Which generation boasts the ultimate dad rock anthems: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, or Gen Z? The definition of dad rock has evolved significantly over the years. While it once referred predominantly to the classic rock sounds of the 1970s and 1980s, today’s youth are embracing bands from the 2000s as part of the dad rock legacy. To explore this phenomenon, we’ve categorized dad rock bands by generation and identified the top contenders in the “Big 4” for Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and the emerging Gen Z.
In the spirit of March Madness, we’re excited to present the March Dadness bracket tournament! This fun and interactive event allows you — the fans — to vote and determine which dad rock band truly deserves the title of the greatest of all time, the ultimate “father of all fathers” in the music world.
For our tournament, we’ve curated a selection of eight iconic dad rock bands from each generational division, totaling an impressive 32 bands. With Round 1 currently underway, keep reading to discover how you can cast your votes and play a pivotal role in declaring the No. 1 Dad Rock band.
READ MORE: Are These 10 Millennial Bands Considered Dad Rock Today?
The Championship Round is set to take place between April 4 and 7, giving you ample time to participate and engage before we reach the final results.
Participate in the Exciting March Dadness Tournament — Voting Schedule and Details
Loudwire’s March Dadness tournament will unfold over a total of five thrilling rounds:
- Round 1: March 18-23
- Round 2: March 24-27
- Round 3: March 28-30
- Final Four: March 31-April 3
- Championship: April 4-7
march dadness dad rock bracket tournament
Join the fun and cast your votes for the Best Dad Rock Band of All Time through four exciting head-to-head matchups in each division, detailed just below.
You can vote once every hour until March 23 at 11:59 PM ET, so make sure to keep the momentum going!
The winners from each round will be announced the day after voting concludes, and a new round will commence immediately after. Your participation is vital in crowning the Best Dad Rock Band of All Time!
Vote for Your Favorites in the BOOMER DIVISION
dad rock bracket tournament
Photo Credit: Evening Standard, Stringer/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Michael Ochs Archive, Getty Images / David Redfern, Getty Images
Photo Credit: Hulton Archive, Getty Images / Gijsbert Hankeroot, Rederns/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Michael Putland, Getty Images / Jack Robinson, Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Vote for Your Favorites in the GEN X DIVISION
dad rock bracket tournament
Photo Credit: Chris Walter/WireImage, Getty Images / Koh Hasebe / Shinko Music, Getty Images
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Mayer / WireImage, Getty Images / Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
Photo Credit: Ebet Roberts, Getty Images / Richard E. Aaron, Redferns / Getty Images
Photo Credit: Fin Costello, Redferns/Getty Images / Paul Natkin, Archive Photos/Getty Images
Vote for Your Favorites in the MILLENNIAL DIVISION
dad rock bracket tournament
Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta, Getty Images / Frank Micelotta, Getty Images
Photo Credit: J. Shearer, WireImage/Getty Images / YouTube: Creed
Photo Credit: Scott Gries, Getty Images / Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Photo Credit: YouTube: Limp Bizkit / YouTube: Nickelback
Vote for Your Favorites in the GEN Z DIVISION
dad rock bracket tournament
Photo Credit: Kevin Winter, Getty Images / Simone Joyner, Stringer/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Mark Metcalfe, Stringer/Getty Images / Isaac Brekken, Stringer/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Santiago Bluguermann, Stringer/Getty Images / Jason Oxenham, Stringer/Getty Images
Photo Credit: Gina Wetzler, Getty Images/Redferns / Kevin RC Wilson, Loudwire
We Appreciate Your Participation!
Thank you for engaging in the first round of Loudwire’s March Dadness tournament!
Be sure to check back on March 24 to find out which bands will advance to Round 2, where you can vote in even more exciting matchups.
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The legacy of rock music will always thrive.
Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire
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