The following is a list of notable artists who have been described as gothic rock by reliable sources. "Gothic rock" is a term typically used to describe a musical subgenre of post-punk and alternative rock that formed during the late 1970s. Gothic rock bands grew from the strong ties they had to the English punk rock and emerging post-punk scenes. According to both Pitchfork[1] and NME,[2] proto-goth bands included Joy Division,[1][2][3] Siouxsie and the Banshees,[1][2] Bauhaus[1][2] and the Cure.[1][2] The term was first used by critic John Stickney in 1967 to describe the music and accompanying performances by the Doors. The Doors' lyrics and their "audience-antagonizing performances" have even been seen as the beginning of gothic rock.[4]
Curtis' death wrapped an already mysterious group in legend. From the press eulogies, you would think Curtis had gone to join Chatterton, Rimbaud and Morrison in the hallowed hall of premature harvests. To a group with several strong gothic characteristics was added a further piece of romance. The rock press had lost its great white hope, but they had lost a friend. It must have made bitter reading.
After their debut single, Love Me, had caused a few small ripples, the band took their brand of light, airy Goth rock back to the studio and released Sun Family (1985)...
Perhaps "The Lords of the New Church's" gothic rock production values were too dark and sinister sounding for mass tastes.
"Open Your Eyes" was originally released by '80s-era gothic rock outfit The Lords of the New Church
Mandragora Scream spielen überaus melodischen und von himmelschreiendem Weltschmerz getränkten melodramatischen Gothic-Rock, ... [Mandragora Scream play an extremely melodic Gothic rock soaked in glaring pessimism ...]
Vocalist Blaze Bayley (Iron Maiden, Wolfsbane) is featured in the new video from U.K. goth rock/industrial metal band Sinnergod.
The Soul Merchants were Denver's first Goth band, pulling their influences from Bauhaus, and the Sisters of Mercy.