**Travis Kelce’s 3 Favorite Rock Bands**
While Travis Kelce is best known as one of the NFL’s top tight ends, having an impressive career with the Kansas City Chiefs, he is also a big rock music fan. Though Kelce hasn’t publicly stated his definitive top 3 favorite bands, there are some strong indications based on interviews and observations of the bands and artists he frequently wears apparel and mentions enjoying. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at three rock bands that seem to be among Kelce’s favorites: Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Guns N’ Roses.
**Led Zeppelin**
One band that is almost certainly near or at the top of Kelce’s list is the legendary English rock group Led Zeppelin. Formed in 1968, Led Zeppelin went on to become one of the most successful, innovative, and influential rock bands of all time during their 12-year initial career. Some of the evidence that Led Zeppelin is a favorite of Kelce’s:
– He has been photographed wearing a Led Zeppelin t-shirt on multiple occasions, showing his appreciation for the band.
– During his entrance at the 2023 Super Bowl, Kelce chose to walk out to Led Zeppelin’s iconic song “Kashmir.” Selecting a Zeppelin song for such an high-profile moment indicates how much the music means to him.
– In interviews, Kelce has named Led Zeppelin as one of his all-time favorite bands that inspires him.
Led Zeppelin was known for their dynamic sound that incorporated elements of blues, folk, and psychedelic rock. They broke new ground by experimenting with different musical styles and incorporating world music influences. Some of their most famous songs that furthered the evolution of hard rock include “Stairway to Heaven,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” and “Rock and Roll.”
Zeppelin also helped popularize the album format in rock music. Instead of just compiling singles, their albums were meant to be listened to as cohesive artistic statements from beginning to end. Examples of their landmark albums are Led Zeppelin IV (which features “Stairway to Heaven”), Houses of the Holy, and Physical Graffiti.
The band was comprised of legendary musicians in Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar, production), John Paul Jones (bass, keyboards) and John Bonham (drums). They pioneered the aesthetic of rock concerts as grand theatrical productions with elaborate stage designs and lighting. Numerous artists since have cited Led Zeppelin as a primary influence, including members of Guns N’ Roses and Metallica.
Given Kelce’s appreciation for bold, energetic rock music that pushes boundaries, it’s easy to understand why Led Zeppelin’s influential style and iconic songs would resonate strongly with him. Their epic sound captures the intensity of big moments on the football field.
**AC/DC**
Another rock juggernaut that Kelce has expressed admiration for is Australia’s AC/DC. Formed in 1973, AC/DC went on to become one of the most popular hard rock/blues rock bands of all time led by iconic frontman Brian Johnson (later Bon Scott). Some signs AC/DC is among Kelce’s favorites include:
– He has been photographed wearing AC/DC t-shirts, displaying his fandom.
– In interviews Kelce has named AC/DC as a source of inspiration for him and as a band he enjoys listening to get pumped up.
AC/DC burst onto the scene with their high-energy brand of rock characterized by Scott’s raspy vocals and the dual guitar interplay of Angus and Malcolm Young. They pioneered a raw, unpolished sound focused on big hooks and hard-driving rhythms.
Some of their most famous anthemic songs include “Highway to Hell,” “Back in Black,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” “Hells Bells,” and “Thunderstruck.” These songs and more were featured on their many multi-platinum selling albums like Highway to Hell, Back in Black, and For Those About to Rock.
AC/DC’s music was perfect for big arenas and stadiums. They toured constantly for decades around the world, cementing their status as one of the greatest live rock acts. No frills and all energy, AC/DC represented the essence of hard-hitting rock and roll.
It’s easy to see why AC/DC’s in-your-face sound would be the type of music Kelce enjoys cranking up before games to get psyched. Their anthemic songs capture the intensity, adrenaline, and passion of high-stakes competition that Kelce thrives on.
**Guns N’ Roses**
Rounding out Kelce’s apparent top 3 is the iconic hard rock band Guns N’ Roses. Formed in Los Angeles in 1985, Guns N’ Roses went on to become one of the best-selling bands of all time. Evidence that GNR is among Kelce’s favorites includes:
– He has been photographed wearing Guns N’ Roses band t-shirts.
– In interviews Kelce has mentioned Guns N’ Roses as a band he enjoys listening to.
Guns N’ Roses burst onto the scene with their 1987 debut Appetite for Destruction, which featured hits like “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Paradise City,” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” The album drew from the rawness of punk with the hooks of Aerosmith and Van Halen.
It became one of the best-selling debuts of all time and catapulted the band to international fame. Frontman Axl Rose was a magnetic, unpredictable frontman. Slash was considered one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time.
The band struggled with fame, drugs, and interpersonal conflicts. But they eventually released long-awaited albums like Use Your Illusion I and II in the early 90s. Classics from those albums like “November Rain” and “Don’t Cry” showed their melodic and hard rock sides.
Guns N’ Roses represented the gritty, rebellious spirit of LA rock. Their music was a fiery combination of attitude and virtuosity. It’s easy to see why their high-energy, anthemic songs would be in Kelce’s rotation. Their sound captures the intensity and swagger he brings to dominating on the field.
**Conclusion**
While Kelce hasn’t publicly stated his definitive top 3 favorite rock bands, there are strong indications based on his known musical preferences that Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Guns N’ Roses rank very highly. These bands all share key traits that help explain their appeal to Kelce.
They create bold, anthemic hard rock characterized by huge hooks, infectious rhythms, and epic atmospheres. Their music is perfect for capturing big moments and getting psyched up for high-stakes competition. All three bands also helped shape the evolution of rock and established the template for hard rock/metal acts that followed.
Kelce seems drawn to the uncompromising attitudes and sounds of these pioneering rock icons. Their epic songs undoubtedly get him in the zone on gamedays. And off the field, these bands continue to provide inspiration as Kelce cements his legacy as one of the NFL’s greatest tight ends. While tastes are subjective, it’s clear these three legendary rock bands hold a special place among Travis Kelce’s musical favorites.