Introduction
Welcome to the 1970s. Well kinda. Yep, here we are yet again, with the 7th article in the current series of musical discovery, focusing on the delightful ‘Seventies’. As is often the case with monumental projects, the amount of work involved has been colossal and the amount of information has been considerable. The scale alone has meant that compressing it all into logical and manageable chunks has proved somewhat of a challenge. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, it has been the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s that have proved to be the most eventful and remarkable. This month’s article focuses on the unpredictable 1970s as it follows on from the previous two tumultuous decades.
If you would like to (re)visit the first four parts (and over 300 years) of the story to‑date, you can do so here (each link opens a new browser tab):
- Part I – 1650‑1900
- Part II – 1900‑1919
- Part III – 1920‑1939
- Part IV – 1940-1949
- Part V – 1950-1959
- Part VI – 1960-1969
In terms of this article as part of the overall series, the 1970s has, by far, more content than any other single decade. While it is inherently fascinating, it makes for quite a hefty read (over 300 facts this month)… so be prepared and apologies.
The Story of Modern Music Part VII 1970-1979
The so-called ‘golden era’ of music (1950s-1970s inclusive) was characterised by major seismic musical movements. The 1950s saw rock ‘n’ roll burst onto the scene, the 1960s saw the fan hysteria of the ‘British Invasion’ followed by heady idealism of hippie flower power full of peace & love, while the 1970s heralded a very different form of youth rebelliousness, veritably bristling with vigorous nihilistic punk attitude.
Gone was the positivity and optimism to be replaced with disaffection distrust and deeply seated urban angst. Instead of striving for some sort of wistful, unobtainable utopia, the desperate pursuit for a grimy dystopian anarchy became almost an end in itself. The zeitgeist of warts‑and‑all realism was striking back.
The 1970s would ultimately descend into gritty and chaotic demands for change without a clear idea of what outcome the disillusioned generation was rebelling for or against. In many respects, it didn’t matter as the alienated youth voice was seen as irrelevant to detached and remote institutions who weren’t listening and, worse, seemed not to care.
As social provocateur Malcolm McLaren proclaimed, “What matters is this: Being fearless of failure arms you to break the rules. In doing so, you may change the culture and just possibly, for a moment, change life itself.” He went on to comment, “I always said punk was an attitude. It was never about having a Mohican haircut or wearing a ripped T-shirt. It was all about destruction, and the creative potential within that.”
Civilisation wasn’t really breaking down of course and not everything was tainted by dismal doom and gloom. However, western societies were being tested and forced to adapt to a darker, more uncertain, complex and ambiguous new world.
Historical Context 1970-1979
The self-indulgent 1970s was described as the ‘Me Decade’ (coined by writer Tom Wolfe), with a move away from the model of social collectivism (communities) to individualism (self). To many, the ‘70s may well be remembered as a caricature of kitsch, a gaudy facsimile of 1960s’ sybaritic, exuberant excess. While not devoid of conflict and warfare, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, the world was slowly becoming accustomed to a period of extended and stable peace around the globe. Even the tension of the Cold War became a continuous mutual standoff. Progressive political, cultural and social change that began in the 1960s continued, including the emergence of the Women’s Liberation Movement, enabling greater social mobility for many. The ever‑more liberal ‘permissive society’ was well under way representing a crucial stage in that generation’s struggle for greater individual freedom and equality. Technology was developing at a rapid pace, providing much greater work, leisure and recreational opportunities for people in their everyday lives. However, a number of disruptive economic and political events began to destabilise a long period of post‑war economic expansion. Widespread social discontent and a rejection of a stagnant status quo resulted in widespread riots, protests, labour strikes, direct action and hints of anarchy, culminating in the UK with the infamous ‘winter of discontent’.
|
Year |
Global Events |
|
1970 |
Manned moon mission Apollo 13 narrowly avoided tragedy after an emergency in space, ultimately returning all 3 astronauts safely to Earth.
After being signed in 1968, 43 nations ratified The Treaty on the Non‑Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, intended to curb the spread of nuclear weapons and promote co‑operation on the peaceful use of nuclear power. |
|
1971 |
The phenomenally successful coffee empire, the Starbucks Corporation, was founded in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
The massive Aswan High Dam across the River Nile in Egypt was opened. The project had required moving the ancient Egyptian temples of Ramses at Abu Simbel (in 1964) above the rising waters of Lake Nasser. |
|
1972 |
The first commercial video game, Pong was released by Atari.
The classic gangster movie, ‘The Godfather’, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Marlon Brando was released.
Britain imposed direct rule over Northern Ireland following the so‑called ‘Bloody Sunday’ massacre.
A Palestinian terrorist group killed 11 Israeli Olympic team members and a German police officer at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, West Germany.
Apollo 17 became the last moon landing (to‑date) where humans have walked on the surface of the Moon. |
|
1973 |
The United Kingdom joined the expanding European Economic Community (EEC).
The seminal and controversial ‘horror’ movie about faith, ‘The Exorcist’ was released, directed by Willian Friedkin and starring Linda Blair.
A global oil crisis was triggered by OPEC, the confederation of Arab oil producing nations, which imposed an embargo on oil exports to countries supporting Israel in the Yom Kippur War, also known as the Arab-Israeli War.
The famous Spanish artist and co‑founder of the Cubist movement, Pablo Picasso died at the age of 91. |
|
1974 |
American President Richard Nixon resigned from office following the Watergate scandal, to be succeeded by Gerald Ford as the 38th U.S. president.
The popular 3-D combination puzzle Rubik’s Cube was invented by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture, Ernő Rubik.
The ubiquitous Bar Code was introduced. It was notable because it was the first standardised method of representing data in a visual, machine-readable form. |
|
1975 |
America finally pulled out of the Vietnam War after the Fall of Saigon, leading to the formal reunification of north and south Vietnam.
An historic joint American/Russian Apollo and Soyuz space mission took place in Earth orbit. It was the first time that spacecraft from different nations docked in space.
Widely recognised as the first modern summer blockbuster film, ‘Jaws’ was released, directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the novel by Peter Benchley published in 1974.
American technology innovators, Bill Gates and Paul Allen co‑founded the Microsoft Corporation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. |
|
1976 |
American technology entrepreneurs, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne co‑founded Apple Computer Company (now Apple Inc.) in California.
The infamous ‘Son of Sam’ serial murders began in New York City, sparking the largest manhunt in the city’s history. The notorious killer, David Berkowitz, was finally arrested in 1977.
Chinese communist leader, Chairman Mao Zedong died, effectively ending the decade‑long Chinese Cultural Revolution. |
|
1977 |
South African activist and anti-apartheid campaigner Stephen Biko died while in police custody after violating an order to restrict his movements.
The cinema phenomenon and start of a major film and merchandise franchise, Star Wars Episode 4 was released, directed by George Lucas. |
|
1978 |
English woman Louise Brown, the world’s first test tube baby, was born after conception by in‑vitro fertilisation (IVF).
The classic video game created by Tomohiro Nishikado, Space Invaders was released.
The Camp David Accords signifying a negotiated peace agreement between Israel and Egypt was signed in Maryland in the U.S.A, leading to the Egypt‑Israel Peace Treaty of 1979. |
|
1979 |
Conservative Party leader Margaret Thatcher became the UK’s first female Prime Minister. She was Prime Minister for nearly 12 years.
Russia invaded the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, starting the Soviet‑Afghan war that would last until 1989.
Revolutionary Iranian religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini proclaimed Iran to be an Islamic Republic in the Middle East, starting decades of international isolation.
The epic Vietnam war film, ‘Apocalypse Now’, written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, starring Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando was released.
In Africa, the notorious Ugandan president and dictator Idi Amin was forced to leave the country into exile.
The nuclear power plant at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, America suffered a catastrophic meltdown. |
Musical Genre Development 1970-1979
If the 1960s was memorable for its own musical revolutions, the 1970s was about to unleash its own rebellious step changes. The music of the 1970s can be categorised by bursts of creativity, using existing musical styles to come up with something relevant, new, raw and vital with something important to say. Perhaps more than any other decade, the 1970s produced greater musical diversity than any other before or since. Pop music continued to be commercially successful into the 1970s including artists like David Cassidy, The Osmonds, Abba, The Bay City Rollers and the Jackson 5.
