Some of these pairings are just evil....

The Beatles vs. Paramore
Queen vs. Alter Bridge
Led Zeppelin vs. Slayer
KISS vs. The Clash
Metallica vs. Stevie Wonder
Rolling Stones vs. Megadeth
Aerosmith vs. Iron Maiden
Elvis vs. Pink Floyd
Nirvana vs. Frank Sinatra
The Eagles vs. Beach Boys
Eric Clapton/Cream vs. Jackson 5/Michael Jackson
Fleetwood Mac vs. U2
AC/DC vs. Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne
Red Hot Chili Peppers vs. Jimi Hendrix
Van Halen vs. Prince
Foo Fighters vs. The Ramones

Just to elaborate on that rather lacking Floyd bio...

Floyd will always be Roger Waters, Richard Wright, David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Syd Barrett - the first four names being the most important and recognised line-up.

Barrett became ill from LSD use so Gilmour replaced him as guitarist and singer while Waters and Gilmour took over the song writing. When Waters left in 1983 Gilmour, Mason and Wright continued as a trio.

Dark Side Of The Moon is not just their biggest selling album but also the third best selling album EVER! The Wall was a top selling album of the 80's and Another Brick In The Wall was their only no 1 hit single.

The Beatles vs. Paramore-LOL
Foo Fighters vs. The Ramones-The fact that it took so long for people to realize the greatness of the Ramones says something to me.
Nirvana vs. Frank Sinatra-Maybe I'm just too young to realize Sinatra's greatness or to naive to admit that he is better than Nirvana, but my vote still goes the other way.
Elvis vs. Pink Floyd-it's hard to argue against a band like Floyd, but Elvis is such a huge star - at least in America - that I have to vote for him here.

And just so you know, it must have taken me forever to write all of those bios as we had some votes in before the first round even started. If you would like, then you can re-post your picks as I officially announce each part of the bracket, just so that it is easier to keep track of.

Elvis was huge globally. I hated this pick as it was the hardest one for me (along with Maiden vs Aerosmith).

I went with Floyd purely because got a little lost in the shuffle during the 60's after such a meteoric start due to his army stint and film career getting in the way. Floyd pushed musical boundaries and brought an intelligence and meaning to the music and lyrics hitherto unseen at the time. As spiralling and experimental as their music was there was also something real about it that touched you deeply.

Elvis is probably more important overall for the birth of rock'n'roll and it's early popularity but if Elvis had been a songwriter as well, we could have got a true measure of his talent being being the greatest rock n roll singer and performer.

Otherwsie i would argue the case for Elvis almost any other time.

The Beatles - Paramore: I know I'm gonna get beasted for this but I just never liked a single Beatles song! Before my time and just never got into it!

FooFs - The Ramones: A no contest in my book. The FFs got me into real music and I will always have a soft spot for them.

Nirvana - Sinatra: Similar to The Beatles pick. The only time I enjoyed Sinatra was when I was off my swede at my leavers ball and they played New York New York!

Elvis - Pink Floyd: Man am I dumping on some legends! Same deal, just not my thing. Dark Side Of The Moon however...

So like whens the next round going to be up Big Dave?

Just realized I can't see i Have voted so here we go...


The Beatles vs. Paramore
Foo Fighters vs. The Ramones
Nirvana vs. Frank Sinatra
Elvis vs. Pink Floyd

The Beatles vs. Paramore
Foo Fighters vs. The Ramones
Nirvana vs. Frank Sinatra
Elvis vs. Pink Floyd

Mollison wrote:

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70% of my music collection pre-dates me reaching back to the 70's, but, as much as I can respect what the did for music, I've just never enjoyed their music. It's hard to justify, but it simply has never been my thing. Give me Led Zep, The Who, The Boss, The Rolling Stones, old Santana stuff... love it but just never been into the 3 named acts!

 

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All of those acts bar Springsteen started in the 60's....

But as David said, this isn't about personal choice this is a exercise in objectivity so really, voting a new unknown group over the biggest pop group of all time is just a tad spurious, don't you think?

 

I lol'd too

Now I'm gonna get a load of crap for this but I'm not going to vote for something I dont like! Tony Blair was a very good politician, but I dont agree with his politics and thus I would never vote for him in my greatest politicians...

How many more times does it have to be said: IT IS NOT ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE!!!!!!!

Jesus Christ...I give up...

