The Last No. 1 Hits by 5 of Classic Rock’s Biggest Bands

Some classic rock bands never hit the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Bands like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Rush, and KISS never reaching No. 1 is a shock. But what about the bands that reached No. 1 multiple times? What were their last No. 1 hits?

“The Long And Winding Road” by The Beatles

The Beatles had 20 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Starting with “I Want To Hold Your Hand” in 1964, and ending with “The Long And Winding Road” in 1970. A seemingly fitting title to wrap up the success of The Beatles in the 1960s, it wasn’t exactly a long and winding road. In a span of only 6 years, The Beatles hit the top spot 20 times. The last single from The Beatles, released in 2023, “Now And Then,” reached No. 1 in the UK but peaked at only No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Miss You” by The Rolling Stones

Starting with “Honky Tonk Women” in 1969, The Rolling Stones topped the chart 8 times. Though The Stones are still together and touring, their last No. 1 hit was in 1978. “Miss You” fit perfectly into the disco era of the late 1970s, when seemingly every rock band was trying to get a disco-friendly radio hit. “Start Me Up,” while arguably the most recognizable Stones song, didn’t top the chart, peaking at No. 2 in 1981.

“Candle In The Wind” by Elton John

In response to Princess Diana’s death in 1997, Elton John revisited his classic “Candle In The Wind“. Performing the song at the princess’ funeral, this rendition went on to top the Billboard Hot 100. John had 9 No. 1 hits throughout his career, beginning with “Crocodile Rock” in 1972 and ending with “Candle In The Wind”. It’s difficult to believe one of Elton John’s most identifiable songs, “Tiny Dancer,” peaked at only No. 41 on the chart.

“Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen

With “Bohemian Rhapsody” peaking at No. 2 and “We Are The Champions” at No. 4, Queen finally got their No. 1 hit in 1979. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” held the top spot for 4 weeks, and one year later, Queen held the top spot again with “Another One Bites The Dust” in 1980. Surprisingly, Queen only had 2 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon

Some would say rock music peaked in the 1980s, and it was more difficult than ever to hit the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. 13 years after the band began, REO Speedwagon finally got there with “Keep On Loving You” in 1980. To prove it wasn’t just a fluke, REO’s Kevin Cronin sought to replicate that success. In 1985, REO topped the chart again with “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” holding the top spot for three weeks and establishing REO Speedwagon as a powerhouse of 1980s rock music.