Greatest pop/rock/popular genre act of the last 25 years...

Maybe some (recent) higher highs but no band has sustained that high a level for the last two and a half decades (Or the last three decades)...

Well maybe Madonna.

I think the only other band that might give U2 a run for their money is AC/DC. But I have no qualms about U2 getting the honor.

Can't wait to see Mr. Cabernet's input on this one. Wait for it...

Whether they're your favorite or not, U2 should get the nod, none other. The Stones haven't even written a great song in the past 25 years.

quote:

Originally posted by indybob:

Whether they're your favorite or not, U2 should get the nod, none other.

Agreed. You can in no way knock them for getting that nod.

But with that said, I've never personally cared much for them, and despite me being half Irish - I find Bono to me one of the bigger douchebags around...just behind Bill Maher and Michael Moore.

quote:

Originally posted by AZwineRyan:

just behind Bill Maher and Michael Moore.

Now that is high cotton!

Thought about it for a bit and I can't make an argument against the U2 pick. They are still putting out great songs late into their career. I like AC/DC but like the Stones, when did they last put out any memorable new music?

I guess the Captain and Tenille was more than 25 yrs ago.

quote:

Originally posted by billhike:
Can't wait to see Mr. Cabernet's input on this one. Wait for it...

If he/she/they/it have to have written the songs they play in the past 25 years, I don't see it being anyone but U2. But The Boss can still play "Thunder Road" like its no one's business.

Pink Floyd
Stones

quote:

Originally posted by winetarelli:
If he/she/they/it have to have written the songs they play in the past 25 years, I don't see it being anyone but U2. But The Boss can still play "Thunder Road" like its no one's business.

I forgot about Bruce.

Good one.

I'd call them the big two.

quote:

Originally posted by Ed Bowers:
Pink Floyd
Stones

I love them, but...

Floyd has only released two studio albums in the past 25 years.

Momentary Lapse of Reason in 1987

The Division Bell in 1994

Both so long ago, they were released on cassette as one of their formats! (Makes me feel old.)

I think I'm the world's biggest Stones fan, but only Voodoo Lounge, Bridges to baylon, and Bigger Bang in the last 25 years (other than live rehashes.)

I just can't see them on the list.

ACDC and U2 dominate. I would also add Perry Farrell of Janes Addiction and Porno for Pyros fame as a #3.

I agree U2 easily wins this. I don't agree with putting AC/DC #2 as 25 years only goes back to '86 and their big stuff was before then. I would throw out Dave Matthews, Foo Fighters, and the Chile Peppers as bands that have had a big presence and consistency during that time even though they all came on in the early 90's.

quote:

Originally posted by The Cabernet of Doctor Caligari:

quote:

Originally posted by Ed Bowers:
Pink Floyd
Stones

I love them, but...

Floyd has only released two studio albums in the past 25 years.

Momentary Lapse of Reason in 1987

The Division Bell in 1994

Both so long ago, they were released on cassette as one of their formats! (Makes me feel old.)

I think I'm the world's biggest Stones fan, but only Voodoo Lounge, Bridges to baylon, and Bigger Bang in the last 25 years (other than live rehashes.)

I just can't see them on the list.

Agree with this, but I do say the Stones still put on a very good live show. Have seen them in the Stadiums, at MSG, and Tower Theater outside Philly

I'd bet

Eminem, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Lady gaga will easily outsell Rolling Stones and U2 combined if they all had concerts.

quote:

Originally posted by g-man:
I'd bet

Eminem, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Lady gaga will easily outsell Rolling Stones and U2 combined if they all had concerts.

So?

It's interesting wording. 'Of' the last 25 years. If that means 'over' the last quarter century, then it's U2, hands down, and possibly not even a debate. I think the time reference automatically excludes bands whose best material were before then. So no Stones, etc. After U2, it would have to be Chilis or Radiohead.
'Of' can make you think of a solid act at a high during that time. Coldplay, Oasis, or even Flaming Lips could win that one...

Rolling Stones
AC/DC

quote:

Originally posted by Adam10:

quote:

Originally posted by g-man:
I'd bet

Eminem, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Lady gaga will easily outsell Rolling Stones and U2 combined if they all had concerts.

So?

