Rock music from the UK: 9 online radio stations with classics and new hits

Rock from Britain is not just music, it’s a cultural code. From the first chords of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones to the titanic riffs of Black Sabbath and the fresh anthems of Arctic Monkeys – every era here had its own voice. And British radio still preserves that energy. We’ve gathered nine stations that best capture the spirit of the UK rock scene.

Radio X in London has long been a symbol of the British guitar sound, and its Classic Rock channel focuses on timeless hits. Here you’ll hear Queen and Fleetwood Mac, Springsteen and Oasis, and sometimes even a stadium anthem like “Don’t Stop Believin’”. The atmosphere feels authentic – like being in a legendary British pub where everyone sings along together.

TotalRock grew in London back in the 90s from the Rock Radio Network and today defends the honor of the heavy scene 24/7. Here Black Sabbath meets Metallica, while new British bands get airtime alongside legends. The program includes interviews, live festival broadcasts, and single premieres. For more than 25 years, the station has held its standard, and the drive gives you goosebumps.

Once upon a time, Radio Caroline played records from a ship in the North Sea, bypassing bans. Today it has a license, but the spirit of freedom remains. The London station plays AOR, classic rock, and fresh releases, with a strong focus on the British school. It’s not just radio, it’s part of British history. You turn it on – and it feels like reliving the 60s.

This station from Mansfield lives for fans of classic rock. On air are Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, David Bowie and others who built the foundation of the genre, and the absence of unnecessary talk creates the effect of a concert without pauses. You may want to put on a vinyl – but it’s enough to turn on this stream.

Planet Rock from London is like a vast library of British rock: from Led Zeppelin to Muse, from Iron Maiden to Foo Fighters. On air you’ll hear classics, heavy hits and new albums, plus live shows with charismatic hosts. It feels like flipping through a vinyl collection – only without the needle crackle.

The second station of the 24-7 Niche Radio network from Mansfield goes into a harder zone: from glam to old-school hard rock. Here you’ll hear Kiss, Def Leppard, AC/DC, and every track makes you want to press the gas harder. The playlist is built so you can’t get bored. Turn it on in the evening – and your apartment turns into Wembley Arena.

For those who love psychedelia and prog, this is the perfect entry point. From Mansfield you’ll hear Pink Floyd, Caravan, Soft Machine, Yes – all without pauses or ads. The atmosphere feels like a walk through late-60s London: stained-glass sounds, long guitar solos, a light haze in your head. Sometimes music replaces teleportation – and this is exactly that case.

A station from Birmingham reminds us that metal was born here. On air you’ll hear everything: from Judas Priest classics to modern alternative and underground British bands. The playlist strikes a balance between the "old school" and current releases. If you want to feel that metal is a living tradition, Top Rock Radio hits the mark.

London’s RoXdon Classic Rock is a cozy corner for those who appreciate vintage sound. On air – Genesis, Steely Dan, Eagles and a full palette of Anglo-American rock. The track selection creates the feeling of being transported to the golden era of FM radio. A perfect choice if you want not just loud guitars, but a complete musical mood.

British rock has always been diverse – from the pirate spirit of Radio Caroline to the heavy guitars of TotalRock and the intellectual playlist of Radio X Classic Rock. These nine stations are not a museum but a living organism, where the past meets the future. Tune in to any of them – and you’ll feel that Britain plays rock like no one else.