Ritchie Blackmore, Angus Young and Malcolm Young are officially the MVPs of Planet Rock’s 500 Greatest Rock Songs of All Time countdown appearing on 21 tracks apiece. All last week on Planet Rock, we counted down the 500 Greatest Rock Songs of All Time as voted by our esteemed listeners. Queen took the coveted Number 1 slot with ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, and anthems by Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon appeared on the list a total of 18 times. However, it’s guitar legends Ritchie Blackmore, Angus Young and Malcolm Young that truly dominated the countdown by featuring on 21 tracks. AC/DC had 21 songs on the countdown with the highest entries being ‘Thunderstruck’ and ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ at Number 7 and 10 respectively. Angus and Malcolm played on every song. Ritchie Blackmore plays on all 10 Rainbow tracks and 11 of the 12 Deep Purple songs on the list – 1996’s ‘Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming’ features Ritchie’s replacement Steve Morse. The highest ranking Ritchie Blackmore song is Rainbow’s ‘Stargazer’ at Number 3, with Deep Purple’s ‘Smoke on the Water’ (No.13) and ‘Child in Time’ (No.19) both inside the Top 20. See the full Top 500 Greatest Rock Songs of All Time, as voted by Planet Rock listeners, below 👇

 

 

In a thrilling week of countdowns, Planet Rock has unveiled its list of the 500 Greatest Rock Songs of All Time, as voted by its dedicated listeners. The countdown, which spanned an entire week, showcased the enduring power and influence of rock legends across generations.

**Queen Clinches the Top Spot**

At the pinnacle of the list, Queen’s timeless classic “Bohemian Rhapsody” claimed the coveted Number 1 spot. The legendary band’s members—Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon—collectively appeared 18 times on the countdown, highlighting their monumental impact on rock music.

**Guitar Legends Lead the Charge**

While Queen’s dominance was undeniable, it was the guitar heroes who truly stole the show. Ritchie Blackmore, Angus Young, and Malcolm Young each made an exceptional impact, featuring on 21 tracks apiece—the highest among all artists on the list.

**The Young Brothers’ Enduring Legacy**

The iconic duo from AC/DC, Angus and Malcolm Young, played a pivotal role in shaping the countdown. Their band secured a total of 21 songs, with “Thunderstruck” and “Whole Lotta Rosie” ranking at Number 7 and Number 10, respectively. Notably, Angus and Malcolm played on every one of AC/DC’s tracks included in the list, underscoring their relentless influence and consistency.

**Ritchie Blackmore’s Diverse Contributions**

Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar work featured prominently across two legendary bands: Rainbow and Deep Purple. He played on all 10 Rainbow tracks and 11 of the 12 Deep Purple songs that made it into the countdown. The only exception was 1996’s “Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming,” which features Blackmore’s replacement, Steve Morse.

Blackmore’s highest-ranking track was Rainbow’s “Stargazer,” which secured the Number 3 spot. Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” followed at Number 13, with “Child in Time” also making a significant impact at Number 19, both within the Top 20.

**The Cultural Impact of Rock Anthems**

The countdown not only celebrated individual tracks but also highlighted the collective influence of rock legends. Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” topped the list, emblematic of its cultural significance and innovative approach to rock and opera fusion.

AC/DC’s high placement of “Thunderstruck” and “Whole Lotta Rosie” reflects their relentless energy and enduring appeal, which continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

**The Power of Listener Choice**

Planet Rock’s list was compiled based on listener votes, emphasizing the community’s appreciation for classic and contemporary rock. The tally of appearances by these legendary artists underscores their lasting legacy and the deep-rooted love fans hold for their music.

**Looking Ahead**

The full list of the Top 500 Greatest Rock Songs of All Time is available for fans eager to explore the full spectrum of rock history, from seminal classics to modern anthems.

This countdown not only celebrates the giants of rock but also inspires new generations to discover and appreciate the genre’s rich heritage. Whether through the pioneering riffs of Blackmore, the unforgettable solos of the Young brothers, or the theatrical brilliance of Queen, the list is a testament to rock’s timeless power.

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