [[rap]] and [[hip hop]] would later replace this role. Its impact has been positive as well, with the trend of many rock stars facilitating charity events such as [[Live Aid]]. Saving the World is becoming a more and more common phrase associated with rock music today.

The influence of rock and roll is far-reaching, and has had significant impact worldwide on fashion and film styles. However [[rap]] and [[hip hop]] would later replace this role. Its impact has been positive as well, with the trend of many rock stars facilitating charity events such as [[Live Aid]]. Saving the World is becoming a more and more common phrase associated with rock music today.