Rock music in the 1970s was a period of significant growth and development for the genre, with many influential artists and bands rising to prominence during this time. Some of the most popular examples of 1970s rock music include Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, The Who, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Queen, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and The Rolling Stones.
Led Zeppelin was formed in 1968, but it was during the 1970s that the band rose to international fame with their innovative and genre-defining sound. Songs like “Stairway to Heaven,” “Kashmir,” and “Whole Lotta Love” became staples of classic rock radio, and the band’s influence can still be heard in the music of many modern rock bands.
Pink Floyd is another iconic band from the 1970s. Their album “Dark Side of the Moon,” released in 1973, is widely considered to be one of the greatest albums of all time, and features hits like “Money” and “Time.” Other notable Pink Floyd albums from the 1970s include “Wish You Were Here” and “Animals.”
Black Sabbath, formed in Birmingham, England in 1968, helped define the heavy metal genre with their dark and heavy sound. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1970, and the band went on to release several classic albums during the 1970s, including “Paranoid,” “Master of Reality,” and “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.”
The Who, a British rock band formed in 1964, had several hits during the 1970s, including “Baba O’Riley,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” and “Behind Blue Eyes.” The band’s live performances were also legendary, with guitarist Pete Townshend known for his windmill arm motion and smashing of guitars on stage.
AC/DC, an Australian rock band formed in 1973, rose to fame during the 1970s with their hard-driving sound and catchy hooks. Hits like “Highway to Hell,” “Back in Black,” and “Thunderstruck” have become classics of the genre, and the band’s influence can be heard in the music of countless modern rock bands.
Aerosmith, formed in Boston in 1970, became one of the most successful American rock bands of the 1970s, with hits like “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion,” and “Walk This Way.” The band’s hard-rocking sound and charismatic frontman Steven Tyler made them a favorite of both rock fans and critics.
Queen, a British rock band formed in 1970, had several hits during the 1970s, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “We Are the Champions.” The band’s theatrical performances and flamboyant frontman Freddie Mercury helped make them one of the most iconic rock bands of all time.
The Eagles, formed in Los Angeles in 1971, had several hits during the 1970s, including “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado.” The band’s country-infused rock sound and intricate harmonies made them one of the most successful bands of the decade.
Fleetwood Mac, formed in London in 1967, had several lineup changes before settling on the classic lineup that produced hits like “Rhiannon,” “Don’t Stop,” and “Go Your Own Way.” The band’s unique sound, blending elements of rock, pop, and folk, helped them become one of the most successful bands of the 1970s.
The Rolling Stones, formed in London in 1962, continued their streak of success during the 1970s with hits
