THE TEN GREATEST POWER TRIOS | Ranked

[@denniscain7218]

King Crimson's Red lineup (Fripp, Wetton, Bruford)

[@IusedtohaveausernameIliked]

What an awesome album! But not enough staying power to make the list.

[@patrickcarlson1400]

I'd say Crimson is the father of Prog rock as they are the ones that set Buford and his then ban Yes down the path of prog when Yes went into a pub and just happen Crimson was setting up to play and Buford said he was going to be their drummer one day

[@froggy556]

@@IusedtohaveausernameIliked What are you talking about? Red holds up with ANTHING out today! Curt Kobain was listening to Red when he was working on "In Utero".

[@IusedtohaveausernameIliked]

@@froggy556 The music holds up, I was just commenting that King Crimson was only a trio for a short time so they don't really qualify as a trio. As far as the music goes "Red" is one of my favourite albums. And technically they weren't even a trio then, they employed other musicians on that album.

[@froggy556]

@@IusedtohaveausernameIliked BE THAT AS IT MAY, someone in Curt Kobain's management recommended that album to him as an example of a power trio in action. Don't shoot the messenger, I'm just telling the facts.

[@michaelbenz8092]

One of my favorite concerts in the early 80s was Robin Trower with Dewar and Lordan. It's nearly impossible to replace a voice like Jimmy Dewar's. I'm chuffed that you included them.

[@adamschronk3620]

Agreed!👍

[@heimomoilanen9654]

Bridge of Sighs is a huge album. Still love it.

[@robertlamkin6464]

A good argument!

[@brianwilcox2543]

@@heimomoilanen9654 Robin just released a 50th anniversary deluxe edition of of Bridge of Sighs!

[@arvidsson56]

Hot Tuna made some good records as a trio. In my opinion Jack Casady deserves more recognition for his bass playing.

[@KevyNova]

Absolutely!

[@BruceWalther-s2l]

I am a Hot Tuna fan but I'm wondering if (arguably) their 2 best albums -- First Pull Up Then Pull Down (5 man band); and Burgers (4 man band, minimum) hurts their trio standing. Anyways, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady a worthy mention. Great band no matter what the numbers. Plus, Jorma and Jack were the backbone of Jefferson Airplane. Not a surprise Airplane broke up in 1972 about 3 years after the duo started the Hot Tuna trio for their debut Live At Berkeley, The New Orleans House (with the impressive harmonica of Will Scarlet -- I really wanted to write that name with no apologies to Robin Hood.)😁

[@impalaman9707]

But were they a POWER trio?

[@KevyNova]

@@impalaman9707 absolutely! Listen to their albums America’s Choice, Yellow Fever and Hoppkorv. Total power trio in every sense.

[@KevyNova]

@@BruceWalther-s2l their albums America’s Choice, Yellow Fever and Hoppkorv definitely are power trio though.

[@anthonykishko1711]

Having gone to 10 Rush shows, they're the friendliest crowds I've seen. Cool, seeing people bring their kids and Rush put on a sincere epic explosive performance. The best!

[@rik2bits]

Those are the later days. There was definitely a superiority complex among Rush fans through their first 30 years - which was probably warranted! Their last few tours, you’d actually see actual, live women enjoying the shows. That was a rarity in the earlier days.

[@DrOz-007]

Andy said Rush could be the best rock band ever. There is an argument here for sure. Songwriting, lyrics, musicianship, cohesion, personalities, attitude, longevity, output, consistency, performance, sales, they have it all.

[@patrickcarlson1400]

I had the pleasure of seeing them in their Hemisphere tour and Moving Pitchers and 4 more times including their last R40 tour seeing a Neil Peart drum solo was worth the price of admission by themselves and just watching how much fun they always seemed to be having and of course the unreal sound they produced live as a power trio like non other, or as Gene Simon's said when he's been ask to describe what type of band Rush is he'd reply Rush is Rush that's it

[@emperorgongs2834]

Groundhogs RIP Tony Macfee. Budgie etc and all those unfortunate bands killed off by the music press. But loved by thier fans.

[@WELLBRAN]

groundhogs..no1 the loudest!!

[@IAMTHERAZOR]

Budgie was the shizzle!

[@LorraineHinchliffe-vg5cb]

I know they weren't a power trio, but I always feel sorry for the band Bad Finger. The lead singer ended up committing suicide, they were so royally ripped off

[@markperry9427]

Budgie would be on my list, a great band.

[@cavewaller]

Edgar Broughton Band too

[@markhuber5981]

Grand Funk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@b14m23]

Grand Funk Railroad all day.

[@TSP-HIKER]

Most powerful power trio ever! First 3 albums? PTP! Power Trio Perfection!

[@paslowcb]

I think the James Gang should be on this list.

[@WhizzRichardThompson]

You got there before me.

[@jrm2fla]

James Gang are good… but not the body of work like these other bands… Trower’s Bridge of Sighs alone makes the list. I’m ignorant about Primus… I think Rush are greater than the Police, body of work, etc.. but Police did so much in a short period of time (like Hendrix)…

[@KevyNova]

I agree.

[@pgrovners]

it's about quality not quantity.

[@Datsun510zen]

Had them first on my list of honorable mentions: James Gang, Toy Dolls, Grand Funk Railroad, Beastie Boys, core Genesis, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Husker Du, The Jam, The Stray Cats.

