Classic Rock

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Friday July 25, 2008

Who are rock's hardest rocking power trios?

The Gibson.com website has come up with a list of their favourite five power trios.

We were pleased to see Budgie at the top, followed by Motorhead (even though they have been a four-piece on occasion), Japanese band Boris, Venom (who have also been a quartet in the past) and Wolfmother.

But strangely, there's no mention of the most successful trio of all time: Rush. Or, indeed, Cream. Or the Clog's personal faves, Stray Dog – the 70s band signed to ELP's Manticore label and featuring guitar genius Snuffy Walden.

Which power trio would YOU like to see included in a list of all-time greats? Post your comments below!

Posted by Geoff Barton
Friday July 25, 2008

THE DIRT | Permalink | Comments [56]

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Comments:

Triumph of course. "Natures Child"! "I Live for the Weekend"! need I go on...

Posted by Jeremy Weltman (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 01:36 PM BST #

nirvana are probably the best three piece band ever. with ablums like blecjh in utero and painfully odvious, are fantastic. give me them over rush any day

Posted by robert_boy_genius (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 01:40 PM BST #

What about Chas 'n' Dave?

Posted by Haywire (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 02:03 PM BST #

Not such a genius eh Robert.
Not only talking bollocks but unable to spell too.
Rush and Cream uber alles, naturlich.

Posted by Russ (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 02:08 PM BST #

Jimi Hendrix Experience maybe?

Posted by STEPHEN TENWICK (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 02:10 PM BST #

What about Kings X and even ZZ Top??? I can't believe no one has mentioned those 2 yet. Shame on you all!!!

Posted by pete (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 02:50 PM BST #

Let's see...

Emerson, Lake and Palmer
Rush
Triumph
Zebra
Cream
Nirvana

Whoever at Gibson came up with that list completely missed the boat outside of Motorhead.

Posted by Mike (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 02:56 PM BST #

Surely - Vardis ?

Posted by Rocker Gibraltar (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 03:20 PM BST #

Yeah, what the fuck ever happened to Vardis?

Posted by Gerry Mule (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 03:30 PM BST #

I quite enjoyed Bryan Adams when he played bass and revereted to a three piece a few years ago. One of the main reasons being that there was no longer a keyboard player and thus his set became much more guitar orientated and leant towards his more rock material. Unfortunately he reverted back guitar and a five piece for the subsequent album, Room Service, which was absolutely horrendous.

To be honest though I think Rush and The Steve Morse band are the only trio's I am a fan of.

Posted by James Mitchell (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 03:31 PM BST
Website: http://www.myspace.com/vantagepointrocks #

Didn't legendary Vardis guitarist Steve Zodiac marry Motorcycle Irene?

Posted by Brad T (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 03:44 PM BST #

Nirvana and The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Posted by Benoo (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 03:46 PM BST #

I heartily concur with ZZ Top, who will have an hour long special on a futire edition of my internet radio show.

I'd also put in a bid for Grand Funk Railroad (pre keys) and West, Bruce and Laing.

Posted by Mr H (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 03:48 PM BST
Website: http://www.metal4life.co.uk #

(in no particular order) Rush, Nirvana, Motorhead (Lemmy/Philty/Fast Eddie-era), Muse

Posted by disgruntled goat (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 03:56 PM BST #

Nirvana - the most over-rated band ever. They weren't even the best grunge band - AIC and Pearl Jam dicked all over them.

People only still talk about them because that skag head topped himself!!!!!

Whinge over - go on Motorhead!!!!!

Posted by Paul Blyth (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 04:22 PM BST #

ZZ Top. Hands down. This is the hardest rocking trio list, I like Rush but they dont belong on this list.

Posted by Del Mercury (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 04:35 PM BST #

Mary, Mungo & Midge?

Posted by Paul Alex (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 04:45 PM BST #

What, no Hanson Brothers? "Mmmmmmm bop..."
Seriously, anybody who would put Nirvana on ANY list with Hendrix, Rush, ZZ Top, etc., needs to have his head examined. Just a bunch of overdistorted chords you learn in Guitar 101.

