There are a number of rock headlining acts that have been around for about a half century – and they are still out on the road, playing lives shows and entertaining multiple generations of fans.
Such longevity is a testament to how endearing they’ve become and is the best evidence of their success.
Here are the top five bands with the longest histories still out on the road and getting it done.
1. The Eagles – established in 1971
After the loss of founding member Glenn Frey in 2016, The Eagles have had numerous line-up changes. But the California cowboys, led by Don Henley and Joe Walsh, have still gone on.
Over that time, The Eagles have created just seven studio albums, though all have gone platinum.
The band’s “Long Goodbye” tour ends this Spring, but like many other rock legends, is this really their final goodbye?
2. Metallica – established in 1981
For well over four decades, metal pioneers Metallica have been non-stop in making music and hitting the road.
While their most commercial album was 1991’s “Black” album, some of their earlier work got some popular love when “Master of Puppets” was used in the popular Netflix sci-fi series “Stranger Things.”
During their time on the road all these years, the band put together 11 albums (of varying quality!) and even toured with the San Francisco Symphony for their “S&M” album!
3. U2 – established in 1978
For over four decades Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Junior have been making music together, one of the few bands that still has an all-original lineup.
That alone is legendary.
The band – minus drummer Mullen, who is recovering from surgery – have a residency in Las Vegas now, and there are no indications that they plan to quit touring anytime soon.
Since getting their start, U2 has produced a whopping 15 albums, including classics like “Achtung Baby” and “Rattle and Hum.”
4. The Beach Boys – established in 1961
The Beach Boys have had a tumultuous career for well over 50 years, including death, mental illness and more, but this legendary party band is still out on the road led by veteran member Mike Love.
Not even Charles Manson and his motley Family could bring down The Beach Boys!
Since 1961, The Beach Boys have released 29 albums. 29!
Beginning in October of this year, you can catch them at sea on their “The Malt Shop Memories Cruise” embarking in Florida.
5. The Rolling Stones – established in 1962
The age old question: The Beatles or The Stones? If the question is, “Who is still touring?” The answer is The Stones!
The Rolling Stones continue on even after the death of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021. They celebrated the release of a Number 1 album in 2023’s “Hackney Diamonds,” and core members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood have dates coming up throughout North America.
How much longer will they tour? That’s a question fans were asking twenty years ago.
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