50 Best L.A. Bands
PHOTO CREDITS
Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, Doors, Seeds, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Bangles, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band, Love, Surfaris: courtesy Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images; Byrds: courtesy Sony BMG Music Entertainment/Getty Images; Los Lobos: courtesy Paul Roa; Monkees: courtesy Henry Diltz/Rhino; War, Poco, Sparks: courtesy Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns; Germs: courtesy Melanie Nissen; Metal-lica: courtesy Fin Costello/Redferns; X: courtesy George Rose/Getty Images; Van Halen: courtesy Richard E. Aaron/Redferns; Go-Go’s: courtesy Janette Beckman/Redferns; Eagles: courtesy Platt Collection; Red Hot Chili Peppers: courtesy Julian Schnabel/Warner Bros.; Chambers Brothers: courtesy Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Getty Images; Tool: courtesy Tim Cadiente; Slayer, Mötley Crüe: courtesy Ebet Roberts/Redferns; Rage Against the Machine: courtesy Sony Music Archive/Getty Images/Mark Baker; Jane’s Addiction: courtesy ©Neal Preston/Corbis; Toto: courtesy Jim Shea/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images; Mothers of Invention: courtesy Gunter Zint/K&K Ulf Kruger OHG/Redferns; Berlin: courtesy Tom Sheehan; Linkin Park: courtesy James Minchin; Turtles, Associa-tion: courtesy ©Henry Diltz/Corbis; Oingo Boingo: courtesy Lisa Haun/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images; Blasters: courtesy Janette Beckman/Getty Images; Flying Burrito Bros.: courtesy Jim McCrary/Redferns; Ozomatli: courtesy Christian Lantry; Canned Heat: courtesy Bob Baker/Redferns/Getty Images; Weezer: courtesy Marina Chavez/Interscope; Megadeth: courtesy Chapman Baehler/Capitol; Sublime: courtesy John Dunne.
Verify your Comment
Previewing your Comment
This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.
As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.
Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.
!!!OZOMATLI BABY!!!
Posted by: Cathy L. Cory | 06/07/2011 at 07:31 AM
Re: The Negro Problem ( Stew )
Unfortunately it took Berkeley & then Broadway & then Spike Lee to understand their importance
L.A.'s loss
Posted by: Morley Bartnoff | 06/07/2011 at 07:42 AM
THREE DOG NIGHT
Posted by: Sue | 06/07/2011 at 08:03 AM
not sure what qualifies - number of albums sold? if so i suppose maroon 5 qualifies, but otherwise, there is no way they should be on a top 50 list.
where's LA Guns? they were really the precursor to GnR.
Posted by: JB | 06/07/2011 at 10:48 AM
Bad Religion and Fishbone didn't make the 50?
Posted by: PM | 06/07/2011 at 10:51 AM
Carnage Asada!
Posted by: Dave | 06/07/2011 at 10:54 AM
Mama's and the Papas are from the east coast and canada
Posted by: Jenny Leer | 06/07/2011 at 11:21 AM
Also people do some research.... The ventures are from Washington, QOTSA are from palm desert which is outside LA, Mamas and Papas are from the east coast, mars volta is from texas, no doubt is from orange county which is not LA, MCR is Jersey...
Seriously do all of you know where LA is?
But the minutemen, christian death, and the gun club are big omissions..... also this isnt in any order
Posted by: Jenny Leer | 06/07/2011 at 11:26 AM
Yes, Minutemen needs to be on the list. Classic LA band.
Posted by: terryg | 06/07/2011 at 12:48 PM
MIKA MIKO
Posted by: Shawn | 06/07/2011 at 01:07 PM
Ask any of the above bands...they'll tell you....
X (the band) has been a huge influence on so many others since 1978!
(Ray Manzarek produced their first 4 albums).
John Doe, Exene, Billy Zoom, D.J. Bonebrake (also credit to Dave Alvin and Tony Gilkyson).
These guys still pack 'em in every year and they haven't released an album in decades.
Posted by: Jeff | 06/07/2011 at 01:14 PM
remember this is "in no particular order"
Posted by: Jack Learner | 06/07/2011 at 04:22 PM
No Jackson Browne or Rick Nelson? Really?
Posted by: John Peale | 06/07/2011 at 04:42 PM
It's easy to see which fans of which bands are jobless. Honestly though, come on guys SPARKS??? really??? Their biggest fan base is in Europe. And it looks like the Mother of Invention fans must have rallied together from some posting on a fan website or something. In my opinion Van Halen has done more to influence musicians than any of the bands on this list. I am surprised that the Doors fans haven't rallied better. The Doors certainly deserve to be higher on the list but still VH (Eddie) has done more to change the face of Rock music. But that doesn't mean that I am going to waste my time trying to right the wrong being committed here. Whoever you are VH voter...GOOD LUCK
Posted by: SML13 Bong It 83 | 06/07/2011 at 05:10 PM
Lone Justice!!!!
