10 Most Influential British Acts On American Rock
The sonic waves from across the pond.
'Great Britain' might be a somewhat over-grand, and even gross name, given that it was derived from our tendency to shamelessly conquer and subjugate other nations. Colonialism is a part of our history we'd sheepishly rather forget, but alas, we must acknowledge it, however difficult.
But, our musical legacy is something we will always be able to take pride in. Although the UK is roughly 40 times smaller than the US, we have a monopoly on influential artists. If it weren't for early English rock 'n' roll groups bastardising the blues, and delivering it back to America with a fury, the future of rock might have been very different. The American folk revival and the West Coast fad of surf rock, were all but swept away when the Brits came brandishing fed-back guitars, and dressed to the nines.
Although the channel of influence flowed both ways, it's clear that over the years, British rockers have had a monumental impact on American music. The yanks might have had the talk but we had the walk. Dylan would never have been motivated to pick up an electric guitar without hearing the Beatles. And without Eric Clapton to dethrone, Hendrix would never have risen to the level of prowess he did.
10. The Who
On Sunday the 16th June 1967 the Who performed at the Monterey Pop Festival. It was an American audiences first introduction to their raucous stage presence. By this time the Who had developed a reputation for their fierce live antics in the UK. Pete Townsend trashed guitars in unbridled displays of theatrics, and Keith Moon had a reputation for hell raising, both on and off stage. The peace loving, hippie audience at Monterey were equal parts in awe of the Who's sonic impact, and stunned by the furious culmination to their set.
The event kick started the Who's American invasion. Although their subsequent appearance at Woodstock in '69, was regarded as a shambolic affair by Pete Townsend, it furthered the group's standing as one of the most exciting live acts in music. The release of the rock opera Tommy, and the excited buzz generated by the Who's wild behaviour, set them on the path to becoming rock icons.
Roger Daltrey was the blueprint for hip thrusting, bare chested frontmen for decades to come. But it was Pete Townsend's contributions to guitar playing, that really made an impact. His wild, windmill thrashing technique, and his adoption of the powerchord, combined with his use of feedback, influenced Hendrix, MC5, and the Stooges to further develop heavier, more abrasive sounds.