Funny how album sales were important in the PJ/Nirvana debate but here tickets sales arent.

quote:

Originally posted by jburman82:

quote:

Originally posted by Adam10:

quote:

Originally posted by g-man:
I'd bet

Eminem, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Lady gaga will easily outsell Rolling Stones and U2 combined if they all had concerts.

So?

Funny how album sales were important in the PJ/Nirvana debate but here tickets sales arent.

Not funny at all, since we're talking about tickets being sold today v the greatest act of the last 25 years, so didn't see the connection as it's a skewed point...

And albums and tickets are different.

And the times and demographics are also different...

And I'm not saying ticket sales aren't important...but the point wasn't clear.

And there isn't a PJ/Nirvana debate...

quote:

Originally posted by vinole:
I agree U2 easily wins this. I don't agree with putting AC/DC #2 as 25 years only goes back to '86 and their big stuff was before then. I would throw out Dave Matthews, Foo Fighters, and the Chile Peppers as bands that have had a big presence and consistency during that time even though they all came on in the early 90's.

Oh, come on, that nasally whiny DMB hasn't even written 1 damn good song in his whole career...and he certainly can't sing.

If we can only consider 1986+, then U2 it is, though even though some of their best music was previous to 1986. That fact they could still be the best is more a testament on how, in general, music has taken a turn for the worse since then.

Adam, "thepast 25 years" doesnt mean ignore newer acts in favor of older ones. I would be shocked if Brittney Spears hasnt sold more albums, had more hits and has more ticket sales than the Stones in the past 25 years. Whether you like her music or not by any statistical measure she has been "better"

Suprised no one has mentioned GNR yet. No love for hair bands?

Agree with Chilis and DMB being up there.

indeed, and adding to jburman's response,

Lady gaga spends on average over 25mm$ / concert on costumes, stage light, theatrics and hand crew. The stones/u2 never matched that number.

The title says act right? I'd argue that the Lady gaga's put on a more elaborate and expensive act.

.

The award is called "Greatest Act" which I think represents the most successful (not critically the best) in a combination of record and concert sales.

Lady Gaga doesn't fare as well as you might think in concert tix. U2's 360 tour was the highest grossing of all time at $736M, and the Stones Bigger Bang is second at $591M. AC/DC Black Ice is third. Gaga is #16. Madonna (#4) and Celine Dion (#11) are both ahead of her in tour rankings. The biggest grossing tour for calendar 2010 was Bon Jovi.

Madonna and Celine Dion have both sold more albums world wide all time than U2 or the Stones. Only the Beatles, Elvis, and Michael Jackson have sold more than Madonna. I for one am glad that concert gross appears to have outweighed album sales in picking the winner as Madonna hit the scene about the same time as U2 in the early 80's and so matches up well time wise.

quote:

Originally posted by vinole:
The award is called "Top Act" which I think represents the most successful (not critically the best) in a combination of record and concert sales.

Lady Gaga doesn't fare as well as you might think in concert tix. U2's 360 tour was the highest grossing of all time at $736M, and the Stones Bigger Bang is second at $591M. AC/DC Black Ice is third. Gaga is #16. Madonna (#4) and Celine Dion (#11) are both ahead of her in tour rankings. The biggest grossing tour for calendar 2010 was Bon Jovi.

Madonna and Celine Dion have both sold more albums world wide all time than U2 or the Stones. Only the Beatles, Elvis, and Michael Jackson have sold more than Madonna. I for one am glad that concert gross appears to have outweighed album sales in picking the winner as Madonna hit the scene about the same time as U2 in the early 80's and so matches up well time wise.

that's not exactly fair vinole,
Lady gaga was a debut artist,

U2 never came close to touching lady gaga in terms of tix sales as a debut band.

Tho, time will tell if lady gaga will come out wiht 12 studio albums, 8 live albums, 9 compilation alubms, 56 singles, 8 EPs over 20 years.

quote:

Originally posted by g-man:
[Lady gaga was a debut artist,

U2 never came close to touching lady gaga in terms of tix sales as a debut band.

Tho, time will tell if lady gaga will come out wiht 12 studio albums, 8 live albums, 9 compilation alubms, 56 singles, 8 EPs over 20 years.

