26 Popular, Famous, and Influential Bay Area Rock Bands
Mr. Cheese (Nick Ortman) is a Graduate of Columbia University's MFA program. He's a drummer and frequently writes about the music industry.
The Bay Area is well known for being the birthplace of many cultural and political movements. Coinciding with these cultural changes, musical revolutions began in the Bay Area as well. From psychedelic rock to alternative funk metal, here are 26 of the most famous and influential bands from the Bay Area.
Famous and Influential Bay Area Bands
- Primus
- Grateful Dead
- Steve Miller Band
- Jefferson Airplane
- Michael Franti
- Sly and the Family Stone
- Dead Kennedys
- Doobie Brothers
- Big Brother and the Holding Company
- Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Hot Tuna
- Journey
- Faith No More
- Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
- Buckethead
- Chris Isaak
- Deerhoof
- Santana
- Mr. Bungle
- Third Eye Blind
- Train
- Tower of Power
- Thee Oh Sees
- Blaqk Audio
- Death Angel
- Huey Lewis and the News
1. Primus (El Sobrante)
Origin: El Sobrante, California, U.S.
Years Active: 1984–2000, 2003–2006, 2008, 2010–present
Genre: Funk Metal, Progressive Rock
Main Members: Les Claypool, Larry "Ler" LaLonde, Tim "Herb" Alexander
Genre: Alternative metal, funk metal, experimental rock, progressive rock
Bio:
- Primus formed in 1984 with Claypool and guitarist Todd Huth. Later, drummer Jay Lane joined the group, but the latter two departed the band at the end of 1988.
- LaLonde and Alexander joined Primus and recorded their debut Suck on This in 1989.
- Primus made four studio albums. Their strange and quirky rhythms and dark, but comical, lyrics expanded the definition of alternative rock.
- Primus went on to record the original theme song for the TV show South Park and Robot Chicken.
Albums: Frizzle Fry (1990), Sailing the Seas of Cheese (1991), Pork Soda (1993), Tales from the Punchbowl (1995), Brown Album (1997), Antipop (1999), Green Naugahyde (2011), Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble (2014), The Desaturating Seven (2017)
Labels: Caroline, Interscope, Prawn Song, ATO, MapleMusic
Famous Songs: "Jerry Was A Race Car Driver", "My Name Is Mud"
Essential Lyrics on "Jerry Was A Race Car Driver" by Primus
Captain Pierce was a fireman
Richmond engine number three
I'll be a wealthy man when I get
A dime for all the things that
Man taught to me
Captain pierce was a strong man
Strong as any man alive
It stuck in his craw that they
Made him retire at the age of 65
Les Claypool Quote
More than anything, I think the best thing you can do as an artist is just stay as true to yourself as possible and hope that your fan base will appreciate that.
— Les Claypool
2. Grateful Dead (Palo Alto)
Origin: Palo Alto, California
Years Active: 1965–1995
Genre: Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Members: Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Robert Hunter, John Perry Barlow, Tom Constanten, Keith Godchaux, Donna Jean Godchaux, Brent Mydland, Vince Welnick
Bio:
- Various influences were distilled into a diverse and psychedelic whole that made the Grateful Dead "the pioneering Godfathers of the jam bandworld".
- The Dead were a communal movement, giving proceeds of their concerts to environmental and community-based organizations.
- The band was ranked 57th by Rolling Stone magazine in its The Greatest Artists of All Time issue.
- They have sold more than 35 million albums worldwide.
