The Most Popular Bands to See in Concert from the 70s

The 1970s were a time of great social change and artistic expression, and the music of the era reflected these changes. From classic rock to disco, the 70s saw the rise of some of the most iconic bands in history. Here are some of the most popular bands to see in concert from the 70s.

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones were already superstars by the 1970s, and their live shows were legendary. They were known for their energetic performances and their huge catalog of classic hits. Fans flocked to see them perform live, and they never disappointed. The band members had a great chemistry on stage, and their music was always fresh and exciting.

One of the most memorable concerts from the Stones was their 1972 North American tour, which was immortalized in the documentary film “Gimme Shelter”. The tour culminated in a free concert at Altamont Speedway in California, which descended into chaos and violence. Despite this, the Stones continued to tour and release new music throughout the 70s, cementing their status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd were pioneers of progressive rock, and their live shows were a visual spectacle as well as a sonic one. They used lasers, inflatables, and other special effects to create an immersive experience for their fans. Their concerts often lasted for several hours, and included elaborate light shows and psychedelic visuals that were ahead of their time.

One of the most famous Pink Floyd concerts was their performance at Pompeii in 1971, which was filmed for a documentary of the same name. The band played in front of the ancient ruins, and the haunting beauty of the location combined with the epic sounds of the band to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin were one of the most successful rock bands of all time, and their live shows were known for their raw power and intensity. They were also known for their extended jams, which often went on for over 10 minutes. Fans would come from far and wide to see the band perform live, and they never disappointed.

One of the most legendary Led Zeppelin concerts was their performance at Madison Square Garden in 1973. The concert was billed as the “biggest band in the world playing the biggest venue in the world”, and it lived up to the hype. The band played for over three hours, and the audience was enraptured by their incredible musicianship and stage presence.

The Who

The Who were known for their aggressive live performances, which often featured smashing guitars and drums. They were also known for their elaborate stage shows, which included elaborate costumes and props. Their concerts were a true spectacle, and fans knew that they were in for a wild ride when they saw The Who live.

One of the most famous concerts from The Who was their performance at Woodstock in 1969. The band played in the early morning hours, and their set was one of the highlights of the festival. The performance included classics like “Pinball Wizard” and “My Generation”, and cemented The Who’s status as one of the great live acts of the era.

AC/DC

AC/DC were a hard rock band that put on a high-energy show that was sure to get the crowd moving. They were known for their simple but effective stage show, which featured plenty of pyro and Angus Young’s signature guitar moves. Fans loved their electrifying performances, and AC/DC quickly became one of the most popular bands of the 70s.

One of the most memorable concerts from AC/DC was their performance at the Apollo Theatre in Glasgow in 1978. The band played an intense set that included classics like “Highway to Hell” and “Whole Lotta Rosie”, and the crowd went wild. The concert was later released as a live album, and it remains one of the best examples of AC/DC’s incredible live performances.

Deep Purple

Deep Purple were one of the pioneers of heavy metal, and their live shows were known for their sheer volume and intensity. They were also known for their extended jams, which often featured complex guitar solos and interplay between the band members. Fans loved their virtuosic musicianship, and Deep Purple quickly became one of the most popular bands of the 70s.

One of the most famous concerts from Deep Purple was their performance at the California Jam in 1974. The band played in front of over 250,000 fans, and their set included classics like “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star”. The concert was broadcast on television worldwide, and it helped to cement Deep Purple’s status as one of the great live acts of the era.

Queen

Queen were a flamboyant rock band that put on a visually stunning show. They were known for their elaborate costumes, their over-the-top stage props, and their powerful vocals. Their concerts were always a feast for the eyes and ears, and fans loved every minute of it.

One of the most iconic Queen concerts was their performance at Live Aid in 1985. The band played a 20-minute set that included classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You”, and Freddie Mercury’s electrifying performance is still talked about today. The concert was watched by over 1.9 billion people worldwide, and it helped to raise millions of dollars for famine relief in Africa.

Genesis

Genesis were a progressive rock band that put on a theatrical show that was more like a play than a concert. They were known for their complex stage sets, their elaborate costumes, and their use of multimedia effects. Their concerts were a true spectacle, and fans knew that they were in for something special when they saw Genesis live.

One of the most famous Genesis concerts was their performance at Knebworth in 1978. The band played in front of over 60,000 fans, and their set included classics like “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” and “Dancing with the Moonlit Knight”. The concert was released as a live album, and it remains one of the best examples of Genesis’ incredible live performances.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Bruce Springsteen was a blue-collar rocker who put on a high-energy show that connected with his audience on a personal level. He was known for his passionate vocals and his ability to tell stories through his music. His concerts were a celebration of life and love, and fans felt like they were part of something special when they saw Springsteen and the E Street Band perform live.

One of the most famous Springsteen concerts was his performance at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey in 1978. The concert was broadcast on the radio, and it became known as “The Live Series” due to the high quality of the recording. The setlist included classics like “Thunder Road” and “Born to Run”, and it remains one of the most beloved Springsteen concerts of all time.

Conclusion

The 1970s were a golden age for music, and there were many great bands to see in concert. From classic rock to progressive rock to disco, the 70s saw the rise of some of the most iconic bands in history. Each band had its own unique style and approach, but they all shared a love of live performance and a dedication to their craft.

If you were lucky enough to see any of these bands live in the 70s, then you know just how special those concerts were. And if you weren’t there, then hopefully this article has given you a taste of what you missed. Whatever your musical tastes may be, there is no denying that the bands of the 70s left an indelible mark on the world of music, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans today.