The Who

Larry Busacca, Getty Images for Clear Channel

The band that famously out-rocked the Rolling Stones in the latter group's own 1968 TV special (which consequently never aired) has been around since 1964. But the hard rockers became dangerously close to extinction in 2002 when bassist John Entwhistle became the second of the four original members to die. Still, singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist/driving force Pete Townshend have kept the band alive.

In their favor: So, so close.
Biggest threat: One more death/Pete's hearing loss gets worse.
Rating: 49.9