Albums: The Grateful Dead (1967), Anthem of the Sun (1968), Aoxomoxoa (1969), Live/Dead (1969), Workingman's Dead (1970), American Beauty (1970), Grateful Dead (Skull & Roses) (1971), Europe '72 (1972), History of the Grateful Dead, Volume One (Bear's Choice) (1973), Wake of the Flood (1973), From the Mars Hotel (1974), Blues for Allah (1975), Steal Your Face (1976), Terrapin Station (1977), Shakedown Street (1978), Go to Heaven (1980), Reckoning (1981), Dead Set (1981), In the Dark (1987), Dylan & the Dead (1989), Built to Last (1989), Without a Net (1990)
Labels: Warner Bros., Grateful Dead, Arista, Rhino, Sunflower, UA
Famous Songs: "China Cat Sunflower", "Truckin'"
Essential Lyrics on "China Cat Sunflower" by Grateful Dead
Crazy cat peekin' through a lace bandanna
Like a one-eyed cheshire, like a diamond-eye jack
A leaf of all colors plays a golden-string fiddle
To a double-e waterfall over my back
Jerry Garcia Quote
Constantly choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil.
— Jerry Garcia
3. Steve Miller Band (San Francisco)
Origin: San Francisco, California, United States
Years Active: 1966–present
Genre: Country rock, blues rock, psychedelic rock, pop rock
Main Members: Steve Miller, Kenny Lee Lewis, Gordy Knudtson, Joseph Wooten, Jacob Petersen
Bio:
- Originally called the Steve Miller Blues Band, the group first made its mark as a psychedelic blues-rock band in San Francisco.
- The popularity, and radio friendliness, of 1982's Abracadabra, which included the worldwide hit single of the same name, launched them into stardom.
Albums: Children of the Future (1968), Sailor (1968), Brave New World (1969), Your Saving Grace (1969), Number 5 (1970), Rock Love (1971), Recall the Beginning...A Journey from Eden (1972), The Joker (1973), Fly Like an Eagle (1976), Book of Dreams (1977), Circle of Love (1981), Abracadabra (1982), Italian X Rays (1984), Living in the 20th Century (1986), Born 2 B Blue (1988), Wide River (1993), Bingo! (2010), Let Your Hair Down (2011)
Labels: Capitol, Mercury, Polydor, Roadrunner, Loud & Proud
Famous Songs: "Abracadabra", "Space Cowboy"
Essential Lyrics on "Space Cowboy" by Steve Miller Band
You can have your space, cowboy
I ain't gonna fence you in
Go on ride away, in your Silverado
Guess I'll see you 'round again
I know my place, and it ain't with you
Sunsets fade, and love does too
Yeah, we had our day in the sun
When a horse wants to run, there ain't no sense in closing the gate
You can have your space, cowboy
Steve Miller Quote
It is never too late to be who you might have been. It is always possible.
— Steve Miller
4. Jefferson Airplane (San Francisco)
Origin: San Francisco, California, U.S.
Years Active: 1965–1972; 1989; 1996
Genre: Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Members: Signe Toly Anderson, Marty Balin, Bob Harvey, Paul Kantner
Jorma Kaukonen, Jerry Peloquin, Skip Spence, Jack Casady, Spencer Dryden
Grace Slick, Joey Covington, Papa John Creach, John Barbata, David Freiberg
Genre: Psychedelic rock, acid rock, folk rock, garage rock
Bio:
- Jefferson Airplane was one of the pioneering bands of psychedelic rock. The group defined the "San Francisco Sound" and was the first band from the Bay to achieve international commercial success.
- They headlined three famous American rock festivals of the 1960s, including Monterey (1967), Woodstock (1969), and Altamont (1969).
- Their album Surrealistic Pillow ranks as one of the most significant recordings of the "Summer of Love".
Albums: Jefferson Airplane Takes Off (1966), Surrealistic Pillow (1967), After Bathing at Baxter's (1967), Crown of Creation (1968), Volunteers (1969), Bark (1971), Long John Silver (1972), Jefferson Airplane (1989)
Labels: RCA Victor, Grunt, Epic
Famous Songs: "White Rabbit", "Somebody to Love"
Essential Lyrics on "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane
When logic and proportion have fallen sloppy dead
And the white knight is talking backwards
And the red queen's off with her head
Remember what the dormouse said
Feed your head, feed your head
Grace Slick Quote
No matter how big or soft or warm your bed is, you still have to get out of it.
