The Top 7 Bands from the 70s
5th June 2017When thinking of the 70s, it’s hard not to imagine tight jeans, long curly hair and of course, classic rock. Much of what happened in the 70s strongly influenced how modern rock music has evolved. Whether it’s a low-slung Gibson les Paul, or screaming gravelly voices, remnants of the 70s can be heard and seen everywhere. Below, we pay tribute to 7 of the most beloved bands from the 70s:
Black Sabbath
Out of the dark depths of Birmingham came Black Sabbath. Hits such as ‘Paranoid’ and ‘War Pigs’ influenced heavy metal bands like Metallica, Marilyn Manson, and many others. Their heavy guitar sounds and dark lyrics captured the imagination of millions around the world, influenced by the poverty that gripped Birmingham throughout the late 60s and early 70s.
Queen
Is an introduction necessary? The band that gave us Freddie Mercury set the world alight with their first album ‘Queen’. However, not many people understood their lyrics at first; they were seen to be too ‘out there’, but they carried on making waves with their electrifying live act. In 1975, the band released their fourth album which gave us ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, what some say is the greatest song the world has ever heard. Undoubtedly one of the most beloved bands from the 70s.
The Jackson 5
Before Michael Jackson became the King of Pop, he and his four other brothers hit the big time as the Jackson Five. Songs such as ‘ABC’ and ‘Blame it on the Boogie’ propelled the siblings to astronomical fame during the 70s.
The Jackson 5 was one of the first groups of black American performers to attain a crossover following, preceded by the Supremes, the Four Tops and the Temptations. They were also the first group to debut with four consecutive number one hits on the Hot 100 with the songs ‘I Want You Back’, ‘ABC’, ‘The Love You Save’, and ‘I’ll Be There’.
Van Halen
“Might as well Jump…Jump”. Van Halen is probably one of the most influential bands from the 70s. Why? Guitarist Eddie Van Halen burst on to the scene in 1978 with the band’s first album, containing the track ‘Eruption’. If you’re a guitarist, you will appreciate the significance of this track.
Eruption completely rewrote the rule book of rock guitar playing. Eddie’s two-hand tapping technique, which inspired all the 80s’ shred guitarists preceding him, was absolutely mind-blowing.
Along with his brother Alex on drums, Michael Anthony on bass, and David Lee Roth on lead vocals, the band hit the stratosphere of success with amazing hits such as ‘Ain’t Talking About Love’ and later ‘Jump’ with Sammy Hagar on lead vocals.
KISS
KISS is an American rock band that formed in New York City in January 1973 by Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley and the man with the longest tongue in rock, Gene Simmons.
Not only is the band known for such hits as ‘Detroit Rock City’ and ‘Rock and Roll All Night’, but they are also known for their whacky face paint, out-of-this-world costumes, fire breathing and blood spitting.
KISS could not only captivate an audience by their music, but by their awesome stage shows too.
AC/DC
AC/DC is an Australian rock band formed by brothers Malcolm and Angus young back in 1973. Their sound is a hard/bluesy rock one, though they’re sometimes considered to be a heavy metal band.
Known for their catchy riffs, gravelly vocals, and the infamous schoolboy outfit, the band have enjoyed incredible success throughout the years and are still going strong. Despite hurdles such as the unfortunate death of lead singer and co-songwriter Boy Scott shortly after releasing their album ‘Highway to Hell’, who was then replaced by Brian Johnson, AC/DC proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock, and we ‘salute’ them!
Aerosmith
Otherwise referred to as ‘The Bad Boys from Boston’ as well as ‘America’s Greatest Rock n’ Roll Band’, Aerosmith is one of the best-selling American hard rock bands of all time – and it comes as no surprise.
Consisting of members Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, and Joey Kramer, this band is one that has inspired countless artists and music-lovers across the world. Known for their intense rhythmic style, not to mention the somewhat questionable outfit choices, we hope that they keep rocking for longer, cause we don’t wanna miss a thing.
And there you have it; our favourite 7 bands from the 70s, all of which left a huge impact on the world of music.
If any of these incredible musicians inspire you, head on down to Olimpus; Malta’s favourite music store, and take a look at our incredible range of instruments, equipment, and much more.
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