Progressive rock, often abbreviated to ‘prog’, is a broad musical genre that grew largely from psychedelic rock and the British Canterbury Scene to achieve significant appeal in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Progressive rock can be characterised by long instrumental compositions influenced by fusing classical, jazz, rock and folk styles often complemented by elegiac, poetic lyrics. Prog music was usually only released by bands on LP albums rather than singles. Studio technology and instrumental proficiency were central to the artistic soundscapes used. Like most classical music, it was intended to be listened to, rather than danced to. To some critics, prog rock was seen as avant‑garde, pompous, overblown and boring, being not readily accessible to casual listeners. For some prog musicians, it was important to elevate music from largely populist to the status of art and included experimental arrangements to create debate and stimulate interpretation. This attitude was regarded by some as pretentious and elitist, pushing the genre into somewhat of a dead end niche. Prog rock reached its peak around 1973 and had largely been rejected by the rise of punk rock in the mid‑1970s. Early artists associated with prog rock include Procol Harum, Colosseum, Soft Machine, Barclay James Harvest, Caravan and Curved Air, paving the way for the progressive giants of the genre, including Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Yes, Genesis, Van der Graaf Generator, Emerson, Lake and Palmer (ELP), as well as Pink Floyd and Mike Oldfield.
The underpinnings of heavy metal began in the late 1960s as hard rock explored new musical territories. Often cited as the pioneers of the genre were Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, all forming in 1968. Arguably, though, the first two, while clearly influencing metal, lean more towards hard rock and its successors. Even though many of the characteristics of metal had been used before, Black Sabbath are widely regarded as the true forefathers of today’s heavy metal. The sound of heavy metal took hard rock and laid on layers of thick, heavy distorted riffs using power chords, high volume levels, searing guitar solos, pounding drums and thundering bass. Vocals were often strong and bold and had a dark or satanic emphasis. During the formative 1970s, there were a few bands that adopted the metal tropes, including Judas Priest. By the end of the 1970s, a new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM) was spearheaded by bands such as Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Saxon and UFO. Although more rock than metal, Motörhead played their part in promoting heavy rock to audiences. The sub‑culture surrounding heavy metal grew alongside the music with fans branded as ‘headbangers’ with a dress code not unlike the rockers of the previous decade but taken further. By 1984 and the release of the mockumentary film ‘This Is Spinal Tap’, metal had reached a point of self‑parody. During the 1980s and beyond, metal gave birth to sub‑genres including hair metal (Van Halen, Bon Jovi and Mötley Crüe), thrash metal (Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax and Megadeth), groove metal (Pantera, Blackstone Cherry and White Zombie), industrial (Rammstein and Marilyn Manson), alternative metal (Alter Bridge, Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot, Deftones, Tool and Queensryche) and nu‑metal (Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, Korn and Disturbed), amongst many others such as glam metal, progressive metal, black metal, doom metal, death metal, power metal, metalcore, Christian metal, etc. Possibly more than any other style of music, heavy metal has proliferated sub‑genres.
Glam rock is a relatively short‑lived offshoot of rock music that developed in the early 1970s, particularly in the UK. Glam rock’s heyday was roughly between 1970 and 1975. The music was tightly interwoven with flamboyant and colourful fashions, being performed by musicians who wore outrageous costumes, stark makeup and pronounced hairstyles. The impact of the symbolism was to blur the traditional gender stereotyping that was prevalent before 1970. The visuals often extended to custom instruments used by some artists. Although it may not appear obvious, glam rock influenced subsequent genres such as punk rock, new romantics, Goth rock and new wave that followed. Significant artists included Marc Bolan and T.Rex, David Bowie, Queen, Sweet, Slade, Elton John, Mud, Roxy Music and Gary Glitter. Although its impact was lower profile in the USA, artists such as Alice Cooper, New York Dolls and Iggy Pop adapted glam imagery for their own purposes.
Reggae emanated from Jamaica in the late 1960s and significantly became popular internationally during the 1970s. Reggae evolved from ska and a transitional form between ska and reggae called rocksteady. Reggae is distinctive in that it has a 4/4 rhythm with the drum marking the 3rd beat of the bar with a guitar or keyboard staccato ‘skank’ on the 2nd and 4th (off) beats of the bar. Reggae is also often associated with strong and heavy rhythmic bass lines, sometimes complemented by horn arrangements. Reggae is often but not exclusively connected to Rastafarianism which also features strongly in many reggae songs, as does the use of marijuana. Roots reggae refers to its African roots and the black diaspora. Jamaican record producers also played a strong part in moulding the sound of reggae and developed a complete sub‑genre known as ‘versions’ or dub reggae that used production techniques to remove vocals and remix instrumental elements of drum, bass and guitar. Dub reggae was often played on loud PA sound systems. Key producers include Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, King Tubby, Mad Professor and Scientist. Reggae has been successfully exported worldwide, although the UK remains a key consumer market. One of the major artists who not only popularised commercial reggae globally but also acted as an ambassador for Jamaica was Bob Marley who, with his band, The Wailers became an international icon. Other major artists also include Peter Tosh, Toots & The Maytals, Burning Spear, Augustus Pablo, Horace Andy, I‑Roy, U‑Roy, The Abyssinians, Black Uhuru, Sly & Robbie, The Upsetters, Desmond Decker, Jimmy Cliff, Johnny Nash, Third World, Gregory Isaacs and many others. British reggae artists include Aswad, Steel Pulse, Linton Kwesi Johnson and UB40. After Bob Marley’s death, the genre diversified into other forms, such as dancehall and ragga.
The origins of rap and hip hop music derived from vocal a cappella rapping and African American urban street music originating in New York house and block parties in the Bronx during the early 1970s. The largely vernacular spoken rhyming lyrics were backed by rhythmic percussive soul, funk and disco beats of the period. The sub‑culture expanded by the late 1970s to include MCing, DJ scratching, sampling and beatboxing frequently using drum machines. Also associated with rapping were break dancing, urban graffiti art and aggressive gangland/gun culture. The broader cultural definition has become widely known as hip hop, which is the current common categorisation. Early practitioners included Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, the Sugarhill Gang and Afrika Bambaataa. The genre spread widely during the ‘golden age of hip hop’ from the 1980s up to the early 1990s spawning many sub‑genres, often associated with the region or country. For instance, there was intense rivalry between U.S. West Coast and East Coast hip hop during the 1990s, coining the term ‘gangsta rap’. Hip hop became massively influential in many other mainstream musical genres who adapted the rhyming lyrical style and sparse percussive beats. Despite a decline in the mid‑2000s, hip hop is now a global phenomenon with numerous offshoots and diverse styles. While its origins are African American, a few white artists have been successful including the Beastie Boys and Eminem. There are way too many hip hop artists to mention all of them. However, they include Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Ice‑T, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill, N.W.A., The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, Wu-Tang Clan, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, OutKast, Jay‑Z and Kanye West among many others.
Like other musical forms, funk and disco adapted from previous genres, becoming mainstream during the 1970s. Funk emerged from African American communities and mixed soul, jazz and R&B. Funk is recognisable by have an addictively danceable groove. Funk focused on a strong first beat of the bar and was driven by strong insistent bass and drum rhythms. Funk artists included James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone, Parliament/Funkadelic, Chaka Khan, Earth Wind & Fire and Kool & The Gang. Later, artists like Rick James and Prince would adopt funk as a key ingredient in their dance‑fused arrangements. Funk tends to be more musically complex than its sister genre, disco. Disco originated in America and rapidly spread to the UK. It is associated with urban nightclubs and DJs mixing dance records through loud sound systems to audiences in clubs and discothèques. Discos also used complex light and strobes to emphasise the beat. Disco is a heavily produced bass and drum‑driven 4/4 rhythm, often using electronic instruments to add syncopation. Disco’s core rationale was music to dance to, so disco dancing became very popular. Culturally, disco is also associated with fashion, drug use and promiscuity. Disco artists included Gloria Gaynor, The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, The Village People, Sylvester and Chic. Disco was hugely influential on later dance genres such as house, techno, drum ‘n’ bass and rave. Like many other broad genres, funk and disco have diversified into many other related sub‑genres over the years.
