The 1970s was a golden era for rock music, a time when legendary bands took rock music in multiple diverse directions and set the stage for future musicians. Rock bands at this time shifted into new stylings, like glam rock, prog rock, and even heavy metal, with elements of blues and remnants of psychedelia lingering from the 60s. Here is a (non-definitive) list of 35 of the most influential, best rock bands of the 70s.
| Rank | Band | Genre | Best-Selling 70s Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Led Zepplin | Hard Rock, Blues Rock | Led Zeppelin IV (1971) |
| 2 | The Rolling Stones | Rock, Blues Rock | Some Girls (1978) |
| 3 | Pink Floyd | Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Rock | The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) |
| 4 | Fleetwood Mac | Rock, Soft Rock | Rumours (1977) |
| 5 | The Eagles | Rock, Country Rock | Hotel California (1976) |
| 6 | Queen | Rock, Progressive Rock | A Night at the Opera (1975) |
| 7 | David Bowie | Glam Rock, Art Rock | The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) |
| 8 | AC/DC | Hard Rock, Blues Rock | Highway to Hell (1979) |
| 9 | Journey | Rock, Jazz Rock | Chicago II (1970) |
| 10 | Van Halen | Hard Rock, Heavy Metal | Van Halen (1978) |
| 11 | Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers | Heartland Rock, Rock & Roll | Damn the Torpedoes (1979) |
| 12 | The Clash | Punk Rock | London Calling (1979) |
| 13 | The Allman Brothers Band | Southern Rock, Blues Rock | At Fillmore East (1971) |
| 14 | The Doobie Brothers | Rock, Soft Rock | Minute by Minute (1978) |
| 15 | Boston | Hard Rock, Arena Rock | Boston (1976) |
| 16 | Bruce Springsteen | Heartland Rock, Folk Rock | Born to Run (1975) |
| 17 | Heart | Hard Rock, Folk Rock | Little Queen (1977) |
| 18 | Grand Funk Railroad | Hard Rock, Blues Rock | We're an American Band (1973) |
| 19 | Deep Purple | Hard Rock, Heavy Metal | Machine Head (1972) |
| 20 | Bad Company | Hard Rock, Blues Rock | Bad Company (1974) |
| 21 | Cheap Trick | Power Pop, Hard Rock | Cheap Trick at Budokan (1978) |
| 22 | Meat Loaf | Rock Opera, Hard Rock | Bat Out of Hell (1977) |
| 23 | Lynyrd Skynyrd | Southern Rock, Hard Rock | (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd) (1973) |
| 24 | Alice Cooper | Shock Rock, Hard Rock | Billion Dollar Babies (1973) |
| 25 | Kansas | Progressive Rock, Hard Rock | Leftoverture (1976) |
| 26 | Foghat | Blues Rock, Hard Rock | Foghat Live (1977) |
| 27 | Blue Öyster Cult | Hard Rock, Heavy Metal | Agents of Fortune (1976) |
| 28 | Ted Nugent | Hard Rock, Heavy Metal | Cat Scratch Fever (1977) |
| 29 | Jethro Tull | Progressive Rock, Folk Rock | Aqualung (1971) |
| 30 | Van Morrison | Folk Rock, Blues Rock | Moondance (1970) |
| 31 | The Band | Roots Rock, Folk Rock | The Last Waltz (1978) |
| 32 | Ramones | Punk Rock | Ramones (1976) |
| 33 | The Velvet Underground | Experimental Rock, Proto-Punk | Loaded (1970) |
| 34 | Rush | Progressive Rock, Hard Rock | 2112 (1976) |
| 35 | Genesis | Progressive Rock, Art Rock | Selling England by the Pound (1973) |
35. Genesis
Led by Peter Gabriel and later Phil Collins, Genesis transformed progressive rock with The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974). Their theatrical live shows and intricate compositions set them apart. By the late 70s, their sound evolved into more radio-friendly rock hits.
34. Rush
Rush’s blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and intellectual lyrics helped them carve out a unique niche in the 70s. Their 1976 album 2112 became a defining work in progressive rock, featuring the epic 20-minute-long title track. Known for their complex musical stylings and legendary live performances, they earned critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, even though mainstream commercial success came later in their career.
33. The Velvet Underground
Though their mainstream success came after the 70s, The Velvet Underground’s avant-garde style influenced the direction of rock in the decade. Albums like Loaded (1971) paved the way for punk and alternative rock. Their experimental music and poetic lyrics laid the foundation for several generations of rock musicians.
32. Ramones
The Ramones were pioneers of punk rock, delivering fast, raw, and minimalist music. Their self-titled debut album (1976) featured Blitzkrieg Bop, an anthem that would define the genre. Though their commercial success was limited, their influence on the punk movement and rock history is indisputable. Their musical influence can still be heard in punk rock bands of the 2000s.
31. The Band
The Band’s roots in American folk and blues rock made them one of the most beloved groups of the 70s. Their 1969 album Music from Big Pink and their 1970 follow-up The Band featured classics like The Weight. The group's collaboration with Bob Dylan was a defining moment in the band’s musical influence.
30. Van Morrison
Van Morrison had been the frontman of Them before launching a successful solo career. His blues-influenced rock style shone in songs like Gloria, which became a garage rock anthem. His 1968 album Astral Weeks was not a huge success at the time but later became one of the most critically acclaimed albums in rock history. Morrison’s music blended rock, blues, and soul into emotional masterpieces.
29. Jethro Tull
Led by Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull brought a progressive rock sound infused with folk and blues. Their 1971 album Aqualung featured the famous title track and Locomotive Breath, earning multi-platinum status. Their innovative style made them one of the most unique bands of the era, with a lasting impression on musicians.
28. Ted Nugent
Ted Nugent led rock in a wilder direction with his high-energy guitar work. His self-titled 1975 album featured Stranglehold, an eight-minute epic tale that flaunted his guitar mastery. Cat Scratch Fever (1977) became his best-selling album, going multi-platinum and cementing him as a hard rock icon.
27. Blue Öyster Cult
With their dark, mysterious sound, Blue Öyster Cult carved out a unique place in 70s bands rock music. Their 1976 album Agents of Fortune featured the massive hit (Don’t Fear) The Reaper, leading to platinum status. The band's fusion of metal and hard rock, along with cryptic lyrics, gave them a devoted following.
26. Foghat
Blending blues and hard rock, Foghat became a staple of 70s American rock. Their biggest hit, Slow Ride, propelled them to success, especially with their Fool for the City album. Known for their energetic live shows, the band achieved multiple gold and platinum albums, making them a key part of the decade’s sound.
The band name "Foghat" comes from a made-up Scrabble word.
25. Kansas
Kansas broke into mainstream rock music with their 1976 album Leftoverture, featuring the massive hit Carry On Wayward Son. Their progressive sound, driven by powerful guitar work and classical influences, led them to platinum success. The band's best-selling album, Point of Know Return (1977), included Dust in the Wind, further cementing their legacy.
24. Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper led the shock rock movement with theatrical stage performances and dark, twisted lyrics. His 1973 album Billion Dollar Babies topped the charts, featuring No More Mr. Nice Guy. His wild persona succeeded in establishing a dedicated and eccentric fan base, such that even casual rock listeners could recognize his influence.
23. Lynyrd Skynyrd
Blending blues, country, and rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd defined Southern rock. Sweet Home Alabama and Free Bird became anthems, with their Second Helping (1974) and Street Survivors (1977) albums going multi-platinum. Despite a tragic plane crash in 1977 that took out most of the band members, their music remains legendary.
22. Meat Loaf
Meat Loaf became a staple of 70s rock with his album Bat Out of Hell (1977). His unique theatrical style established the rock opera as a mainstream medium. Produced by Todd Rundgren, the album became one of the best-selling albums of all time, driven by hits like the title track and Paradise by the Dashboard Light.
21. Cheap Trick
Mixing hard rock with power pop, Cheap Trick's breakthrough came with their 1978 live album At Budokan, which went triple platinum. The band's hit Surrender showcased their knack for catchy rock songs. Their influence continued into the 80s, but their 70s albums set the stage for future success.
20. Bad Company
With Paul Rodgers' powerful vocals, Bad Company quickly became a staple in rock culture. Their 1974 debut album went five times platinum, featuring Can't Get Enough. Mixing blues with hard rock, the band’s success continued throughout the decade, earning them a spot among the best.
19. Deep Purple
With their heavy rock sound, Deep Purple became pioneers of hard rock and early metal. Their 1972 album Machine Head featured Smoke on the Water, with one of the most iconic guitar riffs in music history. Their multi-platinum success and explosive live performances made them legends.
Deep Purple earned the title "world's loudest band" from the Guinness Book of World Records when their concert at the London Rainbow Theatre was measured at 117 decibels in 1972.
18. Grand Funk Railroad
Known for their raw and powerful sound, Grand Funk Railroad dominated early 70s rock music. Their 1973 album We're an American Band became their biggest success, achieving platinum status. With hits like Some Kind of Wonderful, the group led the way in American blues-based rock.
17. Heart
Heart, led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, took 70s rock by storm with their powerful vocals and guitar-driven sound. Their 1976 album Dreamboat Annie featured the hit Crazy on You, marking the beginning of a successful career. Heart’s blend of hard rock and folk elements led to a string of hits throughout the 70s, with Barracuda becoming one of their most iconic tracks.
16. Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen’s music hit home for Americans because of his working-class ethos, a noticeable difference from what most other rock stars were peddling at the time! His breakthrough album, Born to Run (1975), with songs like Thunder Road, became a cultural touchstone.
Known as “The Boss,” Springsteen's live performances became legendary, filled with energy and passion. While his mega-hit Born in the U.S.A. didn’t come out until 1984, Springsteen’s influence was already well-established by the end of the 70s.
15. Boston
Boston's debut self-titled album in 1976 became one of the best-selling rock albums of all time, featuring More Than a Feeling. Like many rock bands in the 70s, their guitar-driven sound appealed to rock fans who just couldn’t get enough. They’ve managed to move over 17 million copies of their albums, securing their place among the best bands of the 70s.
