greatest american rock band

The great debate over who the greatest rock band of all time is usually centered around three British bands: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin.

Honestly, there's not much of a debate, The Beatles have a distinct leg up on the other two, especially when it comes to songwriting, impact on culture and how they changed rock 'n roll from teeny-bopper music into art.

The only argument for the Stones and Zep are that they may have been better live performers.

Being that American rock bands are shut out of the age-old debate, actor Hank Azaria (The Simpsons, The Bird Cage) asked his followers the following:

His question inspired a great debate that spans generations.

First of all, let's clear the table of bands that were mentioned frequently but have zero reason to be in the discussion: The Foo Fighters and KISS.

Dave Grohl may be rock's biggest cheerleader at a time when the art form is losing its relevancy. But his band hasn't done anything groundbreaking enough to be considered among the greats. Now, his first band is worthy of consideration.

KISS has been dining out on only having two good songs for five decades. If they're the best America can offer up, it says something debilitating about or national character. Thankfully, they are not.

A lot of people think the Eagles are the greatest American rock band. Jeffery Lebowski would disagree.

Beastie Boys could technically be called a rock band because they played their own instruments but their catalog is too hip-hop heavy for consideration.

Aerosmith are one of the most popular bands in the tweet thread.