Widespread social dissatisfaction and a rejection of established musical forms on both sides of the Atlantic during the mid‑1970s led to the emergence of punk rock. Loud, brash, nihilistic and stripped‑back arrangements performed mainly on guitar, bass and drums were used to support often angry and alienated anti‑establishment lyrics. The result was short, sharp bursts of controversial and provocative music. The emergence of punk in America is associated with artists such as Television, Patti Smith and Ramones, building on the work of proto‑punk bands like Velvet Underground, New York Dolls and Iggy & The Stooges. Meanwhile a parallel evolution in the UK was epitomised by bands such as Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Damned, Buzzcocks, Sham 69 and The Ruts. As with many other music‑related sub‑cultures, punk led to distinctive fashions (Vivienne Westwood), art (Jamie Reid) and agressive attitudes. The anarchic punk movement spread rapidly and by 1977 was pervasive in many westernised countries. As popularity increased and punk sensibilities were adopted by the commercial mainstream, the essential ethos of punk imploded and was overtaken by the music business machinery that, ironically, was punk’s original anathema. The demise of chaotic punk rock principles led to post‑punk sub‑genres that expanded its appeal beyond the original audience, including artists like Joy Division, Bauhaus, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Ian Dury, The Cure and The Sisters Of Mercy. Punk in its purest form could not and did not last long. However, it was very influential in subsequent styles such as new wave, new romantic, emo and Goth sub‑genres. Live music venues were very important for audiences to experience the visceral nature of punk rock first hand, including CBGBs in New York and the Marquee in London. Punk saw a revival in the 1990s with bands like Green Day, Blink‑182 and The Offspring but it was far more commercial and lacking the authenticity of the original.
Musical Facts 1970-1979
|
Day |
Month |
Year |
Music Fact |
|
26 |
January |
1970 |
American folk rock duo Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel released their 5th and final classic studio album, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’. |
|
3 |
February |
1970 |
Multi-talented American guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, solo artist and member of rock super group The Winery Dogs, Richie Kotzen was born in Reading, Pennsylvania. |
|
13 |
February |
1970 |
English heavy metal legends Black Sabbath released their classic, game-changing self-titled debut album, ‘Black Sabbath’ in the UK (NB. appropriately on Friday 13th). |
|
14 |
February |
1970 |
English rock band The Who performed a concert at Leeds University. The show was recorded and released as the band’s first official live album, ‘Live At Leeds’. |
|
5 |
March |
1970 |
American guitarist, former member of rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers and solo artist, John Frusciante was born in New York City. |
|
9 |
March |
1970 |
After changing their name from Earth, English heavy metal rock band Black Sabbath performed their debut live concert at the Roundhouse in London. |
|
22 |
March |
1970 |
Marc Bolan and Tyrannosaurus Rex released their last studio album before transforming into glam rockers T.Rex, ‘A Beard of Stars’. |
|
10 |
April |
1970 |
English singer, songwriter and bass guitarist, Paul McCartney issued a press statement that he was leaving The Beatles, signalling the band’s break up. |
|
21 |
April |
1970 |
American Chicago blues guitarist Earl Hooker died of complications from tuberculosis in Chicago, Illinois at the age of 40. |
|
1 |
May |
1970 |
English guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and former member of indie rock band Suede, Bernard Butler was born in London. |
|
3 |
May |
1970 |
English rock band The Who released their classic live album, ‘Live At Leeds in the UK. |
|
8 |
May |
1970 |
Legendary English pop/rock band The Beatles released what would be the group’s 12th and final studio album, ‘Let It Be’, after the band split up. |
|
3 |
June |
1970 |
British heavy rock band Deep Purple released their classic breakout studio album, ‘Deep Purple in Rock’ in the UK. |
|
5 |
June |
1970 |
English heavy rock band Deep Purple released their breakthrough hit single ‘Black Night’ in the UK. |
|
6 |
June |
1970 |
American rhythm guitarist and co-founder of Nu-Metal rock band Korn, James Shaffer (a.k.a. Munky) was born in Bakersfield, California. |
|
8 |
July |
1970 |
Innovative and massively talented American alternative rock singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer, Beck was born in Los Angeles, California. |
|
18 |
July |
1970 |
London hosted the third Free Concert held in Hyde Park featuring Pink Floyd, Roy Harper, Kevin Ayers, and the Edgar Broughton Band. |
|
14 |
August |
1970 |
English psychedelic space rock band Hawkwind released their debut studio album, the eponymous, ‘Hawkwind’. |
|
23 |
August |
1970 |
American singer, songwriter and guitarist Lou Reed performed his final live concert appearance with The Velvet Underground (bar reunions) at Max’s Kansas City rock club in Manhattan, New York City. |
|
26 |
August |
1970 |
The famous Isle of Wight Festival began at Afton Down, attracting between 600,000 and 700,000 attendees, the largest open air music festival of its kind. Tickets for the weekend cost £3. |
|
28 |
August |
1970 |
Well over half a million people attended the 3rd day of the UK’s famous Isle of Wight Festival to see artists including Taste, Chicago, Family and Procol Harum. |
|
29 |
August |
1970 |
The 4th day of the massive Isle of Wight Festival continued starring Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis, Ten Years After, ELP, The Doors, The Who and Sly & The Family Stone. |
|
30 |
August |
1970 |
The 5th and final day of the gigantic Isle of Wight Festival took place starring Jethro Tull, Jimi Hendrix, Joan Baez, Leonard Cohen and Richie Havens. |
|
4 |
September |
1970 |
English rock group The Rolling Stones released their classic live album, ‘Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out’ in the UK. |
|
6 |
September |
1970 |
Legendary American rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix played his final live concert at the Isle of Fehmarn in Germany. |
|
11 |
September |
1970 |
American rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Jimi Hendrix gave his final interview for the UK weekly music magazine New Musical Express (NME). |
|
12 |
September |
1970 |
London hosted the fourth Free Concert held in Hyde Park (the 2nd that year) featuring Canned Heat, Eric Burdon and War, John Sebastian, Michael Chapman, Stoneground and others. |
|
18 |
September |
1970 |
Legendary American rock guitarist, singer and songwriter, Jimi Hendrix died tragically of asphyxia in his London flat at the age of 27. |
|
18 |
September |
1970 |
Pioneering English heavy metal rock band, Black Sabbath released their classic sophomore studio album, ‘Paranoid’ in the UK. |
|
19 |
September |
1970 |
The very first Glastonbury Pop, Folk & Blues Festival took place at Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset, UK, attended by approximately 1,700 people. |
|
19 |
September |
1970 |
Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist Neil Young released his classic 3rd studio album, ‘After The Gold Rush’. |
|
1 |
October |
1970 |
American guitarist Jimi Hendrix’s funeral service took place at Dunlap Baptist Church in his hometown of Seattle before he was buried at the Greenwood Cemetery in Renton, also in Seattle. |
|
2 |
October |
1970 |
English glam rock band Marc Bolan and T.Rex released their classic breakout hit single ‘Ride A White Swan’ in the UK. |
|
2 |
October |
1970 |
English progressive rock band, Pink Floyd released their 4th studio album, ‘Atom Heart Mother’ in the UK. |
|
4 |
October |
1970 |
Respected American rock, soul and blues singer Janis Joplin was found dead following an accidental heroin overdose in Los Angeles, California at the age of 27. |
|
5 |
October |
1970 |
English heavy rock band Led Zeppelin released their classic 3rd studio album, ‘Led Zeppelin III’ in the UK. |
|
10 |
October |
1970 |
English heavy metal rock band, Black Sabbath had their classic 2nd studio album, ‘Paranoid’ reach No. 1 in the UK album chart. |
|
23 |
October |
1970 |
The Jimi Hendrix Experience released the song ‘Voodoo Child (Slight Return)’ shortly after the guitarist’s untimely death. It reached number 1 in the UK singles chart. |
|
23 |
October |
1970 |