Posted by Mike in Mississippi (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 04:45 PM BST #

Anyone remember The Rods? Marvellous band. I saw them in 81 supporting Maiden or Priest (I forget which) and they were superb. Their Wild Dogs album was shit hot. I'd buy it off Amazon if the asking price was lower than thirty eight quid. But surely the mighty ZZ Top should be number 1 in the list. How the hell can Venom be classed as better than ZZ Top???

Posted by Stevo the Greebo (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 05:01 PM BST #

As usual Stevo is right on the money. The Rods were fucking fantastic. Even their leader's nickname was "Rock" and he is Ronnie James Dio's cousin (I think) - that's how hard they rocked!

Posted by Mitch (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 05:29 PM BST #

Wankers!
Rod, Jane and Freddy anyday!

Posted by 127.0.0.1 on July 25, 2008 at 05:56 PM BST #

are the victims family too indie to qualify? no means no? angel witch should be 6th place easily. and for sheer hardness, i'd prefer tank over the rods.

Posted by wobo (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 06:13 PM BST #

Del Mercury -- what do you mean Rush doesn't belong on this list? Aside from ZZ Top and Motorhead, they are one of the most enduring trios, let alone bands, in rock history.

Back off the Jagermeister before your next post there, sparky...

Posted by Mike (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 06:21 PM BST #

Have to give my vote to the girls. The much underrated Rock Goddess. Had the honour of jamming with them once They Should have been huge.

Posted by Charlotte The Harlot (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 08:57 PM BST #

Muse, Vardis and what about Raven?

Posted by Rock Whalley (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 10:21 PM BST #

Grand Funk Railroad
Blue Cheer
Speed, Glue and Shinki

Posted by BBL (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 10:51 PM BST #

I agree with the bloke wot said Chas & Dave. And well done for remembering there ain't just Chas and Dave, but Mick the Stick too.

Posted by B P Perry (127.0.0.1) on July 25, 2008 at 10:53 PM BST
Website: http://www.famoustitsandarses.spunk.com #

Triumph, absolutely no question, listen to: the City, Blinding Light Show and the numerous acoustic guitar numbers and tell me they dont deserve their place

Posted by 127.0.0.1 on July 26, 2008 at 12:07 AM BST #

Nobody's mentioned Ash yet. Maybe not a power trio, and had a fourth member for quite a while, but they still released one of the best debut albums of the 90's with 1977, and are a smashing live act. Yeah, and neglecting ZZ Top and Nirvana is just criminal.
Oh, and what about Taste?

Posted by OdhranO (127.0.0.1) on July 26, 2008 at 10:41 AM BST #

1. Rush
2. Jimi Hendrix Experience
3. Cream
4. The Police (ok they are more pop/rock but they are amazing, best gig I've seen this year was Sting and co at Hyde Park. If anyone can come close to Neil Peart it is Stuart Copeland)
5. ZZ Top

Posted by Andrew (127.0.0.1) on July 26, 2008 at 11:06 AM BST #

Trapeze, Robin Trower, Rory Gallagher, Mama's Boys

Posted by monty (127.0.0.1) on July 26, 2008 at 11:25 AM BST #

Rush definitely should be on any list, not only still producing fresh challenging music but one of the best live acts in the world, also does anyone remember Angelwitch.

Posted by Snowdogs on the Toon (127.0.0.1) on July 26, 2008 at 04:37 PM BST #

MUSE are a decent 3piece RUSH are my fave though

Posted by Dave (127.0.0.1) on July 26, 2008 at 06:57 PM BST #

Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush
Pre keyboards Gov't Mule
Rory Gallagher in Taste
Joe Bonamassa with Eric Czar and Kenny Kramme

Posted by Nightwatcher (127.0.0.1) on July 27, 2008 at 12:38 AM BST
Website: http://nightwatchershouseofrock.blogspot.com/ #

well, the wildhearts were a trio for a time as "the moodswingers" and were just as good as i remember, does that count? gets my vote anyway!

Posted by doddy lad (127.0.0.1) on July 27, 2008 at 10:49 AM BST #

RUSH... 34 years of incredible music and top notch live playing. And the most successful 3 piece ever - gold and platinum records galore.

No contest.

Posted by RL (127.0.0.1) on July 27, 2008 at 01:49 PM BST #

How about the little 'ol band from Canada? Exciter.

