Top 10 Most Influential British Musicians

[@MickeyKnox]

no honourable mentions? Depeche Mode, Joy Division, Iron Maiden, Genesis, Radiohead, Duran Duran, Eurythmics ... not even Led fuckin Zeppelin? Come on Damn, you brits really had the most best bands in the world.

[@millerhxc]

Right? I'm not even a massive Zep fan but almost all modern rock and stoner rock owes a lot to them. Also surprising not to see Motorhead there! To be fair, if these lists are still being made by votes via the site, we can't blame WMUK for how it turns out. Good to see Kate Bush there, though.

[@MickeyKnox]

but at least a mention ...

[@FunkyMonkey-ip4xy]

Depeche Mode and Led Zeppelin should be on the list. Watch Mojo even did a list of bands influenced by Led Zeppelin the other day ffs. And the Kinks should have got a mention.

[@millerhxc]

When talking about another band...yeh..haha

[@RobColbourne]

Judas Priest, the metal gods should be there

[@samwelguy]

For such a small Island we don't do to badly. Most of the best bands in the world are from Britain

[@WatchMojoUK]

We do indeed. Rule Britannia!

[@samwelguy]

Chloe Huff They defiantly are the best band

[@MickeyKnox]

I agree ... seems like one out of three people in the UK plays in a successful band :)

[@tonyt1399]

Samwelguy done pretty well with creating world sports too,. and better than they are given credit for at playing them.

[@alexguitar841]

Samwelguy Must be something in the water...

[@madpad98]

The Cure deserved an honourable mention

[@celticschmaltz5015]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[@charlesdevine6981]

Ew

[@benjaminstewart1617]

Disintegration is perfect, I think they deserve at least a spot from 10-5

[@hw343434]

The Cure >>> The Smiths

[@scroticle]

At least!!

[@nounoutje6115]

No the Who and Led Zeppelin??!

[@Gayredheadbitch94]

Robert Plants' voice was too good for this list

[@bwebb90]

Why the Who? They didnt add anything, like a mediocre Led Zeppelin with 2 hits

[@kazabushy]

John Walker Seriously? What notorious drummer doesn't mention Moonie? Notorious bassist doesn't look up to the Ox? Notorious guitarist doesn't admire Pete as a trailblazer in both writing, composing, feedback, destruction and his style? Who doesn't recognise Roger for his front man presence, his passion, his humble admiration for his bandmates and his underrated musicianship? He played many instruments.

[@kazabushy]

John Walker Mediocre Led Zeppelin???? Again, what drummer doesn't worship Bonzo? Guitarists can only try to mimic Page? Vocalists envy Plants abilities and sexual appeal or the insanely multitalented John Paul Jones???? Were you born in the 90's? Wow. You missed out.

[@bwebb90]

Yeah they mention them briefly... then onto Led Zeppelin's members into more detail deservingly . Yeah Moon great drummer, Bonham was the best rock drummer of all time, wouldn't dare compare Pete to Page, Pete was iconic yes but songwriting does not come close sorry. Similar theme for the other two, I just feel like Rob and JP Jones out do Roger and Entwistle by a mile. I know there's a fine line between taste and quality, as the Who fanbase is rather big, most musicians agree with me in my argument.

[@Ericbryanmr]

Let's be honest, we would have only been surprised if The Beatles DIDN'T get the number one spot.

[@johnnymoondogs1816]

Derpyderp agree no one can top beatles in any list

[@joelmonteiro1419]

Black Sabbath were arguably more influential.

[@aminurrahman8325]

@@joelmonteiro1419 lol nice joke

[@johnnymoondogs1816]

Joel Monteiro ozzy osbourne was biggest lennon fan what are you talking about without the beatles there is no black sabbath beatles invented heavy metal

[@aminurrahman8325]

@@johnnymoondogs1816 wouldnt say they invented the genre but they were big influences. But yes without them the genre wudnt be wat it is.

[@guswebb1781]

Would argue Bowie for no.1 but the Beatles reach is kinda hard to argue with

[@guswebb1781]

Chloe Huff I personally agree with you, I’m a massive Bowie fan and only a light Beatles fan, but can’t really argue with watchmojo here as it is about influence rather than talent.

[@ahabtheplant]

Chloe Huff I miss my Bowie shirt. I wore it to shreds and framed it with some other favorite stuff as an art piece. Mom took one look and tossed it.

[@natalieclarke8249]

Bowie is #1 for me.

[@widM_]

Influence is hard to measure. But Bowie probably really did influence a wider spectrum of music directions, genres and artists. Even that "from Boy George to Marilyn Manson" says a lot.

