If classic rock music was born in the 1950s and came of age in the 1960s, then it became a full-fledged adult in the 1970s. That’s when it realized its full potential as a genre. One that could be loud or nuanced, thought-provoking or emotional. If you love classic rock music, then the 1970s is the decade for you. But who were the bands that personified this reality? That’s what we wanted to explore here below. Let’s dive into three classic rock bands that just scream the 1970s.
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Led Zeppelin
As the decade of the 1970s was just about to begin, the British-born rockers Led Zeppelin released three albums: Two in 1969 and one more in 1970. Those records alone would have been enough for a Hall of Fame career. But then, the supergroup formed by guitarist Jimmy Page released Led Zeppelin IV in 1971. That was followed by four more albums in the 70s. The number of songs the band released in the 1970s that have since stood the test of time is remarkable. Tracks like “Since I’ve Been Loving You”, “Tangerine”, “Black Dog”, and “Over The Hills And Far Away” are but a tip of the iceberg.
Eagles
What started as a backing band for icon Linda Ronstadt turned into one of the greatest classic rock bands of all time. Formed in 1971, the group released six albums in the 1970s. Just as how The Beatles personified the 1960s with their career spanning the entire decade, Eagles were the same for the 70s. With hit tracks like “Hotel California”, “Take It Easy”, “Witchy Woman”, and “Desperado”, the band remains impactful some 50 years after they transitioned from the background to the foreground.
Fleetwood Mac
The story of Fleetwood Mac has a lot of twists and turns. The British-born band was formed in 1967. But it wasn’t until the middle of the 1970s that their most iconic lineup solidified. That’s when the group added vocalist Stevie Nicks and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham to the mix. It was then that things took off for the act. Behind the scenes, though, the story of the group was just as interesting. There were more love triangles in the group than in your favorite soap opera. But thanks to albums like the 1977 offering Rumours, Fleetwood Mac is as of the 1970s as disco music.
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