[2026] A roundup of the best UK bands, featuring many up-and-coming acts!
In Japan, both now and in the past, bands from the UK have been especially popular among Western music.
As fellow island nations, there’s a shared sensibility—those slightly damp, melancholic melodies and lyricism resonate perfectly with Japanese tastes, and many people are also drawn to the distinctly European worldview.
In this article, we’ve researched recommended UK bands.
The first half spotlights up-and-coming and new artists you should watch to understand the “now” of Britain, while the second half takes a broader look—centered on rock—at veterans and mid-career acts you ought to know.
It features plenty of bands that are great for beginners to UK rock and Western music alike, so be sure to check it out!
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[2026] A roundup of recommended British bands, with plenty of up-and-coming acts! (91–100)
1%Funeral for a Friend
This is a track included on the album that became the band’s final release in 2015.
In their early days, they rose to prominence as a leading act in the genre known as screamo, and although they later made minor changes to their sound, they continued their activities.
Their consistently emotional songs are relentlessly moving.
That’s AllGenesis
It’s the band that Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel, both known for their solo careers, used to belong to.
Debuting in the late 1960s, they have a long history, but after “That’s All” reached its first single-digit peak of No.
6 in the U.S., they gained momentum and went on to release many hit songs.
Price Tag ft. B.o.BJesseJ
As a singer from London, UK, her poppy and charming voice is very popular.
This track also features the American rapper B.o.B and is one of her signature songs.
With its upbeat, irresistible rhythm that makes everyone want to move, it hit number one in the UK and later reached number one in 19 countries worldwide.
Topping the UK chart is a major goal for artists around the world, second only to the U.S.
The light, catchy yet slow melody brings back memories of older Western pop songs.
It really feels like a quintessential UK track.
Her fashionable, cool image is also one of the reasons she’s so popular among women.
21st Century Schizoid ManKing Crimson
King Crimson, the progressive rock band that epitomizes the UK music scene.
Formed in London in 1968, they have continued to captivate music fans around the world with their boundary-defying, innovative sound.
Their 1969 debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King, is still celebrated as a landmark of progressive rock.
With their diverse musicality and original approach, they exerted a profound influence on contemporaries such as Yes and Genesis.
During their world tours from 2014 to 2021, they overwhelmed audiences with a bold stage setup that placed three drum kits front and center.
Highly recommended not only for progressive rock fans but also for anyone seeking a fresh musical experience.
Whole Lotta LoveLed Zeppelin
The legendary British rock band Led Zeppelin has continued to captivate rock fans around the world since their formation in 1968.
The overwhelming sound woven by Jimmy Page’s innovative guitar playing, Robert Plant’s piercing vocals, John Bonham’s powerful drumming, and John Paul Jones’s versatile musicianship remains as vibrant as ever.
The tracks on their 1971 album Led Zeppelin IV are known as timeless masterpieces in rock history.
In December 2007, they delivered a breathtaking performance before 30,000 fans at a legendary concert held at London’s O2 Arena.
They’re a must-listen not only for hard rock enthusiasts but also for anyone who wants to experience music history.
AfterlifeNapoleon
Formed in 2011, this is a progressive metalcore band.
Their sound features a contrast between shouts and clean vocals interwoven with complex yet fluid guitar work.
While the band’s ensemble is heavy, the melodies remain distinctly melodic, maintaining a certain accessibility.
They have performed in Japan, and their relentless guitar playing has earned them a dedicated fanbase.
TemptationNew Order
Hailing from Manchester, England, New Order is a rock band formed in 1980 by the remaining members of Joy Division.
Known for their wide-ranging sound spanning post-punk, synth-pop, and dance music, they debuted in 1981 with the album Movement.
Their signature track is a legendary song recorded as the best-selling 12-inch single.
With the 1983 album Power, Corruption & Lies, they introduced a new sound that fused electronic music and rock, influencing many artists to come.
In 2015, they released Music Complete.
Highly recommended if you’re looking to move your body on the dance floor.