Queen beat David Bowie to be named the most played rock act of the 21st century

10 October 2025, 14:09

By Mayer Nissim

The Beatles don't even make the top ten.

Loading audio...

Depending on how you define it, rock music has been knocking around for about three quarters of a century now, with countless classic bands coming and going over the years.

Not every major act stands the test of time, but some of the biggest and best artists are still being played heavily today.

Music licensing company Phonographic Performance Limited has decided to do a bit of research to find out the most played rock acts of the 21st century on UK radio and TV.

The results are wall-to-wall major artists from across the years, of course, though there are a few surprises, too.

The Beatles don't make the top ten at all, while Stereophonics are there in sixth place.

Queen - Under Pressure (Official Video)

You could argue that there hasn't been too much new Beatles product for the airwaves in the last 25 years but the artist in at number one also hasn't released a truly new song since the turn of the century either.

In at the top spot is Queen, beating 'Under Pressure' duet partner David Bowie into second place.

U2 are third, with the top five rounded out by Oasis and Fleetwood Mac.

Queen guitarist Brian May said: "Astounding news! Bearing in mind that most of Queen's major works were done in the 20th century, it's amazing to top a 21st century list. Big thanks to all our fans."

PPL chief executive Peter Leathem added: "This chart underlines how rock music across the decades continues to thrive on UK airwaves.

"It's a testament to their expansive and much-loved music catalogue that they continue to mean so much to UK audiences to this very day."