Some of the biggest names in music started out as regular kids jamming in their parents' basements and garages. But through a combination of talent, hard work, and lucky breaks, these underground acts transformed into legendary bands that shaped entire generations. Let's look at how a few of them made that leap.
The Beatles are the classic rags-to-riches story. In 1960, they were just four Liverpool mates messing around at local clubs and pubs. But their catchy tunes and fun personalities quickly caught on. Before long, they were global megastars known for iconic songs like "Hey Jude," "Let It Be," and "Yesterday." The Beatles kicked off the British Invasion of rock bands and completely revolutionized pop music.
In the late 80s, a bunch of scruffy kids from Seattle formed a little grunge band called Nirvana. Led by the intense Kurt Cobain, their 1991 album "Nevermind" blew up thanks to anti-establishment hits like "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Nirvana spoke to the disillusioned youth of that era like no other band could. Though their fame was short-lived after Cobain's tragic death, Nirvana's raw, honest sound made a massive cultural impact.
Queen followed a more gradual trajectory to superstardom over the 70s. From playing dives in London, they leveled up to rock royalty status thanks to Freddie Mercury's incredible vocals and showmanship. With smash hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and electrifying stadium performances, Queen took rock to operatic new heights. They pioneered wildly creative music videos too.
The story of The Rolling Stones captures the excess and rebellion of 60s rock. Starting as a scrappy blues cover band, they grew into one of the most infamous and controversial acts in music history. Songs like "Satisfaction" and "Sympathy for the Devil" oozed edgy attitude. Despite endless drama, drugs, and member turnover, The Stones' bluesy riffs and Mick Jagger's electrifying stage presence kept packing arenas for decades.
And who could forget the hard-rocking Aussie legends of AC/DC? Founded by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, they started grinding it out at Sydney pubs in the 70s. Their no-frills, balls-to-the-wall sound and raw live shows like on "Highway to Hell" soon made them international hard rock heroes. AC/DC's music has soundtracked millions of long hair headbanging sessions over the years.
