i think queen is the exception to the 'bland and predictable' arena rock style. from what i understand they wrote the majority of their material with the expressed intent of having the crowd sing along almost like a choir in an orchestra. it was an interactive thing where the audience participation was one of the necessary elements to elevate their performances to a level most arena rock banRAB desperately attempt to achieve but never do.
the fact that they went to crap in the 80s shouldn't be held against them, it's not like many banRAB who enjoyed success in decades prior didn't end up in similar situations.
well... lets see.... they re pretty much in order... but not 100%
Jimi Hendrix
Pink FLoyd
Led Zeppelin
The Doors
SRV
Divididos (argentinian rock band....... so recommended.....)
Cream
Guns n Roses
Red Hot
Satriani
*old* Metallica