Posted by: Justice for Kat | 06/07/2011 at 05:23 PM
It's an impossible task to choose the best one.
Posted by: Jack Wells | 06/07/2011 at 05:37 PM
The Grass Roots
Posted by: JOANNE | 06/07/2011 at 06:34 PM
The Bangles? Come on. How about Social Distortion?
Posted by: boyd | 06/07/2011 at 07:04 PM
I agree that Minutemen seems to be the most glaring omission, and for me I would have to include Fishbone and/or TSOL (possibly an O.C. band, however). I'd also like to give props to the Circle Jerks... but somehow they win by NOT being on the list.
Posted by: more or less | 06/07/2011 at 07:05 PM
Missing Persons
Descendents
...so many worthy of a top list...
Posted by: happy ziggy | 06/07/2011 at 07:50 PM
Surprised and gratified to see the Flying Burrito Brothers on the list. Congrats!
Posted by: PAD | 06/07/2011 at 08:33 PM
First of all I would not consider Metallica an LA band consider their roots are from the Bay area and Bad Religion should definitely be put on your list.
Posted by: Claude Hebron | 06/07/2011 at 10:09 PM
your demos skue too young.
Posted by: moose | 06/07/2011 at 10:45 PM
The Bus Boys!
Posted by: sgt rock | 06/07/2011 at 11:01 PM
I am pretty sure Missing Persons in a great LA born band... Also Felony was great around the LA area....
Posted by: cc | 06/07/2011 at 11:09 PM
T h E P l i m s o u l s
Posted by: chris | 06/07/2011 at 11:46 PM
the busboys !
Posted by: sgt rock | 06/08/2011 at 01:05 AM
People who are pissed that they don't have their favorite band on here: I know some of my favorites were missing too but, get over it! They can't fit everything that ever came from LA in a top 50 list!!!
Posted by: Nicholas Thibeault | 06/08/2011 at 01:16 AM
I whole-heartedly agree with the Monkees and Motley Crue. Ritchie Valens would have been a nice, significant addition. And even though they're nowhere near as influential (or talented) than any of the bands on the list, I have to ask - is there a band that's more "LA" than Poison? They're the epitome of glitz and glitter over substance. Just sayin'...
Posted by: Corey Rotic | 06/08/2011 at 03:50 AM
I vote for The Grass Roots
Posted by: Sue Eskenazi Sweeney | 06/08/2011 at 04:26 AM
The Grass Roots
Posted by: JOANNE | 06/08/2011 at 04:46 AM
Philip wrote:
Really! Metalheads, scenesters, and aesthetes skewed this list. A proper accounting of musical impact would have the Beach Boys first, with the Doors and Eagles vying for place and show.
You're an ugly motherfucker aren't you?
Posted by: Mike | 06/08/2011 at 06:36 AM
Frank Zappa and the Mother's of Invention
Canned Heat
The Doors
Spirit
QSM
Posted by: Jeffrey7 | 06/08/2011 at 07:09 AM
I vote for Sweetwater.
Posted by: Steve D | 06/08/2011 at 07:18 AM
I really think that you should have had Buffalo Springfield/Poco/Neil Young all in one.....
Posted by: ziggie | 06/08/2011 at 07:29 AM
The Untouchables were groundbreaking...
Posted by: jman | 06/08/2011 at 07:31 AM
Toto? Oingo Boingo? Look, you got plenty of metal bands, and 60's and 70's groups. You got to throw in a few more punk and rap acts. What about the Minute Men and Cypress Hill?
Posted by: Jonathan | 06/08/2011 at 07:43 AM
Come on how could "The Grass Roots" be overlooked! They were on Billboard Magazine for 307 weeks straight!!! Put The Grass Roots up on here! They are amazing!!!!
Posted by: Wanda Burnsworth | 06/08/2011 at 08:39 AM
No Doubt!
Fishbone!!
Bad Religion!!!
If you include Queens Of The Stone Age from Palm Desert (which you should), then Korn should be added.
Posted by: Christian | 06/08/2011 at 09:01 AM
The Minutemen
Posted by: Martin | 06/08/2011 at 09:37 AM
Minutemen
Posted by: Martin | 06/08/2011 at 09:40 AM
Really, Neil Young and Crazy Horse rate below the Go Gos and the Monkees - what a joke!
