A live performer is only as good as their backing band. For many of the biggest artists of the last century, backup bands have managed to make their live performances so much better. And many of those backup bands are collective unsung heroes. Let’s take a look at some of the greatest rock backup bands in history!
1. The E Street Band
What would a list of the greatest rock backup bands without mentioning the group that helped catapult Bruce Springsteen to the top? It’s kind of unfair to just label The E Street Band as Springsteen’s backing band, though. They were incredibly important in Springsteen’s rise to fame, and each member’s solo careers have proved they’re so much more than just backup for a rock star. The E Street has also performed with the likes of Paul McCartney, Aretha Franklin, and David Bowie.
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2. The Wailers
The Wailers are one of the greatest reggae rock backup bands of all time, namely through their work with the incomparable Bob Marley. Even though Marley passed away a long time ago, The Wailers are still going strong in the world of reggae. The OG lineup included Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer. That lineup has been gone for a long time, but a new lineup of reggae pros leads the band today.
3. The Revolution
Prince was the kind of performer who didn’t really need a band to put on a show, but the addition of The Revolution only made him all the more entrancing to watch and hear live. The Revolution also starred in Purple Rain along with the pop icon himself. Not only did the band accompany Prince beautifully on stage and on film, but they also helped write some of his most popular songs in the 1980s.
4. The Spiders From Mars
The greatest rock backup bands are often underestimated, and The Spiders From Mars is a great example of that. David Bowie’s backup band from the Ziggy Stardust era was a vital part of the whole concept. Mick Ronson, a pivotal member of the band, wrote a number of arrangements for Bowie’s discography as well.
5. The Band
This might seem like an odd addition to our list of the greatest rock backup bands ever, but they’re worth mentioning. The Band wasn’t really known for being a backup band. However, that’s precisely how they started their legendary career. The Band originally came about during Bob Dylan’s 1966 world tour, which marked the first time Dylan (controversially) used the electric guitar during his performances.
Today, The Band is best known for their hits “The Night They Drive Old Dixie Down” and “The Weight”.
Photo by Rob DeMartin
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