English progressive rock band Genesis released their breakout studio album, ‘Trespass’ in the UK. |
|
1 |
November |
1970 |
Legendary American psychedelic rock band Grateful Dead released their classic 5th studio album, ‘American Beauty’. |
|
4 |
November |
1970 |
English singer and songwriter David Bowie released his classic 3rd studio album, ‘The Man Who Sold the World’ in the UK. |
|
6 |
November |
1970 |
Emerging American rock band Aerosmith made their debut live appearance in the gymnasium at what was Nipmuc Regional High School (now Miscoe Hill Middle School) in Mendon, Massachusetts. |
|
9 |
November |
1970 |
American blues/rock guitarist, singer and member of the Tedeschi Trucks Band along with hubby, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi was born in Boston, Massachusetts. |
|
15 |
November |
1970 |
American alternative rock band, The Velvet Underground released their 4th and possibly most commercial studio album, ‘Loaded’. |
|
27 |
November |
1970 |
Former member of English rock band The Beatles, George Harrison released his hugely successful solo triple studio album, ‘All Things Must Pass’ in the UK. |
|
11 |
December |
1970 |
English singer, songwriter and guitarist, Marc Bolan and T.Rex released the first post-Tyrannosaurus Rex studio album, ‘T.Rex’ in the UK. |
|
11 |
December |
1970 |
English singer and songwriter John Lennon released his post-Beatles solo album, ‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band’ in the UK. |
|
12 |
December |
1970 |
American rock band, The Doors played their final live concert with singer Jim Morrison at the Warehouse in New Orleans, Louisiana. |
|
16 |
January |
1971 |
American blues rock band, ZZ Top, released their debut studio album, ‘ZZ Top’s First Album’ in the UK. |
|
17 |
March |
1971 |
Renowned Canadian singer, songwriter and poet, Leonard Cohen released his classic 3rd studio album, ‘Songs of Love and Hate’ in the UK. |
|
19 |
March |
1971 |
English progressive rock band Jethro Tull released their classic 4th studio album, ‘Aqualung’ in the UK. |
|
16 |
April |
1971 |
English blues rock band The Rolling Stones released their huge hit single, ‘Brown Sugar’, taken from the album, ‘Sticky Fingers’. |
|
23 |
April |
1971 |
The Rolling Stones released what was probably their career peak 9th studio album, ‘Sticky Fingers’. |
|
29 |
April |
1971 |
American rock band, The Doors released their massive 6th studio album, ‘L.A. Woman’, including the classic single, ‘Riders On The Storm’, recorded shortly before singer, Jim Morrison’s death. |
|
22 |
June |
1971 |
The second Glastonbury Festival took place in Pilton, Somerset, UK, attended by c.12,000 fans. Artists included Hawkwind, Traffic, David Bowie, Joan Baez, Fairport Convention, Quintessence and Melanie. |
|
2 |
July |
1971 |
English glam rock group T.Rex, led by the late Marc Bolan, released their classic hit single ‘Get It On’. |
|
3 |
July |
1971 |
American singer, poet and member of rock band The Doors, Jim Morrison died from reported heart failure at an apartment in Paris, France at the age of 27. |
|
6 |
July |
1971 |
American jazz trumpeter and singer, Louis Armstrong died of a heart attack in a New York hospital at the age of 69. |
|
31 |
July |
1971 |
American guitarist known for his work with heavy rock bands Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie, as well as a solo artist, John Lowery (a.k.a. John 5) was born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. |
|
25 |
August |
1971 |
English rock band, The Who, released their 5th studio album, ‘Who’s Next’ in the UK. |
|
9 |
September |
1971 |
English singer, songwriter, guitarist and former Beatle, John Lennon released his career-defining solo studio album, ‘Imagine’ in the UK. |
|
15 |
September |
1971 |
English heavy rock band, Deep Purple released their flaming hot 5th studio album, ‘Fireball’ in the UK. |
|
21 |
September |
1971 |
UK broadcaster, the BBC aired their highly regarded long-running contemporary music TV programme, ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’ for the first time. |
|
8 |
October |
1971 |
English psychedelic space rock band Hawkwind, released their 2nd studio album ‘In Search Of Space’ in the UK. |
|
29 |
October |
1971 |
American guitarist and co-founder of rock band The Allman Brothers Band, Duane Allman died tragically in a motorcycle accident in Macon, Georgia at the age of 24. |
|
30 |
October |
1971 |
English former member of The Beatles, John Lennon had his classic solo studio album, ‘Imagine’ reach number 1 in the UK album chart. |
|
1 |
November |
1971 |
The classic hit single ‘Jeepster’ was released, performed by English glam rock pioneer Marc Bolan and T.Rex, reaching No. 2 in the UK singles chart. |
|
1 |
November |
1971 |
British guitarist, singer and songwriter John Martyn released his classic 3rd solo album ‘Bless The Weather’ in the UK. |
|
5 |
November |
1971 |
Supremely versatile English lead guitarist with alternative rock band Radiohead, Jonny Greenwood was born in Oxford. |
|
8 |
November |
1971 |
English hard rock band Led Zeppelin released their classic multi-million-selling 4th studio album, ‘Led Zeppelin IV’ in the UK, which included the track, ‘Stairway To Heaven’. |
|
12 |
November |
1971 |
English progressive rock band Genesis released their ambitious 3rd studio album, ‘Nursery Cryme’ in the UK. |
|
13 |
November |
1971 |
English progressive rock band Pink Floyd released their outstanding 6th studio album, ‘Meddle’ in the UK. |
|
4 |
December |
1971 |
The Montreux Casino in Switzerland, built in 1881, burnt down during a Frank Zappa gig, inspiring Deep Purple’s classic rock song, ‘Smoke On The Water’. |
|
17 |
December |
1971 |
Legendary English rock singer, songwriter and actor, David Bowie released his classic 4th studio album, ‘Hunky Dory’ in the UK. |
|
27 |
December |
1971 |
Remarkable English guitarist with The Aristocrats and noted guitar teacher, Guthrie Govan was born in Chelmsford, Essex. |
|
21 |
January |
1972 |
English glam rockers Marc Bolan with T.Rex released the classic hit single ‘Telegram Sam’ in the UK. |
|
10 |
February |
1972 |
English glam rock singer David Bowie made his debut live appearance as his legendary alter-ego, Ziggy Stardust at the Toby Jug pub in London. |
|
17 |
February |
1972 |
American singer, songwriter, guitarist, front man and co‑founder of pop punk rock band Green Day, Billie Joe Armstrong was born in Oakland, California. |
|
25 |
February |
1972 |
English singer, songwriter and guitarist, Nick Drake, released his sublime 3rd and final studio album, ‘Pink Moon’. |
|
25 |
February |
1972 |
Legendary Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist, Neil Young, released his classic 4th studio album, ‘Harvest’. |
|
3 |
March |
1972 |
English progressive rock band Jethro Tull released their classic 5th studio album, ‘Thick As A Brick’ in the UK. |
|
25 |
March |
1972 |
English heavy rock band Deep Purple released their classic 6th studio album, ‘Machine Head’ in the UK, which included the track, ‘Smoke On The Water’. |
|
29 |
April |
1972 |
English hard rock band Wishbone Ash released their career-defining classic 3rd studio album, ‘Argus’. |
|
5 |
May |
1972 |
English glam rockers, Marc Bolan and T.Rex released their classic hit single ‘Metal Guru’ in the UK. |
|
12 |
May |
1972 |
English rock band, The Rolling Stones released their massive 10th studio double album, ‘Exile On Main Street’. |
|
6 |
June |
1972 |
English glam rock singer and songwriter, David Bowie released his classic 5th studio album, ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars’. |
|
3 |
July |
1972 |
American country blues guitarist, Mississippi Fred McDowell died from cancer in Memphis, Tennessee at the age of 66. |
|
23 |
July |
1972 |
British glam rock band, Marc Bolan and T.Rex released their classic studio album ‘The Slider’ in the UK. |
|
8 |
September |
1972 |
British glam rock star Marc Bolan and his band T.Rex released the classic hit single ‘Children Of The Revolution’. |
|
11 |
October |
1972 |
Mexican-American guitarist Carlos Santana with his band released their classic 4th studio album, ‘Caravanserai’. |
|
17 |
October |
1972 |
American rapper and hip-hop artist, Eminem was born as Marshall Bruce Mathers III, a.k.a. ‘Slim Shady’ in St. Joseph, Missouri. |
|
10 |
December |
1972 |
British singer, songwriter, guitarist and co-founder of alternative rock band Placebo, Brian Molko was born in Brussels, Belgium. |
|
5 |
January |
1973 |
American rock band, Aerosmith, released their eponymous debut studio album, ‘Aerosmith’. |
|
5 |
January |
1973 |
American singer and songwriter Bruce Springsteen released his debut studio album, ‘Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.’. |