— Grace Slick
5. Michael Franti & Spearhead (San Francisco)
Origin: San Francisco
Years Active: 1994-present
Genre: Reggae Rock
Members: Michael Franti (vocals), Carl Young (bass), Jay Bowman (guitar)
Mike Blankenship (keyboard), Manas Itiene (drums)
Bio:
- Franti is known for having participated in many musical projects (most of them with a political and social emphasis).
- Michael Franti & Spearhead is a band that blends hip hop with a variety of other styles including funk, reggae, jazz, folk, and rock.
- Franti is an outspoken supporter for a wide spectrum of peace and social justice issues.
- Franti runs a concert series called "Power to the Peaceful" each year in San Francisco.
Albums: Home, Chocolate Supa Highway, Stay Human, Everyone Deserves Music, Yell Fire!, All Rebel Rockers, The Sound of Sunshine, All People, SoulRocker
Labels: Alternative Tentacles, Island, Capitol, Boo Boo Wax, Six Degrees, ANTI-
Famous Songs: "Say Hey", "Ganja Babe"
Essential Lyrics on "Say Hey" by Michael Franti & Spearhead
I've been a lot of places all around the way
I've seen a lot of joy and I've seen a lot of pain
But I don't want to write a love song for the world
I just want to write a song about a boy and a girl
Michael Franti Quote
We can bomb the world to pieces, but we can't bomb it into peace.
— Michael Franti
6. Sly and the Family Stone (San Francisco)
Origin: San Francisco , California , U.S.
Years Active: 1966–1983
Genre: Funk, psychedelic soul
Members: Sly Stone, Freddie Stone, Cynthia Robinson, Jerry Martini, Vet Stewart, Mary McCreary, Elva Mouton, Larry Graham, Greg Errico, Rose Stone, Gerry Gibson, Pat Rizzo, Rustee Allen, Andy Newmark, Bill Lordan, Sid Page, Vicki Blackwell, Jim Strassburg, Dennis Marcellino
Bio:
- The band was crucial in the development of funk, soul, rock, and psychedelic music, especially in the Bay Area.
- The group's core line-up included Stone's brother and singer/guitarist Freddie Stone, sister and singer/keyboardist Rose Stone, trumpeter Cynthia Robinson, drummer Greg Errico, saxophonist Jerry Martini, and bassist Larry Graham.
- Sly and the Family Stone was the first major American rock group to have a racially integrated, male and female lineup.
Albums: 1967: A Whole New Thing, 1968: Dance to the Music, 1968: Life, 1969: Stand!, 1971: There's a Riot Goin' On, 1973: Fresh, 1974: Small Talk, 1975: High on You, 1976: Heard Ya Missed Me, Well I'm Back, 1979: Back on the Right Track, 1982: Ain't but the One Way
Labels: Epic, Stone Flower
Famous Songs: "Thank You", "I Want to Take You Higher"
Essential Lyrics on "Thank You" Sly and the Family Stone
Mama's so happy
Mama start to cry
Papa still singin'
You can make it if you try
Sly Stone Quote
Stand, you've been sitting much too long, there's a permanent crease in your right or wrong.
— Sly Stone
7. Dead Kennedys (San Francisco)
Origin: San Francisco, California, U.S.
Years Active: 1978–1986, 2001–present
Genre: Punk rock, hardcore punk
Members: East Bay Ray Klaus Flouride, D. H. Peligro, Ron "Skip" Greer, Jello Biafra, Brandon Cruz, 6025 Ted, Jeff Penalty, Dave Scheff, Greg Reeves
Bio:
- The Dead Kennedys were one of the first American hardcore bands to make a significant impact in the U.K.
- Their lyrics were usually political in nature, satirizing establishment political figures (both liberal and conservative) and authority in general, as well as pop culture... including the punk movement itself.
- During their initial incarnation between 1978 and 1986, several stores refused to stock their recordings, provoking debate about censorship in rock music.
- In the mid-1980s, vocalist Jello Biafra became an active campaigner against the Parents Music Resource Center. His political sentiments are still echoed in the punk community today.