[@felipea.barretto7503]

While I also love Bowie, The Beatles are just on another level popularity-wise. John was not making much of an exaggeration when he said they were more famous than Christ.

[@totalcreativegaming6681]

Great British Musicians at their finest! David Bowie will be forever remembered. RIP.

[@shashsrivas]

David bowie was not just a megastar. He was something beyond that cannot be expressed in words.

[@chrisparnham]

Well yeah I dunno about that but what list of influential musicians from the UK doesn't have Led Zeppelin on it - I'm going to assume they just forgot them.

[@aideywatts8513]

Where the actual fuck are led zeppelin??? They pretty much influenced every other rock band after them

[@beb9987]

mm kinda not zepp is a great blend of influences,the are great musicians but not influental or inventive. They did not change the direction of music whatsoever

[@aideywatts8513]

Virginlord2004 well a whole lot more than oasis did!

[@beb9987]

Yes that seems right,oasis did the same but i think they were influental as a brand,not as musicians

[@davidtownsend6092]

I'm not a huge zep fan (they are great don't get me wrong, just not my deal) But even I know they should not only be on list, but they most certainly did influence music and the direction it went. Just on the sheer amount of musicians and bands THEY influenced who wouldn't have formed or been the same without those influence. Even if they weren't overly original, To Say they didn't is ridiculous

[@MarkBoyd]

While I am admittedly a big Led Zepp fan, you hit the nail on the head. I like some Stones songs, but I wouldn't call myself a fan. That being said, I KNOW they belong on this list. That's why I respect your comment so much. You're a true music lover, dude. Cheers.

[@Haroldvox]

British you make music better!

[@Cruithneach]

Led Zeppelin, The Who, Roxy Music, The Kinks, Radiohead and The Sex Pistols all left out and Oasis put in?! Even by Wretchmongo's laughably ludicrous standards, this is an impressively inept list

[@GNVS300]

Who the fuck is that third one? I agree with you though.

[@Cruithneach]

If you're not familiar with Roxy Music, you need to correct that forthwith chief 😉

[@missjuanita5804]

..or does GoldNinja mean The Smiths (3rd band played?) You're right about RM tho!

[@patrickhankin2938]

Cruitheach I totally agree. I have never understood why Oasis are held in such high regard.

[@FeOfTheElement]

I’m with you on Radiohead though😂

[@richardbutch1617]

1. The Beatles 2. The Rolling Stones 3. Pink Floyd 4. The Who 5. David Bowie 6. Elton John 7. Led Zeppelin 8. Queen 9. Black Sabbath 10. Radiohead I would like to extend this to TOP 20 11. Oasis 12. T. Rex 13. Blur 14. The Kinks 15. The Clash 16. Duran Duran 17. Kate Bush 18. The Cure 19. The Stone Roses 20. Genesis

[@charleyhogg8326]

RichardButch oasis would be 3

[@imagin77]

No ac/DC,?

[@charleyhogg8326]

sarah dilworth Ac/dc are shit

[@davehoward22]

@Moekka Mies every single major member of acdc was born in britain

[@hiya1233]

I think Amy Winehouse should have been on there

[@ohcompassion]

Don't tease me with a Joy Division clip and then not mention them on the list!

[@umbramatte]

Right!

[@intirobinson7074]

Kate Bush is still the single greatest female artist of all time in my opinion

[@zacharymorin5696]

Inti Robinson I agree

[@vordman]

Without a shadow of doubt. I have all her albums and the depth of her talent never fails to astonish me. No other female artist has a body of work like hers. In fact, I can't think of anyone even close. Kate is the female Bowie.

[@thewhoman3182]

I came here so I could rage if she wasn't on the list. I feel quite defeated that they included her tbh.

[@insertname1014]

Queen are only 5?....

[@Cashleyyyyy]

Griffin Reviews ikr?

[@GNVS300]

They should be ahead of Bowie, and as much I hate them, where are zep?

[@jamielast1910]

They're definitely not as good as the other artists in front of them + The Smiths and Oasis

[@GNVS300]

I'm not a Queen fan... But they are WAY better than the Smiths and Oasis

[@Bunny-zg4hd]

GoldNinja Vlogspot I cannot fucking stand Oasis, but I also really don't like Queen. While I respect the band and it's influence, I just think they were so fucking cheesy and that so many more bands (Bowie, The Smiths) were far better than them.

[@iiinicka]

KATE BUSH! thank you!

[@noursarhan8695]

iiinicka Yes 😍

[@robmiranda7120]

As an American teenager in the 80´s I was so fascinated with UK bands like The Smiths , New Order, Depeche Mode and many more And I didn´t want anything to do with cheesy hair bands Thank you so much UK !

