If you didn’t recognize Nickelback as the Biggest Rock Band of the 21st Century, you might want to reconsider your music knowledge. This iconic band has recently been acknowledged by Billboard, the leading music publication, for their significant impact on the rock genre.

In a comprehensive countdown of the Top 100 Artists of the 21st Century, Nickelback emerged as the highest-charting rock band, securing an impressive No. 26 overall. This achievement showcases not only their popularity but also their enduring appeal in a rapidly evolving music landscape.

Nickelback’s influence is undeniable, highlighted by their record-breaking hit “How You Remind Me,” which was the most played song at radio stations across all formats during the 2000s. They also achieved multiple Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Someday” (No. 7), “Photograph” (No. 2), “Far Away” (No. 8), “Rockstar” (No. 6), and “Gotta Be Somebody” (No. 10). Their extensive catalog includes numerous singles that dominated the Mainstream Rock, Pop, Adult Alternative, and Alternative Airplay charts, showcasing their versatility and widespread appeal.

Rock Music Is Thriving: Discover the Top Bands of the Century

The persistent notion that “rock is dead” seems misplaced, especially when considering Billboard’s recent compilation of the Top 100 Artists of the 21st Century. In fact, rock music is quite well represented, indicating a robust ongoing interest in the genre.

Following Nickelback at No. 26, an impressive roster of seven additional core rock acts also made the list, further proving that rock continues to resonate with audiences. Moreover, five other acts, known for their crossover success in pop, alternative, and rock genres, were also acknowledged, demonstrating the genre’s diverse and evolving landscape.

So, which bands joined Nickelback in this elite ranking?

Securing the No. 37 position, Linkin Park is recognized as the second biggest rock act of the 21st Century. Their iconic tracks “In the End” (No. 2), “What I’ve Done” (No. 7), and “New Divide” (No. 6) not only topped the Hot 100 but also achieved remarkable success on both the Alternative Airplay and Mainstream Rock charts, solidifying their status as a defining band in the rock genre.

Ranking at No. 47, Avril Lavigne stands out as the leading female rocker of the 21st Century. While she initially garnered recognition for her rock credentials, her journey led her to significant success on pop charts. In recent years, however, she has reclaimed her rock edge, producing hits like “Complicated” (No. 2), “Sk8er Boi” (No. 10), “I’m With You” (No. 4), “My Happy Ending” (No. 9), and “Girlfriend” (No. 1) on the Billboard Hot 100.

Creed made their mark at No. 66, thanks to their chart-topping hits “With Arms Wide Open” (No. 1), “My Sacrifice” (No. 4), and “One Last Breath” (No. 6), continuing their streak of Hot 100 Top 10s well into the 21st Century.

Another notable mention is 3 Doors Down, who achieved a trio of Top 10 hits on the Hot 100 with “Kryptonite” (No. 3), “When I’m Gone” (No. 4), and “Here Without You” (No. 5), in addition to their notable presence on alternative and mainstream rock radio.

Kid Rock found his place at No. 83, showcasing a diverse musical reach. While his duet with Sheryl Crow on “Picture” remains his only Top 10 Hot 100 hit, peaking at No. 4, he has also made significant contributions across the Mainstream Rock, Alternative Airplay, and Adult Pop genres.

Daughtry landed at No. 89, achieving Hot 100 Top 10 success with “It’s Not Over” (No. 4) and “Home” (No. 5), alongside charting songs in the Adult Pop, Adult Contemporary, Pop, and Mainstream Rock categories.

Finally, claiming the last position at No. 100 is the emo powerhouse Fall Out Boy. Their hits “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down” (No. 8), “Dance, Dance” (No. 9), “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” (No. 2), and “Centuries” (No. 10) all made significant impacts on the Billboard Hot 100, with much of their success also reflected in the Alternative Airplay chart.

Exploring Other Artists with Rock Connections

Beyond the aforementioned acts, several other artists have notable ties to the rock genre. Santana, often revered as one of the classic rock greats, ventured into a pop-oriented sound at the start of the century, earning them the No. 98 position on the list.

Similarly, Gwen Stefani, initially known as the frontwoman of the alt-rock band No Doubt, shifted towards a more pop-centric style in the 2000s. Her success in the pop realm has been substantial enough to place her at No. 97.

READ MORE: 33 Most Prolific Rock + Metal Artists of the 21st Century

Twenty One Pilots have recently dominated the Alternative Airplay charts, leveraging their popularity into crossover success in the pop scene, which earned them a commendable No. 84 position on the list.

Coldplay, one of the most prominent bands of the 2000s’ alternative airplay scene, has progressively shifted towards a pop-oriented sound in more recent years. This transition helped them achieve a notable No. 53 ranking.

Lastly, Imagine Dragons, who initially emerged from the alternative rock scene with their No. 1 Rock Airplay hit “Radioactive,” have gradually leaned more towards mainstream pop music in their subsequent albums, placing them at No. 38 for the century.

Curious about which other artists made it to Billboard’s Top 100 Artists of the 21st Century? Want to know who claimed the No. 1 spot? You can find the complete list on Billboard.