Posted by: Derrek | 06/08/2011 at 09:41 AM
fishbone.
Posted by: Caetipilar75 | 06/08/2011 at 10:18 AM
Linkin Park or NEVER ;)
Posted by: Kohshi asakawa | 06/08/2011 at 04:39 PM
Uh, Avenged Sevenfold, anyone? Huntington Beach is close enough to LA, right?
Posted by: Cali | 06/08/2011 at 04:47 PM
i think u should have added ratt and posion.
Posted by: nathan kingsley | 06/08/2011 at 05:35 PM
X, Black Flag, The Blasters. Nuff said.
Posted by: Mike F | 06/08/2011 at 05:52 PM
Yeah bad brains...wait, they're from D.C.
Posted by: Kenneth Fulton | 06/08/2011 at 05:52 PM
UH?
AFI?
Posted by: Alicia | 06/08/2011 at 06:24 PM
Linkin park is better than all of these bands.
Posted by: Boo | 06/08/2011 at 07:08 PM
Noted that the photo of Berlin is NOT from 1982 and does not include all the members at the time (David Diamond, Ric Olsen, Matt Reid). It is from 1986 or 87. Come on LA Times!! For a band to hit the Top 50 you think you would get it right! Can you change it up for all us us die hards please?
Posted by: Steve Long | 06/08/2011 at 07:22 PM
its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER its in no order!!!!!! THIS IS IS NO ORDER
Posted by: Jack | 06/08/2011 at 07:56 PM
System of a Down and Cypress Hill. Travesty!
Posted by: Jonny | 06/08/2011 at 08:03 PM
LINKIN PARK IS THE BEST. OF COURSE!
Posted by: @MafiosaB | 06/08/2011 at 08:41 PM
LINKIN PARK!!!!
Posted by: Thunder666 | 06/08/2011 at 10:14 PM
AVENGED SEVENFOLD?!!!
Posted by: ullis | 06/08/2011 at 11:23 PM
Sonny & Cher !!
Posted by: D. | 06/09/2011 at 01:34 AM
I miss 30 Seconds to Mars. They are from LA too!!
Posted by: Anne Marie | 06/09/2011 at 02:24 AM
LINKIN PARK
Posted by: Janis | 06/09/2011 at 02:41 AM
What a f...? Linkin Park is a Best band in LA!!! :/
Posted by: LP | 06/09/2011 at 05:07 AM
SYSTEM OF A DOWN!!! How can you not mention SYSTEM OF A DOWN! They have won a Grammy, have been nominated several times AND have gone platinum but they don't eve get a mention in this list. This list holds no weight. SYSTEM OF A DOWN!
Posted by: Chris | 06/09/2011 at 07:08 AM
LINKIN PARK!!!
Posted by: XRISTARASS | 06/09/2011 at 07:32 AM
The mighty Van Halen rules all! This contest should be for the other 49 bands.
Posted by: DLR's Crank | 06/09/2011 at 08:46 AM
My god, Linkin Park with 18% and The Doors with 0,77%. Yes, today's society is pure trash. All trash. Linkin Park ain't got NOTHING on The Doors and Van Halen.
Posted by: Marcos | 06/09/2011 at 08:47 AM
Linkin Park really show their LA pride, and is a amazing band, their music, sounds, lyrics is like something you never herd before, it's out of this world. They have beautiful talent, and their really amazing people, and care so much about others that they don't even know. They really prove their loyalty to their fans, I love this band
Posted by: Ja'voni white | 06/09/2011 at 09:40 AM
Um hellooo... SYSTEM OF A DOWN!!!!
What a disgrace to leave them off this list!
Posted by: soso | 06/09/2011 at 09:57 AM
Why would they include a crap band like Audioslave when guitarist Tom Morello openly admits to not liking the music
Posted by: R. Packer | 06/09/2011 at 11:24 AM
Love is the greatest USA band of all time
Posted by: Dave | 06/09/2011 at 11:29 AM
LINKIN PARK BEST
Posted by: FABIAN | 06/09/2011 at 01:58 PM
Joni Mitchell is from Canada and Incubus is from Malibu......thats not LA.
Posted by: c | 06/09/2011 at 02:17 PM
HORSE The Band should be on here.
Posted by: Michael | 06/09/2011 at 02:42 PM
It's a bit pointless having a poll if the sad Mothers of Invention fans arrange to run macros to automatically vote thousands of times.http://www.zappateers.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=22212&sid=03c2bff44579e1d4b903e9a965a364e2
Posted by: Sesh | 06/09/2011 at 03:35 PM
Umm... Beck?