[@girthbloodstool339]

B U D G I E !

[@doubleyouranger]

very much so. geezer don't got them on his list makes it mush.

[@NadirJones71]

Impeckable choice my friend.

[@Delsbo]

Zoom Club, what a tune!

[@jasonmcloughlin5373]

Kings x - incredible band

[@svenjansen2134]

Perfect trio

[@majwilsonlion]

Triumph

[@Innerspace100]

Allways overshadowed by Rush, but I've allways preferred Triumph over them. Rick Emmet is a very tastefull guitar player.

[@jldibiase]

@@Innerspace100 Totally agree. Rik is on my personal Mount Crushmore, Alex isn't.

[@kevincarpenter8194]

@@Innerspace100 I believe they deserve equal recognition. Neil was obviously a more talented drummer than Gil, but Gil did handle some lead vocals. I prefer Rik's vocals to Geddy's and would put his guitar playing on par with Alex's. Of course, Mike can't compete with Geddy's bass chops. Lyrically, it depends upon what you're seeking and/or what mold you're in I'm a huge fan of both bands. Have all of Triumph's discography and most of Rush's.

[@SuperStrik9]

@@jldibiase Rik has killer classical guitar chops. Didn't know until he gave a live performance/q&a session at the music store I used to teach at in the mid 00's. Great player. I love Alex Lifeson's guitar playing as well. To each their own though.

[@ogam5]

@@kevincarpenter8194 : "Ordinary Man" called - might BEG to disagree about Mike vs. Geddy.....

[@mrkitewine7700]

Watching Primus open for Rush on the Uk leg of the Roll The Bones tour was one of my favourite gigs. 2 of my favourite bands, both trios , all astonishingly good musicians (Tim “Herb” Alexander was the Primus drummer).

[@guitarcd]

I saw that tour in the US. Amazing show.

[@SonofHendrik]

Me too, saw Primus opening for Rush in Germany and in the Netherlands. In Germany they didn't like Primus, they didn't understand the music of them.

[@bettyrose959]

Larry LaLonde on guitar. The man starts his career off with a fricken masterpiece at 16 years old. Cemented himself in the books straight from the word Go. He's incredible.

[@speciesgal]

@@guitarcd same, Hampton Coliseum 8th row in front of Les and Geddy. Me and my buddy got shouted at for standing up and grooving during Primus set...didn't care LOL.

[@Sid-gu5qk]

Rush #1 IMO...... Who else you asked? Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush.

[@arijokimaki4315]

Mahogany Rush would be number one in the list of most underrated power trios.

[@charlesdigennaro4981]

Oh man mahogany rush! Saw them

[@rft2001]

Yeah, Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush. One of my favorite live bands of all time.

[@Justin_Kipper]

But Andy, ELP did have a guitarist, his name was Greg Lake. He happened to play bass as well.

[@daviddrennon4089]

And a much better guitarist than Kurt Cobain

[@trainguy1017]

Part of the magic of Rush is that they weren't simply band mates. They were truly best friends. This was shown after Neil lost his wife and daughter and needed time to get himself together. Alex and Geddy...WAITED FOR HIM. They knew the band wouldn't work with any other combination. Simple band mates would have said "screw it! If you can't tour we'll find someone else!" Not them! "Neil, you do what you need to do. We'll put the band on hold until you are ready to come back" That's how best friends treat someone that has gone through that kind of loss.

[@grahamnunn8998]

Rush getting tipsy in Beyond The Lighted Stage is a beautiful thing. Read some of Peart's books and most of Lee's and the warmth comes off the page.

[@robertlamkin6464]

Rush was as tight a band I ever saw. They were great at what they did. They along with the Moody Blues adapted their sound to match the times, flawlessly. My problem with Rush is Peart. To me - IMO - his lyrics always seemed preachy. They seemed holier than thou; like he was above it all. As a result, I rarely ever listened to them. I summation, I get an arrogant vibe with Rush.

[@RaptorV1USA]

Interesting perspective...i mean....They're song lyrics. I would guess that Neil himself would be the 1st. person to say that himself... They're just songs...while some may consider them deeply and they were obviously written with care and consideration often with a message/ theme of some sort..they are in the end, just songs. Melody, rhythm and words that came together to be enjoyed ....or not ......ultimately it's not that deep.. personally I was always more focused on the music...the composition melody and their incredible skills at performing their sets so faithfully...thats why I'm still rocking RUSH at nearly 60, and to me they are the greatest rock trio ever.. Be well brother.​@@robertlamkin6464

[@fsveins62]

In a 2010's interview either Lee or Lifeson jokingly said they still saw Peart as the new guy in the band.

[@ΛεωνιδαςΑργυρος]

Beck, Bogert & Appice. If they had had more masculine vocals, they would have been the quintessential Power Trio.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

Yeah, but they needed a singer.

[@andrewsheppard3189]

One of the few bands which were so bad that I departed early.

[@jamesfetherston1190]

@@NelsonMontana1234 and songwriting.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

@@jamesfetherston1190 True. Superstition was their best track. They had one decent original. I actually gave up on Beck after that debacle. And then...

[@user-dh5bnafe4b]

BBA's problem was that while the musicianship was great, the material largely wasn't.

[@LeonVerhulst]

My first concert was ZZ Top at Western Springs, Auckland NZ and they played so loud your shirt vibrated and were subsequently banned from the venue forever. EPIC!