|
30 |
January |
1973 |
After changing their name to KISS, the American rock band made their debut live performance in Queens, New York. |
|
1 |
February |
1973 |
British singer, songwriter and guitarist, John Martyn released his classic 4th solo studio album, the sublime and career-defining, ‘Solid Air’. |
|
7 |
February |
1973 |
American proto punk rock band Iggy The Stooges released their hugely influential 3rd studio album, ‘Raw Power’. |
|
8 |
February |
1973 |
Max Yasgur, who owned the New York dairy farm on which the legendary Woodstock Festival was held in August 1969, died from a heart attack in Florida at the age of 53. |
|
23 |
February |
1973 |
English pop/rock band Slade released their classic hit single, ‘Cum On Feel The Noize’ in the UK. |
|
2 |
March |
1973 |
British glam rockers, Marc Bolan and T.Rex released their classic hit single ‘20th Century Boy’ in the UK. |
|
16 |
March |
1973 |
English progressive rock group Pink Floyd released their career pinnacle 8th studio album, ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon’ in the UK. |
|
23 |
March |
1973 |
English progressive rock band King Crimson released their 5th studio album, ‘Larks’ Tongues in Aspic’. |
|
28 |
March |
1973 |
British heavy rock band Led Zeppelin released their 5th studio album, ‘Houses Of The Holy’ in the UK. |
|
12 |
April |
1973 |
English glam rock singer, David Bowie released his milestone classic 6th studio album, ‘Aladdin Sane’ in the UK. |
|
13 |
April |
1973 |
Jamaican Reggae legends, Bob Marley & The Wailers released their classic 4th studio album ‘Catch A Fire’ in the UK. |
|
17 |
May |
1973 |
American singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer, actor and founder of rock bands Queens Of The Stone Age and Eagles Of Death Metal, Josh Homme was born in Joshua Tree, California. |
|
25 |
May |
1973 |
Richard Branson’s Virgin Records label was launched, marked by the release of Mike Oldfield’s seminal studio album, ‘Tubular Bells’. |
|
18 |
June |
1973 |
American folk rock singer, songwriter and guitarist, Ray LaMontagne was born in New Hampshire. |
|
22 |
June |
1973 |
English glam rock singer David Bowie released his classic hit single, ‘Life On Mars?’, with ‘The Man Who Sold the World’ on the B-side. |
|
3 |
July |
1973 |
English glam rock star David Bowie announced that his iconic on-stage persona, Ziggy Stardust was to retire (not Bowie himself, as was widely reported in the press). |
|
13 |
July |
1973 |
English rock/pop band Queen released their great debut studio album in the UK, the eponymous ‘Queen’. |
|
15 |
July |
1973 |
American bluegrass and country rock guitarist, a member of rock band The Byrds and an accomplished session musician, Clarence White died in a car accident in Palmdale, California at the age of 29. |
|
26 |
July |
1973 |
American southern blues/rock power trio ZZ Top released their critically acclaimed 3rd studio album, ‘Tres Hombres’. |
|
6 |
August |
1973 |
Influential American blues singer, songwriter and guitarist Memphis Minnie (real name Lizzie Douglas) died from a stroke in a nursing home in Memphis, Tennessee at the age of 76. |
|
13 |
August |
1973 |
American southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd released their storming debut album, ‘(pronounced ‘lĕh-‘nérd ‘skin-‘nérd)’, featuring their career-defining signature song, ‘Freebird’. |
|
11 |
September |
1973 |
American rock singer, songwriter and guitarist, Bruce Springsteen released his sophomore studio album, ‘The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle’. |
|
19 |
September |
1973 |
American guitarist with country rock band The Byrds, Gram Parsons died of a drug overdose in Joshua Tree, California at the age of 26. |
|
20 |
September |
1973 |
American folk/rock guitarist, singer and songwriter, Jim Croce died tragically along with 5 others in a plane crash in Natchitoches, Louisiana at the age of 30. |
|
1 |
October |
1973 |
British singer, songwriter and guitarist John Martyn released his remarkable change of direction 5th studio album, ‘Inside Out’ in the UK. |
|
9 |
October |
1973 |
Influential American blues singer, songwriter and guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe died from a stroke in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the age of 58. |
|
12 |
October |
1973 |
English progressive rock band Genesis released their classic 5th studio album, ‘Selling England By The Pound’. |
|
19 |
October |
1973 |
Jamaican reggae legends (Bob Marley &) The Wailers released their classic studio album, ‘Burnin’’ in the UK. |
|
19 |
October |
1973 |
English singer and songwriter David Bowie released his 7th studio album comprising cover songs, ‘Pin Ups’ in the UK. |
|
26 |
October |
1973 |
English rock band, The Who, released their classic 6th studio double album; the rock opera and ode to the UK’s mod movement, ‘Quadrophenia’. |
|
11 |
November |
1973 |
Legendary Irish blues/rock guitarist, Rory Gallagher, released his 4th studio album, ‘Tattoo’ in the UK. |
|
1 |
December |
1973 |
English heavy metal band Black Sabbath released their 5th studio album, ‘Sabbath Bloody Sabbath’. |
|
5 |
December |
1973 |
English former member of The Beatles, Paul McCartney and Wings released his 5th and most successful ‘solo’ studio album, ‘Band On The Run’ in the UK. |
|
10 |
December |
1973 |
The legendary New York alternative, punk and New Wave music venue at 315 Bowery, Manhattan, CBGB & OMFUG, was opened by club owner Hilly Kristal. |
|
31 |
December |
1973 |
Australian heavy rock band AC/DC made their debut live performance at a local bar in Sydney, Australia. |
|
17 |
January |
1974 |
Legendary American guitarist, singer and songwriter Bob Dylan released the studio album recorded with The Band, ‘Planet Waves’. |
|
15 |
February |
1974 |
British hard rock band, Deep Purple released their classic 8th studio album, ‘Burn’ in the UK. |
|
20 |
February |
1974 |
American jazz rock band Steely Dan released their critically well-received and commercially successful classic 3rd studio album, ‘Pretzel Logic’. |
|
8 |
March |
1974 |
English rock band, Queen released their classic 2nd studio album, ‘Queen II’ in the UK. |
|
15 |
April |
1974 |
American southern rock group, Lynyrd Skynyrd released their classic breakout 2nd studio album ‘Second Helping’. |
|
17 |
April |
1974 |
Swedish guitarist, singer and songwriter with progressive death metal rock band Opeth, Mikael Åkerfeldt was born in Stockholm. |
|
18 |
April |
1974 |
Accomplished American guitarist, singer and songwriter with rock bands Creed, Alter Bridge and as a solo artist, Mark Tremonti was born in Detroit, Michigan. |
|
24 |
April |
1974 |
English glam rock legend, David Bowie released his classic 8th studio album, ‘Diamond Dogs’ in the UK. |
|
1 |
June |
1974 |
Talented Canadian singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer, activist and actress Alanis Morissette was born in Ottawa, Ontario. |
|
15 |
June |
1974 |
English rock super group Bad Company released their self‑titled debut studio album, ‘Bad Company’ in the UK. |
|
1 |
July |
1974 |
English blues/rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Eric Clapton released his classic 2nd studio album, ‘461 Ocean Boulevard’. |
|
21 |
July |
1974 |
Highly acclaimed Irish blues/rock guitarist Rory Gallagher released his hugely successful live album, ‘Irish Tour ‘74’. |
|
29 |
July |
1974 |
Perennial Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist Neil Young released his classic 5th studio album, ‘On The Beach’. |
|
16 |
August |
1974 |
American punk rock band Ramones played their first live concert at the legendary CBGB & OMFUG music venue in New York City. |
|
6 |
September |
1974 |
English space rock band, Hawkwind, released their classic 4th studio album, ‘Hall of the Mountain Grill’. |
|
14 |
September |
1974 |
English guitarist, singer and songwriter Eric Clapton released his cover of Bob Marley’s ‘I Shot The Sherriff’ as a single, which reached number 1 in the U.S. |
|
6 |
October |
1974 |
English progressive rock band King Crimson released their 7th studio album, ‘Red’. |
|
12 |
October |
1974 |
American punk rock band Blondie made their first appearance at the legendary CBGB & OMFUG music venue in New York City. |
|
25 |
October |
1974 |
Jamaican reggae legends, Bob Marley & The Wailers released their studio album, ‘Natty Dread’ in the UK, the first Wailers’ album to bear Marley’s name in the title. |
|
29 |
October |
1974 |
Hugely impressive American blues/rock guitarist, Eric Gales was born in Memphis, Tennessee. |
|
8 |
November |
1974 |