OK, now that you guys have battled it out about the first pairings, I am FINALLY back to give you the next pairings. Sorry that I've been gone for so long, but my life has been crazy these past few weeks. Hopefully I'll be able to continue through to see the end of this contest by the end of this year though! Here are the results from the first pairings:

The Beatles-6, Paramore-2
Foo Fighters-5, Ramones-3
Frank Sinatra-5, Nirvana-3
Elvis-5, Pink Floyd-3

Some interesting outcomes there. At least one of them was an upset.

And by the way Mib, how come I've never heard any non-Brit declare Pink Floyd the greatest band of all time? You mull over that and I'll work on the pairings and bios for the next round of voting.

OK, here are the next pairings:

Metallica vs. Stevie Wonder
Fleetwood Mac vs. U2
AC/DC vs. Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne
KISS vs. The Clash

And the bios:

Metallica vs. Stevie Wonder
Metallica (James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo) is an American heavy metal band. They form in Los Angeles in 1981. Original bassist Cliff Burton was killed when their tour bus crashed in 1986, and was replaced by Jason Newstead, who eventually left the band before Trujillo took over in 2003. The band gained mainstream acceptance with the release of Metallica in 1991, but most hardcore fans maintain that 1986's Master of Puppets is their best album. Their hit songs include "Enter Sandman," "The One," and "Nothing Else Matters."

Stevie Wonder is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was a prominent name in 20th Century pop music, and has won more Grammy Awards (25) than any other solo artist. He also has more than 30 top ten hits, including "Go Home," I Just Called to Say I Love You," and "That Girl." Wonder has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Songwriter's Halls of Fame.

Fleetwood Mac vs. U2
Fleetwood Mac (Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, John McVie, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham) is a British rock band known for commercial success and high turnover. The only constant member of the band has been namesake drummer Mick Fleetwood. Their 1977 album Rumours is one of the best-selling of all-time (and my personal favorite). They have remained one of the most consistent bands over time, with hits like "The Chain," "Go Your Own Way," "Tusk," and "Dreams."

U2 (Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Multon Jr) is an Irish rock band known for activism and political messages in their songs. They were known more as an impressive live act until 1987's The Joshua Tree made them a superstar band. They are known for their anthemic sound and Bono's impassioned vocals. Hits include "With or Without You," "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," and "Beautiful Day."

AC/DC vs. Black Sabbath
AC/DC (Angus Young, Malcom Young, Cliff Williams, Brian Johnson, Phil Rudd) is an Australian heavy metal band, formed in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. Former lead singer Bon Scott died in 1980, and the band considered disbanding before deciding on Brian Johnson as the new lead singer. They have been ranked by multiple sources as one of the top metal and rock bands of all-time, and Back in Black is the 5th-highest selling album in US history. Hits include "Back in Black," "She Shook Me All Night Long," and "Hells Bells." They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

Black Sabbath (Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward) is an English heavy metal band, formed in 1968. They are one of the most influential and successful hard rock bands of all time, and albums like 1981's Paranoid have helped them sell more than 100 million records worldwide. Hits include "Iron Man" and "Psycho Man." The lead vocalist position for the band has been a revolving door, with multiple vocalists holding the title, including Osbourne, Ronnie James Dio, Ian Gillan, David Donato, Glen Hughes, Ray Gillen, and Tony Martin.

KISS vs. The Clash
KISS (Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, Paul Criss) is an American rock band formed in New York in 1973 that is known for their trademark face paint and elaborate live shows. They have been awarded 24 gold albums and have sold more the 90 million albums worldwide. Hits include "Detroit Rock City" and "Rock and Roll All Night."

The Clash (Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon) were an English punk rock band, active from 1976-86. While they were known as a punk rock band, they were also known to experiment with various other genres of music throughout their active years. Hits include "London Calling" and "White Riot."

Metallica V Stevie Wonder: I'm a metal head so this is a no-brainer for me.
Fleetwood Mac V U2: A hard one this, gone off U2 recently but overall they just pip this one.
AC/DC V Ozzy/Sabbath: Ok this took ages to decide. I love both but AC/DC have been more consistent.
KISS V The Clash: Not really into punk and while KISS are pushing the envelope too much now I still much prefer them to The Clash.

(Dont think there's anything in there for MiB to get on his soapbox about!)

Man In Black wrote:

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What is this - pick on MIB week?

I'm just kidding with ya MiB. Well our votes concur this time so no "discussion" to be had.

 

Metallica V Stevie Wonder:
Fleetwood Mac V U2:
AC/DC V Ozzy/Sabbath:
KISS V The Clash

My music taste is pretty odd ^^.I like Stevie Wonder so had to choose him though from what i listned of Metallica,they are really cool.