[@philford1730]

My top 10: 1) Rush, 2) Jimi Hendrix Experience, 3) The Police, 4) Robin Trower, 5) Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble, 6) Cream, 7) ZZ Top, 8) Muse, 9) Los Lonely Boys, 10) Triumph. ELP, Motorhead, Nirvana and Primus would certainly be in my top 20. Along with Grand Funk, The Jam, Green Day, The James Gang, Mountain, and Them Crooked Vultures

[@mofost1]

Them crooked vultures & muse, good calls’s-es

[@jakemore2024]

I love most of those but The Warning tops them all

[@gregoryvlchek269]

The Warning - three sisters from Monterrey, Mexico will definitely earn their place on the list some day. In the past year, they've been blowing up in notoriety and popularity around the world. They're truly PHENOMENAL and are still young; 19, 22 and 24. They've been a band for TEN years - since they were literal children. And they were unbelievably good back then.

[@jakemore2024]

They are already first..just accept it

[@thespacealienssmogandgrog4283]

Absolutely. Glad I'm not the only one who commented on them here. The Warning are so great it's almost weird.

[@jakemore2024]

@@thespacealienssmogandgrog4283 only a handful of bands as tight as them…The Who..maybe Rush

[@mistahwolfie]

You're all going to kick yourselves... K I N G S X

[@Rico_G]

H E L L Y E S ! ! !

[@John-k6f9k]

@@Rico_G Oh man, that's so true! Kings X!!! Wait a minute who the fuck are Kings X?

[@craigroaring]

@@John-k6f9k They're a three piece.

[@speciesgal]

Couldn't agree more, highly underrated IMO. Had the pleasure of catching them in many small and intimate venues and loved the appreciation they gave the fans.

[@Rico_G]

@@craigroaring LOL!

[@Afterburner2]

No specific order- Cream,Taste,Blue Cheer,Groundhogs,Atomic Rooster(70')Grand Funk,Trapeze,Budgie,Rush,James Gang

[@seancassidy674]

yeah, Blue Cheer were 1st gen as well.

[@mrkitewine7700]

Loads of great ones mentioned, I’d also suggest Bob Mould’s band - Sugar

[@8mileshigh]

Bob Mould, yes, but with Hüsker Dü

[@angusorvid8840]

Rush, Triumph, Mahogany Rush, King's X, Tony Williams' Lifetime, Primus, Raven, Budgie, Eric Bell Era Thin Lizzy, Robin Trower Group.

[@yazoosquelch7065]

RAVEN!!! Absolutely, godfathers of thrash. Saw them about a decade ago in some small bar in Kenilworth NJ and they played like they were sold-out at Madison Sq Garden. Incredible show.

[@mauricerevelle8451]

The Jam.

[@jonathansteadman7935]

Yep ❤

[@NessieJapan]

One of my favorite bands, but Weller did most of the heavy lifting. It was more of a "plus two" than a trio.

[@malcolmjeffrey3235]

@@NessieJapan Maybe at the start, yes, but the great Bruce Foxton learned and honed his craft over their lifespan and evolved into almost the new wave's Paul McCartney : inventive, melodic, driving and versatile, while still doing dual harmonies.

[@user-zt2wc3uh1l]

I love listening to Andy talk. He has similar taste in music to my own, yet has introduced me to great artists I wasn't previously familiar with. He always delivers with passion and the insightfulness of an accomplished musician.

[@visualanimal5634]

It needs to be said, loudly, that this is the most entertaining and thought provoking music channel on KZbin.

[@John-k6f9k]

Lol what a suck up.

[@fightersweep]

Always appreciate your regard for Stuart Copeland's drumming. He was the first drummer I really sat up and took notice of. Just love his unique innovation and style. His dad was CIA officer and Stuart grew up in Beirut and his style was heavily influenced by Arabic rhythms, which he explains is very similar to Reggae.

[@wtcwtc9861]

West, Bruce and Laing..The James Gang.

[@astrogoodvibes6164]

One name.......Budgie

[@callmeal3017]

Ok to have ELP there

[@daviddrennon4089]

Hell Yeah!

[@Bob-tq2jv]

The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream were my top two too - and this list couldn’t be complete without Rush. Brilliant as usual Andy

[@grahamnunn8998]

I picked up Trower Live in the early 80s, a really gamechanger for a young guitar player.

[@davidberge5851]

“Keith Emerson was prog”… I was fortunate to see ELP live several times… once my brother and I had 2nd row seats and during the encore Keith was up to his usual antics during America/Rondo a la Turk… he dragged the Hammond around creating feedback, lean back supported by the crowd and play the thing backwards and stab daggers between the keys… well, one of the daggers flew into the crowd… my brother picked it up, handed it to me, I gave it back to Keith and “without skipping a beat” he jammed it back between two keys. He was an utterly remarkable performer.

[@DrOz-007]

Husker Du

[@danpearce4547]

Yeah Husker Du! (also Sugar)

[@IndySnowman]

I remember them

[@bpm609]

And Big Black.

