There’s no doubt about it- Los Angeles remains the long-standing top entertainment hub of the United States, and perhaps even the world. For movie buffs, Hollywood reigns as the champion for film and TV. However, there is more to Los Angeles than its movie stars. Some of the biggest names in music launched their careers in the business from a recording studio located here. Throughout time, the city has blessed the world with musical talent that started entire revolutions in music and changed the scene forever. So, here are a few of the most successful, popular and iconic bands that got their start in a Los Angeles local recording studio.

 The Doors

No recount of the 60s counterculture movement would be complete without mentioning The Doors. With shamanic singer Jim Morrison’s poetic lyrics, combined with the melodious keyboards of Ray Manzarek, The Doors took the world by storm. The band first started in July 1965 with a conversation between the at-the-time schoolmates Manzarek and Morrison, on the sidewalks of Venice Beach. Soon afterward, they were in a local recording studio practicing. One year later, a four-piece called The Doors were the regular house band at Whisky a Go-Go. Even though they disbanded 2 years after the death of Jim Morrison in 1971, The Doors are still one of the best-selling bands of all time.

Guns N’ Roses

One of the epitomes of air guitar music, Guns N’ Roses exploded onto the rock scene in the 80s. Although they got their start in Los Angeles, most of the band’s members hailed from other states, and even countries. In fact, guitarist Slash was born all the way across the pond, in England. Frontman Axl Rose started from a working-class family in Indiana. Thanks to their album ‘Appetite for Destruction’, they managed to earn the nickname “The World’s Most Dangerous Band.” With a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2011, Guns N’ Roses continues to tour to this day. Starting with LA’s own Troubador in 2016, they continue to headline big name festivals and shows around the United States.

Metallica

Coming from the underground metal scene, Metallica started with an advertisement in the Los Angeles newspaper The Recycler. The ad from Lars Ulrich read “Drummer looking for other metal musicians to jam with; Tygers of Pan Tang, Diamond Head, and Iron Maiden.” Vocalist James Hetfield answered the call and, 5 months later, Metallica was in a recording studio perfecting their sound. For a time, they also practiced in a custom sound studio called “the Metalli-mansion.” Unfortunately, Metallica was wrapped up in controversies of their own, including a showdown with file sharing service Napster. However, despite their challenges, there is no doubt that they remain one of the most influential heavy metal bands around. They were highly responsible for bringing their genre out of the underground and into the mainstream music scene. In doing so, they inspired a generation of metal-heads around the world.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

In a school music studio at Fairfax High School, near West Hollywood, four classmates decided to form a band together. Their name? “Tony Flow and the Miraculously Majestic Masters of Mayhem”. Their first show was described as a ‘hot’ lively success. Consequently, they changed their name to ‘The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ later that week. After only a few months of successful local Los Angeles shows and venues, they scored a seven-album record deal. With their 2012 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Red Hot Chili Peppers have truly cemented their legacy as one of the top all-time LA bands.

Van Halen

Hailing from a recording studio in Pasadena, Van Halen became one of the most iconic 80s rock bands of all time. With ‘guitar god’ Eddie Van Halen and his brother Alex on drums, Van Halen pumped out a number of 1980s hits. From there, the band danced between the flamboyant David Lee Roth and the ‘more chill’ Sammy Hagar. David Lee Roth said himself that “He’s the kind of guy you go out with to split a bottle with a friend. I’m the kind of guy you go out with if you want to split your friend with a bottle.” Van Halen also has the distinction of being the only iconic rock band to feature 2 generations of musicians. In 2011, Eddie’s son Wolfgang Van Halen began his career as the bassist for the band. What an awesome first gig for your musical career resume!

Tons of Musical Talent From the City of Angels

Of course, this is just the tip of an incredibly large iceberg. There are so many great and influential bands that made their start in a Los Angeles recording studio. Even today, the music scene is thriving, with famous venues like the Whiskey a Go-Go. I guess that just gives Los Angeles another claim to being “the greatest city”, besides the sunshine and beaches.