3 Classic Rock Bands That Defined the 1970s

Rock and roll was born in the 1950s as a more raucous, electrified form of the blues. In the 1960s, the genre was given more life. Still rudimentary in some ways, it grew over the era and then found its early adulthood in the 1970s. That’s when bands took the style to new heights.

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Today, the era is known for the birth of classic rock. And here below, we wanted to explore three bands from the decade that very much helped to define the era. Indeed, these are three classic rock bands that defined the 1970s.

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Eagles

Formed in 1971 in Los Angeles by members of Linda Ronstadt’s backing band, the Eagles quickly became a staple of the decade thanks to keenly written songs with brilliant lyrics and poignant musicianship. While the band boasts many hits such as “Take It Easy” and “Desperado,” their biggest signature song is the spooky, “Hotel California.” It tells the story of a dangerous place, one that is both alluring and a slippery slope. One that might put its hooks in you and never let you leave. The track is a metaphor for the so-called glitz and glamor of LA, but it also foretells of doom.

Led Zeppelin

Formed in 1968 in London, Led Zeppelin was originally something of a local supergroup assembled by guitarist Jimmy Page. But today, the band is known as a tight-knit unit, not some collection of individuals. With singer Robert Plant and guitarist Page, the group wows. Of course, they’re backed by the all-time rhythm section of multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones and the late wild-man drummer John Bonham. With songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “When the Levee Breaks,” Led Zeppelin remains one of the most significant rock groups of all time.

Pink Floyd

While Led Zeppelin is straight-ahead rock and the Eagles poetry put to sonic incantation, Pink Floyd is a psychedelic, trippy rock group that will leave your head spinning in the best of ways. Formed in 1965 in London, the band was led by creative genius Syd Barrett. But sadly he started suffering from mental illness and he had to leave the group. In the 1970s, Pink Floyd rose to big-time fame thanks to albums like The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and The Wall (1979). Those are four classics back to back to back to back.

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