Photos Where Bands Came Together for the First Time
A band's first meeting is a historic moment, and these photos show the members in their early stages. Details of each member's clothing, instruments, and attitude offer clues as to what the group's future holds.
These images reveal how musical history began with simple moments, and these meetings of members of renowned bands were documented.
From Metallica to Coldplay and from Oasis to U2, many of the greatest bands in rock history, who played their songs to packed crowds and achieved musical success in ways they never imagined, had complicated, hopeless, or downright disastrous beginnings. Their determination led them to stardom, leaving those first concerts as a memory somewhere between innocent and daring.
U2
U2 is an Irish rock band from Dublin, Ireland, formed in 1976 by Bono (vocals), The Edge (guitar, keyboards and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass) and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums).
The Yardbirds
Formed in 1963, the British group was active during the 1960s.
The Who
Formed in 1962 under the name The Detours, the British rock band later became known as The Who after adding drummer Keith Moon.
The Rolling Stones
The British rock band from London was formed in April 1962 by Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ian Stewart.
The Police
Formed in London in 1977, the British rock band’s line-up consisted of principal songwriter Sting, Andy Summers on guitar, and Stewart Copeland on drums and percussion.
The Cure
The British rock band was formed in 1976 in Crawley. Robert Smith is the lead guitarist.
The Beatles
The English rock band was formed in Liverpool during the 1960s.
Roxette
The Swedish pop rock duo was formed by singer Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle.
Queen
The British rock band was formed in 1970 in London, with singer and pianist Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor, and bassist John Deacon.
Pink Floyd
The British rock band was founded in London in 1965. They are considered a cultural icon of the 20th century.
Oasis
The English rock band was formed in Manchester in 1991.
Metallica
The American heavy metal band was founded in 1981 in Los Angeles. It consists of vocalist and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Robert Trujillo.
Led Zeppelin
The British rock band was founded in London in 1968 by guitarist Jimmy Page.
Iron Maiden
The British heavy metal band was founded in London in 1975 by Steve Harris.
Guns N' Roses
The American hard rock band was formed in 1985. The band was founded by vocalist and pianist Axl Rose and guitarist Izzy Stradlin.
Genesis
The British progressive rock band was formed in 1967 by Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel and Anthony Phillips.
Coldplay
The British band was formed in London in 1997.
Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi is an American rock band that was formed in 1983 in New Jersey by Jon Bon Jovi.
Aerosmith
Aerosmith was an American rock band formed in Boston in 1970.
Ac/Dc In Its Beginnings
AC/DC was formed in 1973 by Malcolm Young, Angus Young and Dave Evans.