[@georgebennett3197]

It's difficult to explain to someone who didn't live through the 1960s how incredible the impact of The Beatles was. Bowie was brilliant - this is not to take anything away from him - but The Beatles changed everything not only in the UK but especially in the USA. Pop music went from "You're a Pink Toothbrush - I'm a Blue Toothbrush' to 'Tomorrow Never Knows' in just a few short years!

[@brennenmoore9656]

YES! Bowie at 2 (my personal favorite artist)

[@WatchMojoUK]

Brennen Moore Legend!

[@e.g.5212]

Brennen Moore, same! ^-^

[@tommybare7570]

He's alright ;)

[@fluf9941]

Haha

[@edencarroll3690]

i love him too

[@LaughterCigar]

The Kinks??? I'd dare to say they're far more influential than the Stones, for instance.

[@charlesdevine6981]

Ew no the kinks are good but cannot compete with the success or amounts of popular songs that the stones have put out

[@LaughterCigar]

Let's not confuse commercial success with influence... the Kinks were far more diverse, inventive and adventurous than the Stones ever were. Thus, they have gone to influence many artists in many different genres. They almost invented power chord music, and guitar distortion (at least they helped popularizing it), igniting all the punk and heavy metal music scene that came after them. You'll find tons of punk and alternative bands that will mention the Kinks as an influence, but were in no way influenced by the Stones. You'll also find lots of folk and indie musicians for whom the Kinks were a huge influence, but not the Stones. C'mon, they were even influencing the Beatles and the Who at the time. Don't get me wrong, the Stones are one of my favourite bands, and overall they're probably a better rock band than the Kinks, but as much as I love them, they didn't change music that much despite their success (like the Beatles or the Who did).

[@LaughterCigar]

Nirvana was inmensely succesful, for instance, but Pixies is a much more influential band (influencing Nirvana themselves).

[@ledkit]

Thank you, Great Britain. What would we do without you?

[@WhoAskedMusic777]

Missing is... Led Zeppelin (yeah yeah we know) but also The Cure, Joy Division, Pet Shop Boys, Radiohead, Depeche Mode, New Order.

[@louismcglone3765]

Their is only ten spots

[@thegamingsaint3273]

What about Elton John? I don’t really know much about his music but would of thought he would of atleast get in the top 10

[@tonyt1399]

simple answer, I agree,

[@dan0898]

I thought I was the only one.

[@tonyt1399]

ROBERT DEAN And that makes him a less influential musician, how? less than Bowie or Freddy Mercury? who weren't exactly the straightest tools in the box.

[@tonyt1399]

ROBERT DEAN sorry, misunderstanding, but disagree both on correctness and relevance.

[@applesapplesapples5773]

RIP David Bowie

[@Olivia.Sheree]

Rip all the dead people listed, like Freddie Mercury, John Lennon, George Harrison, etc.

[@Zombiesnyder13]

Top 10 Best British Directors Top 10 Worst British Directors

[@ricimercury9490]

Kyle Campbell best definitely Hitchcock

[@ahmedsameerbvb6807]

Nolan maybe

[@thomashavard-morgan8181]

Kate Bush needs to be ranked infinitely higher. She is the most orignal, forward thinking British female artist of all time. There is a direc tlink from her to many of the ''alt'' female acts today St Vincent, Bat For Lashes, Bjork, Tori Amos, Florence Welch, Ellie Goulding, Lorde I could go on. They all owe her a massive debt for doing what no female was doing before her and for paving the way for others to do it after.

[@GNVS300]

Ellie Goulding is not alternative...

[@thomashavard-morgan8181]

Maybe you should listen to her second album which owes a huge sonic debt to Kate before coming here to be a pedant ;). And secondly where I said alt i put it in qoutes because not all those named by the mainstream are alt hence the qoute marks. Another personw ho doesnt read but seems to think they are oh so right.

[@masondoesnothaveyourlastna2745]

I hate how you list Kate as a female artist. She is the most original artist male or female.

[@thomashavard-morgan8181]

But she is the most otiginal female musician in the way I'd consider Bowie the most original male musician. I think Kate's work is intrinsically feminine and emobodies the best femininity offers. You need to look at Kate contextually and figure whiy I said female. It isn't to debase or misrepresent her achievements but her story and succes and even her originiality is compounded by her gender as she was the first female to achieve and do what she did. Does that make her more original than Bowie , nope because she came after and he had led the foreground. But Kate was the first female to do what she did and is as such the best and most original female artist ever. Does it negate any of her achievements nope, does it better them nope. No need to get hung up on the use of the word female.

[@direnova6284]

I was surprised(and delighted) to see her in this list.

[@hw343434]

The Cure (“Disintegration” the MASTERPIECE Album), Joy Division, Roxy Music/Brian Eno, Radiohead

[@SkarrGaming]

It was a good list until it turned out that Led Zeppelin wasn't in there at all when most people would put them at number 1. Then you've got the likes of Radiohead or Stone Roses who could easily have taken Oasis' place.

[@Orton1859]

Well, the Roses weren't as influential as Oasis. They made their mark in the late-80s, and declined quickly. The Baggy subculture quickly got taken over by the acid-dance scene. Oasis made a much bigger cultural impact than the Roses did, therefore making them more influential. This isn't in a malicious way, I love both Oasis and the Roses, but when it comes to influence, Oasis are much more notable. And Radiohead just as influential than Oasis? You're having a laugh.

[@judemarsden6311]

More people know oasis

[@judemarsden6311]

Then led Zeppelin

[@kazabushy]

Jude Marsden It's not a contemporary popularity contest relevant to your younger age group only and the people YOU know. It says most influential. Artists are still covering (if they dare) Beatles, Bowie, Queen, Zep, Who et al. Filmmakers pay gazillions to use their original recordings. Who is dusting off Oasis stuff to use? I watched a Who doco yesterday. Liam kept popping up after each segment singing their praises and what an influence they were to his band. Do yourself a favour. Watch it. I liked Oasis in their heyday and they were Beatle wannabes even back then in the 90's.

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

@TriksterHD- most people would not put Led Zeppelin at #1, the Beatles are always number #1. May i suggest you check out mojo’s list of greatest bands of all time. I am shocked they didn’t put LZ tho, i’d have put them at a well deserved #2.

[@DaFuqBoom]

Showing Tears for Fears but not even featuring them in honorable mentions.

[@crazycat482]

You?

[@DrWRubz]

I honestly thought Led Zeppelin was the most innovative band of all time. They were the key piece for turning rock n roll harder and more different. Each of the four members were the best at their respective instrument/craft as well. I dont expect WatchMojo to always get it right but ommitting zeppelin is embrassing.

[@joebodman8]

I love the fact oasis were the first thing that you hear when open on the video

[@MrPeach18]

why ?they were shit never conkered the US plus many more countries,rubbish.

[@joebodman8]

chris davies shut up u fucking melon

[@lebigfin5251]

@@MrPeach18 I’m sorry ‘America’ is not world

[@lebigfin5251]

@@MrPeach18 they sold 8 million copies in US that’s pretty massive

[@razrv3lc]

Kate Bush should've been in the Top 3 easily. When she broke onto the scene, she was the first woman to write her own debut song and make it a number one single in the British charts. From then on, she pretty much solidified the idea that women could control their own musical careers. By her fourth album, she'd taken entire control of her music from writing to producing. Pretty much every female pop star's career has been influenced by her success, even if they don't know it. No female recording artist was doing what she did before her, not even Madonna. Then the fact that she has some of the best written lyrics you can find is just the cherry on top. On top of being successful, she's immeasurably talented. The second side of Hounds of Love is easily the best piece of prog pop ever written. The fact that people have referred to her as the female David Bowie says enough about where she should've been placed in this list.

[@FriggnH8ters]

The British have many great musicians! Too many to fit on this list.

[@tonyt1399]

Kinks, DC 5, Cream, Yardbirds, Hollies, Who and the Zombies - that's just some from the 60s only.

[@matthewmorgan9811]

And where's led zepplin?

[@alapekuttaja7222]

Johan LA I see absolutely no connection

[@shorpilakarshimanto224]

Pink Floyd and The Beatles have been the most influential in my life .....

[@suryar9704]

David Bowie is the most influential solo artist of all time ❤️

[@mariamihailik5310]

The way they say ‘David Bowie’ physically hurts me.

[@mikesaunders4775]

You can tell he's not a fan.

[@peterwebb3327]

the smiths are the best band ever

[@andrewtempest2092]

Lonnie Donegan. He led the Skiffle Craze which started the career of every single British musician from the 1957 til 1975.

[@vdggmouse9512]

10 ) Genesis 9 ) Jethro Tull 8 ) King Crimson 7 ) Roxy Music 6 ) The Who 5 ) Led Zeppelin 4 ) The Kinks 3 ) Pink Floyd 2 ) The Rolling Stones 1 ) The Beatles

[@BigStib]

Fairport Convention...