Albums: Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980), Plastic Surgery Disasters (1982), Frankenchrist (1985), Bedtime for Democracy (1986)
Labels: Cherry Red, Faulty Products, Alternative Tentacles, Manifesto/Decay
Famous Songs: "Holiday in Cambodia", "Police Truck"
Essential Lyrics on "Holiday in Cambodia" by Dead Kennedys
You're a star-belly snitch
You suck like a leech
You want everyone to act like you
Kiss ass while you bitch
So you can get rich
While your boss gets richer off you
Jello Biafra Quote
Don't hate the media, become the media.
— Jello Biafra
8. Doobie Brothers (San Jose)
Origin: San Jose , California , U.S.
Years Active: 1970–1982, 1987–present
Genre: Rock, soft rock, pop, blue-eyed soul
Members: Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, John McFee
Bio:
- The Doobie Brothers have been active for five decades.
- They influenced other pop-soul, blue-eyed soul, and soft rock bands for years to come.
- The band's long career is partially a result of their jammy elements, which allow for multiple musicians to trade off and share the limelight.
Albums: The Doobie Brothers (1971), Toulouse Street (1972), The Captain and Me (1973), What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits (1974), Stampede (1975), Takin' It to the Streets (1976), Livin' on the Fault Line (1977), Minute by Minute (1978), One Step Closer (1980), Cycles (1989), Brotherhood (1991), Sibling Rivalry (2000), World Gone Crazy (2010), Southbound (2014)
Labels: Warner Bros., Capitol, Arista, Sony
Famous Songs: "Takin' It to the Streets", "Eyes of Silver"
Essential Lyrics on "Takin' It to the Streets" by Doobie Brothers
Oh, you, telling me the things
You're gonna do for me
I ain't blind and I don't like
What I think I see
Doobie Brothers Quote
Lonesome shepherd in the field ahead
Moonlight flows across the grass
The rocky hills catch the light above
Their shadows cast
— The Doobie Brothers
9. Big Brother and the Holding Company (SF)
Origin: San Francisco, California
Years Active: 1965–1968, 1969–1972, 1987–present
Genre: Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Members: Peter Albin Dave Getz Tom Finch Darby Gould Tommy Odetto
Bio:
- They formed in 1965 as part of the same psychedelic music scene that produced the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and Jefferson Airplane.
- They are known as the band that featured Janis Joplin.
- Their 1968 album Cheap Thrills is considered one of the masterpieces of the psychedelic sound of San Francisco.
Albums: Big Brother & the Holding Company, Cheap Thrills, Be a Brother, How Hard It Is, Can't Go Home Again, Do What You Love
Labels: Columbia, Mainstream
Famous Songs: "Piece of My Heart", "Ball and Chain"
Essential Lyrics on "Piece of My Heart" by Big Brother and the Holding Company
Didn't I make you feel like you were the only man yeah!
Didn't I give you nearly everything that a woman possibly can?
Honey, you know I did!
And each time I tell myself that I, well I think I've had enough
But I'm gonna show you, baby, that a woman can be tough
I want you to come on, come on, come on, come on and take it
Take it!
Janis Joplin Quote
Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got.
— Janis Joplin
Famous Albums by Bay Area Bands
Artist | Song |
---|---|
Tower of Power | "Tower of Power" |
Huey Lewis | "Huey Lewis and the News" |
DJ Shadow | "...Endtroducing" |
Green Day | "Dookie" |
Country Joe and the Fish | "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die " |
Chris Isaak | "Heart Shaped World" |
Journey | "Escape" |
10. Creedence Clearwater Revival (El Cerrito)
Origin: El Cerrito, CA
Years Active: Roots rock, swamp rock, hard rock, rock and roll, country rock
Members: John Fogerty, Tom Fogerty, Stu Cook, Doug Clifford
Bio:
- CCR's musical style encompassed roots rock, swamp rock, and blues-rock.
- They often played in a Southern rock style, despite their San Francisco Bay Area origin.
