Aerosmith (Official Thread)

[BeatleMatt]

I caught a glimpse of a fashion magazine last night proclaiming Aerosmith to be "the greatest American rock band". I'm not sure I agree but that's what it says on their full page front cover.
My joke has always been, "Aerosmith has sold more albums than The Beatles" . This is from the perspective of they recorded 15 studio albums and either way you score, The Beatles recorded less.
Anyway. Can we argue that Aerosmith are somehow greater than, say, Kiss? Van Halen? Cheap Trick?

 

[Vehicle]

That's the thing about music. It's subjective. If you think they're the greatest, then they are.

 

[Dude111]

They went downhill after thier 1978 appearence at TEXAS JAM 78 -- I have that on VHS and its excellent!!

 

[Catfish]

Like those alluding above, was a go-to band until Rocks (1st 4 studio) . Then my interest waned.

 

[Dude111]

Yea its kinda sad....

 

[dr wu]

Hmmm,,,,,not in my book but they are well liked by many and I think have sold more lps than any other American hard rock band.
I would put them over Kiss certainly....and probabaly Van Halen and Cheap Trick.
Not sure who I would name as the greatest American rock band.
BTW....I dont currently own any Aerosmith though I used to have a best of.

 

[TACdtf]

. Can we argue that Aerosmith are somehow greater than, say, Kiss? Van Halen? Cheap Trick?

Sure, you could argue it. I think the only legit argument would come from Kiss though. I don't think Cheap Trick is even close. Neither is Van Halen.

 

[dr wu]

Sure, you could argue it. I think the only legit argument would come from Kiss though. I don't think Cheap Trick is even close. Neither is Van Halen.

Close based on abilities, musicianship, and song writing ... or record sales......?

 

[TACdtf]

Close based on abilities, musicianship, and song writing ... or record sales......?

Not sure. We need a Classic Rock Forum algorithm to run this all through. lol

For me, the thing that works against Van Halen is their longevity/productivity. The Van Hagar years helps their cause, but not enough.

I know Cheap Trick has their fans and all, but to me, they're a second tier band.

I think you could make a case for Kiss though based on longevity, appeal, influence, iconicism, and all that.

The other band that I think you could throw into the argument is Toto. I'm not personally a fan in any way, but I think they deserve recognition, certainly over Cheap Trick and maybe Van Halen too.

 

[dr wu]

Not sure. We need a Classic Rock Forum algorithm to run this all through. lol

For me, the thing that works against Van Halen is their longevity/productivity. The Van Hagar years helps their cause, but not enough.

I know Cheap Trick has their fans and all, but to me, they're a second tier band.

I think you could make a case for Kiss though based on longevity, appeal, influence, iconicism, and all that.

The other band that I think you could throw into the argument is Toto. I'm not personally a fan in any way, but I think they deserve recognition, certainly over Cheap Trick and maybe Van Halen too.

Always thought Kiss was a joke....'nuff said on that.
Cheap Trick was a great power pop band in the early days at least for a few lps.
Van Halen had Eddie on guitar...other than that I was not a fan either.
Toto....never heard of them.
None of them deserve greatest American rock band.....probably not Aerosmith either.