[@keirahemingway3498]

I love oasis, Queen and the beatles so much ❤️

[@fkat1666]

The Smiths really have great musicians. I think it's accurate that the Cure got an honorable mention. I love but their sound does not that unique and very influenced by his time in the Banshees, I love the first 3 Cure albums the are more distinctive. However, I'm still wondering why Wire isn't mentioned more?

[@seanjordan4124]

Oasis hasn't influenced shit.

[@joliecollier7937]

Freddie Mercury forever!!! 😭

[@harlowrioux5790]

You men Queen forever. Roger Taylor , Brian May and John Deacon were equal to Mercury in talent.

[@TennisLegends-ebay]

Bowie should be number 1.....

[@Olivia.Sheree]

I agree, but John was an influence to Bowie so you can't be too mad.

[@charlesdevine6981]

Facts

[@judemarsden6311]

I mean I know he’s amazing but I think the internet would have exploded if the Beatles weren’t at number 1, plus they influenced everyone on that list so that’s the point of them being there

[@kazabushy]

Mick Cash True. David himself was influenced and a Beatlemaniac.

[@bradfilms8278]

The specials? No one... Ok.

[@nabilizzullah6937]

BradFilms good band

[@nabilizzullah6937]

Madness too.

[@lizziesmith5835]

Amazing band but not influential

[@gabrielestabile9256]

It's almost impossible to do a top 10 list about British musicians. There is at least a Top 50 no joke

[@thaddcorbett2148]

Where the hell is Radiohead? They essentially had a hand in the destruction of mainstream rock music.

[@jeremiecampeau-poirier2636]

and every new alternative rock band from the 2000s (Coldplay, Muse, Arcade Fire,...) is basically a Radiohead rip-off... i'm exagerrating a bit here, but you get my point

[@SouthLondonRailwayPhotography]

Tbf it's quite hard to call Muse a Radiohead rip off anymore, their early stuff had similarities but it's hard to compare The King of Limbs to The 2nd Law.

[@jeremiecampeau-poirier2636]

South London Railway Photography sure, they all diverge (Coldplay and Arcade Fire too) but at their beginnings, the influence was clear

[@phenomenalone2701]

Thadd Corbett in my country Radiohead it's mainstream

[@marcedo16hg89]

Radiohead = head of pain.

[@mobeleashdontforgetyourpho9099]

This is a fab collection of the very best, thank you. mobeleash

[@powerspyin2]

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!The Beatles had to be number one.

[@jmperezs2]

The Who, The Kinks, Genesis, Elton John, George Michael, Depeche Mode, Radiohead. This list needed an honorable mention clip.

[@TheJoker-vt1zy]

Where are the Sex Pistols?

[@markant9534]

+The Joker Making butter adverts.

[@tonyt1399]

Mark Ant Really punk and rebellious eh, the whole genre was a commercial invention/venture, overrated beyond belief.

[@CashelOConnolly]

The Joker I presume you're joking? If not learn

[@markant9534]

+tony t Punk fans were more genuine than the groups they followed it seems but I was born in 1976! LOL!

[@tonyt1399]

Mark Ant i was 15 then in North Yorkshire, never ever saw one punk, big city joke shitheads from the telly to us.

[@thepoetinmyheart9088]

Eric Clapton, Elton John, Duran Duran, Led Zeppelin are just a few.

[@joshtimaz]

Radiohead are more influential than oasis

[@jacobdavies5749]

Acid Tongued Arab Don't talk shite

[@louis.c326]

Tbf mate, don't get me wrong, Radiohead are one of the, if not the, greatest band of all time. But I feel that oasis were probably more influential, especially to more mainstream acts

[@juanfelipedeviabeltran9946]

Oasis is a little bit more influential than Radiohead and I love both

[@kostajovanovic3711]

+Jacob Davies he isn't talking shit

[@MrRaveIndustries]

Radiohead created Muse and Coldplay. So.....

[@MaxMax-qq5mo]

Bauhaus deserve a mention

[@jcrhea001]

Are you kidding? Both Led Zeppelin and Elron John should be ahead of everyone on this list except for the Beatles.

[@mmsiphonevinyls1027]

Id have had Zeppelin on here yeah, but I can understand why Elton John isnt, as its about being influential. He’d likely be on a 10 most ‘iconic’ artists list, but although im a huge fan I wouldnt say he influenced too many other artists.

[@MegaRaven100]

*#1) Beatles, #2) Led Zeppelin, #3) David Bowie, #4) Pink Floyd, #5) Depeche Mode, #6) The Rolling Stones, #7) The Clash, #8) Radiohead, #9) The Stone Roses, #10) Siouxsie and the Banshees. IMHO for influence on other bands! (great bands too)*

[@iTeacupPanda]

Legit, Kate Bush is probably the #2 spot.