[@FloatingAnarchy61]

Good list. Robin Trower was also a top gurner. He had a impressive set of choppers and in the throes of a guitar solo he looked like an ecstatic beaver. Deguello is my favourite ZZ Top album, funky jazzy with a great mix of upbeat stompers like Hi Fi Mama and She Loves My Automobile, and the Funky Fool For You're Stockings, Cheap Sunglasses etc. The addition of the horns also beefed up their style. I first became aware of Les Claypool through the Tom Waits song Big In Japan which has incredible bass. I'd be interested in your take on Tom Waits. I'm not a huge fan of what I call his 70's tears in the beers stuff, but Swordfishtrombones onwards. It's like Beefheart mixed with a low down jazz and blues band from a carnival. Big Time is one of my favourite concert films, long overdue a release on Dvd, his guitarist Marc Ribot is amazing.I think I would have found a place for Budgie on this list, classic Welsh trio with another great guitarist, Tony Bourge. The album Never Turn Your Back On A Friend is one of my all time favourites. On Parents Tony absolutely soars on the guitar.

[@michaeljozwiak25]

1). You mentioned so many bands that I own at least one of their albums, except Cream and The Jam. 2). James Dewar is one of rock’s best vocalists. 3). “In City Dreams” and “Midnight Caravan” are my two most favorite Robin Trower albums. 4). Decades ago, my brother played in a Slo-pitch softball game against Frank Beard’s team. My brother did not know it was Beard, until they shared beer at the softball complex’s clubhouse. 5). I love the power trio Budgie. 6). I own albums by Soft Machine, Isotope, etc. 7). I like the album, “Spartacus” by the power trio, Triumvirat.

[@paulmichaud7565]

A beautiful little standalone essay on the Police in this episode. Well done, Andy. That alone was worth the price of admission. Not a power trio, a FINESSE trio.

[@samibouhadida5314]

Well said 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Bobmacca64]

Not only are ZZ Top musically amazing, they also knew how to sell their image and music to an audience through fantastic publicity stunts. They were, and are, a damn good, funny, and also clever band that has carved its own place in the history of rock. Nobody looks or sounds like them. Love them to bits! :) With Billy Gibbons being one of my 3 favourite guitar players.

[@froggy556]

ZZ Top haven't been relevant since they did that awful Elvis remake!

[@Bobmacca64]

@@froggy556 Fair enough if that's how you feel about them. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. To be fair though, very few rock bands have been really relevant past a certain point in their career. Many of them are just doing the same thing they have always done, or they have become a 'greatest hits' live band. Anyway, I disagree on ZZ Top, but that's what's interesting. If we all agreed on everything it would be boring as hell:) Take care!

[@bjornlangoren3002]

Billy gibbons is a legend, and more down to earth than anyone

[@froggy556]

@@bjornlangoren3002 when he learns to play Paganini on a guitar, you might convince me!

[@bjornlangoren3002]

@@froggy556 why should he play paganini? Would YOU pay to see that? What are you, Yngwie's mother?

[@mnick0962]

Love your take on ZZ Top. My dad was a photographer for the local paper here in North Carolina and went to take pictures of their Texas-shaped stage with all the steers, buzzards, rattlesnakes et. al. in 1976. Their manager gave him a copy of their latest LP and a sampler album. Dad passed them on to my 13 year old self and I was hooked. Oh, and a friend of mine who makes boutique tube guitar has Billy Gibbons as a client and friend.

[@finneogan]

I'm not the first to mention them, but there is a trio who played faster and more energetic than Motörhead even, had not just one frontman / singer / songwriter but two, one fronting from the drums. Yes, smashing the drums in the fastest band of the world (when they started) while singing. The most influential band never mentioned, never on lists like these, but those who know, know: Hüsker Dü.

[@theskintexpat-themightygreegor]

Absolutely. I watched this video knowing that I was hoping against hope that Hüskers would be on this list. You're right - they never make any lists, but they were amazing, and I had the chance to see them three times and they always KILLED.

[@marksieczko7766]

Line ups change. For the most part these are guitar, bass, drums trios. Jimi Hendrix Experience Cream Rush Groundhogs Motorhead Grand Funk Railroad Robin Trower Rory Gallagher Johnny Winter ZZ Top Honourable mentions - Irish Skid Row (with Gary Moore), Atomic Rooster ,ELP, Police (would be in my top 11)

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Great list and interesting commentary. Thanks

[@holgerhieronimi4050]

what a great, eclectic, diverse & complete selection - ¡Congratulions!

[@davidbuie3316]

I came here specifically to say that I sure hope The Jam are on this list and I'm pleased to see the first commenter already beat me to it. Good work!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I mention them but they aren't.

[@rickykilby4672]

Copeland is a total one off.So innovative,his fills are outrageous.If you listen to message in a bottle,during the second verse he doesn't touch the snare,just hats and toms,his originality is brilliant,his roadie once said on a whole tour copeland would change the beat every night for different songs.

[@davidreichert9392]

Finally someone acknowledging that Hendrix was at his best with Mitchell and Billy Cox. His stuff with the Experience and BoG was great of course, but his work after Electric Ladyland was miles ahead. So few people seem to agree with me on that. So nice to see that you do.

[@KevyNova]

I absolutely agree!

[@John-k6f9k]

Having read his autobiography it seems Noel Redding was a bit of a prick. He was chosen by Chas Chandler for Jimi because he was just about the only bass player available at short notice. He was really only about adequate as a musician. Billy Cox was the bass player Jimi craved musically. Noel would sometimes play badly deliberately in concerts just to piss off Jimi.