- They mixed Southern United States iconography with political and socially conscious lyrics about the Vietnam War.
- The band performed at the 1969 Woodstock Festival in Upstate New York.
Albums: Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968), Bayou Country (1969), Green River (1969), Willy and the Poor Boys (1969), Cosmo's Factory (1970), Pendulum (1970), Mardi Gras (1972)
Labels: Fantasy
Famous Songs: "Fortunate Son", "Bad Moon Rising"
Essential Lyrics on "Fortunate Son" Creedence Clearwater Revival
Some folks are born made to wave the flag
Ooh, they're red, white and blue
And when the band plays "Hail to the chief"
Ooh, they point the cannon at you, Lord
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no senator's son, son
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no
John Fogerty Quotes
But I think beautiful is simple and elegant, like a ballad with simple harmony.
— John Fogerty
11. Hot Tuna (San Francisco)
Origin: San Francisco, USA
Years Active: 1969–1977, 1983, 1986–present
Genre: Blues, blues rock, Americana
Members: Jack Casady, Jorma Kaukonen, Will Scarlett, Joey Covington, Paul Kantner, Marty Balin, Peter Kaukonen, Paul Ziegler, Papa John Creach, Sammy Piazza, Bob Steeler, Michael Falzarano, Shigemi Komiyama, Joey Balin, Joey Stefko, Harvey Sorgen, Galen Underwood, Pete Sears, Erik Diaz, Skoota Warner, Barry Mitterhoff
Bio:
- Hot Tuna began as a side project to Jefferson Airplane.
- The band's name comes from someone Jorma Kaukonen referred to as a "witty wag" who called out, "hot tuna" after hearing the line 'What's that smell like fish, oh baby,' from the song "Keep On Truckin'.
- Tuna used to open for Jefferson Airplane.
- Their early repertoire derived mainly from old Jefferson Airplane material and covers of American country and blues artists such as Reverend Gary Davis, Jelly Roll Morton, Bo Carter, and Blind Blake.
Albums: Hot Tuna (1970), First Pull Up, Then Pull Down (1971), Burgers (1972), The Phosphorescent Rat (1974), America's Choice (1975), Yellow Fever (1975), Hoppkorv (1976), Double Dose (1978), Pair a Dice Found (1990), Live at Sweetwater (1992), Live at Sweetwater Two (1993), Live in Japan (1997), And Furthurmore... (1999), Steady as She Goes (2011)
Labels: RCA/Grunt, Relix, Eagle, Red House
Famous Songs: "Water Song", "Hesitation Blues"
Essential Lyrics on "Hesitation Blues" by Hot Tuna
Well, nickel is a nickel, I said, dime is a dime
I need a new gal, she won't mind
Tell me how long do I have to wait?
Can I get you now, I said, must I hesitate?
The eagle on the dollar says "in God we trust"
You say you want a man
You want to see that dollar first
Tell me how long do I have to wait?
Can I get you now, I said, must I hesitate?
Jack Casady Quote
I had all that under my belt as an influence. The more I looked back, the more I realized I'm a lucky guy.
— Jack Casady
12. Journey (San Francisco)
Origin: San Francisco, CA (1973)
Years Active: 1973–present
Genre: Hard rock, arena rock, soft rock, progressive rock, jazz-rock
Members: Neal Schon, Ross Valory, Steve Smith, Jonathan Cain, Arnel Pineda, George Tickner, Robert Fleischman, Aynsley Dunbar, Gregg Rolie, Steve Perry, Randy Jackson, Steve Augeri, Jeff Scott Soto, Deen Castronovo
Bio:
- Journey has gone through several phases. After starting as a jazz-influence prog band, their strongest commercial success occurred between 1978 and 1987 when the added more ballads and elements of pop to their music.
- You can hear these influences on songs such as, "Don't Stop Believin'" (1981).
- Escape, the band's eighth and most successful album, reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and yielded another of their most popular singles, "Open Arms".
- Journey is one of the highest-selling bands in the Bay Area.