Metallica vs. Stevie Wonder
Fleetwood Mac vs. U2
AC/DC vs. Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne
KISS vs. The Clash

Metallica were the first band that got me into metal and although they've gone off the boil recently, they produced some classics.

U2 by default, never really got into Fleetwood Mac

Although AC/DC rock, The Sabbath started it all!

Kiss = Legends!

Sorry that I'm going to be pretty much quadruple posting here, but I went back and recorded DM's votes, and here they are:

Metallica vs. Stevie Wonder
Fleetwood Mac vs. U2
AC/DC vs. Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne
KISS vs. The Clash

Just wanted to make sure you guys know where I got the numbers from...

Led Zeppelin vs. Slayer
Red Hot Chili Peppers vs. Jimi Hendrix
Eric Clapton/Cream vs. Michael Jackson/Jackson 5
Rolling Stones vs. Megadeth

Led Zeppelin vs. Slayer
Led Zeppelin (Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, John Bonham) is an English rock band, who some call the first metal band. They were driven by mainly be heavy guitars and they also include some blues and folk influences in their music. They have been named among the best rock bands of all-time (including no. 1 on VH1's best hard rock bands of all time), and they have sold more than 300 million albums worldwide. There is talk that they could reunite after they played a performance in London's O2 Arena last December with the late Bonham's son, Jason, on drums. Famous songs include "Stairway to Heaven," "Kashmir," "Whole Lotta Love," and "Black Dog."

Slayer (Jeff Henneman, Kerry King, Tom Araya, Dave Lombardo) is an American thrash band. They are one of the Big Four thrash metal bands, along with Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth. Some of their controversial music has been the target of lawsuits and bannings in the US and other countries. They have released 10 studio albums and have been nominated for three Grammys. Some of their most popular songs include "Eyes of the Insane" and "SS-3."

Red Hot Chili Peppers vs. Jimi Hendrix
The Red Hot Chili Peppers (Anthony Kiedis, John Frusciante, Michael "Flea" Balzary, Chad Smith) are an American alternative rock band formed in 1983. They are known for their infusions of rock and funk with various other styles, including punk and heavy metal. Their major breakthrough came with the release of Blood Sugar Sex Magik in 1992, which sold over 12 million copies. After a mini break up in the mid-90s, the full band reunited in 1999 for the release of Californiacation, which sold over 15 million units worldwide and has been called on of the best rock albums of the 90s. Some of their biggest hits include "Under the Bridge," "Californiacation," and "Dani California."

Jimi Hendrix was an American guitarist, songwriter, bandleader, and singer. He is considered on of the most influential guitarists of all-time. Jimi got his start in the UK, but later developed a following in the States and eventually headlined the iconic Woodstock Festival in 1969. He has been inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame and also has his own star on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame." He has influenced countless musicians. He died in 1970 amongst circumstanced that have never fully been defined. Hit songs include "Foxy Lady," "Purple Haze," and "Gypsy Eyes."

Eric Clapton vs. Michael Jackson
Eric Clapton is an English singer, songwriter, guitarist, and composer. He has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame an unprecedented 3 times (The Yardbirds, Cream, and solo) and is known as one of the best guitarists of the 20th century. His career, rooted in the blues genre, has spanned more than 4 decades, making him one of the most successful musicians of all-time. His hits include "Layla," "Cocaine," and "Tears in Heaven."

Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop, is an American musician and entertainer. He debuted on the music scene as a kid with the group Jackson 5, along with his brothers. His career has been controversial and enigmatic, and he has been a major part of the pop scene for more than 4 decades. He has received 13 Grammy Awards and is in the Guiness Book of World Records as the "Most Successful Entertainer of All-Time." Hits include "Beat It," "Billie Jean," and "Thriller."

Rolling Stones vs. Megadeth
The Rolling Stones (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ron Wood) are an English rock band that formed in London in 1962 and became a major part of the "British Invasion" in the 1960s, which was started by The Beatles. They developed from an R&B and blues band into one of the best straight rock bands of all-time. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and were ranked number 4 by Rolling Stone's 2004 list of the Greatest Bands of All-Time. Hits include "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," "Paint it Black," and "Brown Sugar."

Megadeth (Dave Mustaine, Chris Broderick, Shawn Drover, James LoMenzo) is an American heavy metal band, formed in 1983 by Mustaine following his departure from Metallica. They are part of the Big Four of thrash metal, along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. As one of the most successful metal bands of all-time, Megadeth has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and is known for their heavy, guitar-based sound. Hits include "Symphony of Destruction," "Peace Sells," and "Holy Wars...the Punishment Due."