[@KevyNova]

@@John-k6f9k I’ve seen many interviews with Noel and he always comes off as a mean, angry little man who thought he should’ve been as popular as Jimi. I can’t stand him.

[@John-k6f9k]

@@KevyNovaIn addition to the personality clash with Hendrix his main complaint was that his manager ripped him off. He literally seemed to spend most of his post Experience life sulking about it. So what Noel, many many bands were ripped off by their managers.

[@mofost1]

A trio is a trio. A trio with a singer is a quatro. The fact that you gots to scrap it out & play & sing, somebodys got to be the singer(tho nobody really wants to be the singer) & that’s what makes it a power trio, garage trio, making it happen with just me & my axe & whoever’s brave enough to learn drums & bass to get up there so I’m not alone.😦🎸🥁

[@davidliddell6710]

Johnny Winter Band. Second best Power Trio at Woodstock (plus bro Edgar for a few tunes). Be interested to hear your favorite Jazz Trios (might have to be top twenty).

[@lorrieoiler1878]

Just subscribed today - love your thorough analysis! Perfect description of Motorhead!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Thanks and welcome

[@maxxkarma]

Rush is the ultimate power trio. They might not be the most important band in this list, but they are the ultimate. Started as power trio, ended as a power trio and 47years in between a power trio. No discussion!

[@IusedtohaveausernameIliked]

RUSH for the win.

[@ShaunHensley]

This is accurate

[@stevemarshall3986]

Not important? Wtf.

[@jirky015]

@@stevemarshall3986 He said "not the most important band in this list". He never said not important. Rush is my favorite band but his statement is accurate.

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

Same thing for ZZ Top and Mötorhead. Long careers as power trios.

[@erikheddergott5514]

Powertrio 1a: November 1988: James Blood Ulmer, Bill Laswell, Ronald Shannon Jackson; A Concert Shannon gave me! Zürich, Volkshaus 1988. Powertrio 1b: James Blood Ulmer, Jamaladeen Tacuma, Ronald Shannon Jackson; Jazzfestival Willisau September 1989. Powertrio 1c: James Blood Ulmer, Amin Ali, Grant Calvin Weston; Bloods regular Powertrio in the 80ties and 90ties. Powertrio 2: Odean Pope Trio. Powertrio 3: Ornette Coleman: The Golden Circle Stockholm.

[@RichardCThurston]

I've seen the Ulmer/Tacuma/Jackson iteration and they brought it big time. Same with Odean Pope. Wowsa. Here are a couple others from that side of the genre. Bill is...Bill. A complete one of a kind. Bill Frisell, John Zorn, George Lewis. Bill Frisell, Melvin Gibbs, Ronald Shannon Jackson.

[@erikheddergott5514]

@@RichardCThurston Tacuma/Weston also played with James Blood Ulmer, as with Ornette Coleman, Derek Bailey and Marc Ribot and Mary Halvorson.

[@DoctorInsomnia-qw7us]

I saw James Blood Ulmer open for the Clash in 79 NYC, the other opening act being Sam & Dave...a great night of music...

[@erikheddergott5514]

@@DoctorInsomnia-qw7us Wonderful, I never saw Sam and Dave nor the Clash so I had to settle with Blood for many Times in all his very diverse Bands, from Psychedelic Country Jazz to Funk, from Blues to Free Jazz, Punk Jazz and Free Funk. I would have loved to see Sam and Dave.

[@erikheddergott5514]

@@RichardCThurston I am actually puzzled that Massacre with Fred Frith, Charles Hayward or Fred Maher and Bill Laswell were not in the Video.

[@axxellein]

Early Blue Cheer=Louder Than God!!!

[@williambaxter4628]

Now you're talking!

[@paulcollins5586]

The stray cats.

[@erikheddergott5514]

Brian Setzer is an amazing Guitarplayer. Saw him 1981 in Montreux. For some Tunes Wilco Johnson stepped in. He was there with Pearl Harbour.

[@unabonger777]

@@erikheddergott5514 he certainly is. and was all of 19 at the time.

[@jonathansteadman7935]

Absolutely, brilliant band!!

[@scott-qs6sp]

nice forgot about them

[@stubbsz]

I never thought of them but I should have.

[@johnandrews3568]

Neil Peart's death has left a massive void in the time-space continuum. The world hasn't been the same since.

[@greengrass1072]

It took a few hours after I heard he passed for it to sink in, it just didn’t seem real. Once it did, I lost it. It was like my own life passed before my eyes and how much Rush and their music was a part of it. I think I cried on and off for a week after the news. That has never happened to me ever for someone I didn’t even know. But his lyrics and that band have touched so many people on a personal level that it felt like you lost a family member or a close friend. I so miss that excitement of a new album and the tour that followed it. My oldest son is 19 and he is so into them and everything old school music. It’s so sad that he’ll never get to go through what many of us were lucky to have gone through with Rush. I would’ve loved for him to see them live just once.

[@brucebrown73]

We still have Carl Palmer. They were both tops in my book

[@user-zt2wc3uh1l]

That's right around the time the Covid bioweapon hit, and the world went crazy. You're correct, it hasn't been the same since. No Rush tours or albums to look forward to. It feels like the good times are over.

[@user-zt2wc3uh1l]

@@brucebrown73 , while Palmer is awesome, he didn't play in the same iconic band for 40 years, nor write the lyrical soundtrack for the lives of millions.