I think it is a fairly safe bet that 20 years from now, Lady Crapa will not be playing in any sold out stadiums - if anyone is still paying any attention to her 5 years from now.

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:

quote:

Originally posted by g-man:
[Lady gaga was a debut artist,

U2 never came close to touching lady gaga in terms of tix sales as a debut band.

Tho, time will tell if lady gaga will come out wiht 12 studio albums, 8 live albums, 9 compilation alubms, 56 singles, 8 EPs over 20 years.

I think it is a fairly safe bet that 20 years from now, Lady Crapa will not be playing in any sold out stadiums - if anyone is still paying any attention to her 5 years from now.

if you're in your 30s,

wanna make a bet when we're both in our 50s? =)

quote:

Originally posted by Pinotlvr:
Oh, come on, that nasally whiny DMB.

Agreed right off the bat and kept on...

quote:

Originally posted by jburman82:
Adam, "thepast 25 years" doesnt mean ignore newer acts in favor of older ones. I would be shocked if Brittney Spears hasnt sold more albums, had more hits and has more ticket sales than the Stones in the past 25 years. Whether you like her music or not by any statistical measure she has been "better"

Suprised no one has mentioned GNR yet. No love for hair bands?

Agree with Chilis and DMB being up there.

If you read my other post, I think it suggests it could be over the 25 years, so you can't go too old, but you can't go too young, either...

It's universal love...and GNR and DMB don't have that...Chilis are pretty broad though...vast array...

What many have also missed is that the source is Q mag. So, pretty cool and edgy, but not quite NME level, let alone heavier....so that's why in the article you also have mentions of Gallagher and Lana Del Rey, but not all the other acts people have talked about...

I reckon it's the better part of the last 25 years in quantity as well as quality as well as universal love.

It's U2 and justifiably so.

Let's not forget how hugely successful Garth Brooks was throughout the 1990's, although he's kind of dropped off the radar since then.

I've never personally been a fan but thought he deserved a mention.

quote:

Originally posted by Vinyrd Skynyrd:
Let's not forget how hugely successful Garth Brooks was throughout the 1990's, although he's kind of dropped off the radar since then.

I've never personally been a fan but thought he deserved a mention.

...even hugely successful is an understatement.

quote:

Originally posted by Vinyrd Skynyrd:
Let's not forget how hugely successful Garth Brooks was throughout the 1990's, although he's kind of dropped off the radar since then.

I've never personally been a fan but thought he deserved a mention.

Good pull. Personally, Country music makes me reach for the mute button, but his fans are fanatical about him. He's not U2, but a top five isn't out of the question.

How about Aerosmith? They had some good albums in the 80's and then reinvened themselves as a boy band in the 90's with all their terrible ballads. Not my cup of tea but very popular.

quote:

Originally posted by indybob:

quote:

Originally posted by Vinyrd Skynyrd:
Let's not forget how hugely successful Garth Brooks was throughout the 1990's, although he's kind of dropped off the radar since then.

I've never personally been a fan but thought he deserved a mention.

Good pull. Personally, Country music makes me reach for the mute button, but his fans are fanatical about him. He's not U2, but a top five isn't out of the question.

Q would never go near Country. It's laughable to suggest it. Might as well go with some random Mandarin star from China, because half a billion people might be into said star, assuming one exists. It isn't relevant to their audience.

I think many of you are completely missing the point of what I perceived this to be about - I think U2 is the clear winner - a 10 year run of success and being at the height of popuylarity/success is great and no mean feat. But Garth Brooks is nowhere near the top of country music and has not been for more than 10 years. I am sure he has lots of fans still as do many of the other bans listed. Guns N Roses, really? They had a five year run, became a parody of themselves, became a completely different band and other than Appetite for Destruction, pretty much blow chunks.

U2 has been extraordinarily succesful with fans, CD/album (as they go back that far) purchasers, critics, concert-goers. Somehow they stayed together (no line-up changes since their formation in the early 80s) and relevant.

You may hate them and think Bono is a sanctimonious gas bag, but its hard to see anyone who could compete.

quote:

Originally posted by jburman82:
How about Aerosmith? They had some good albums in the 80's and then reinvened themselves as a boy band in the 90's with all their terrible ballads. Not my cup of tea but very popular.

Actually, their best music was in the 70's - and are you serious?