Which iconic classic rock stars currently hold the greatest influence in the music industry? Our team of writers analyzed the evolving landscape and identified the bands and artists poised to make a significant impact in 2025, considering factors like album sales, ticket sales, and cultural influence. Here’s a detailed look at their top picks:

10 (Tie). U2: Legends Reviving Their Legacy

Throughout the last decade, U2 has dedicated themselves to celebrating their illustrious history, embarking on an epic 30th anniversary tour for The Joshua Tree, reimagining many beloved tracks in the acoustic collection Songs of Surrender, and launching a groundbreaking Achtung Baby-themed residency in the spectacular Las Vegas Sphere. Their focus seems to be on enhancing their storied legacy with an upcoming album, which is currently in an unspecified phase of development. In November 2024, The Edge shared insights about collaborating with Bono on what he described as “sci-fi Irish folk music,” although he hinted that the final product might evolve in unexpected directions.

10 (Tie). Foo Fighters: Rock’s Ubiquitous Ambassadors

For over twenty years, the Foo Fighters have become synonymous with the spirit of rock music, captivating audiences in arenas and stadiums across the globe. Frontman Dave Grohl has kept the band in the spotlight with playful projects, including a Bee Gees cover album and his annual Hanukkah Sessions video series featuring covers of songs by Jewish artists. However, his public persona faced challenges in September 2024 when he disclosed that he had a child outside of his marriage, leading the band to cancel their few scheduled concerts and leaving their plans for 2025 uncertain.

9. Stevie Nicks: The Powerful Voice Shaping Fleetwood Mac’s Future

Despite not releasing a solo studio album in over a decade, Stevie Nicks continues to be a dominant figure in modern music. Throughout 2024, she headlined arena shows and collaborated with Billy Joel for massive stadium performances. Nicks also made headlines with her politically charged single “The Lighthouse” and a memorable appearance on Saturday Night Live during the election season. It’s become increasingly clear that Nicks holds significant sway over Fleetwood Mac’s trajectory, as she has firmly stated that there will be no reunion without the late Christine McVie, nor any reconciliation with Lindsey Buckingham.

8. Guns N’ Roses: Anticipating a Groundbreaking Return

After a relentless touring schedule over the past seven years, Guns N’ Roses took a complete hiatus in 2024, allowing band members Slash and Duff McKagan to explore their solo projects. However, excitement is building for a massive world tour set for 2025, and a recent survey indicated that the band ranks just behind Pink Floyd in terms of new tattoos inspired by their music. The possibility of a new album featuring the classic lineup of Slash, Duff, and Axl Rose remains a tantalizing prospect for rock fans. In May 2024, Slash revealed that they were “trying” to record new material, though details have yet to emerge.

7. AC/DC: Resilient Rock Titans Ready to Conquer

At the conclusion of the Rock or Bust tour in 2016, many speculated that AC/DC might be nearing the end of their reign as one of rock’s most formidable forces, particularly due to health concerns and legal issues affecting all members except guitarist Angus Young. Despite the tragic loss of Malcolm Young in 2017, the band regrouped to produce the stellar Power Up album in 2020, and after navigating the pandemic, they returned to the stage last year with an invigorated rhythm section. This summer, they are set for their first significant stadium tour in nearly a decade in the United States, reigniting their legacy.

Read More: 2025 Rock Tour Preview

6. Eagles: The Enduring Legacy of Rock’s Most Profitable Act

Three decades into what could be deemed the most lucrative second act in rock history, the Eagles are taking their time with their Long Goodbye tour, which began in the fall of 2023 and shows no signs of concluding anytime soon. The band’s current residency at the Sphere has been a massive success, grossing an impressive $44.1 million over the first eight shows and continuing through April 2025. While the likelihood of a new studio album seems slim—given that it has been nearly 18 years since the release of Long Road Out of Eden—fans are still hoping for new music. Remarkably, even after nearly 50 years, their compilation album Their Greatest Hits: 1971-1975 still features prominently on the best-selling albums list for 2024.

5. Bob Dylan: The Timeless Legend Continues to Inspire

Bob Dylan may not tour like a typical modern superstar, yet he remains impressively active, performing 78 shows at theaters and festivals around the world in 2024. It has been nearly five years since he released a new studio album, Rough and Rowdy Ways, in 2020, but anticipation is high for his next project, which is sure to attract significant attention. His recent achievements, including winning the Nobel Prize and reportedly selling his catalog for $300 million, solidify his status in the music world. Additionally, Dylan is the subject of an upcoming major Hollywood film, and his newfound social media presence has intrigued fans and critics alike.

4. Bruce Springsteen: The Boss Continues to Dominate

When your career reaches a point where you need to deny billionaire status, as Bruce Springsteen did last October, you know you’re doing something right. After selling his music catalog for a staggering $500 million in 2021, Springsteen emerged as the highest-earning rock artist on tour in 2024, generating an impressive $251 million from just 44 shows. He is set to return to the European stage in 2025, and there are whispers of a significant archival release on the horizon. Additionally, Springsteen is poised to feature in an upcoming major motion picture, further solidifying his cultural impact.

3. Metallica: The Unrivaled Kings of Metal Continue to Reign

Metallica has maintained their position as the undisputed leaders of the metal genre in 2024, amassing a remarkable $179 million from just 24 shows on their innovative M72 tour. This unique tour format allows them to perform two consecutive nights in the same venue with entirely different setlists, keeping fans engaged and excited. Their latest album, 72 Seasons, remained at No. 2 on the album charts, only surpassed by country superstar Morgan Wallen. As they prepare for another tour in 2025, fans are eagerly awaiting news of a new record, especially since many believe it’s time for another installment of the iconic Garage Days cover series.

2. Paul McCartney: The Enduring Legacy of a Beatle

First and foremost, Paul McCartney is a Beatle, one of only two remaining members still alive. He continues to be a major draw in the live music scene, delivering exhilarating 36-song sets at arenas and stadiums globally. His new albums consistently make waves, and it is rumored he is nearing the release of another album with the renowned producer Andrew Watt. Additionally, it appears he reached billionaire status last year, a milestone that raises questions about why it took so long for such recognition.

1. The Rolling Stones: The Unmatched Power of Rock’s Most Iconic Band

Even after 63 years since their inception, The Rolling Stones continue to reign as rock’s most formidable band. In 2024, they generated a staggering $235 million from just 18 shows, averaging an incredible $13 million per performance. Their vitality extends to the studio as well, with 2023’s Hackney Diamonds receiving critical acclaim and reaching No. 2 on the charts. Remarkably, they still retain ownership of their publishing rights, defying industry trends. As for their plans for 2025, details remain scarce, but any initiative they undertake is sure to create a significant ripple in the music world.