[@randysalles2292]

Taste, Grand Funk, Mahogany Rush, Budgie, Beck Bogert and Appice ... Ramatam 1st album...Hot Tuna, The new Mountain, Johnny Winter ... Atomic Rooster...

[@vmax4steve524]

My twopenneth would be Mahogany Rush Cream Jimi Hendrix Experience Robin Trower Earthless 16 Horsepower Barnstorm Taste and two others of whom I don't have any records by.

[@tonicjack9823]

I'm really happy to see you mentioned The Nice and what a fabulous drummer Brian Davidson was. There was so much space in their musical arrangements that KE could basically take the band anywhere and everywhere when they played live. Lee Jackson was not everyones favourite singer, but he was a hell of a bass player. For me The Nice was the perfect trio.

[@GeofHolmes]

Cream, Hendrix, Budgie and 'Sir Lord Baltimore' from New York. What a band!

[@rft2001]

1 Robin Trower Band 2 Cream 3 ZZ Top 4 Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush 5 Grand Funk Railroad

[@kevla57]

The Jam should be on the list for me but we are all different

[@pookiemartinez1745]

Budgie, GFR, Blue Cheer, Minutemen, Glass Harp, Dust, Road, Wipers, No means No. Taste.

[@richeaton5752]

Time keeps on ticking... I was blessed. My first rock concert: May 19, 1973 East Tennessee State University (lol yeah, I'm old, but still above the dirt...) Rory Gallagher - ZZ Top 4 dollars It was about two months before Tres Hombres came out. (Dusty Hill's 24th birthday, I came to find out on his passing) It was Festival Seating and I managed to get about 15 feet from mic center. Rory Gallagher was pure fire right out of the gate, and his band was phenomenal. (particularly Lou Martin on his electric piano) Rory was amazing to see play and I think that he had as much fun as anyone. Then, Billy Gibbons and the boys came out. Back when they were the most badass blues rock band that ever was. Straw hats, jeans, no beards (but Frank. lol), and BG in a white tshirt w/ pack of Marlboros rolled up in the sleeve(lol). Needless to say, Rory and Billy made a big impression on a 16 yr old. Blues rock, slide guitar nut ever since. RIP Rory, Rod, Lou, & Dusty. Thank You! Keep Rockin' Billy, Frank, & Gerry

[@chriscoughlin9289]

Holy cow - MY first as well! Rory at LA's Shrine Auditorium - Thanksgiving weekend 1974. With a then - unknown Rush and Wet Willie for openers! Taste deserved a place on this list.

[@BruceWalther-s2l]

That's Awesome. I learned on 1980's music and MTV becoming aware of the cool blues rock sounds of ZZ Top and "She got Legs ... She know how to use them ..." with the babes and the cool ass car in the music videos but I didn't become aware of Rory Gallagher until I saw him performing on my The Old Grey Whistle Test DVD (which also includes The Police; and Edgar Winter Group performing Frankenstein -- wow-- just to name 2 of 22 performers ... U2, Bruce Sprinsteen, Tom Petty, Randy Newman...anyways ...!) Rory Gallager was amazing, wish I had heard him decades sooner. It's a shame Gallagher never got the recognition he deserved in life or death. His trio band Taste got a few shout-outs on this sight, but like I mentioned a couple days ago the fact Taste only made 2 albums keeps them off a tops Power trio list (I guess). Love to find a recording of Taste at the Isle Of Wight performance (they brokup soon after, 1970). Again great ZZ and early Rory (Lou Martin too) in concert story. Cool for you. Some NVEE. I just wrote that? NVEE. Good Name for a rock prog and/or Power trio band?

[@NelsonMontana1234]

GRAND FUNK baby! They're pretty damn special. Each player has a unique style and they have an amazing vocalist. As a drummer, you might appreciate the fact that Don Brewer was the first guy to play hard quarter notes on the hi hat, instead of the standard 8th notes. That created a different feel. Funkier -- more spacious -- heavier. It's been copied endlessy ever since. If nothing else, that makes them important.

[@garyh.238]

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD from Flint City, Michigan!!

[@markhuber5981]

Andy hates most USA stuff. He probably never heard of GFR.

[@impalaman9707]

@@markhuber5981 There again--how many Americans have heard the Edgar Broughton Band? I'm sure if a GFR fan got to hear the Edgar Broughton Band, they would dig 'em (I know I do!)

[@robertgough5804]

Gfr crap saw them get demolished by humble pie at hyde patk

[@garyh.238]

@@robertgough5804 Unfortunate that you saw it as a battle of the bands rather than just enjoying a pairing of two bands playing different styles of rock music. Concert bills are not intended to be sports competitions.

[@garyh.238]

@@impalaman9707 GFR didn't get a lot of coverage in the UK and Europe. They focused mainly on the American market.

[@stephendoherty981]

Any mention of Taste, Rory Gallagher’s awesome blues trio from the late 60’s?

[@daviddrennon4089]

TASTE?

[@daviddrennon4089]

Hell yeah!

[@michaelhansen7516]

Minutemen. Probably not power and definitely not a sales leader, but a favorite.

[@shma1israel]

And fIREHOSE as well. That first album (Ragin', Full-On) was something else.

[@chriscoughlin9289]

@@shma1israel Pedro boys throw down. RIP D. Boon, RIP Dancing Waters.

