15 Legendary Rock Bands That Are Still Going Strong After 40 Years

Being in a band is difficult, yet some of rock’s biggest names have kept going for more than four decades. The Rolling Stones stand out, having stayed together for more than 60 years despite internal conflicts and solo projects.

Solo work has helped many bands maintain their main act. It allows members to explore different styles while keeping the group intact. Other strategies, like separate tour buses or dressing rooms, also help reduce friction. Even during concerts, bandmates can enter from different sides of the stage to avoid tension.

The Rolling Stones (Formed 1962)

Despite tensions between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the Stones have released albums and toured consistently since forming in 1962.

Scorpions (Formed 1965)

Though they announced a farewell tour in 2012, the band continues to perform. Klaus Meine said in an interview, “Now, we are saying hello again.”

Steve Miller Band (Formed 1966)

Steve Miller started young and built a career marked by platinum albums and Top 10 hits, maintaining a strong work ethic throughout.

Santana (Formed 1966)

Carlos Santana’s band, originally called Santana Blues Band, rose to fame with their Woodstock performance and has evolved for nearly six decades.

Blue Oyster Cult (Formed 1967)

The band started as Soft White Underbelly and has remained active, led by Eric Bloom and Buck Dharma, through brief hiatuses and lineup changes.

Chicago (Formed 1967)

Originally the Big Thing, Chicago adapted through lineup changes, including the death of guitarist Terry Kath, yet continues to tour and record.

Uriah Heep (Formed 1969)

Guitarist Mick Box is the only original member, guiding the band through decades of releases and lineup shifts.

Judas Priest (Formed 1969)

After forming with Al Atkins, the classic lineup solidified by 1974, eventually earning a 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.

ZZ Top (Formed 1969)

Maintaining their core lineup until Dusty Hill’s death in 2021, ZZ Top continues performing with minimal disruption.

Iron Maiden (Formed 1975)

Steve Harris led the band through lineup changes while shaping heavy metal’s sound, with mascot Eddie becoming an icon.

U2 (Formed 1976)

The Irish band has stayed together as a four-piece, achieving worldwide success while keeping a close working relationship.

Def Leppard (Formed 1976)

Surviving Rick Allen’s accident and the death of guitarist Steve Clark, the band still tours and honors their Sheffield roots.

Metallica (Formed 1981)

The band survived major tragedies and lineup changes while remaining a dominant force in heavy metal.

Bon Jovi (Formed 1983)

With Richie Sambora joining in 1983, Bon Jovi rose to global fame and entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.

Guns N’ Roses (Formed 1985)

Following highs, lows, and lineup changes, Axl Rose reunited with Slash and Duff McKagan in 2016 for successful tours.