We surely can’t tell which band is greatest but we can rank them by their certified record sales. Here is a list of 10 Highest-Selling Music Bands of All Time.
#10 Aerosmith (84.5+ M)
Aerosmith is one of the highest-selling American hard rock band of all time. They have sold more than 84 million records worldwide, including over 70 million records in the United States alone. With 25 gold albums, 18 platinum albums, and 12 multi-platinum albums, they hold the record for the most total certifications by an American group.
#9 Metallica (93.8+ M)
This famous American heavy metal band has sold around 93.8 million records in certified sales including 73.3 million record sale in America. Metallica is one of the founding big four bands of thrash metal, alongside Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer.
#8 The Rolling Stones (96.9+ M)
The Rolling Stones have sold close to 96.9 million records worldwide in certified sales although the claimed sales are more than 250 million. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
#7 U2 (106.1+ M)
This Irish rock band from Dublin have sold more than 106 million records worldwide, including over 53 million records in the United States. They have won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band. In 2005, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
#6 AC/DC (112.9+ M)
The Australian rock band, AC/DC, have sold an estimated 112.7 million records in certified sales, including over 79 million records in the United States. And their claimed sales range from 150 million to 200 million records, making them one of the best-selling music artists.
#5 Queen (114.7+ M)
Queen’s claimed sales range from 150 million to 300 million records but their certified sales are estimated to be over 109 million, making them one of the world’s highest-selling music bands. In 2005, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
#4 Pink Floyd (118.8+ M)
Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially successful groups in the history of popular music having sold an estimated 118.5 million certified units, including over 78 million records in the United States. Their claimed sales range from 200 million to 250 million records.
#3 Eagles (129.2+ M)
The Eagles were an American rock band from Los Angeles founded by Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. They have sold close to 129 million records worldwide, including over 109 million records in the United States. Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) and Hotel California are one of the most widely sold albums.
#2 Led Zeppelin (139.5+ M)
The English rock band, Led Zeppelin, are one of the most influential and commercial successful bands in popular music having sold more than 139 million records in certified sales and between 200 to 300 million records in claimed sales. They are the fourth highest-selling band in the United States according to the RIAA-certified sales data.
#1 The Beatles (270.8+ M)
With an estimated 269.5 million units in the certified sales, the English rock band The Beatles are the highest-selling band in the history of popular music. According to the RIAA, they are the best-selling music artists in the United States, with over 212 million certified units. Various sources estimate the group’s record sales at 500 to 600 million units worldwide.