[@honuman39]

I got into fIREHOSE before the Minutemen due to timing but I saw them at this club in OC called the Green Door to about 10 people and they ripped it up hard. I couldn't believe no one was there. Personal favorite power trios not on this list are the Cave Dogs and Buffalo Tom.

[@pl33]

Both deserve to there

[@ronnelson7828]

>>> Reg Isidore

[@grahamnunn8998]

Also a fantastic drummer. Robin has great taste!

[@ronmercer7766]

Twice Removed From Yesterday is a stone cold classic record. Definitely one of my two favorite Robin Trower records.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Loved this! Thanks Andy.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

My guesses ZZ Top, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Rush, Cream, Police, Motörhead, Nirvana, Charley's Angels and hands down, the Three Stooges. Curly slaps a wicked bass.

[@mrinalkundu1521]

Wilson, Keppel and Betty.

[@GrantTregellas]

The 3 Amigos?

[@Birdlives247]

A powerful influence.....Scotty Moore, Bill Black and Elvis Presley. Also, Chuck Berry, Johnnie Johnson and drummer.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

@@Birdlives247 oh yeah, "That's Alright Momma" changed everything!

[@jrm2fla]

Wooop whoop wooop whoop whoop!

[@billphelps5611]

Grand Funk Railroad! Good choices, fun video!

[@tophat762]

Great list! It's amazing what Hendrix did with a 3 piece group.

[@carlosgaspar8447]

robin trower and jack bruce in "truce"

[@charlesbowman105]

You're absolutely correct to include Nirvana on this list, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

[@bjornlangoren3002]

I had them on my list.: Police Cream Nirvana Jimi Hendrix&co ZZ top Love primus, but not sure they were popular enough to qualify

[@extremelifeandlarydean1894]

Maestro!!! I have enjoyed your channel quite a bit lately & truly respect your insights, perspectives & commentary a lot. Even if it doesn’t completely line up with mine, or at all in some cases. Which is extremely good, healthy & important! It’s clear you know your stuff & can really play!!! Regarding this Power Trio program i do respect your 10 & agree with some. I would have… Dirty Loops Triumph UK (Wetton, Jobson, Bozio) Grand Funk Eric Johnson (Tones era line up) Mahogany Rush Pat Travers (Pre Thrall era) The Winery Dogs AND Trytan! : ) Do some research. You’ll understand the smiley face & the last power trio on my list.

[@kevincentofanti3822]

Worth a mention and consideration of power trios: Robben Ford and the Blue Line. Great mix of tasty rock, jazz, blues and funk. Minor pushback is Robben' s voice is not the strongest. Musicianship is great. Give these recordings a listen.

[@lamusiquequisecoute510]

That's when Robben Ford was at his peak for me. Love his tone and his tasty soloing. I don't like everything from those albums and like you said, his voice is kind of bland but 'Think Twice', 'Good Thing', 'Top of The Hill', 'Running Out On Me', 'Life Song (One For Annie)' are really cool tracks. I don't know the album 'Mystic Mile', is it good?

[@vincentrockel1149]

I've seen Robin a number of times. Better live than on records. Roscoe Beck is a great bassist.

[@FlightofElixirs]

That rush rant brilliant. Really laughing out loud myself shaving in the toilet haha class

[@dennismason3740]

The Chipmunks. I am not joking. The Chipmunks and their friend Dave produced a novelty Christmas hit record and the 'Munks were born, big time. The cartoon show literally taught children how to sing harmonies. You think I'm old and high you'd be half right. The Chipmunks were my power trio in an awesome sense. Yes, I just had a memory explosion and I will never lie to Andy. Plus Cream.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Give me an email Dennis and say hello [e-mail]

[@dennismason3740]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer - I entered your address a few times, put it in contacts and all, doesn't seem to go through? Maybe I'm screwing it up. I'll re-do later. Do you have an alternative email? Effin June, somebody stop this massive acceleration. I play guitar when my body ain't working. Notice how your email above should be in blue? I'm thinking: There is a rebel letter in the address. Makes no sense. Meanwhile, or nicewhile, there's YT which seems to be going tits up here and there. "Let's eff the customers, we'll make even more money!". Coyotes live pretty much live in every U.S. state except for Alaska and Hawaii. Coyotes are magical, we've sung in the hills together, long story.

[@BillRolette]

First childhood albums

[@dennismason3740]

@@BillRolette - "Al-vinnnnnnnn!".

[@mikec6733]

​@@dennismason3740 O-Kay !!!!!

[@DIEmicrosoft]

Nobodies ever heard of DUST. Early 70's power trio, Ritchie Wise, Kenny Aaronson, and a 17 year old Marc Bell (Marky Ramone). Did two albums (Dust, and Hard Attack) then split. FANTASTIC drums for such a young lad. Do yourself a favour.

[@arthurlaurey4232]

Marc Ribot Ceramic Dog. Now that is POWER.

[@jeremys5576]

Soft Machine, Grand Funk Railroad, Blue Cheer, Hüsker Dü, Melvins, Supergrass, and Morphine are some other power trios worthy of mention. I laughed with joy at your first pick, Primus -- one of my favourite bands as a teenager in the Nineties.

[@6dna]

James Gang, Grand Funk, Stevie Ray and Double Trouble

[@edwardyazinski3858]

Dbl Tbl had no egos and kept it tight for SRV. None of what tore Cream apart.