[@evzenvarga9707]

Add Black Sabbath

[@jayquanvo5134]

Cant believe they left out Led Zeppelin. They are the Hammer of the Gods! Ironically they rock harder than the Rolling Stones. Even Tommy Iommi cites them as an inspiration and influence on Black Sabbath. Influenced hard rock and long haired rock to both sides of the globe! I think it needs to be a Top 20 to include Roxy Music/Bryan Ferry, Sex Pistols, The Cure, Joy Division/New Order, Stone Roses, Radiohead, The Who.

[@robsmith8715]

Motorhead over Sabbath, Lemmy was brilliant at music and lyrics. Sex Pistols, one album but so much power......how the hell can they not be on the list? Definitely more important than the Clash.

[@eloisagarcia3300]

Kate Bush is only no.9???? AND SHE'S BELOW BLOODY OASIS!?!?!?! But she's a music goddess!!! She's underrated as F

[@iTeacupPanda]

Agree so much.

[@TaraLyz]

I see a common theme here of people not being fully satisfied by this list. Can you please do another top 10 like this?

[@andreslobatonquijano2715]

¡¡¡¡¡¡¡RADIOHEAD!!!!!!!!??????????

[@lucientrudeau7703]

My List... 1. The Beatles 2. David Bowie 3. Pink Floyd 4. Queen 5. Rolling Stones 6. Elton John 7. The Who 8. Led Zeppelin 9. Radiohead 10. Amy Winehouse

[@wawhatisthis]

lucien trudeau Kate Bush > Amy Winehouse

[@gemmaaaxx]

The Beatles and Bowie 💜 my two favourites 💜💜💜

[@tomyrosicky]

1-Beatles 2-Stones 3-The Who 4-Floyd 5-Queen 6-Zeppelin 7-Bowie

[@TheDoctor23452]

Disagree with Kate Bush and Oasis--and I like Kate Bush. Blur was a bigger influence than Oasis. I even debate Queen, and I am a Queen fan. Especially since you are talking influence. You totally forgot 1) Led Zeppelin (almost every metal band) 2) Roxy Music (glam, the 80s) 3) The Who (arena rock/punk) 4) Sex Pistols (punk/grunge).

[@iTeacupPanda]

How can you disagree with Kate Bush? She is the most influential female artist probably ever especially in modern music? Without her we would not have Bjork, Tori Amos, much of Annie Lennox's music, Marina & The Diamonds, Florence + the Machine, Lorde, Aurora, Feist, Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple, Imogen Heap, Bat For Lashes, Kerli, Goldfrapp, Sarah Maclachlan , Radiohead even owns up to being inspired by her. Whether it's indirect or not, try and find a girl with a piano or guitar who isn't inspired or indirectly inspired by Kate Bush in MOST genres. Unless you go down the route of country it'll be difficult.

[@cvmcicle]

There's a Watchmojo UK and I didn't know about it .O.

[@johnsummers9660]

I understand why the Beatles are #1 but I will go to my grave believing David Bowie was more influential.

[@hes6442]

John Summers bowie was more influential but john inspired david

[@howiseeit5326]

I agree

[@birdmn9930]

John Summers You're going to the grave believing something wrong. I absolutely love both, but influence and innovation go to the Beatles _easily_. They're the reason anyone on this list is successful, not to mentioj everything they did after '64

[@jvictorss4031]

@Jim McCracken Bowie influence is global too. He isn't more popular than The Beatles, but he influenced more artistic areas.

[@jvictorss4031]

@Jim McCracken But this isn't opinion. Bowie was influence to more musical genders and visual styles, also to fashion and characters and Internet. The Beatles were very influencial, it's difficult to say.

[@d.m.peters]

1. The Beatles 2. David Bowie 3. Elton John 4. The Rolling Stones 5. Queen 6. Bee Gees 7. Led Zeppelin 8. George Michael 9. Pink Floyd 10. Black Sabbath

[@anandroy8437]

You chose black sabbath over led zeppelin?.. You must be crazy.

[@overkongen34]

The Smiths is a given (because they influenced Oasis among others), but naming Oasis and not Led Zeppelin is a joke. Queen did not really influence anyone as such.

[@mmsiphonevinyls1027]

Id have had Zep on yeah. But if its solely on influence/inspiration, Id argue that truly is the one thing you cant take away from Oasis. Their work is a tad polarising, but the sudden increase of youths wanting to learn/play guitar after Oasis came along was off the charts, and they played a big part in shaping the indie/alt rock thats come since. I get what you mean about Queen, theyre sort of their own genre.

