DAILY DIRT: Favorite three-man band? Well, they’re all sharp-dressed men

Daily Dirt for Monday, May 26, 2025

The Police and Cream are right up there, too … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,296 of The Daily Dirt.

1. Don’t jump to any immediate conclusions.

Take your time, sit back and think about my question: Who is your favorite three-man rock band of all-time? Notice I didn’t say “best” three-man rock band. I’m not smart enough to break down guitar virtuosos from 40 or 50 years ago, or any other technical aspect of a song or group. But I do know what I like in the sound(s) produced by various bands and groups, and that’s all I’m asking of you.

I’ll give you mine, and then feel free to do the same — even drop me a line and let me know if we’re on the same page.

One other note about today’s rankings — I’m not including groups that “only” sang and did not play any instruments. So don’t be upset when the Bee Gees, Supremes or Ronettes are not included. That, friends, is another debate for another day.

My favorite three-man bands:

Gold medal ZZ Top: Years ago, Billy Gibbons, the late Dusty Hill (who died in 2021) and Frank Beard “became unexpected stars on MTV, as their music videos – and defining beards – turned them into cultural icons,” according to ultimate classicrock.com. With 15 studio albums and a career spanning more than 50 years, few bands can boast the mix of longevity and impact that ZZ Top has. Favorite ZZ Top songs: “Legs,” “Sharp-Dressed Man” and “Gimme All Your Lovin'”.

Silver medal: The Police: The group’s blend of rock, reggae — and even punk — was innovative and always interesting. The Police showcased a truly unique style and approach, leading to what has been described as genre-defying sound. Sting’s vocal style was instantly recognizable. Drummer Stewart Copeland’s and guitar man Andy Summers were remarkable “backup” talents. Favorite Police songs: “Every Breath You Take,” “Roxanne” and “Don’t Stand So Close To Me”.

Bronze medal: Cream: Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker. Jack Bruce. Wow. Cream was not around long — about three years — but the impact those three made and the memories established reverberate still today. Just listen to any classic rock station. Decades after Cream’s brief existence, fans still marvel at the trio’s work. Favorite Cream songs: “White Room” and “Sunshine Of Your Love”.

Honorable mention: Genesis, Grand Funk Railroad, Crosby Stills and Nash, Jimi Hendrix Experience.

2. (Part 375)

• That the real name of Guns N’ Roses’ Axl Rose is William Bailey.
• That John Lennon was featured in the first cover story for Rolling Stone magazine. (The Beatles hold the magazine’s record for most covers with 30.)
• That Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham drank 40 shots of vodka the night he died in 1980. He was 31.
• That before he renamed himself Bob Dylan, Robert Allen Zimmerman briefly went by Elston Gunn.
• That AC/DC guitarist Malcom Young once worked in a bra factory as a sewing machine mechanic.

3. Including today, each of the next three days will be the same frontward and backward:

5/27/25

5/28/25

5/29/25

As always, you’re welcome.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — Here’s a nugget for you: Before joining KISS, Vinnie Vincent (who replaced Ace Frehley) wrote the soundtracks for “Happy Days” and “Joannie Loves Chachi”.