Australia's iconic rock bands

Australia has had some of the best rock bands in the world. Some have made it big overseas other haven't but regardless the music these bands have produced cannot be denied.

10. Hunters and Collectors

The Hunters as they are affectionately known in Australia have written some great songs. Formed in Melbourne in the early 80s they became one of the best live gigs around. They played their last shows in 1998 and left Australia with a legacy of great songs. The most well known song from the Hunters is 'Throw your arms around me' which Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam frequently covers. Other great songs from Hunters and Collectors include Holy Grail and True Tears of Joy.

9. The Easy Beats

The Easy Beats formed in Sydney in 1964 and disbanded in 1969 but in the 5 years they were together they were Australia's biggest rock and pop bands. The Easy Beats had a series of hit singles most memorable being Friday on My Mind and Shes So Fine. Have a look on You Tube for The Easy Beats.

8. Daddy Cool

Daddy Cool were an Australian band in the 1970's. They epitomised the time of long hair and free loving. Their single 'Eagle Rock' is a favorite with Aussies and played in pubs all around the country to this day.

7. INXS

Most Americans have heard of INXS (pronounced in-excess) with late front man Michael Hutchence being well known around the world. INXS produced some great music such for a number of years and didn't neglect the regional centres of the country when they toured. Some of INXS albums are now written into the hall of fame of Australian rock albums such as Kick, Listen like Thieves and X. Some of their great songs include: What you need, Suicide Blonde, Don't change a thing and their early song New Sensation.

6. Midnight Oil

Fronted by the now Federal Minister for Education Peter Garrett Midnight Oil are certainly an iconic rock band of Australia. They were a highly political band so it's no wonder Garrett turned to politics at the end of his music career. Their songs Blue Sky Mining, King of the Mountain, Beds and Burning and US Forces had messages of environmental activism and anti US sentiment.

5. Cold Chisel

Everyone in Australia has heard of Cold Chisel. Probably and arguably the greatest of all Australian rock bands. Lead singer JImmy Barnes although born inS cotland has been adopted as Australia's own with his highly recognisable gravel voice he can belt out a tune like no other. Chisel have done a tour of East Coast Australia in 2011 to relive their glory days and their gigs have been sold out in minutes. The gig in Cairns where I live was hampered by rain but was unreal nonetheless. The song writing of Cold Chisel was sublime and highly iconic with the unforgettable 'Khe Sanh', 'Flame Trees', 'Forever Now', "Choir Girl', 'Cheap wine' , most Australians know the words to all these songs!

4. The Screaming Jets

The Jets were big on the scene around the mid to late 90s with a string of hits such as Better, Shine on, and Shivers. I saw them when they toured Tamworth in 1997.

3. Dragon

Even though Dragon are essentially a kiwi band Australia has once again adopted Dragon as their own iconic rock band. With great songs such as "Rain" "April Sun in Cuba" Dragon left Australia with some great songs mainly from the 1970's.

2. Powderfinger

My all time favourite Australian band hailing from Brisbane. The Finger disbanded in 2010 after about 16 years of relentless touring and recording. So many great songs and albums it's hard to narrow it down. Some of my favourites though would be "These Days", "Pick you up" and "Baby I got you on my mind". Definitely check them out on Youtube.

1. AC/DC

One of the highest grossing rock bands of all time. Australian band ACDC are recognised around the world for being pioneering hard rock and roll music to the masses. With classic songs such as 'Dirty Deeds', 'Shook me all night long', 'Its a long way to the top', 'Thunderstruck' and 'Back in Black' AC/DC will be long remembered as one of the great rock and roll band ever.

Have a look at my other hubs on Jeff Buckley and Australia: