10 “Rip-off” Bands That Became Famous

Some bands may have gone too far in their claim that imitation is the purest form of flattery. The most notorious musical imitators in rock history are the focus of this countdown. In terms of tone, style, or swagger, these performers were a bit too likely to emulate their heroes. From Beatles imitators to Greta Van Fleet’s Zeppelin vibes, these bands were criticized for sounding too similar. Are they simply copying, or were they giving homage? Let’s check.

Hinder
Hinder burst into the scene in the early 2000s with a sound that slotted right into the post-grunge wave. But instead of carving out something fresh, many listeners felt like they were just following in Nickelback’s footsteps. Their music, while polished, often came off as predictable and played-it-safe. Hinder even toured with Nickelback, which only added fuel to the comparisons. Like Creed before them, they leaned heavily on gravelly vocals and chunky guitar riffs — a combo that’s become a bit of a blueprint for modern rock radio, for better or worse.

The Knickerbockers
It’s no secret The Beatles left a big mark on ’60s music, and The Knickerbockers took that influence to heart. Their 1965 hit “Lies” sounded so much like early Beatles—especially “I Want to Hold Your Hand”—that some listeners actually thought it was the Fab Four. Riding the wave of the British Invasion, this New Jersey band briefly grabbed the spotlight with their Beatles-inspired sound. But the buzz didn’t last, and the group fizzled out by the early ’70s. Today, they’re mostly remembered as one of the most convincing Beatles sound-alikes of their era.

Wolfmother
Wolfmother entered the music scene in the 2000s with a sound that hit hard and felt familiar. Tracks like “Woman” channeled the gritty energy of classic rock, echoing the power of Led Zeppelin with a splash of Black Sabbath’s dark edge. Frontman Andrew Stockdale’s vocals have that high-flying, slightly eerie quality that gives off major Ozzy Osbourne vibes. It’s no surprise he’s cited Sabbath legend Tony Iommi as an influence. If you ever wondered what a modern, party-fueled spin on Sabbath might sound like, Wolfmother’s got you covered.

Jet
Unless you’re a hardcore fan, chances are you know Jet for their massive hit “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” It’s undeniably catchy—but it also sounds a lot like Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life.” The band swears it was inspired by Motown, but the similarities to Iggy’s tune are hard to ignore. Jet’s vintage rock style doesn’t stop there—they’ve also drawn comparisons to AC/DC. In fact, frontman Nic Cester once auditioned to step in for Brian Johnson. With their retro riffs and old-school energy, Jet feels like a blast from a louder, grittier past.

The Struts
One look at The Struts, and you’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled to rock’s golden age. Once they plug in, the glam and hard rock vibes hit hard—especially with a clear nod to legends like Queen. Their hit “Could Have Been Me” channels that big, bold British sound, complete with sing-along choruses and a stadium-ready punch. Frontman Luke Spiller rocks the stage with Mercury-like flair, both in voice and style. With a love for vintage energy and showmanship, The Struts make classic rock feel fresh again—even covering “We Will Rock You” for good measure.

Airbourne
From the first listen, it’s clear these Aussies have a deep love for classic rock and metal. Their sound definitely echoes their legendary countrymen, especially on tracks like “Runnin’ Wild,” which feels like a tribute to the spirit of “Highway to Hell.” Albums like No Guts. No Glory. and Boneshaker are packed with gritty riffs and high-energy performances. Some songs even hint at Angus Young-style guitar licks. Sure, comparing them to Aussie icons is a tall order—but if you’re being mentioned alongside AC/DC, you must be doing something right.

Creed
When Creed hit the scene, they stepped in as a new voice for rock after the grunge wave started to fade. With heavy guitars and Scott Stapp’s deep, dramatic vocals, it didn’t take long for people to notice how much he sounded like Eddie Vedder. The Pearl Jam comparisons were everywhere—and let’s be honest, it’s hard to ignore. While one of Stapp’s bandmates once threw a jab at Vedder in the press, things never turned into a full-blown feud. Still, for many listeners, the similarities are pretty hard to miss.

Kingdom Come
Before Greta Van Fleet caught heat for sounding like Led Zeppelin, Kingdom Come faced the same backlash. The German rockers dropped their debut album in 1988, and critics quickly pointed out just how Zeppelin-esque they sounded. With a blend of classic Zeppelin vibes and ’80s hard rock flair, they definitely wore their influences on their sleeve. Songs like “What Love Can Be” make the comparison pretty obvious, thanks in large part to Lenny Wolf’s vocal style, which channels a young Robert Plant. Despite early buzz, the band couldn’t quite keep the momentum going.

Greta Van Fleet
If you’re into classic rock vibes, Greta Van Fleet definitely hits the mark. But let’s be honest — they don’t just take inspiration from Led Zeppelin, they practically echo them. Tracks like “Highway Tune” feature soaring vocals and riffs that feel straight out of Zeppelin’s playbook. Some listeners love the throwback sound, while others think it’s a little too close for comfort. Still, love them or not, you can’t deny their knack for catchy hooks and slick production. Greta Van Fleet might walk in Zeppelin’s shadow, but they’re carving out a fan base all their own.

Led Zeppelin
Plenty of bands have borrowed from Led Zeppelin, but the truth is, Zeppelin did their fair share of borrowing too. They pulled heavily from blues and early rock influences, and sometimes the lines between inspiration and imitation got a little blurry. Take “Stairway to Heaven,” for example — it ended up in court over plagiarism claims. And “Whole Lotta Love”? That led to a lawsuit and a credit to blues legend Willie Dixon. While they’ve crafted some iconic songs, Led Zeppelin’s legacy also includes a long list of borrowed riffs and reimagined classics.