Rock Wedding Songs: Love Songs & Party Hits to Rock Your Day

Updated on June 19, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)

When you think of fun songs with a good beat, you’re going to think of rock and roll.

This is why rock songs are perfect for your wedding reception. A good beat is the key to getting people on the dance floor.

Rock songs can be played during the wedding ceremony through the reception.

Each song has its own theme so choose wisely and what means the most to you. 100 is a lot of songs. So, take your time browsing and click on the album to listen to the song.

Forgive us as we did our very best to remove all Pop songs from this list. Some are unavoidable.

There are still a few alternative rock songs and soft rock songs as well. You will also enjoy many songs of yesteryear and through today.

You will enjoy a list of the most popular and unique rock wedding songs for your wedding day.

Every couple’s rock music tastes are different. Thus, we selected wedding songs from modern songs to classic hits.

Let’s start with the most popular right now.

Top 10 Trending Rock Wedding Songs

1. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers (2013)
2. “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes (1992)
3. “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC (1980)
4. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World (2001)
5. “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles (1989)
6. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison (1967)
7. “Hooked On A Feeling” by Blue Swede (1974)
8. “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield (1981)
9. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers (1988)
10. “Summer Of ’69” by Bryan Adams (1985)

Top 10 Trending Classic Rock Hits

1. “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC (1990)
2. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor (1982)
3. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey (1981)
4. “Highway To Hell” by AC/DC (1979)
5. “Back In Black” AC/DC (1980)
6. “Everything I Own” by Bread (1972)
7. “Africa” by Toto (1982)
8. “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins (1986)
9. “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone (1974)
10. “Black Betty” by Ram Jam (1977)

Top 10 Trending Alternative Rock Hits

1. “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day (1997)
2. “Loving You” by Cannons (2023)
3. “Bones” by Imagine Dragons (2022)
4. “Riptide” by Vance Joy (2014)
5. “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)” by Fall Out Boy (2013)
6. “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay (2008)
7. “On Top Of The World” by Imagine Dragons (2012)
8. “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco (2018)
9. “Welcome To The Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance (2006)
10. “Walking On A Dream” by Empire Of The Sun (2008)

Popular Rock Music at Weddings

Rock is a classic part of American culture and people of all ages love it — that backbeat gets everyone on the dance floor.

2020s Tracks

Blind For Love – American Authors

Released in 2022 on the album Blind For Love

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You’re the missing puzzle piece to mine
Together, we’re the perfect rhyme
And I’m never gonna let you go

More Than Love – Ben Harper

Released in 2022 on the album Bloodline Maintenance

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I love you more
Than every note
More than every word
Your favorite poet ever wrote

I’m In Love With You – The 1975

Released in 2022 on the album I’m In Love With You

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I can summarize it for you
It’s simple and it goes like this
I’m in love with you

Here to Forever – Death Cab For Cutie

Released in 2022 on the album Asphalt Meadows

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

There’s no hands on the levers
And I wanna feel the pressure
Of God or whatever

Sway – Fitz & The Tantrums

Released in 2022 on the album Sway

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Strangers in a world full of lonely lovers
Find someone and take ’em by the hand
Sha-la-la, hey, hey, hey
I’m in a mood, so all you summer lovers, make you sway

One Life – James Bay

Released in 2022 on the album Leap

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Wanna jump, wanna fly, wanna fall
I wanna hit the ground running
Do you wanna marry me?

A Little Bit of Love – Weezer

Released in 2022 on the album A Little Bit of Love

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m so glad I’ve got you in my life
Now the winter frost is gone
Now is our chance to live the life we want

I Think I Like You – The Band CAMINO

Released in 2022 on the album I Think I Like You

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You do me better than any other love could
Hurts like heaven, and it feels so, feels so good
It feels so good
I think I like you

If I Didn’t Have You – BANNERS

Released in 2021 on the album If I Didn’t Have You

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Thought I had nothing to lose
But that’s not the truth
I don’t know what I’d do
If I didn’t have you

good 4 u – Olivia Rodrigo

Released in 2021 on the album SOUR

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Remember when you swore to God I was the only
Person who ever got you?
Well, screw that and screw you

Shot In The Dark – AC/DC

Released in 2020 on the album Shot In The Dark

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

A shot in the dark
Yeah, ?lectric sparks
A shot in the dark
Beats a walk in th? park

nobody else – LANY

Released in 2020 on the album Mama’s Boy

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And if heaven doesn’t want us
Would you go with me to hell?
Hope you know I don’t want nobody else

Me & You Together Song – The 1975

Released in 2020 on the album Notes On A Conditional Form

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’ve been in love with her for ages
And I can’t seem to get it right
I fell in love with her in stages
My whole life

Tip: See the most popular rock songs of all time by era – 1990s rock playlist, 1980s rock hits, and 1970s rock playlist.

