I didn't even consider the possibility of including the Jimi Hendrix Experience in my top 5 US bands. I just don't think of Jimi Hendrix in band terms. The same with Springsteen, Tom Petty, et al.

I have always considered TP & Heartbreakers a band, that's why Petty has released 3 solo albums away from the band even though some of the Heartbreakers played on them. The Experience was a band all the way to me-Jimi was never the same without them. Bruce and the E Street Band-also a band. Bruce's solo albums are so weak when compared to the E Street material.
You could easily consider Bruce, Petty and Hendrix solo artists and wouldn't be wrong, but they are all very much part of bands when they're not doing solo projects.

I realize you're right about that, but for some reason they never spring to mind when I'm thinking of bands. However, this just happens when the band's name contains the leader's full name, and the leader is the singer and chief songwriter. I always think of Van Halen as a band.

Good points all.

To me Jimi Hendrix Experience was a band, but by the time of Band of Gypsies, Jimi Hendrix was to all intents and purposes a solo star. But Jimi Hendrix was such a towering figure in the Experience that I consider them an American band first and foremost, even though they were based in England.

Even with the above, Hendrix was so important that I couldn't imagine leaving him off a list like this.

This exercise has been a bit enlightening for me. I've always considered the 60's to be THE DECADE for rock. After making these lists, I no longer feel that way, especially with my UK list. I guess the first 1/2 of the 70's would have to be my personal top rock period. Psych, prog (other then Marillion), singer songwriter & glam all peaked between 1969-1975 in my opinion.

Maybe Dylan should be on my list then.

After much wavering:

Buffalo Springfield
The Byrds
Creedence Clearwater Revival
The Rascals
The Velvet Underground

5 bands, since I was having trouble coming up with 5 US bands.
Velvet Underground
The Doors
Jimi Hendrix Experience
The Rolling Stones
CCR for fun.

I don't like the 60s much either, but I do love lists like this. My favorite eras are the 50s, 80s, and 90s (to a lesser degree).

US
Byrds
Doors
Velvet Underground
Jefferson Airplane
Dylan
CCR

UK
Beatles
Stones
Who
Cream
Yardbirds
Faces