English rock band Queen moved in a more commercial direction and released their successful 3rd studio album, ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ in the UK. |
|
18 |
November |
1974 |
English progressive rock band Genesis released their 6th studio double concept album, and their final LP with singer Peter Gabriel, ‘The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway’. |
|
25 |
November |
1974 |
English singer, songwriter and guitarist, Nick Drake died from a drug overdose at his home in Tanworth-in-Arden, Warwickshire at the age of 26. |
|
28 |
November |
1974 |
English former Beatle, John Lennon made his final live appearance, joining Elton John on stage at Madison Square Garden in New York City. |
|
16 |
December |
1974 |
After 5 years as a member of The Rolling Stones, English guitarist, Mick Taylor announced that he was leaving the band. |
|
17 |
January |
1975 |
English former member of The Beatles John Lennon released his classic solo covers album, ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ in the UK. |
|
18 |
January |
1975 |
American jazz, blues and country rock guitarist, Johnny Hiland was born, growing up in Maine. |
|
20 |
January |
1975 |
Legendary American guitarist, singer and songwriter, Bob Dylan released his renaissance studio album, ‘Blood On The Tracks’ in the UK. |
|
24 |
January |
1975 |
Influential and pioneering British singer, songwriter and guitarist John Martyn released his 6th studio album, ‘Sunday’s Child’. |
|
7 |
February |
1975 |
American guitarist and member of nu-metal band Limp Bizkit and Black Light Burns, Wes Borland was born in Richmond, Virginia. |
|
17 |
February |
1975 |
Australian hard rock band, AC/DC released their debut studio album, ‘High Voltage’. |
|
24 |
February |
1975 |
English heavy rock band, Led Zeppelin released their epic 6th studio double album, ‘Physical Graffiti’. |
|
7 |
March |
1975 |
English singer, songwriter and true rock legend, David Bowie released his change of direction classic 9th studio album, the soul-oriented ‘Young Americans’ in the UK. |
|
11 |
March |
1975 |
English pop/art/rock band 10cc released their hugely successful 3rd studio album, ‘The Original Soundtrack’ in the UK. |
|
16 |
March |
1975 |
American blues legend, Aaron Thibeaux ‘T-Bone’ Walker died from pneumonia following a stroke in Los Angeles, California at the age of 64. |
|
17 |
March |
1975 |
English singer, songwriter and guitarist, best known as member of hard rock band The Darkness, Justin Hawkins was born in Chertsey, Surrey. |
|
29 |
March |
1975 |
Experimental virtuoso English rock guitarist, Jeff Beck released his seminal and commercially successful 2nd solo album, ‘Blow By Blow’ in the UK. |
|
2 |
April |
1975 |
English super group Bad Company released their classic sophomore studio album, ‘Straight Shooter’. |
|
8 |
April |
1975 |
American hard rock band Aerosmith released one of their most successful records, their 3rd studio album, ‘Toys In The Attic’, including the hit track, ‘Walk This Way’. |
|
9 |
May |
1975 |
English space rock perennials, Hawkwind, released their 5th studio album ‘Warrior On The Edge Of Time’ in the UK. |
|
23 |
May |
1975 |
English pop/rock band 10cc released their superbly written and produced massive hit single, ‘I’m Not In Love’. |
|
20 |
June |
1975 |
Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist Neil Young released his classic 6th studio album, ‘Tonight’s The Night’. |
|
23 |
June |
1975 |
Hugely talented Scottish multi-genre singer, songwriter and guitarist, KT Tunstall was born in Edinburgh. |
|
29 |
June |
1975 |
Influential American singer, songwriter and guitarist Tim Buckley died from a drug overdose in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 28. |
|
9 |
July |
1975 |
Mercurial American singer, songwriter and flamboyant guitarist with The White Stripes, The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs, as well as solo artist, Jack White was born in Detroit, Michigan. |
|
11 |
July |
1975 |
British/American rock band Fleetwood Mac released their self-titled 10th studio album, ‘Fleetwood Mac’. |
|
17 |
July |
1975 |
Jamaican reggae icons, Bob Marley And The Wailers performed the first of 2 live concerts at London’s Lyceum. The concerts were recorded for the classic live album, ‘Live!’ |
|
25 |
July |
1975 |
English singer and songwriter, David Bowie released his hit single, ‘Fame’, co-written with Carlos Alomar and with backing vocals by John Lennon. It was reportedly a jibe at Bowie’s artist management. |
|
16 |
August |
1975 |
English singer and songwriter Peter Gabriel announced that he was leaving Genesis, the progressive rock band he co‑founded. |
|
25 |
August |
1975 |
American rock icon Bruce Springsteen released his massively successful 3rd studio album, ‘Born To Run’. |
|
1 |
September |
1975 |
British singer, songwriter and guitarist John Martyn released his masterful live concert album, ‘Live At Leeds’. |
|
5 |
September |
1975 |
English progressive rock band Jethro Tull released their 8th studio album, ‘Minstrel In The Gallery’ in the UK (8 September in the U.S.). |
|
12 |
September |
1975 |
English progressive rock band, Pink Floyd released their massive classic 7th studio album, ‘Wish You Were Here’. |
|
23 |
October |
1975 |
English singer and songwriter, Elton John received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6915 Hollywood Boulevard. |
|
6 |
November |
1975 |
British punk rock band, Sex Pistols made their debut live performance as a support act in the Common Room of Saint Martin’s School Of Art at Charing Cross Road in central London. |
|
10 |
November |
1975 |
Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist, Neil Young with his band Crazy Horse released the classic 7th studio album, ‘Zuma’. |
|
2 |
December |
1975 |
English pop/rock band Queen released their 4th studio album, ‘A Night At The Opera’, including the massive hit single ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. |
|
5 |
December |
1975 |
Jamaican reggae legends Bob Marley And The Wailers released their classic live album, ‘Live!’ recorded at London’s Lyceum Theatre on 17 & 18 July 1975. |
|
13 |
December |
1975 |
American punk rock singer, beat poet and political activist, Patti Smith released her classic anti‑establishment debut studio album, ‘Horses’, produced by John Cale. |
|
13 |
December |
1975 |
American guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and co‑founder of pop punk rock band Blink-182, Tom DeLonge was born in Poway, California. |
|
20 |
December |
1975 |
American guitarist Joe Walsh joined the country rock band Eagles, replacing former band guitarist Bernie Leadon. |
|
5 |
January |
1976 |
Renowned American guitarist, singer and songwriter, Bob Dylan released his classic mid-career studio album, ‘Desire’ in the UK. |
|
10 |
January |
1976 |
American blues legend Howlin’ Wolf died from complications of kidney surgery in Hines, Illinois at the age of 65. |
|
23 |
January |
1976 |
Legendary English rock singer and songwriter, David Bowie released his classic 10th studio album, ‘Station To Station’. |
|
9 |
March |
1976 |
Country music legend Johnny Cash received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6320 Hollywood Boulevard. |
|
18 |
March |
1976 |
The classic sci-fi film ‘The Man Who Fell To Earth’, directed by Nicolas Roeg and starring English singer David Bowie was released in the UK. |
|
19 |
March |
1976 |
English guitarist with rock band Free, Paul Kossoff died from a drug-related heart attack on a flight from Los Angeles to New York City at the age of 25. |
|
21 |
March |
1976 |
Guitar pioneer, innovator and entrepreneur, Adolph Rickenbacker died from cancer in Orange County, California at the age of 89. |
|
23 |
March |
1976 |
English heavy metal band Judas Priest released their classic sophomore studio album, ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’. |
|
26 |
March |
1976 |
Irish rock group, Thin Lizzy released their breakout classic 6th studio album, ‘Jailbreak’. |
|
28 |
March |
1976 |
American guitarist with rock group The Killers, Dave Keuning was born in Pella, Iowa. |
|
31 |
March |
1976 |
Legendary English heavy rock band Led Zeppelin released their 7th studio album, ‘Presence’. |
|
3 |
April |
1976 |
British pop group Brotherhood Of Man won the 21st Eurovision Song Contest with, ‘Save Your Kisses for Me’. |
|
23 |
April |
1976 |
American punk rock band, Ramones released their eponymous debut studio album, ‘Ramones’. |
|
30 |
April |
1976 |
Jamaican reggae legends, Bob Marley & The Wailers released their commercially successful studio album, ‘Rastaman Vibration’. |
|
3 |
May |
1976 |
American hard rock band, Aerosmith, released their 4th studio album, ‘Rocks’. |
