15 of the best rock bands from Texas
Texas isn’t just about cowboy hats and big steaks; it’s also home to some of the coolest rock bands ever! We’re going to take a trip back in time and check out some of the rock bands from Texas.
15 rock bands from Texas
1. Pantera
Fast forward to 1981 in Arlington, where the Abbott brothers, Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, started Pantera with Rex Brown and Terry Glaze. Later, Phil Anselmo joined as the lead singer. These guys brought the heat with aggressive metal that shook the ground. Dimebag Darrell’s guitar skills and Vinnie Paul’s drumming were like a metal thunderstorm.
Pantera concert, 1995:
2. ZZ Top
Picture this: Houston, 1969. Three dudes, Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard, teamed up to form ZZ Top. They’re the guys with the long beards and sunglasses. Billy’s the one killing it on the guitar, Dusty’s on the bass, and Frank’s rockin’ the drums. Together, they made bluesy, boogie, hard rock that’s as big as Texas!
3. Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
Born in Dallas in 1954, Stevie Ray Vaughan was a blues-rock legend. His band, Double Trouble, had Tommy Shannon on bass and Chris Layton on drums. Stevie’s guitar playing was like magic, and his soulful voice made Texas blues shine. Even though Stevie left us too soon in 1990, his blues legacy lives on!
4. The 13th Floor Elevators
Flashback to the mid-’60s in Austin, where the 13th Floor Elevators were cooking up some psychedelic rock. Roky Erickson, Tommy Hall, Stacy Sutherland, Benny Thurman, and John Ike Walton made trippy music that set the stage for psychedelic rock. Even though they didn’t stick around long, their impact was huge!
5. The Toadies
Jump to Fort Worth in 1989, where The Toadies started making noise. Vaden Todd Lewis, Lisa Umbarger, Mark Reznicek, and Darrel Herbert rocked the alternative scene. “Possum Kingdom” from their album “Rubberneck” was a hit. The Toadies might’ve had some lineup changes, but Vaden Todd Lewis kept the band going strong.
6. Spoon
First up, let’s head to Austin in 1993, where Spoon was born. This indie rock band, led by Britt Daniel, has a sound that’s all about tight rhythms and catchy tunes. Over the years, Spoon has become a staple in the alternative scene, with albums like “Kill the Moonlight” and “Gimme Fiction” showcasing their cool vibes.
7. Old 97’s
Now, let’s swing over to Dallas in 1993, where the Old 97s kicked off their journey. This alt-country band, featuring Rhett Miller, Murry Hammond, Ken Bethea, and Philip Peeples, brought a mix of twang and rock. Their energy and storytelling through music have earned them a solid spot in the hearts of fans.
8. Butthole Surfers
Things get a bit wild when we talk about the Butthole Surfers from San Antonio, formed in 1981. Known for their psychedelic and experimental style, this band, led by Gibby Haynes, pushed the boundaries of rock. Their live performances were legendary, and tracks like “Pepper” made them unforgettable in the alternative scene.
9. MDC (Millions of Dead Cops)
Let’s turn up the punk vibes with MDC, formed in Austin in 1979. This hardcore punk band, originally known as The Stains, stood for social and political change. With Dave Dictor leading the charge, MDC’s fast-paced and politically charged music made waves in the punk scene.
10. Drowning Pool
Heading into the 2000s, Drowning Pool from Dallas hit the scene with a powerful punch. Formed in 1996, this nu-metal band, with bodies like bodies hitting the floor, gained fame with hits like “Bodies.” Dave Williams’ vocals and their intense sound left a mark on the rock landscape.
11. The Afters
If you’re into Christian rock, then The Afters from Dallas are your jam. Formed in 1999, this band, featuring Josh Havens and Matt Fuqua, has been delivering uplifting tunes. Their melodic and positive sound has resonated with fans, making them a notable name in the Christian rock genre.
12. The Sword
Get ready for some heavy metal from Austin with The Sword, formed in 2003. J.D. Cronise, Kyle Shutt, Bryan Richie, and Santiago “Jimmy” Vela III created a sound that’s pure metal. With albums like “Age of Winters” and “Apocryphon,” The Sword brought the riffage and the power.
13. Device
Jumping into the electronic rock scene, we find Device, a band formed in 2012 in Austin. Fronted by David Draiman, the powerhouse vocalist of Disturbed fame, Device brought a blend of hard rock and industrial vibes. With hits like “Vilify,” Device quickly made a name for themselves in the evolving rock landscape, leaving fans hungry for more.
14. Lions
Now, let’s shine a spotlight on Lions, a band formed in Austin in 2005. Comprising members like Matt Drenik, Jake Perlman, Trevor Sutcliffe, Austin Kalman, and Mike Sellman, Lions delivers a refreshing alternative rock sound. Their album “No Generation” showcases their dynamic range and ability to craft tunes that resonate with the essence of modern rock.
15. Polyphonic Spree
Last but not least, let’s talk about the Polyphonic Spree from Dallas. Formed in 2000, this symphonic pop band, led by Tim DeLaughter, is known for its vibrant and uplifting performances. With a massive lineup, including a choir and a string section, Polyphonic Spree brings a unique and joyful sound to the stage.
Would you like to add other famous bands from Texas to our list? Let us know in the comments, and do not forget to check out the following article!
