The 2000s were an interesting time for people who were old enough to enjoy it. Movies had a certain quality that isn't seen today and the music was the talk of the town. Back during the 2000s, rock bands were much more popular than they are today.
It was completely normal for a teenager to have a dark & hard rock phase that bordered on emo or goth. 2000s rock music defined a generation and brings back a lot of fond memories when a song pops up on your playlist. Who could forget the band t-shirts, Hot Topic, the fun colorful hairstyles, the chains, vans, and skinny jeans? Here are 10 rock bands that defined the music of the era.
10 Fall Out Boy
The American rock band first came together in 2001. The original band consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, lead guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley. It was one of many's first bands when it came to the rock genre.
It was also a time where instead of dancing or singing along to the music, you moshed. Fall Out Boy had many songs that stuck in peoples' heads like "Sugar, We're Goin Down." There was also "Dance, Dance" that really got people up on their feet.
9 Panic! At The Disco
Back in 2004, Panic! a the Disco was originally a five-member rock band. The band came out of Las Vegas, Nevada and was created by a group of childhood friends. The band hit big during the era with their second single "I Write Sins Not Tragedies."
The band only escalated in fame and became one of the most popular rock bands. After years together as a group, Brendon Urie announced the band would be moving on as a solo project.
8 Good Charlotte
Good Charlotte brings back memories of putting on your headphones, pushing the volume to the max, and wearing your hood up. All while trying to avoid people. The band originally formed near the end of the 90s but only gained traction in the 2000s.
Joel and Benji Madden, alongside the other members, created songs that became an anthem for teens, literally. Like the song "The Anthem." The song and band were immensely popular and were used in countless films and videos.
7 Green Day
Yes, Green Day originally started way back in 1987, but they were still at the top of their game in the 2000s. Billie Joe Armstrong and bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt created a band that would outlast the generations.
Green Day became one of the most talked-about rock bands established, selling 85 million records , and earning 20 Grammy nominations & five wins. Anyone can start singing along to "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" and "American Idiot."
6 My Chemical Romance
Hailing out of Newark, New Jersey is a fan favorite, My Chemical Romance. The band signed with Eyeball Records in 2002 and has since been one of the best rock bands of the 2000s.
The band was successful right off the bat and their 2006 album The Black Parade, won them double platinum. Fans went crazy to watch every concert and music festival appearance. The band originally split in 2013 before a reunion show in 2019.
5 Evanescence
Evanescence holds a special place in many people's' hearts. It was on the other side of rock music in the 2000s. While bands like Good Charlotte had a more pop/rock feel, Evanescence was hardcore and dark.
Lead vocalists Amy Lee is considered to have the best vocals in the business. Their music is tantalizing, mysterious and resonated with a lot of fans. Their biggest hit song to date is "Bring Me To Life," which became an anthem for turmoil, broken hearts, & fantasy.
4 Slipknot
Slipknot is categorized as a heavy metal band but it was one of the founding bands to gain immense success in the 2000s. The band originally formed in 1995 with Shawn Crahan, drummer Joey Jordison, and bassist Paul Gray, before adding Corey Taylor & the other members.
Slipknot was a band of children's nightmares often known for their scary face masks which parents disapproved of. That's what made them great, though– they defined the anarchy, pain, erratic energy, and disarray many fans were feeling in the 2000s.
3 Three Days Grace
There are a handful of rock bands from the 2000s that could be considered the original founding fathers. Three Days Grace was one of them. Many would recall the songs, "I Hate Everything About You", "Never Too Late", or "Animal I Have Become."
It was unlikely that a rock music aficionado didn't have the band's music on their iPod. The band formed in 1997 and their early years were their most successful. Their stardom has diminished as they have found a new sound and new lead singer.
2 Paramore
Paramore back in the 2000s was a fond time for many fans. The rock band formed in 2004 with lead vocalist Hayley Williams, guitarist Taylor York, and drummer Zac Farro. Fans fell in love with the band's fun energy, music videos, catchy music, and overall aesthetic.
Paramore was incredibly successful during the time with their songs "Misery Business", "Crushcrushcrush", and "That's What You Get." With a mere mention of their music, any fan can start reciting songs perfectly. Hayley Williams became well known in the industry for her vocals and iconic bright orange hair.
1 Linkin Park
Every rock music aficionado has a fond memory listening to a Linkin Park song. The band formed in 1996 and debuted their first album Hybrid Theory in 2000. Since then the band became a symbol of the era. Their music mixed hard rock, alternative with a splash of electronic.
Fans also had high claims for the unique vocals of lead singer Chester Bennington. In 2017, fans were saddened to hear that their music idol passed away, but the band continues to create new music and Bennington's musical impact is not forgotten.