|
4 |
July |
1976 |
British punk rock band The Clash made their live concert debut supporting the Sex Pistols at the Black Swan pub (known to locals as ‘The Mucky Duck’) in Sheffield, England. |
|
27 |
July |
1976 |
English singer, songwriter, guitarist and former member of The Beatles, John Lennon, finally had his application for permanent American residency approved by the U.S. Government. |
|
31 |
July |
1976 |
American hard rock band, Blue Öyster Cult released their signature tune and huge commercial hit, the classic single, ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper’. |
|
29 |
August |
1976 |
Exemplary American blues guitarist and singer, Jimmy Reed died from respiratory failure in Oakland, California at the age of 50. |
|
13 |
September |
1976 |
American southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd released their great live double album ‘One More From The Road’ in the US. |
|
7 |
October |
1976 |
Following an appeal hearing, English former member of The Beatles, John Lennon had his permanent residency of the USA confirmed. |
|
8 |
October |
1976 |
American jazz fusion pioneer and bass guitarist Stanley Clarke released his ground breaking studio album ‘School Days’. |
|
22 |
October |
1976 |
Influential American poet, singer, songwriter, artist and activist Patti Smith released her 2nd studio album, ‘Radio Ethiopia’. |
|
24 |
October |
1976 |
Legendary Irish guitarist, Rory Gallagher, released his classic 6th studio album, ‘Calling Card’. |
|
25 |
November |
1976 |
Canadian/American rock group, The Band, played their final concert in San Francisco, California, ‘The Last Waltz’, documented by filmmaker Martin Scorsese. |
|
26 |
November |
1976 |
English punk rock pioneers, Sex Pistols released their controversial debut single, ‘Anarchy In The UK’ on EMI Records. |
|
2 |
December |
1976 |
The photoshoot for the iconic album cover to Pink Floyd’s ‘Animals’ (released in 1977) took place at Battersea Power Station in London, complete with giant inflatable pig. |
|
3 |
December |
1976 |
Jamaican reggae star Bob Marley was wounded when gunmen shot him, his wife and manager at his home in Kingston. The incident was widely thought to be a politically motivated act. |
|
5 |
December |
1976 |
French electronic musician Jean Michel Jarre released his milestone 3rd studio album Oxygène in France. |
|
8 |
December |
1976 |
American country rock band Eagles released their top‑selling and career-defining classic 5th studio album, ‘Hotel California’. |
|
12 |
December |
1976 |
English guitarist with hard rock bands The Darkness and Stone Gods, Dan Hawkins was born in Chertsey, Surrey. |
|
28 |
December |
1976 |
American blues guitar legend, Freddie King died of complications from ulcers and acute pancreatitis in Texas at the age of 42. |
|
14 |
January |
1977 |
English rock singer David Bowie released his 11th studio album and the first part of his highly acclaimed ‘Berlin Trilogy’, ‘Low’ in the UK. |
|
23 |
January |
1977 |
Highly acclaimed English progressive rock band, Pink Floyd, released their 10th studio album, ‘Animals’, in the UK. |
|
4 |
February |
1977 |
Anglo-American rock band, Fleetwood Mac released their massive career-topping 11th studio album, ‘Rumours’ in the US. |
|
26 |
February |
1977 |
American delta blues guitarist and singer Booker T. Washington ‘Bukka’ White died from cancer in Memphis, Tennessee at the age of 67 or 70 (age disputed). |
|
2 |
March |
1977 |
English singer, songwriter, co-founder and front man of band Coldplay, Chris Martin was born in Exeter, Devon. |
|
10 |
March |
1977 |
English punk rock band Sex Pistols controversially ‘signed’ a short-lived recording contract with A&M Records outside Buckingham Palace in London. |
|
21 |
March |
1977 |
Australian hard blues/rock band, AC/DC, released their 4th studio album, ‘Let There Be Rock’. |
|
8 |
April |
1977 |
English punk rock band, The Clash released their classic eponymous debut studio album, ‘The Clash’. Often considered to be one of the finest British punk albums. |
|
8 |
May |
1977 |
Great American blues rock guitar maestro, Joe Bonamassa was born in New Hartford, New York. |
|
27 |
May |
1977 |
In the same year as Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, British punk pioneers Sex Pistols released their controversial 2nd single, ‘God Save The Queen’ in the UK. |
|
31 |
May |
1977 |
The BBC and the Independent Broadcasting Authority banned the Sex Pistols’ controversial single, ‘God Save The Queen’ from being played on UK radio for being “in gross bad taste”. |
|
3 |
June |
1977 |
Jamaican reggae icons Bob Marley & The Wailers released their career-defining massively successful 9th studio album, ‘Exodus’. |
|
12 |
June |
1977 |
Talented American blues/rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Kenny Wayne Shepherd was born in Shreveport Louisiana. |
|
15 |
June |
1977 |
English punk rock band Sex Pistols infamously performed ‘Anarchy In The UK’ aboard a party boat on the River Thames outside the Houses of Parliament in London. |
|
20 |
June |
1977 |
Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist Neil Young released his 8th studio album, ‘American Stars ‘n Bars’. |
|
30 |
June |
1977 |
Marvel Comics published the first comic book with characters loosely based on members of the American rock band KISS. |
|
2 |
July |
1977 |
British punk rock pioneers Sex Pistols released their controversial 3rd single, ‘Pretty Vacant’ in the UK. |
|
16 |
August |
1977 |
American rock ‘n’ roll legend, Elvis Presley died from a drug-related heart attack in Memphis, Tennessee at the age of 42. |
|
18 |
August |
1977 |
The funeral of American singing legend, Elvis Presley took place at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. |
|
11 |
September |
1977 |
Welsh guitarist and co-founder of rock band Coldplay, Jonny Buckland was born in London. |
|
16 |
September |
1977 |
Flamboyant English glam rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Marc Bolan of Tyrannosaurus Rex and later T.Rex died tragically in a car accident in London at the age of 29. |
|
16 |
September |
1977 |
American alternative rock band, Talking Heads, released their remarkable debut studio album, ‘Talking Heads: 77’. |
|
23 |
September |
1977 |
English singer and songwriter David Bowie released the single ‘Heroes’, which would become one of his greatest signature songs. |
|
24 |
September |
1977 |
English heavy rock band Motörhead released their debut studio album, the self-titled ‘Motörhead’ in the UK. |
|
30 |
September |
1977 |
English post-punk and new wave singer, songwriter and actor, Ian Dury released his debut studio album with The Blockheads, ‘New Boots And Panties!!’ in the UK. |
|
30 |
September |
1977 |
Fiery American blues/rock guitarist and member of Supersonic Blues Machine, Lance Lopez was born in Galveston, Texas. |
|
7 |
October |
1977 |
English guitarist Steve Hackett left progressive rock band Genesis to pursue a successful solo career. |
|
12 |
October |
1977 |
American singer, songwriter and guitarist Bruce Springsteen released his 4th studio album, ‘Darkness on the Edge of Town’. |
|
14 |
October |
1977 |
English singer and songwriter David Bowie released his 12th studio album, ‘Heroes’, the 2nd part of his famed ‘Berlin Trilogy’. |
|
16 |
October |
1977 |
Award-winning American blues/rock guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer John Mayer was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. |
|
17 |
October |
1977 |
American southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd released their 5th studio album, ‘Street Survivors’, just days before the band’s tragic plane crash. |
|
20 |
October |
1977 |
Several members of American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, including singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister, singer Cassie Gaines were among those tragically killed and injured in a plane crash near Gillsburgh, Mississippi. |
|
21 |
October |
1977 |
American rock band, Meat Loaf, released their best‑selling debut studio album, ‘Bat Out Of Hell’. |
|
28 |
October |
1977 |
English punk rock band, Sex Pistols released their controversial debut (and currently only) studio album, ‘Never Mind the Bollocks Here’s the Sex Pistols’. |
|
4 |
November |
1977 |
American punk rock pioneers, Ramones released their definitive 3rd studio album, ‘Rocket To Russia’. |
|
4 |
November |
1977 |
British guitarist, singer and songwriter John Martyn released his classic 7th solo studio album, ‘One World’ in the UK. |
|
25 |
November |
1977 |
English blues/rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Eric Clapton released his classic 5th studio album, ‘Slowhand’. |
