Who are going to be the “classic” rock bands of our generation?

I base my rankings mostly on what i would call “Quality Longevity” & Worldwide Popularity — Longevity being key, so great bands with only a couple of albums (such as Sublime & Nirvana) are excluded.  Quality also key, so bands with only 1 or 2 good albums and a bunch of mediocre stuff don’t quite make it.

TOP TIER:

U2
Pearl Jam
Red Hot Chili Peppers

JUST MISSED OUT:

Guns-n-Roses (despite short lifespan)
Beastie Boys
Metallica
REM

ON THE RISE:

The White Stripes
Foo Fighters
Green Day

NOTABLE EXCLUSIONS/CLOSE CALLS FOR ME:

The Police (earlier in era and Sting left)
The Smiths (Morrissey left)
NWA
Run DMC
The Cure
Duran Duran

READER SUGGESTIONS:

Coldplay (meh)
Iron Maiden
Supersuckers
The Steubings (obscure early 90s DC band ;)  )
Sufjan Stevens
Interpol
Nirvana (too short lifespan)
Weezer (i agree)
Smashing Pumpkins (another close one)
Oasis (i totally forgot aboot them)

I’m sure I may have left some out, and many of you will disagree with me and have your own additions/subtractions, feel free to leave them in comments below.  Unless you are suggesting Dave Matthews Band be added, in which case I will perma-ban you!  haha

Slappy Whyte