[@mackenziepuetz-bateman919]

The Clash should have been higher up

[@zacharymorin5696]

Mackenzie Puetz I agree. Definitely in front of Oasis. They should be 10, if there at all

[@widM_]

lol, Oasis before The Smiths... The Smiths were a major influence for Oasis and whole britpop genre. First three spots are probably right, hard to imagine it different.

[@RichCsigs]

Zepplin???? Like, didn't this channel JUST do a list of modern groups influenced by Zepplin?

[@letachja]

I understand that some people are disappointed that some great acts didn’t even get an honorable mention. But the fact that you can make a top 10 list and still leave out so many influential bands (Joy Divison, Led Zeppelin, Depeche Mode, Sex Pistols, The Who, The Kinks, Cream, Massive Attack etc.) only proves the influence of the british music scene.

[@kazabushy]

No Who? Led Zep? Queen should be #3. Why does this mojo mob think Oasis even ranks a mention? Who did they influence? I did go a concert and did like them but what artist stated they were a major influence? I could not name a band member aside from the Bashing Bicker brothers who gained notoriety for their aggressive antics not their talent. Most of my generation can name every Beatle, Queen, Led Zep and Who member. My teen children only knew Oasis' band name whereas ask them to belt out Bohemian Rhapsody and they will happily oblige word for word. Sorry but they were wannabe Beatles who learnt their atitude from the Pistols. George Harrison wasn't impressed by them at all.

[@jamessteel4610]

kazabushy what were the 2 most played, most sung, most chanted, most blasted through sporting events and most covered on guitar songs in the 90’s throughout GB?? 2 Oasis songs so love them or hate them that’s impact and influence. More than any in the decade

[@thetoastedplum]

Bowie died 2 years ago ? It felt like the other day. Just shows how much impact his music still has.

[@Mallieg82]

Im guessing u dont consider U2 a British bad?

[@lisakaz35]

Nope. Totally Irish.

[@Mallieg82]

Semantics. But I guess my American POV is inaccurate

[@lisakaz35]

Mallie G The Republic of Ireland is a different country.

[@kostajovanovic3711]

+Mallie G yes, it is

[@masondoesnothaveyourlastna2745]

People in Ireland are not and do not want to be British.

[@TheRyanos]

David Bowie would have to be at number one, undisputed, since he is not only the most influential British artist but rather the most influential artist of the entire world that has ever existed. Oh yeah, and where the hell is Deep Purple.

[@sitvisjes]

How many bands are influenced by Oasis?Not dissing them but i can´t think of 1 band or artist.Radiohead now that´s another story.

[@jackgerrard6]

sitvisjes pretty much every up and coming band today was influenced by oasis some way

[@zacharymorin5696]

JackEFC No, not at all

[@GNVS300]

Every guitarist who only plays to pick up girls

[@iTeacupPanda]

Most people inspired by Oasis are inspired by The Beatles as well. Oasis helped set a trend in the 90's musically, but it's hard to say 100% that people are inspired by Oasis and not another band in the 90's similar to them.

[@boiboiboiboi5216]

sitvisjes strokes and even the killers. Weezer was also kind of influenced in 2001 because Rivers Cuomo said he was listening to a lot of Oasis back then and even tried to sing like Liam in some of the songs.

[@tstockel]

I'm totally biased when it comes to Kate Bush so naturally I would want her to be #1. But I think in the long run #9 is a fair placement for her considering it seems more people know about the musical acts she inspired rather than Kate herself.

[@iTeacupPanda]

It's about influence though, direct influence or not.

[@connorchickmeister1652]

The Jam????

[@Johnsmith-yk5kj]

The very fact that Mr Page /Plant /Jones/Bonham are not mentioned and that Queen who were heavily influenced by the greatest rock band of all time makes this top ten invalid !

[@rukshatpradhan5036]

Watchmojo loves Queen and hares LZ for sure. People cared Queen only after the death of Freddie but LZ influenced Freddie at the first place.

[@_ataraxia_arts_]

No way, David Bowie is first. Sure The Beatles are more well-known, but Bowie's influence spanned more in almost every aspect of life since his rise.

[@kayden7911]

EXACTLY! Thank you.

[@devinmccreery8003]

My top 24 Most Influential British Rock & roll bands: 14. Genesis 13. Depeche Mode 12. Duran Duran 11. Iron Maiden 10. Smiths 9. Clash 8. The who 7. Queen 6. David Bowie 5. Black Sabbath 4. Pink Floyd 3. Led Zeppelin 2. The Rolling Stones 1. The Beatles

[@jodiehumphreys2425]

Musicians? This was a list of bands apart from a couple of entries. Should've been called most influential British bands. But you've already done that list.