Posted by Spike (127.0.0.1) on July 27, 2008 at 02:14 PM BST #

Well, its Rush obviously. Silly fucking question.

Posted by Agent Robbo (127.0.0.1) on July 27, 2008 at 05:21 PM BST #

OK here we go...
Kings X
Groundhogs
Robin Trower
The Batchelors...Oh no sorry that's another list!
Mahogany Rush
Budgie
ZZ top

And last but by no means least...Rush!!

Posted by ox drowley (127.0.0.1) on July 27, 2008 at 07:24 PM BST #

Mine are...

Rush
Cream
King's X
Muse
Green Day
ZZ Top
Nirvana

Posted by Bassmurf (127.0.0.1) on July 27, 2008 at 07:52 PM BST #

1 - Rush.
2 - Cream.
3 - Jimi Hendrix Experience.
4 - Motorhead (November 15th!)
5 - The Police.

Honourable mentions - Muse, ZZ Top.

Can't believe Rush weren't on that list.

Posted by Pageburst Dan (127.0.0.1) on July 27, 2008 at 08:12 PM BST #

OLD
BROWNSVILLE STATION (RIP Cub Coda)
NEW
DANKO JONES

Posted by Ben (127.0.0.1) on July 28, 2008 at 12:16 AM BST #

For all time rock Trios that is easy- Rush, Cream, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Police, Grand Funk Railroad, King's X, ZZ Top, Triumph and Nirvana-even though I only like two songs by them! Rush was not that list and will not be inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame because the people-who are not Musicians-at Rolling Stone and MTV etc..pop culture ignorance would not know good music if it came up to them and kicked them in the ASS!!! And they are just showing how they really feel-JEALOUS-But glittering prizes and endless compromises shatter the illusion of integrity!

Posted by Phil Cormier (127.0.0.1) on July 28, 2008 at 06:04 AM BST #

Rush / Cream / ZZ Top / Robin Trower / West, Bruce & laing / EL&P / JH Experience

Posted by Patvyn (127.0.0.1) on July 28, 2008 at 08:03 AM BST #

& Rory Gallagher of course ...

Posted by patvyn (127.0.0.1) on July 28, 2008 at 02:08 PM BST #

Can't believe no one has mentioned the mighty Therapy? Shame on you all...

Posted by Mike69srus (127.0.0.1) on July 28, 2008 at 03:54 PM BST #

Destruction. Fucking awesome band.

Even though they've also been a 4-piece. Also, didn't Venom stretch out to 5 members at one point?

Posted by Matt (127.0.0.1) on July 28, 2008 at 07:07 PM BST #

Has anyone noticed the amount of 3 piece bands that have their bass player as lead singers? The Police, Rush, Cream, Motorhead and weren't Thin Lizzy were a trio in the beginning? It's so rare to have lead singing bass player.

Posted by Andrew (127.0.0.1) on July 28, 2008 at 07:35 PM BST #

CELTIC FUCKING FROST

Posted by Captain Pie (127.0.0.1) on July 28, 2008 at 07:46 PM BST #

Oh man, how could I forget?!!

THE DIDJITS!!!
and
THE DEVIL DOGS!!!

Posted by Ben (127.0.0.1) on July 28, 2008 at 10:12 PM BST #

Nobody has mentioned Feeder yet. Ok, more the poppy side of rock, but rock they do.

The best though has to be the almighty Rush; Gods of the power trio

Posted by Nick (127.0.0.1) on July 29, 2008 at 12:39 PM BST #

RUSH ELP ZZ TOP

Posted by Nino (127.0.0.1) on July 29, 2008 at 01:42 PM BST #

1. Rush

2. Rush

3. Jimi Hendrix Experience

Posted by 127.0.0.1 on July 30, 2008 at 12:09 PM BST #

Have to go for Tank,but what about Immortal.

Posted by Ian (127.0.0.1) on July 31, 2008 at 12:18 PM BST #

Spirit Caravan...

Posted by Mike (127.0.0.1) on July 31, 2008 at 05:43 PM BST #

RUSH

I agree....no contest.

Posted by Dirtbox (127.0.0.1) on August 01, 2008 at 10:15 AM BST #