2010s Favorites

All Because of You – O.A.R.

Released in 2019 on the album The Mighty

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I wanna matter when we go outside and
Hold your hand when we say goodnight and
Tell you how I’m goin’ to make our dreams come true

Dance Monkey – Tones and I

Released in 2019 on the album Dance Monkey

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

They say
Dance for me, dance for me, dance for me, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
I’ve never seen anybody do the things you do before

You’re The One – Greta Van Fleet

Released in 2018 on the album Anthem Of The Peaceful Army

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You’re the one I want
You’re the one I need
You’re the one I had
So come on back to me

New Light – John Mayer

Released in 2018 on the album Sob Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I wanna break through
I wanna know the real thing about you
So I can see you in a new light

Someone To You – BANNERS

Released in 2017 on the album Empires On Fire

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I really need somebody to call my own
I wanna be somebody to someone
Someone to you

broken – lovelytheband

Released in 2017 on the album everything i could never say…

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I like that you’re broken, broken like me
Maybe that makes me a fool
I like that you’re lonely, lonely like me
I could be lonely with you

HandClap – Fitz & The Tantrums

Released in 2016 on the album Fitz and the Tantrums

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

‘Cause you don’t even know
I can make your hands clap
Said I can make your hands clap

Geronimo – Sheppard

Released in 2014 on the album Bombs Away

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Didn’t understand
You were waiting
As I dove into the waterfall
So say Geronimo!
Say Geronimo!

I Found You – Alabama Shakes

Released in 2014 on the album A Long Way Down Soundtrack

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I traveled out on my own
Then you brought me everything
Ya made my house a home

Ex’s & Oh’s – Elle King

Released in 2014 on the album Ex’s & Oh’s

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

One, two, three, they gonna run back to me
‘Cause I’m the best baby that they never gotta keep

Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon

Released in 2014 on the album Talking Is Hard

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

This woman is my destiny
She said oh oh oh
Shut up and dance with me

Best Day Of My Life – American Authors

Released in 2013 on the album Oh, What a Life

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m never gonna look back
Woah, never gonna give it up
No, just don’t wake me now
This is gonna be the best day of my life

Come to Me – Goo Goo Dolls

Released in 2013 on the album Magnetic

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Take my hand in this empty room
You’re my girl, and I’m your groom
Come to me my sweetest friend
This is where we start again

On Top Of The World – Imagine Dragons

Released in 2013 on the album Night Visions

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Now take it in but don’t look down
‘Cause I’m on top of the world, ‘ey
I’m on top of the world, ‘ey

Come with Me Now – Kongos

Released in 2013 on the album Lunatic

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Woah come with me now
I’m gonna take you down
Woah come with me now
I’m gonna show you how

Little Talks – Of Monsters And Men

Released in 2011 on the album My Head Is An Animal

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

There’s an old voice in my head
That’s holding me back
Well, tell her that I miss our little talks

Tip: Check out a guide to wedding music genres.

2000s Chart Toppers

Me and You – Dave Matthews Band

Released in 2009 on the album Big Whiskey & the GrooGrux King

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You and me together could do anything, baby
You and me together, yes, yes

Say Hey (I Love You) – Michael Franti & Spearhead

Released in 2009 on the album All Rebel Rockers

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

The more I see, the less I know
But I know one thing that I love you (baby girl)
I love you, I love you, I love you

The Only Exception – Paramore

Released in 2009 on the album Brand New Eyes

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’d never sing of love if it does not exist
But darling, you are the only exception

You and I – Wilco

Released in 2009 on the album Wilco

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

But you and I, I think we can take it
All the good with the bad
Make something that no one else has but
You and I