[@tonyt1399]

Jodie Humphreys Elton John, Eric Clapton, Steve, Winwood, Peter Frampton, Peter Gabriel, Bryan Ferry, Billy Idol, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassy, Dusty Springfield, Rod Stewart, Donovan, Bonnie Tyler, Joe Cocker, Chris Rea, Phil Collins, Sting, Gerry Rafferty and Gary Numan, and many more to choose from, a few of those are ahead of some on here, oasis were perseved by many a Beatles copycat group that couldn't beat Blur.

[@johnscarborough9627]

Think your description has a mix up lads. You missed oasis

[@jcapper2]

ELTON JOHN WTF

[@anamolina9372]

How different are these influences in different countries, aren't they?

[@alexh8561]

WHERE IS LED ZEPPELIN

[@giojikia6828Metalhead]

The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones, The Clash, Motörhead, David Bowie, The Who, Sex Pistols and many many others. Britain Has truly greatest Music all over the World!❤️

[@cristobalradio]

Depeche Mode?

[@zacharymorin5696]

cristobalradio Yeah, really

[@anobletone]

Radio Head? Led Zeppelin? Amy Winehouse? UM

[@kevind54]

Oasis are too high As are sabath Floyd too low Stones too high Kate bush too low

[@benedictcase4290]

Kevin D I think oasis are fine where they are

[@singclaire8021]

how is floyd exactly too low? there are far more influential prog rock bands

[@joelikesthings]

@@singclaire8021 name one?

[@iTeacupPanda]

Agreed on all but The Stones. They were a major influence. Maybe not as much as others would've been if they had their platform but their major success still made them a large factor in music trends.

[@evzenvarga9707]

Sabbath too high? They literally created a genre which is still going on.

[@liamreynalds6621]

I’m sorry 7! Bloody 7 oasis should be top 3 it’s probably one of the best things that’s ever come out of Britain

[@therealbricker]

My top 10, using musicians from this top. 10. Kate Bush 9. Oasis 8. The Smiths 7. The Clash 6. The Rolling Stones 5. Black Sabbath 4. Pink Floyd 3. David Bowie 2. The Beatles 1. Queen

[@masondoesnothaveyourlastna2745]

Start oer you fool, Kate Bush is much higher.

[@therealbricker]

Mason does not have your last name she’s great, but I think that other entries are better.

[@iTeacupPanda]

LOL everyone mad over opinions. Kate Bush is my #1, but she is too unique for some people's eardrums. Not everyone can handle eccentricity. Other people thnk she is crazy and Kate Bush fans are confused when people think Queen is super unique because she makes 95% of artists look dull as a doorknob by comparison. If you're listening to music at a 10 constantly you're going to ask why people are playing so low at a 7. ( not saying one is better than the other, I mean in levels of unusuality. ) That said I think Kate and Freddie would've been good friends They both love Opera after all.

[@pseudoism]

Beatles were always going to crush that one... however Bowie is the most influential individual artist as his influence encompassed music, fashion and gender politics over decades... revolutionary, and sadly missed... RIP

[@Mozzza14]

A lot of people watching this don’t understand the meaning of the world INFLUENCE. - But i will add to that and say Bowie should be number 1 undeniably if we are talking INFLUENCE.

[@sigh47]

yeah they use it as great or successful. The Beatles influenced Oasis, but not many more (and Oasis influenced no one). Bowie nr 1 in this list for sure.

[@Bunny-zg4hd]

Exactly. The Killers, Marilyn Manson, Foster The People, Arcade Fire, and probably dozens of not hundreds more. None of them would even exist (or atleast be as good as they are) without Bowie.

[@birdmn9930]

N'Golo Cobain The Beatles influenced EVERYONE. They're the reason Jimi Hendrix used guitar feedback, and the reason people hold their drumsticks, just to say a few. The Beatles are the most influential and innovative EVER. It's hard to dispute that.

[@ladycplum]

What about Paul Weller? He's been a huge influence for a lot of band and solo artists

[@daswank]

beatles were brilliant, and to some extent influenced very early bowie, but bowie influenced over his entire career..and bot just in music either.

[@enriquepleitez3189]

I feel so sad because nobody talks about the genius Syd Barrett, who co-founded Pink Floyd, he inspired David Bowie, he created one of the best psychedelic albums in the world, after he was kicked out from the band, they also used his image to make the Wish you were here album, the dark side of the moon, and the wall. I should mention that beside Bowie there were some other singers and bands that were inspired by his creativity and post punk influence, but like he said For me the best one, always shine, Syd crazy diamond Barrett.