Music of a wonderful world

[2026] A roundup of the best UK bands, featuring many up-and-coming acts!

Active club DJkento
Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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!

[2026] A roundup of recommended UK bands, with many up-and-coming acts! (71–80)

Whole Lotta LoveLed Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love (Official Music Video)

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.

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AfterlifeNapoleon

NAPOLEON – Afterlife (Official HD Music Video – Basick Records)

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.

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High HopesPink Floyd

Pink Floyd – High Hopes (Official Music Video HD)

High HopesPink Floyd

Pink Floyd, the legendary rock band from the United Kingdom, was formed in 1965 and is known as a pioneer of progressive rock.

Their 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon became a massive hit, selling over 45 million copies worldwide.

With philosophical lyrics, innovative sounds, and elaborate live shows, they continue to captivate countless fans.

Boasting total sales of over 250 million records, their music shines brightly in rock history.

Highly recommended for those drawn to experimental sounds and grand concepts.

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Breakfast in AmericaSupertramp

Breakfast in America – Written and Composed by Roger Hodgson (Supertramp)

Breakfast in AmericaSupertramp

The album Breakfast in America, which shares its title with the song, became a massive hit worldwide, but it doesn’t seem to be very well known in Japan.

Riding the momentum of that album, the next release also hit number one across various parts of Europe.

The band’s songs are centered around keyboard tones, giving them a laid-back rock vibe.

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After The Love Has GoneTen

Ten – After The Love Has Gone

After The Love Has GoneTen

The biggest selling point of this band is, without a doubt, Gary Hughes’s sweet, heartrending vocals and the thoroughly lyrical melodies.

The talk box guitar and the keyboards that bolster the band’s sound show a strong influence from Bon Jovi and Journey, but the melodies—many times more emotional than those—are exquisite.

This track is included on their 1996 debut album.

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