Albums: Journey (1975), Look into the Future (1976), Next (1977), Infinity (1978), Evolution (1979), Departure (1980), Escape (1981), Frontiers (1983), Raised on Radio (1986), Trial by Fire (1996), Arrival (2001), Red, 13 (2002), Generations (2005), Revelation (2008), Eclipse (2011)
Labels: Columbia, Frontiers, Sanctuary, Nomota LLC
Famous Songs: "Don't Stop Believin'", "Faithfully"
Essential Lyrics on "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world
She took the midnight train going anywhere
Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train going anywhere
A singer in a smoky room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
Neal Schon Quote
What I have is a bunch of really hungry, amazingly talented guys that can kick anybody's rear end.
— Neal Schon
13. Faith No More (San Francisco)
Origin: San Francisco, California, United States
Years Active: 1979–1998, 2009–present
Genre: Alternative metal, funk metal, experimental rock
Members: Mike Bordin, Roddy Bottum, Billy Gould, Mike Patton, Jon Hudson
Bio:
- Before settling on their current name, the band performed under the names Sharp Young Men and Faith No Man.
- They changed popular conceptions of metal and alternative music by adding elements of funk, as well as many other musical genres that were usually not blended together.
- The band underwent several lineup changes early in their career. Currently, the lineup of Faith No More consists of Gould, Bordin, keyboardist/rhythm guitarist Roddy Bottum, lead guitarist Jon Hudson, and vocalist/lyricist Mike Patton.
Labels: Slash, London, Mordam, Reclamation!, Ipecac
Famous Songs: "Epic", "Midlife Crisis"
Essential Lyrics on "Epic" by Faith No More
Can you feel it, see it, hear it today?
If you can't, then it doesn't matter anyway
You will never understand it 'cause it happens too fast
And it feels so good, it's like walking on glass
It's so cool, it's so hip, it's alright
It's so groovy, it's outta sight
You can touch it, smell it, taste it so sweet
But it makes no difference 'cause it knocks you off your feet
You want it all but you can't have it
Mike Patton Quote
We just wanna be the happy bums that we are. That's all.
— Mike Patton
More Popular Bay Area Bands
Band | Origin | Years Active |
---|---|---|
14. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club | San Francisco, California, U.S. | 1998–present |
15. Buckethead | Pomona, California | 1987–present |
16. Chris Isaak | Stockton, California, U.S. | 1984–present |
17. Deerhoof | San Francisco, California, United States | 1994–present |
18. Santana | San Francisco, California, United States | 1966–present |
19. Mr. Bungle | Eureka, California, United States and San Francisco | 1985–2000 |
20. Third Eye Blind | San Francisco, California, United States | 1993–present |
21. Train | San Francisco, California, U.S | 1993–present |
22. Tower of Power | Oakland, California, United States | 1968–present |
23. Thee Oh Sees | San Francisco, California, United States | 1997–present |
24. Blaqk Audio | Oakland, California, United States | 2001–2002, 2006–present |
25. Death Angel | San Francisco Bay Area, California, U.S. | 1982–1991 2001–present |
26. Huey Lewis and the News | Marin County, California | 1967–present |
Up and Coming Bay Area Bands of 2018
Band | Origin |
---|---|
The Echo Exchange | San Francisco, CA |
Great Highway | San Francisco, CA |
Trace Repeat | San Francisco, CA |
Pink Skies | San Francisco, CA |
Sweeney House | Livermore, CA |
We Will Be Lions | San Francisco, CA |
Trails and Ways | Oakland, CA |
Sitka Sun | Oakland, CA |
Astronauts, etc. | San Francisco, CA |
The Seshen | San Francisco, CA |
Comments
Sam Jones on December 15, 2018:
No Metallica? Really? They helped establish Thrash Metal! If you're going to put Primus, you should put Metallica.
Mark Tulin from Ventura, California on November 01, 2018:
Didn’t realize how many bands sprung up from the Bay Area (like Sly and the Family Stone). Also, I love the song China Cat Sunflower. And what a title!