I will also add that mainstream European musical taste is different than the US...they have kept hard rock and metal alive and well and in the forefront. In the US hip-hop and pop seem to be the most popular music with the youth of today.
When it comes to "Alternative or Indie" bands the US has the lead in that category...but I don't like the nomenclature they are rock bands plain and simple.
Most popular, yes. But that doesn't mean squat. I'd hate to be one of them kids you see on youtube, but I am 12 years old and just yesterday got kicked out of Church for wearing my Overkill Feel the Fire shirt. I'm not trying to be special or anything, but try getting put down 24/7 for your music taste.
And the U.S has great bands like KISS, Aerosmith, Metallica, Megadeth, Van Halen, Alice Cooper, Anthrax, Bon Jovi, Cinderella,
and the one and only =
OVERKILL