What was the last great decade for rock?

Determining the last great decade for rock music is subjective and often influenced by personal taste and generational preferences. However, several decades are frequently highlighted for their significant contributions to rock music:

1970s

• Punk and New Wave: This decade saw the rise of punk rock with bands like The Clash, Sex Pistols, and Ramones, alongside new wave acts such as Blondie and Talking Heads1.
• Hard Rock and Progressive Rock: Bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and AC/DC defined hard rock, while progressive rock emerged with groups like Pink Floyd and Genesis1.

1980s

• Diverse Talent: The 1980s were marked by a diverse range of rock styles, from post-punk to glam metal. Many iconic bands from previous decades continued to produce influential music4.
• Emergence of New Subgenres: This decade also saw the rise of alternative rock and the beginning of grunge, though it wasn't until the 1990s that these genres fully blossomed.

1990s

• Grunge and Alternative: The 1990s are often cited as a pivotal time for rock, with the explosion of grunge bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden, alongside alternative acts such as Radiohead and Foo Fighters23.
• Cultural Impact: This decade had a significant cultural impact, with rock music dominating the charts and influencing fashion and social trends.

Some argue that the 1990s were the last great decade for rock, as the rise of digital music platforms and streaming services in the following decades changed the way people consume music, potentially diminishing the cultural impact of rock music3. However, there are still many great rock bands and artists producing music today, even if the landscape has changed.