All Summer Long – Kid Rock

Released in 2008 on the album Rock n Roll Jesus

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Making love out by the lake to our favorite song
Sipping whiskey out the bottle, not thinking ’bout tomorrow
Singing Sweet home Alabama all summer long

1, 2, 3, 4 – Plain White T’s

Released in 2008 on the album Big Bad World

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

There’s only one thing
To Do
Three words
For you
(I love you) I love you

Fall for You – Secondhand Serenade

Released in 2008 on the album A Twist In My Story

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

So breathe in so deep
Breathe me in
I’m yours to keep

Tangled Up In You – Staind

Released in 2008 on the album The Illusion of Progress

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And in this world
Where nothing else is true
Here I am
Still tangled up in you

You’re The One – Black Keys

Released in 2006 on the album Magic Potion

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Now I’m old
And wise
When I see
Your eyes
You’re the one
I adore

Welcome To The Black Parade – My Chemical Romance

Released in 2006 on the album The Black Parade

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Because one day, I’ll leave you a phantom
To lead you in the summer
To join the black parade

Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol

Released in 2006 on the album Eyes Open

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Those three words
Are said too much
They’re not enough

Sugar, We’re Goin Down – Fall Out Boy

Released in 2005 on the album From Under The Cork Tree

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Down, down in an earlier round
And Sugar, we’re going down swinging
I’ll be your number one with a bullet

You And Me – Lifehouse

Released in 2005 on the album Lifehouse

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

‘Cause it’s you and me
And all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it’s you and me

I Write Sins Not Tragedies – Panic! At The Disco

Released in 2005 on the album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

“What a beautiful wedding
What a beautiful wedding”, says a bridesmaid to a waiter

1985 – Bowling For Soup

Released in 20046 on the album A Hangover You Don’t Deserve

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

They tell her that she’s uncool
‘Cause she’s still preoccupied
With 19, 19
1985

Stacy’s Mom – Fountains Of Wayne

Released in 2003 on the album Welcome Interstate Managers

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Stacy’s mom has got it goin’ on
She’s all I want
And I’ve waited for so long

Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet

Released in 2003 on the album Get Born

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I know we ain’t got much to say
Before I let you get away, yeah
I said, are you gonna be my girl

Mr. Brightside – The Killers

Released in 2003 on the album Hot Fuss

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Swimming through sick lullabies, choking on your alibis
But it’s just the price I pay, destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes, ’cause I’m Mr. Brightside

Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes

Released in 2003 on the album Elephant

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m gonna fight ’em all
A seven nation army couldn’t hold me back
They’re gonna rip it off
Taking their time right behind my back

The Middle – Jimmy Eat World

Released in 2001 on the album Bleed American

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Little girl, you’re in the middle of the ride
Everything, everything’ll be just fine
Everything, everything’ll be alright, alright

Island In the Sun – Weezer

Released in 2001 on the album Weezer (Green Album)

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

We’ll run away together
We’ll spend some time forever
We’ll never feel bad anymore

Kryptonite – 3 Doors Down

Released in 2000 on the album The Better Life

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

If I’m alive and well, will you be there and holding my hand?
I’ll keep you by my side with my superhuman might

Planning songs for dinner or cocktail hour? Listen to a yacht rock wedding playlist for a chilling vibe.

1990s Tunes

All Star – Smash Mouth

Released in 1999 on the album Astro Lounge

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Hey now, you’re a rock star, get the show on, get paid
And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold

All The Small Things – blink-182

Released in 1999 on the album Enema Of The State

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Late night come home
Work sucks, I know
She left me roses by the stairs
Surprises let me know she cares

I Could Not Ask For More – Edwin McCain

Released in 1999 on the album Messenger

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I could not ask for more than this time together
I could not ask for more than this time with you
And every prayer has been answered

My Own Worst Enemy – Lit

Released in 1999 on the album A Place in the Sun

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

It’s no surprise to me, I am my own worst enemy
‘Cause every now and then, I kick the living s*** out of me

Smooth – Santana feat. Rob Thomas

Released in 1999 on the album Supernatural

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

But I’ll tell you one thing
If you would leave it’d be a crying shame
In every breath and every word

I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith

Released in 1998 on the album Armageddon Soundtrack

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I don’t want to close my eyes
I don’t want to fall asleep
‘Cause I’d miss you, babe
And I don’t want to miss a thing

