Hard rock became the dominating genre in rock music throughout the 1970s, which was a significant decade for the genre. Bands of this era created the foundation for later rock subgenres with their strong riffs, booming drums, and dynamic vocals. The following important bands helped to shape the sound of hard rock in the 1970s:
1. Led Zeppelin formed in 1968; important albums include Physical Graffiti (1975) and Led Zeppelin IV (1971).
Signature Sound: A fusion of hard rock, blues, and folk music highlighted by the recognizable guitar riffs of Jimmy Page and the soaring vocals of Robert Plant.
Legacy: Often regarded as one of the best rock bands ever, their impact is seen in a variety of genres and age groups.
2. Black Sabbath Formation: 1968; Important Albums: Paranoid (1970), Black Sabbath (1970).
Signature Sound: Ozzy Osbourne’s eerie vocals along with Tony Iommi’s dark, deep guitars laid the groundwork for heavy metal.
Legacy: Known as the forerunners of heavy metal, their music addressed themes of hopelessness and gloom, influencing a great number of bands.
3. Deep Purple was formed in 1968. Notable albums include Made in Japan (1973) and Machine Head (1972).
Signature Sound: A blend of blues, rock, and classical music, emphasized by Ian Gillan’s powerful vocal and Ritchie Blackmore’s virtuoso guitar.
Legacy: Famous for their sweeping tunes like “Smoke on the Water,” Deep Purple dominated heavy metal and hard rock.
4. Aerosmith Formation: 1970; Important Albums: Rocks (1976), Toys in the Attic (1975)
Signature Sound: An intense fusion of hard rock and blues, highlighted by the electric guitar skills of Joe Perry and the raspy vocals of Steven Tyler.
Legacy: Known as “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band,” they were successful for many years and influenced many other rock musicians.
5. Queen was formed in 1970. Notable albums include News of the World (1977) and A Night at the Opera (1975).
Signature Sound: A dramatic fusion of pop, rock, and opera, distinguished by the unique guitar tone of Brian May and the amazing vocal range of Freddie Mercury.
Legacy: Queen’s inventive style and iconic hits cemented their position in rock history even as their sound changed.
6. The Who Formation: 1964; Important Albums: Quadrophenia (1973), Who’s Next (1971)
Signature Sound: Upbeat performances infused with hard rock, opera, and mod culture influences.
Legacy: As regards live performances, they shaped the concert experience and were pioneers in the field of rock opera.
7. Lynyrd Skynyrd Formation: 1964; Important Albums: Second Helping (1974), Pronounce it Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd (1973).
Signature Sound: A three-guitar harmonies-based Southern rock sound that combines blues, rock, and country influences.
Legacy: Their anthems, especially “Sweet Home Alabama,” became classics of American rock music.
8. AC/DC was formed in 1973. Notable albums include Let There Be Rock (1977) and High Voltage (1975).
Signature Sound: Bon Scott’s raspy vocals and Angus Young’s guitar riffs drive hard-hitting rock and roll.
Legacy: Known for their high-energy live shows, AC/DC redefined hard rock and continues to have a significant impact.
In summary
Hard rock underwent significant change and prosperity in the 1970s, a decade characterized by the rise of legendary bands that broke musical conventions and produced enduring hits. Their enduring legacy serves as a source of inspiration for upcoming musicians and fans, perpetuating the ethos of hard rock from the 1970s.