The Most Famous Band in NZ, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the band you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 25, 2024 07:02

In a small, lively cafe tucked away in the corner of a bustling street in New Zealand, a heated discussion unfolds among friends about which local band truly captures the spirit of their nation. Each friend champions a different group, bringing up hit songs, memorable performances, and unique styles that set their favorite apart. This scenario isn't unique to this cafe, as across the country, music lovers argue passionately about which band deserves the title of the most famous. This lively debate illustrates the need for a clear, crowd-sourced ranking system where fans can cast their votes and see which bands rise to the top. Here, you can participate by voting for the band you believe truly represents New Zealand's finest musical talent. As votes accumulate, watch live as the rankings adjust, reflecting real-time public opinion and possibly introducing you to new music that has captivated the hearts of other fans.

Who Is the Most Famous Band in NZ?

1

38
votes
Mick Muise · CC BY 2.0

Crowded House

Formed in Melbourne, Australia, but with strong ties to New Zealand, this band became one of the most successful and beloved acts in Kiwi music history. Their catchy, melodic pop-rock sound and heartfelt lyrics have earned them a dedicated fanbase around the world.
Crowded House is a renowned rock band from Australia, known for their distinct sound blending pop, rock, and folk influences. They have achieved significant commercial success both in Australia and internationally, with a string of hit songs and albums.

Genre: Rock

Origin: Melbourne, Australia

Years active: 1985 - 1996, 2006 - present

Members: Neil Finn, Nick Seymour, and various other members throughout the years

Albums: They released 7 studio albums, including the self-titled debut album 'Crowded House' (1986) and 'Woodface' (1991)
Crowded House in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular band in Australia
2

35
votes

Mandy Hall · CC BY 2.0

Split Enz

Another iconic Kiwi band, Split Enz were known for their eclectic, experimental style and theatrical live shows. Led by the charismatic Tim Finn, the group had a string of hits in the 1970s and 80s, including "I Got You" and "One Step Ahead".
3

17
votes

The Chills - One of the pioneers of the "Dunedin sound"

The Chills - One of the pioneers of the "Dunedin sound" is a jangly, guitar-driven indie rock style that emerged in the 1980s - The Chills are still going strong today. Led by singer-songwriter Martin Phillipps, the band's catchy, introspective tunes have won them a devoted following both in New Zealand and overseas.
4

14
votes

Ewan Munro from London, UK · CC BY-SA 2.0

The Clean

Another key player in the Dunedin sound scene, The Clean were known for their minimalist, lo-fi approach to rock music. Their influence can be heard in countless indie bands that have emerged since, and their classic album "Boodle Boodle Boodle" remains a beloved Kiwi classic.
5

9
votes

Shihad

One of the most successful hard rock bands to come out of New Zealand, Shihad formed in the late 1980s and have been going strong ever since. Their powerful, riff-heavy sound and intense live shows have earned them a reputation as one of the country's best live acts.
6

15
votes

The Exponents

This fun-loving, high-energy band were one of the biggest names in Kiwi rock in the 1980s and 90s, thanks to hits like "Why Does Love Do This To Me" and "Who Loves Who The Most". Frontman Jordan Luck is still a beloved figure in New Zealand music today.
7

13
votes
Sanellie · CC BY-SA 3.0

Fat Freddy's Drop

This Wellington-based collective blend dub, reggae, soul, and jazz into a unique and infectious sound that has won them fans all over the world. Their live shows are legendary, and their albums are consistently critically acclaimed.
Fat Freddy's Drop in other rankings
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous New Zealand singer
8

2
votes

Six60

One of the most successful bands to emerge from New Zealand in recent years, Six60's catchy pop-rock tunes and charismatic live shows have won them a huge following both at home and abroad. They have sold out stadiums and arenas in New Zealand, and are starting to make waves internationally.
9

3
votes

Lorde

While technically a solo artist rather than a band, Lorde has become one of the most famous and successful musicians to come out of New Zealand in recent memory. Her unique voice, savvy songwriting, and distinctive style have won her fans all over the world, and she has won numerous awards and accolades for her work.
10

1
votes
Dragon

This Australian-New Zealand band formed in the early 1970s and went on to become one of the biggest names in Australasian rock. Their catchy, upbeat tunes and distinctive vocals won them a huge following, and their classic hits like "April Sun In Cuba" and "Rain" remain beloved to this day.
The Dragon is a majestic and powerful creature in Chinese astrology. It is one of the most beautiful and revered zodiac signs, known for its strength, charisma, and luck. It is associated with the element of Wood and has a yang energy. People born under the Dragon sign are said to be ambitious, confident, and passionate. They are natural leaders and possess great intuition and intelligence. The Dragon is also believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.

Element: Wood

Energy: Yang

Characteristics: Ambitious, confident, passionate

Leadership: Natural leaders

Intuition: Strong intuition

Missing your favorite band?

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Ranking factors for famous band

Record sales

How many copies of their albums and singles have been sold in New Zealand and globally?
Chart success

How many of their songs have reached number one on the New Zealand charts?
Critical acclaim

Have they won any major music awards in New Zealand or internationally?
Longevity

How long were they active as a band and how consistent was their success?
Influence

Have they inspired other New Zealand musicians to pursue a career in music or influenced popular culture?
Touring

How successful were their tours in New Zealand and globally?
Cultural significance

How much of an impact have they had on Kiwi culture or how representative are they of the New Zealand music scene?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous band in NZ. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or band is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2774 views
151 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each band once every 24 hours. The rank of each band is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous band in nz

New Zealand has a rich musical history with a diverse range of genres and artists. From the iconic Maori music to modern pop, rock, and alternative sounds, the country has produced many talented musicians and bands over the years. The question of who the most famous band in NZ is a topic of much debate and discussion among music enthusiasts. Several bands have made a significant impact on the music scene in New Zealand and have gained international recognition. These include Crowded House, Split Enz, The Chills, The Clean, and Shihad, to name a few. Each of these bands has their unique sound and style, which has contributed to their success and popularity. While there is no clear answer to who the most famous band in NZ is, one thing is for sure: New Zealand's music scene is thriving and continuously evolving. With so much talent and creativity, it's no wonder that the country has produced some of the most innovative and influential bands of our time.