[@rocketpost1]

Your list would have been void to me without Robin Trower who I would have put at number 3. Nice to hear you give some credit to the great Jimmy Dewar too. I think of a power trio as bass, drums and a loud guitar so Nirvana out and Mountain in. Much as I like The Police, I don't think they belong on this list. The Groundhogs and Budgie should definitely be on this list along with a maybe forgotten group Bakerloo featuring Dave Clempson on guitar, who would later join Colosseum. The Valentine suite is indeed a brilliant piece of music. I'm quite happy for ELP to be on this list even though they didn't have a guitar player although they did have one with Nice. David O'List was a very interesting player.

[@davidliddell6710]

When I was a kid in Toronto way back in the good ole days we listened to Rush,of course, but also Triumph, a power trio. I'd say their first album is proggy, check out Blinding Light Show. Wouldn't really expect them to be on anybody's list except old Canuck heads.

[@karenjackie17]

I was going to comment about Triumph - I'm such a mega fan. I think they are WAY BETTER than Rush. That Rik Emmett is just OMG on so many levels. They are talented fun and inspirational. Who's Triumph you say? Find their performance at the 1983 Us Festival and you'll understand.

[@mccallosone4903]

i was worried you werent going to have ZZ Top. glad to see you came through. one of the most fun bands of all time, with talent to back it up

[@kevindohn6776]

and of course . . . . . . . . .Triumph !

[@nazznate]

Andy, first off (as you take your hat off) remember, when your hair gets to be that color, you know things... Secondly, I learned some time ago to just have fun with the "greatest" lists and not get my hackles up about them, but as you started I realized just how much I still love the power trio as an entity and you better get it right. I'm a few years older than you and grew up in south Georgia in the states, you in England about the same age as my little brother. I grew up with great love for some trios I knew would never make your list, and I understand why and ultimately agree (Mahogany Rush, Pat Travers Band, Montrose). I was pretty sure I knew who your top 4 would be and I was right. I'm very pleased that you recognized ZZ Top who I was adoring way before Eliminator.

[@kocinski8734]

Sleater-Kinney ... even though they gave me tinnitus.

[@TheMDJ2000]

Beck, Bogert & Appice.

[@RaymondBCrisp]

Can't believe Triumph didn't make the list. Always overlooked...

[@jamestulk5111]

Three sisters from Mexico will eventually push their way into this list.

[@thomasmalatesta7331]

They are the best band I have seen in 30 years !!! - The Warning

[@iqbalmuhammad2920]

Depending on how many quality album & live performance they can produce in the future. They haven't even scratch theTop 20 in my opinion.

[@stevebird9510]

I saw the Outfield live. They were an incredible 3 piece band. John Spinks wrote some awwsome songs.

[@stevebird9510]

I saw the Outfield live in Rockford Illlinois. They were perfect 👍🏻

[@Exposure2life]

I'm Stayin' Alive for this one... and not holding my breath.

[@bentleycharles779]

lol.

[@user-dh5bnafe4b]

Great songwriting but not really a "Power Trio" i.e. Guitar/Bass/Drums with one of them also on vocals (or occasionally shared).

[@relativetimeworx8459]

Well done including the oft overlooked Robin Trower band. Just unique enough to be special, but not so much for to be inaccessible. Your biggest omission for me, is King's X. No one else like them. Certainly, no other power trio can match their vocals. No one grooves like them either. If you're not familiar with them... start with "Gretchen Goes To Nebraska".

[@Datsun510zen]

Here are some honorable mentions. James Gang, Toy Dolls, Grand Funk Railroad, Beastie Boys, Genesis, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Husker Du, The Jam, The Stray Cats

[@bangcolt]

Shout out to all those who shouted out Grand Funk!

[@williambaxter4628]

Shout It Out Loud Brother!

[@ColinRayburn]

I saw Robin Trower at Maple leaf Gardens in Toronto in 1976, this was the lineup Robin Trower guitar, Rustee Allen bass, Bill Lordan drums and James Dewar on vocals, Trower was criticised for being too loud but I thought it was great. Boston was the back up band.

[@AndrewjWilson]

The Jam ,Icicle Works Budgie

[@brewstergallery]

Ned again with another trio, this time from Argentina called Invisible. The main man in it was the late Luis Alberto Spinetta " El Flaco" a legend in that country and S America in general. They made 3 studio LP's that fuse prog, heavy rock, jazz, ballads, tango, flamenco and do it beautifully. Some of their songs are numerous changes and complex arrangements but sound open and they groove. Spinetta started in 1967 ending with his death in 2012 wrote close to 400 songs changing his band and sound usually every 3 albums. I hope you have time to look into his work.

[@sgbh8874]

The Dave Clark 3

[@dalidivinci]

Hot Tuna in their mid, late 70's "Rampage Years"...even in their last electric tour in 2023...amazing!

[@massimofalcinelli5043]

NoMeansNo..the punk-version of RUSH!!

[@thespacealienssmogandgrog4283]

Thanks for the rec. I wondered how could a punk band be like Rush because the whole point of punk is to not give a crap about playing well but you have a point with the comparison.

[@thespacealienssmogandgrog4283]

Of course Rush songs like Anthem and Bastille Day already had some proto punk in their DNA.

[@neilsackman4723]

Totally agree with Rush! To me they will always be the top power trio. And actually my favorite band ever. Saw them every tour since Power Windows.