Posted by: Greg | 06/09/2011 at 03:57 PM
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers are originally from FLA, not LA. And The Mamas and the Papas were originally a Greenwich Villiage group before relocating to LA (I'm pretty sure).
Posted by: Tommy Justin | 06/09/2011 at 04:05 PM
Fishbone
L.A. guns
The Big F
Thelonius Monster
Janes Addiction
Posted by: Tfguns | 06/09/2011 at 04:22 PM
Van Halen All Of The Way.:D
Posted by: dan | 06/09/2011 at 08:31 PM
Van Halen broke more ground for rock n roll since jimi hendrix!!
Posted by: ron5150 | 06/09/2011 at 09:01 PM
Beck? Where's he at?
Posted by: MOB | 06/09/2011 at 10:23 PM
Linkin park by FAR!!! LP 4-Eva!!<3
Posted by: Samantha Taylor | 06/09/2011 at 10:33 PM
Linkin park is the best band ever in the history of music.
Posted by: Rajtabh | 06/10/2011 at 12:17 AM
Soon to be: Hollywood Undead
Posted by: Jordan Taylor | 06/10/2011 at 02:35 AM
Metallica: just cause you start out with a record deal in LA doesn't mean you have "come out" of LA. They are from Frisco and hated LA.
Posted by: Chris | 06/10/2011 at 05:38 AM
DREAD ZEPPELIN!!!
Posted by: Bonzoholic | 06/10/2011 at 06:35 AM
Electric Flag
Posted by: Robert | 06/10/2011 at 08:19 AM
What about JINNRAIL???!!!!!!
Posted by: Lara | 06/10/2011 at 08:59 AM
SO tickled to see several people mention Ambrosia! I always feel like I'm the only one who "gets" them. Anyhoo, I think they were left out cuz they're technically an OC band.
Posted by: Kate Siegel | 06/10/2011 at 09:41 AM
Metallica is alright if you like repeated power chords played fast with artificial distortion. They are good guys, but the have so far too go, I don't think they have earned a spot yet. And yes, I know metal heads will not like this, but from a talent standpoint, there is so much better out there.
Posted by: Stone | 06/10/2011 at 09:42 AM
This list is a joke.
Posted by: sgrate | 06/10/2011 at 10:05 AM
How about that list isa JOKE? The first 10 bands are a complete joke....
Posted by: Dr. Beeper | 06/10/2011 at 10:48 AM
just one question, how the hell could "the monkees" make the list and not "System of a Down"...I didn't even know The Monkees music was considered Rock music.
Posted by: jim smith | 06/10/2011 at 10:55 AM
Sublime doesn't come in until #49. Right after Ariel Pink's Haunted Grafiti? What's wrong with you people?
Posted by: Jonathan Hamel | 06/10/2011 at 10:59 AM
W/O doubt, biggest omission was Little Feat, as well as Top Jimmy and the Rhythm Pigs, voted LAWEEKLY barband of the year, and David Lee Roth's hero.
Posted by: boswell | 06/10/2011 at 11:02 AM
There are tons of great bands out of LA that did not make this cut. The ones listed however made the biggest impact on the industry. I mean how many bands/guitarists ( famous or not) have you talked to said they were influenced by Incubus and Little Feet? No...they were influenced by Eddie Van Halen or Guns N Roses...thats making an impact...sorry your half thought independent choice didn't make it lol. My only complaint is that Metallica left LA in 83 and relocated to San Francisco...they hated the LA scene and still do to this day which makes me think they should not be on this list.
Posted by: Steve-O | 06/10/2011 at 11:27 AM
Van Halen better than The Doors?? Seriously??
Posted by: Eloy | 06/10/2011 at 11:43 AM
Armored Saint
Missing Persons
Posted by: Park | 06/10/2011 at 12:16 PM
HELLO~~~~THE PLIMSOULS!!!!!!
Posted by: MAL | 06/10/2011 at 12:34 PM
No Righteous Brothers?
No Ike and Tina Turner?
No Mamas and the Papas?
Ouch!
Posted by: warpspeed | 06/10/2011 at 01:43 PM
1) Beck is not a band... he is a solo artist
2) Poison formed in Penn. and then move to California to break
3) Metallica rules and did form in LA, even though they are considered an Bay area band
4) Jackson Browne, Ricki Nelson, Joni Mitchel are also all solo artists
5) Read the into- last sentence says "no particular order"
Posted by: James K. | 06/10/2011 at 01:47 PM
randall, you forgot the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus
Posted by: John | 06/10/2011 at 03:23 PM
What? No Del Rubio Triplets?
Posted by: M | 06/10/2011 at 04:19 PM