14. The Doobie Brothers
A blend of blues, country, and rock music led the Doobie Brothers to massive success. Their 1978 album Minute by Minute went triple platinum, featuring the hit What a Fool Believes. Known for their smooth yet energetic sound, the band’s influence is still ongoing in music and culture.
13. The Allman Brothers Band
A cornerstone of Southern rock, The Allman Brothers Band blended blues, jazz, and rock into an improvisational sound. Their 1971 At Fillmore East live album became legendary, featuring the Whipping Post, one version of which is over 22 minutes long. Their ability to jam made their music stand out among rock enthusiasts.
12. The Clash
The Clash was one of the most politically charged and musically diverse bands of the 70s. Their 1979 album London Calling is a pivotal entry in punk and rock music, blending reggae, ska, and rockabilly with punk. With songs like Should I Stay or Should I Go, The Clash became one of the most influential bands of the era.
11. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers blended rock, folk, and a little bit of punk into a sound that resonated with a broad audience. Their 1976 self-titled album, followed by Damn the Torpedoes (1979), helped them rise to fame. Refugee and American Girl became staples of rock radio. Petty’s straightforward songwriting and gravelly voice gave the band an accessible, everyman quality.
10. Van Halen
Van Halen revolutionized rock guitar with Eddie’s virtuosic playing, which became a defining element of the band’s sound. Their 1978 self-titled album, featuring the iconic Runnin’ with the Devil and Eruption, catapulted them to fame. Van Halen’s fusion of hard rock and heavy metal, along with David Lee Roth’s charismatic frontman persona, made them one of the most influential bands of the late 70s and 80s.
9. Chicago
Chicago's fusion of rock, jazz, and horn-driven arrangements made them one of the most distinctive bands of the 70s. Their self-titled 1970 album Chicago Transit Authority introduced their unique sound, which blended brass with hard rock and jazz. With hits like 25 or 6 to 4 and Saturday in the Park, Chicago’s bold and satisfying style led to a huge fanbase.
Over their career, they amassed numerous gold and platinum albums, earning them a reputation as one of the best-selling rock bands 70s in history.
8. AC/DC
AC/DC emerged in the late 70s with their electrifying sound, combining hard rock and blues. Their 1976 album High Voltage and 1977’s Let There Be Rock built their global reputation. Known for their iconic riff in High Voltage and T.N.T., plus the signature gravelly vocals, the band achieved global fame, with over 200 million albums sold worldwide.
7. David Bowie
Bowie’s reinvention in the 70s, particularly with The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972), made him a rock icon. His eclectic mix of glam, hard rock, and experimental sounds pushed the boundaries of the genre. Bowie’s one-of-a-kind persona and style made him stand out from any other musician the mainstream had ever seen.
6. Queen
Queen’s blend of progressive rock, glam, and opera set them apart from other 70s bands, even the ones who were also fitting into the glam rock scene. Their 1975 album A Night at the Opera included the legendary Bohemian Rhapsody, one of rock’s greatest songs. Freddie Mercury’s incomparable vocal talent made their music unforgettable. The band’s flamboyant live shows and musical innovation solidified them as global superstars.
5. The Eagles
Known for their impeccable harmonies, The Eagles led American rock with their 1976 album Hotel California, which sold over 26 million copies. Hits like Take It Easy and Life in the Fast Lane cemented them as one of the best-selling bands of all time.
4. Fleetwood Mac
Originally a blues band, Fleetwood Mac found massive success with their 1977 album Rumours, which sold over 40 million copies. With hits like Go Your Own Way and Dreams, the band’s blend of rock, pop, and blues made them, hands down, one of the best 70s rock bands. Their fame continued into the 90s and even to today!
3. Pink Floyd
Known for their concept albums and experimental sound, Pink Floyd reached new heights in the 70s with The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), which became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Their ability to blend progressive rock, experimental sounds, and deep, meaningful lyrics made them a crucial presence in 70s rock.
2. The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones continued their reign of rock excellence in the 70s, defining the era with hits like Brown Sugar and Angie. Their influential, innovative albums like Sticky Fingers (1971) and Exile on Main St. (1972) cemented them as the top rock band of the decade. With over 200 million albums sold, they remain rock royalty today.
The Rolling Stones are a staple in the list of top bands in any era.
1. Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin is often considered the pioneer of hard rock and heavy metal. Albums like Led Zeppelin IV (1971) and Physical Graffiti (1975) are considered some of the best in rock history. Their legendary live performances, coupled with hits like Stairway to Heaven, ensured their place as one of the best-selling rock bands of all time.
Rock has evolved many times over the years. The 70s were a time when it suddenly became mainstream to air out topics like drugs and sex in a way that would have been unheard of in the 60s! Rock bands certainly pushed the limits of what could be discussed in media like radio and took full advantage of the new inhibition being tolerated by society. The lasting result in music history is an era full of incredible bands, the likes of which had never been seen before.
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