|
1 |
December |
1977 |
American guitarist, producer and founding member of nu-metal rock band Linkin Park, Brad Delson was born in Agoura, California. |
|
25 |
January |
1978 |
After changing their name from Warsaw to Joy Division, the post-punk rock band made their first live performance in Manchester, UK. |
|
6 |
February |
1978 |
Influential Dutch/American guitarist, Eddie Van Halen released the eponymous debut studio album that launched the band’s career ‘Van Halen’. |
|
10 |
February |
1978 |
English heavy metal band Judas Priest released their classic 4th studio album, ‘Stained Class’. |
|
3 |
March |
1978 |
American punk rock singer, poet, activist and artist, Patti Smith released her classic 3rd studio album, ‘Easter’. |
|
23 |
March |
1978 |
Jamaican reggae legends, Bob Marley & The Wailers released their 9th studio album and follow up to the massive ‘Exodus’, ‘Kaya’. |
|
5 |
April |
1978 |
English new romantic and pop/rock band Duran Duran performed their debut live concert at Birmingham Polytechnic. |
|
15 |
May |
1978 |
Antipodean heavy rock band, AC/DC released their storming 5th studio album, ‘Powerage’. |
|
19 |
May |
1978 |
British rock band, Dire Straits released their breakout debut single, ‘Sultans of Swing’ in the UK. |
|
2 |
June |
1978 |
Irish rock band, Thin Lizzy released their massive live double album, ‘Live And Dangerous’ in the UK. |
|
9 |
June |
1978 |
Mercurial English guitarist, singer, songwriter and founding member of rock band Muse, Matt Bellamy was born in Cambridge. |
|
7 |
July |
1978 |
American indie rock band, Talking Heads, released their 2nd studio album, ‘More Songs About Buildings and Food’. |
|
7 |
September |
1978 |
English drummer with rock band The Who, Keith Moon, died of a drug overdose in London at the age of 31. |
|
12 |
October |
1978 |
English bass guitarist with the Sex Pistols, John Ritchie (a.k.a. Sid Vicious) was arrested for the murder of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen at the Chelsea Hotel in New York City. |
|
30 |
October |
1978 |
American punk rock band Blondie released their single ‘Hanging On The Telephone’, their first Top 10 hit in the UK singles chart. |
|
2 |
November |
1978 |
English post-punk rock band The Police released their astounding debut studio album, ‘Outlandos d’Amour’ in the UK. |
|
11 |
November |
1978 |
The first commercially available vinyl 7” single picture disc was released by the Elektra label, featuring The Cars, ‘My Best Friend’s Girl’. |
|
23 |
November |
1978 |
American singer, songwriter, artist and occasional guitarist with rock bands, The Kills and The Dead Weather, Alison Mosshart was born in Vero Beach, Florida. |
|
2 |
January |
1979 |
The trial of English bass guitarist with Sex Pistols, Sid Vicious, started in New York. He was accused of murdering his American girlfriend, Nancy Spungen in 1978. |
|
31 |
January |
1979 |
American virtuoso jazz guitarist Grant Green died of a heart attack while on the road in New York City at the age of 43. |
|
2 |
February |
1979 |
English bass guitarist of Sex Pistols, Sid Vicious (John Ritchie) died from a heroin overdose in New York City at the age of 21. |
|
7 |
February |
1979 |
American guitarist, singer and songwriter Stephen Stills became the first major rock artist to record tracks using digital studio equipment at the Record Plant in Los Angeles, California. |
|
3 |
March |
1979 |
American guitarist, singer and songwriter, Frank Zappa released his highly successful and humorous part studio, part live double album, ‘Sheik Yerbouti’. |
|
12 |
March |
1979 |
English singer, songwriter, guitarist and founding member of indie rock bands The Libertines and Babyshambles, Pete Doherty was born in Hexham, Northumberland. |
|
24 |
March |
1979 |
English rock band, Motörhead hit the mainstream with the release of their classic 2nd studio album, ‘Overkill’. |
|
8 |
May |
1979 |
English indie rock giants The Cure released their debut studio album, ‘Three Imaginary Boys’ in the UK. |
|
14 |
May |
1979 |
Great American guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and member of blues rock band The Black Keys, Dan Auerbach was born in Akron, Ohio. |
|
18 |
May |
1979 |
Legendary English rock singer and songwriter David Bowie released his 13th studio album and the third part of his ‘Berlin Trilogy’, ‘Lodger’. |
|
8 |
June |
1979 |
American guitarist, songwriter, member of rock band The Allman Brothers Band and founder of The Derek Trucks Band, Derek Trucks was born in Jacksonville, Florida. |
|
15 |
June |
1979 |
English post-punk band Joy Division released their impressive debut studio album, ‘Unknown Pleasures’. |
|
20 |
June |
1979 |
English guitarist, singer, songwriter, former member of indie rock band Ash and then solo artist, Charlotte Hatherley was born in London. |
|
29 |
June |
1979 |
American singer, songwriter and guitarist with Little Feat, Lowell George died from a cocaine-related heart attack in Arlington, Virginia at the age of 34. |
|
1 |
July |
1979 |
Japanese technology company Sony launched the first Walkman portable media player, capable of playing Compact Cassettes while on the move. |
|
27 |
July |
1979 |
Australian hard rock band AC/DC released their classic 6th studio album, ‘Highway To Hell’. |
|
3 |
August |
1979 |
American alternative rock band Talking Heads released their classic 3rd studio album, ‘Fear Of Music’, produced by Brian Eno. |
|
11 |
August |
1979 |
English hard rock band Led Zeppelin played their final UK concert with their original line up at Knebworth Festival in Hertfordshire. |
|
12 |
August |
1979 |
American pop singer and songwriter Michael Jackson released his 5th studio album, ‘Off The Wall’, marking his status as a global superstar. |
|
15 |
August |
1979 |
English heavy rock band Led Zeppelin released their last album with their original group line up, ‘In Through The Out Door’. |
|
24 |
August |
1979 |
American guitarist Peter Frampton received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6819 Hollywood Boulevard. |
|
17 |
September |
1979 |
American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter and composer Frank Zappa released his studio album, ‘Joe’s Garage Act I’. The first of 3 ‘parts’. |
|
29 |
September |
1979 |
English post-punk rock trio The Police had their first UK No.1 hit single with, ‘Message In A Bottle’, the band’s 3rd Top 20 hit. |
|
2 |
October |
1979 |
Jamaican reggae legends, Bob Marley & The Wailers released their studio album, ‘Survival’ in the UK. |
|
2 |
October |
1979 |
English post-punk rock band The Police released their massively commercial chart-topping 2nd studio album, ‘Reggatta de Blanc’ in the UK. |
|
7 |
October |
1979 |
English post-punk rock band Joy Division released their debut single ‘Transmission’ on Factory Records in the UK. |
|
19 |
October |
1979 |
Anglo-American rock group Fleetwood Mac released their divisive, experimental 12th studio album, ‘Tusk’ amidst reports of the band’s excess. |
|
27 |
October |
1979 |
English rock band Motörhead released their strong 3rd studio album, ‘Bomber’ in the UK, with the classic line up of Lemmy, Eddie Clarke and Phil Taylor. |
|
19 |
November |
1979 |
American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter and composer Frank Zappa released his classic studio double album, ‘Joe’s Garage Acts II & III’. |
|
30 |
November |
1979 |
English progressive rock band, Pink Floyd released their epic 11th studio double concept album, ‘The Wall’. Estimated worldwide sales are around 30 million copies. |
|
14 |
December |
1979 |
English punk rock band, The Clash released their mighty 3rd studio double album, ‘London Calling’ in the UK. |
Tailpiece
That’s more than enough for now! Looking at the list of artists, it is a veritable roll call of modern music. Just contrast the albums that started and ended the decade to see how much irreversible change had occurred in just 10 years. For many, the 1970s was the last decade to witness truly fundamental changes in musical and social paradigms. While not being strictly true, it was always going to be a tough task to sustain the energy and innovation of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s into subsequent decades. However, this didn’t stop existing and emerging artists trying to break the constraints of predictability. So, the 1980s was to prove a different kettle of fish altogether and that is what the story seeks to explore in the next article. Are you with me? Until next time…
CRAVE Guitars’ ‘Quote of the Month’: “Nobody should have to play a secondary character in their own life”
© 2019 CRAVE Guitars – Love Vintage Guitars.