It’s time to start the first round of voting for the Chester Bennington Region. You will have 48 hours to make your selection before voting closes. I’ll give a brief rundown of each band and include my vote in a spoiler alert.
1 David Bowie- With over 140 million albums sold Ziggy Stardust takes the top spot. Considered a pioneer of glam rock, he has influenced countless bands with his music and concerts.
16 Frank Zappa- In addition to being known as a great musician, Zappa produced almost 60 albums in his lifetime. Even though he wasn’t as commercially successful as his peers, he is consider by many to be a major influence in their music career.
2 Smashing Pumpkins- Fronted by Billy Corgan, one of the most recognizable voices of his generation, SP was known for having a guitar heavy sound. They recorded critically acclaimed albums such as “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” and “Siamese Dream.”
15 Radiohead- How about another English rock band? Their debut single “Creep,” instantly became a worldwide hit and helped them become a household name. Their music has been both critically and commercially successful.
3 R.E.M.- Considered a pioneer of alternative rock, R.E.M. made a name for themselves by touring extensively and their support of college radio. They have become one of the best-selling bands of all time with more than 85 million albums sold.
14 Peter Gabriel- Gabriel rose to fame as the lead singer of Genesis. In addition to being a world famous singer he also co-founded OD2, one of the first online music download services.
4 Red Hot Chili Peppers- Known for their sock wearing and funk rock sound, the Peppers are one of the most successful bands of all time. They’ve sold over 80 million albums, won six Grammy Awards and hold records for most #1 singles and top ten songs on the alternatives songs chart.
13 Talking Heads- As one of the most celebrated bands of the 70’s and 80’s Talking Heads grab the 13 seed. Many artists have listed them as an influence with Radiohead taking their name from the Talking Heads song “Radio Head.”
5 Incubus- With their unique sound many critics have label them as hard to classify, but praise the band’s ambition. Their breakout hit “Drive,” off of the album “Make Yourself,” helped them obtain mainstream recognition.
12 Cure- The Cure were one of the first alternative bands to chart and have success before alternative rock became mainstream. Despite the band only having one constant member, Robert Smith, they have influenced many bands with their style.
6 Genesis- One of the most successful bands, their estimated sales are over 100 million worldwide. They have produced two of the biggest names in rock music, Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Phish guitarist, Trey Anastasio.
11 Rush- From our neighbors up north, Rush is known for their complex compositions with irregular and shifting time signatures. They are estimated to have sold over 65 million albums.
7 Papa Roach- In a somewhat surprising 7 seed, Papa Roach came onto the scene with their album “Infest.” While they initially started out using rap in some of their songs, they have evolved into a more traditional rock sound.
10 Yes- Yep, you guessed it. Yes is an English rock band. Known for their progressive sound, they have become one of the most successful and influential bands of the genre.
8 Korn- Known for the distinctive vocals of Jonathan Davis, Korn lit the world on fire with the album “Follow the Leader.” They are considered one of the pioneers of nu metal and redefined the definition of ADIDAS.
9 Linkin Park- Lead by Chester Bennington, LP has sold over 68 million albums worldwide and won two Grammy awards. Their debut album, “Hybrid Theory,” helped them to become an immediate success.
1 David Bowie- With over 140 million albums sold Ziggy Stardust takes the top spot. Considered a pioneer of glam rock, he has influenced countless bands with his music and concerts.
16 Frank Zappa- In addition to being known as a great musician, Zappa produced almost 60 albums in his lifetime. Even though he wasn’t as commercially successful as his peers, he is consider by many to be a major influence in their music career.
Going with Ziggy on this one. Bowie was just too good of a performer to lose this matchup.
2 Smashing Pumpkins- Fronted by Billy Corgan, one of the most recognizable voices of his generation, SP was known for having a guitar heavy sound. They recorded critically acclaimed albums such as “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” and “Siamese Dream.”
15 Radiohead- How about another English rock band? Their debut single “Creep,” instantly became a worldwide hit and helped them become a household name. Their music has been both critically and commercially successful.
Even though my rage is gone and I’m out of my cage, Smashing Pumpkins was just too big a part of my youth to vote against them.
3 R.E.M.- Considered a pioneer of alternative rock, R.E.M. made a name for themselves by touring extensively and their support of college radio. They have become one of the best-selling bands of all time with more than 85 million albums sold.
14 Peter Gabriel- Gabriel rose to fame as the lead singer of Genesis. In addition to being a world famous singer he also co-founded OD2, one of the first online music download services.
Tough call for me. While I enjoy Gabriel’s solo work, I like his Genesis stuff better. R.E.M. gets my vote.
4 Red Hot Chili Peppers- Known for their sock wearing and funk rock sound, the Peppers are one of the most successful bands of all time. They’ve sold over 80 million albums, won six Grammy Awards and hold records for most #1 singles and top ten songs on the alternatives songs chart.
13 Talking Heads- As one of the most celebrated bands of the 70’s and 80’s Talking Heads grab the 13 seed. Many artists have listed them as an influence with Radiohead taking their name from the Talking Heads song “Radio Head.”
No scar tissue hear. I’m voting for Red Hot Chili Peppers. Too many big hits to lose.
5 Incubus- With their unique sound many critics have label them as hard to classify, but praise the band’s ambition. Their breakout hit “Drive,” off of the album “Make Yourself,” helped them obtain mainstream recognition.
12 Cure- The Cure were one of the first alternative bands to chart and have success before alternative rock became mainstream. Despite the band only having one constant member, Robert Smith, they have influenced many bands with their style.
The Cure probably wishes I was here, but I’m going with Incubus on this one.
6 Genesis- One of the most successful bands, their estimated sales are over 100 million worldwide. They have produced two of the biggest names in rock music, Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Phish guitarist, Trey Anastasio.
11 Rush- From our neighbors up north, Rush is known for their complex compositions with irregular and shifting time signatures. They are estimated to have sold over 65 million albums.
Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel? I’m going with Genesis. Come at me.
7 Papa Roach- In a somewhat surprising 7 seed, Papa Roach came onto the scene with their album “Infest.” While they initially started out using rap in some of their songs, they have evolved into a more traditional rock sound.
10 Yes- Yep, you guessed it. Yes is an English rock band. Known for their progressive sound, they have become one of the most successful and influential bands of the genre.
”Infest” was just straight up awesome in my teenage years. I’ve got to give a shout out to Papa Roach on this one.
8 Korn- Known for the distinctive vocals of Jonathan Davis, Korn lit the world on fire with the album “Follow the Leader.” They are considered one of the pioneers of nu metal and redefined the definition of ADIDAS.
9 Linkin Park- Lead by Chester Bennington, LP has sold over 68 million albums worldwide and won two Grammy awards. Their debut album, “Hybrid Theory,” helped them to become an immediate success.
This is probably the toughest matchup for me. They both played a big part in my teenage years and both have a very unique sound. I’m giving the edge to Korn based on their body of work.