YOU HAVE ONE WEEK TO VOTE. THE NEXT ROUND WILL COMMENCE ON FRIDAY, MARCH 21.


-- Edited by David McKinney at 15:33, 2008-03-14

Led Zeppelin vs. Slayer
Red Hot Chili Peppers vs. Jimi Hendrix
Eric Clapton/Cream vs. Michael Jackson/Jackson 5
Rolling Stones vs. Megadeth

Arguably the most academic round yet..

Except you got the Clapton vs Jackson one wrong....

Led Zeppelin vs. Slayer
Red Hot Chili Peppers vs. Jimi Hendrix
Eric Clapton/Cream vs. Michael Jackson/Jackson 5
Rolling Stones vs. Megadeth

Aerosmith vs. Iron Maiden
The Eagles vs. Beach Boys
Van Halen vs. Prince
Queen vs. Alter Bridge

Aerosmith vs. Iron Maiden
Aerosmith (Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Brad Whitford) is an American rock band. They are known by two different monikers, "The Bad Boys of Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock Band." They incorporate a blues rock style with pop, glam, and even some R&B. They are the best-selling American rock band of all-time (150 million worldwide, 66.5 million US), and they have had 21 Top 40 hits, including nine #1 songs. They also have 4 Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. They got their mainstream break in 1975 with Toys in the Attic, and they've being going strong since. Hits include "Dream On," "Sweet Emotion," "Janie's Got a Gun," and "Jaded."

Iron Maiden (Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Nicko McBrain, Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith, Janick Gers) is an English metal band, formed in London in 1975. They are one of the most successful metal bands of all-time, selling more than 100 million records worldwide. Hits include "The Trooper" and "Rime of the Ancient Mariner," (which is a full-length poem that lasts somewhere around 17 minutes).

The Eagles vs. Beach Boys
The Eagles (Glen Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit) are an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1970. With 5 #1 singles and 6 #1 albums, they were one of the most successful bands of the 70s. They took a 14-year hiatus from 1980-1994, but reunited in 94 and have toured intermittently since. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, and they released their first studio album in more than 28 years in 2007, entitled Long Road Out of Eden. Hits include "Hotel California," "Desperado," and "Heartache Tonight."

The Beach Boys (Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, Brian Wilson) are an American rock band formed in 1961. They are known for their vocal harmonies and California surfer-style music. Known as "America's Band," they have had 36 top 40 hits (the most of any American band), including 4 #1's, and they are the #1 American band according to album and single sales. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Hits include "Cotton Fields," "Good Vibrations," "I Get Around."

Van Halen vs. Prince
Van Halen (Eddie Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Alex Van Halen, Wolfgang Van Halen) is an American hard rock band, formed in California in 1972. The band has sold more than 56 million albums in the US alone, are one of only a handful of bands to have sold more than 10 million copies of 2 different albums. The band is known for disputes between band members, and there are two distinct eras of their music: the David Lee Roth era (1972-85) and the Sammy Hagar era (1985-96). They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Hits include "Jump," "Hot For Teacher," and "You Really Got Me."

Prince Rogers Nelson is an American pop musician. His musical style has spanned several different genres, from an R&B/soul/funk style in his early career to a more hip hop/jazz style in his later career. Prince was made famous in the 80s by a style that he started, called "Minneapolis Sound," which incorporates drum machines and synthesizers. He is known as a perfectionist and has released hundreds of songs under his own name and with various artists. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Hits include "Purple Rain," "Little Red Corvette," "1999," and "When Doves Cry."

Queen vs. Alter Bridge
Queen (Brian May, Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, John Deacon) is an English rock band, formed in 1970 in London. They are known for their musical diversity and vocal harmonies, and they went mainstream in 1974 with the release of Sheer Heart Attack. They have sold more than 300 million albums worldwide (32.5 million US), and they are one of the most successful bands of all-time. Lead singer Freddie Mercury died in 1991 from AIDS, and Brian May and Roger Taylor have toured off and on since then, usually with Paul Rogers, as Queen + Paul Rogers. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, and they became the first band to be inducted into VH1's Rock Honors in 2006. Hits include "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Are the Champions," "We Will Rock You," and "Another One Bites the Dust."

Alter Bridge (Myles Kennedy, Mike Tremonti, Scott Phillips, Brian Marshall) is an American band from Orlando, formed in 2004. The band is made up of former members of the band Creed (Tremonti, Phillips, Marshall) and lead singer Myles Kennedy. The band is known for an alternative style and their connection to World Wrestling Entertainment. Hits include "Rise Today" and "Open Your Eyes."