One Week – Barenaked Ladies

Released in 1998 on the album Stunt

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

It’s been one week since you looked at me
Threw your arms in the air and said, “You’re crazy”

Everlong (Acoustic) – Foo Fighters

Released in 1997 on the album The Colour and the Shape

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

If anything could ever be this good again
The only thing I’ll ever ask of you
You’ve got to promise not to stop when I say when

Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve

Released in 1997 on the album Urban Hymns

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

‘Cause it’s a bittersweet symphony, that’s life
Tryna make ends meet, tryna find somebody then you die

Semi-Charmed Life – Third Eye Blind

Released in 1997 on the album Third Eye Blind

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And I want something else to get me through this life
Baby, I want something else
Not listening when you say
Goodbye

Wonderwall – Oasis

Released in 1995 on the album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Because maybe
You’re gonna be the one that saves me
And after all
You’re my wonderwall

I’ll Be There For You – The Rembrandts

Released in 1995 on the album L.P.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’ll be there for you
(Like I’ve been there before)
I’ll be there for you
(‘Cause you’re there for me too)

I’ll Stand By You – The Pretenders

Released in 1994 on the album Last of the Independents

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

When you’re standing at the crossroads
And don’t know which path to choose
Let me come along
‘Cause even if you’re wrong
I’ll stand by you

Friday I’m in Love – The Cure

Released in 1992 on the album Wish

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Monday you can hold your head
Tuesday, Wednesday, stay in bed
Or Thursday watch the walls instead
It’s Friday, I’m in love

(Everything I Do) I Do It For You – Bryan Adams

Released in 1991 on the album Waking Up the Neighbours

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I can’t help it, there’s nothin’ I want more
You know it’s true
Everything I do
I do it for you

Love Of A Lifetime – Firehouse

Released in 1991 on the album FireHouse

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I finally found the love of a lifetime
A love to last my whole life through

Nothing Else Matters – Metallica

Released in 1991 on the album Metallica

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words, I don’t just say
And nothing else matters

Two Princes – Spin Doctors

Released in 1991 on the album Pocket Full of Kryptonite

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Marry him
Marry me
I’m the one that loved you baby can’t you see?
Ain’t got no future or family tree
But I know what a prince and lover ought to be

Love classic rock music? See our list of classic rock love songs for your wedding.

Classic Rock Bangers

Love Shack – The B-52’s

Released in 1989 on the album Cosmic Thing

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

The love shack is a little old place where
We can get together
Love shack baby

All I Want Is You – U2

Released in 1989 on the album Rattle and Hum

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

But all the promises we make
From the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you

Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses

Released in 1988 on the album Appetite for Destruction

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

She takes me away to that special place
And if I stare too long, I’d probably break down and cry
Whoa, oh, oh
Sweet child o’ mine

Lips Like Sugar – Echo And The Bunnymen

Released in 1987 on the album Echo & the Bunnymen

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Lips like sugar
Sugar kisses

Pour Some Sugar On Me – Def Leppard

Released in 1987 on the album Hysteria

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Now c’mon, take a bottle, shake it up
Break the bubble, break it up
Pour some sugar on me

Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi

Released in 1986 on the album Slippery When Wet

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Woah, we’re halfway there
Woah, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear
Woah, livin’ on a prayer

Your Love – Outfield

Released in 1986 on the album Play Deep

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I just want to use your love tonight
I don’t want to lose your love tonight

Summer Of ’69 – Bryan Adams

Released in 1985 on the album Reckless

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh and when you held my hand
I knew that it was now or never
Those were the best days of my life

Footloose – Kenny Loggins

Released in 1984 on the album Footloose Soundtrack

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

C’mon, before we crack
Lose your blues
Everybody cut footloose

Faithfully – Journey

Released in 1983 on the album Frontiers

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And lovin’ a music man
Ain’t always what it’s supposed to be
Oh girl you stand by me
I’m forever yours, faithfully

Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) – Eurythmics

Released in 1983 on the album Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree
I travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody’s looking for something

Blister In The Sun – Violent Femmes

Released in 1983 on the album Violent Femmes

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

When I’m out walking
I strut my stuff
And I’m so strung out
I’m high as a kite
I just might stop to check you out

Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top

Released in 1983 on the album Eliminator

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

They come runnin’ just as fast as they can
‘Cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp-dressed man

Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners

Released in 1982 on the album Too-Rye-Ay

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Come on Eileen, oh I swear what he means
At this moment, you mean everything
You in that dress, my thoughts I confess

Africa – Toto

Released in 1982 on the album Toto IV

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do

Mony Mony – Billy Idol

Released in 1981 on the album Don’t Stop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Well you make me feel like a pony
Like a pony, like a pony
Come on, come on, come on
Mony, Mony

Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

Released in 1981 on the album Escape

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to that feelin’
Streetlight, people
Don’t stop, believin’
Hold on

Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield

Released in 1981 on the album Working Class Dog

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And he’s holding her in his arms late, late at night
You know, I wish that I had
Jessie’s girl

You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC

Released in 1980 on the album Back in Black

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And you shook me all night long
Yeah, you shook me all night long

Let My Love Open The Door – Pete Townshend

Released in 1980 on the album Empty Glass

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’ll give you a four-leaf clover
Take all worry out of your mind
Let my love open the door

Old Time Rock and Roll – Bob Seger

Released in 1979 on the album Stranger in Town

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Old time rock and roll
Baby, just soothes the soul
I reminisce about the days of old
With that old time rock and roll

Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton

Released in 1977 on the album Slowhand

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And then she asks me
“Do you feel all right?”
And I say, “Yes, I feel wonderful tonight”

Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett

Released in 1977 on the album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville
Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame
Now I think, hell, it could be my fault

Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry

Released in 1976 on the album Wild Cherry

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right

Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

Released in 1975 on the album A Night at the Opera

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

So you think you can stop me and spit in my eye
So you think you can love me and leave me to die
Oh, baby, can’t do this to me

Some Kind Of Wonderful – Grand Funk Railroad

Released in 1974 on the album All the Girls in the World Beware!!!

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh, my baby, she’s alright
Oh, my baby’s clean out of sight
Don’t you know that she is?
She’s some kind of wonderful

Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Released in 1974 on the album Second Helping

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Sweet home Alabama
Where the skies are so blue
Sweet home Alabama (oh yeah)
Lord I’m comin’ home to you

Dancing in the Moonlight – King Harvest

Released in 1972 on the album Dancing in the Moonlight

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Everybody’s feelin’ warm and right
It’s such a fine and natural sight
Everybody’s dancin’ in the moonlight

Your Song – Elton John

Released in 1970 on the album Elton John

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I hope you don’t mind
That I put down in the words
How wonderful life is while you’re in the world

Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

Released in 1967 on the album Blowin’ Your Mind!

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Skippin’ and a-jumpin’
In the misty morning fog with
Our, our hearts a-thumping and you
My brown-eyed girl

Twist & Shout – The Beatles

Released in 1964 on the album Please Please Me

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You know you twist so fine
Come on and twist a little closer now
And let me know that you’re mine

Other wedding-themed rock song lists include rock hits for a first dance, rock mother son dance songs, and rock bouquet throwing hits.

FAQs

Rock and Roll – From the 40’s Onward

The first staged performance of rock and roll did not take place until 1953 featuring Bill Haley & His Comets with The Dominoes. “Rock Around the Clock” became the first rock and roll song to top the pop charts in 1955. Other early producers of rock’n’roll included Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and Fats Domino.

Sixties rock and roll were most known for the British invasion with the likes of The Beatles, The Who, and The Rolling Stones. The 1960s were also filled with surf music, folk, Motown, and heavy metal. The seventies gave way to the popularity of disco. However, the 1970s had the beginning of punk rock, aka emo music (Listen to an Emo playlist for wedding receptions), funk, and glitter rock.

The eighties saw new styles of rock and roll including the beginning of glam rock and rock and roll hair bands, new wave, and heavy metal. In the nineties, we saw the beginning of a new type of rock and roll grunge with Nirvana at the forefront. Kids of the 1990’s also heard ska, alternative, and many types of synthesized dance music.

What era is classic rock?

Some of the best songs to play at weddings are what’s considered classic rock — coming from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Some of the early 1980s brought new songs that slipped into that category but it’s rare. Think Rolling Stones instead of The Beatles and Heart over the Go-Gos. Classic rock songs are remembered by many from their youth and learned by every generation since.

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