Biggest artist/band in the world?

Who do you consider it to be?

There are obviously different ways of measuring this but it will be interesting to see different people's opinions on which artists and bands they regard to be the 'biggest' in the world. This could be due to their sales, popularity, world awareness, their influence...

I would say...

Coldplay. Pretty much most of their songs are hits. They don't have one bad song.

I'd say it's The Who.

Not only did they revoulonise music for an entire generation in the 60s and lead the way for the entire Mod scene but they've been the influence of so many bands since their hay day. Coinsiding with the three great films they're created (Quadrophenia, McVicar and Tommy) which proves they don't stop at music. They also constantly raise money for teenage cancer with their gigs at the Albert Hall which includes other massive names around the world of music such as Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher and Bryan Adams. (well two outta three ain't bad )

A few thoughts:

Michael Jackson

In terms of their influence - Joy Division

Michael Jackson has the record sales. And hes in the news all the time, although recently not for his music.

U2? They've been massive, known world wide, have appeared on tv shows like the simpsons, family guy i think.

Beatles of course

I'm guessing Take That must be up there too? Unless their huge success is really just in Britain.

Take That are mostly British success aren't they?
The Beatles were massive.

Suppose you could add Elvis Presley, Elton John, Bob Marley.

Here's a table of artists who are the best selling:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_music_artists

The Beatles havent excisted in nearly 40 years and they still outsell most acts today. Head and shoulders above anybody else

For the current allround biggest, prob U2, for album and concert sales....massive

All time, prob the Rolling Stones or KISS for Concert & Album sales combined over 40 years

and prob the Beatles for the most influential...and most airtime..probably have the best % of hits per singles than any other group

I don't know who i could single out as the biggest of all time but if it's who's currently the biggest artist/band...
Probably Coldplay.
U2 are obviously up there aswell as oasis but i think they're both at that stage where their latest albums will sell millions no matter what, so all they have to do is bring out a new album and announce a new tour and they're guaranteed millions from it.
Not to take anything away from "Dig out your soul" which is one of oasis' best albums ( I haven't heard U2's latest album)

I say coldplay because i think they're a huge band at the peak of their career and their albums are consistently superb.
Probably the best band i've seen live too and that's ahead of oasis, arctic monkeys, The killers, radiohead, etc who i've seen and are all brilliant live too.

I think you could define the biggest band in the world as the one that are currently at the top and are expected to still be there after their next album and for me right now that's coldplay. Although if arctic monkeys next album is anywhere near as good as their first two, they'll be hot on their tails

I would say

1. Beatles
2. Elvis Presley
3. Michael Jackson
4. Queen
5. U2
6. Madonna
7. Elton John
8. Oasis
9. Coldplay
10. Cliff Richard

Wow, never thought anyone could sum it up like that but that seems about right Ms G
Maybe switch Oasis and Coldplay

Wow, never thought anyone could sum it up like that but that seems about right Ms G
Maybe switch Oasis and Coldplay

Cheers Ally.....Yeah your probably right, consider it done 

I'll leave my personal preferences out of this and won't compare old with contemporary,so......

Biggest (in terms of popularity I.E. album/ticket sales) currently kicking it; worldwide: - U2 then Coldplay then, possibly, AC/DC.

Tho' give K.O.L. another album and another year and the Kings  will, rightfully, claim their crown, in my opinion. 

At the moment i reckon Metallica.

Of all time then either Queen or Pink Floyd.

At the moment i reckon Metallica.

Of all time then either Queen or Pink Floyd.

Tidied that up for you.

Tidied that up for you.

Wrong ayrton, Queen were F***ing Boss back in the day.

I'd imagine the Stones. They have been massive for decades.