Rock's Extremes: The 70s

After the Summer of Love came and went, the Vietnam War raged on, Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated and the sinister side of commune life rose to light because of the Manson Murders. The psychedelic rock trip had reached the end of it’s rollercoaster ride and everyone who took the trip was changed forever from the journey. Once fans emerged from the mind-splintering waves of psychedelic rock for fresh air, some were seeking familiarity, some wanted to explore a darker sound, and others simply wanted some peace and quiet. 

Heavy metal was a natural progression from the psychedelic rock sound, taking inspiration from Jimi Hendrix’s distortion drenched riffs, and in your face shredding solos. Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Deep Purple were leaders in cultivating the “heavy metal sound” paving the way for bands like Iron Maiden, Motorhead and Queensryche in the future. The Beatles even had a hand in co-opting the heavy metal sound with their song “Helter Skelter”. Listening to Black Sabbath’s song “War Pigs” after Jimi Hendrix’s song “If 6 Was 9” you can hear similarities in adopting teaser riffs and the start/stop high hat filled rests in the intro. 

Heavy metal music combines blues based guitar riffs, dark, minor-key riffing with a heavily distorted guitar tone and the use of power chords with classical aspects such as vocalists singing like opera stars and wailing guitar solos that mimic a classical violin. Every yin has its yang, you can’t have peace and love without evil and death. Heavy metal reminds us that the pendulum swings both ways!

Black Sabbath is the perfect example of the heavy metal movement. Their music was a direct response to the darker side of the psychedelic aftermath, embracing the occult mysticism in their lyrics, haunting melodies, de-tuned guitars, and heavier, louder rhythm section that begs for headbanging.

Black Sabbath, “Black Sabbath” - a perfect example of the heavy metal sound and how they captured an ominous essence, the sound of conjuring unseen forces 

Horror movies were also reaching new popularity during the 70s, particularly slasher and “body horror” genres. Alice Cooper found this “horror niche” within the heavy metal music community and capitalized on it. Alice Cooper brought the idea of “shock rock” into view with lyrics like “I'll go to the graveyard and dig up your bones” in Love it To Death. He used performance art pieces to go along with it, incorporating theatre aspects such as fog machines, pyrotechnics and elaborate props such as electric chairs, swords and guillotines. He’d use fake blood and have people costumed as large spiders, baby rolls or reptiles while he himself looked quite like a skeleton adorned with black clothes, gloves, eye makeup and long black hair.  

Alice Cooper “Welcome to my Nightmare” - an example of Cooper’s theatrical performances including some fog machine action, a dancing spider and a (fake) decapitation

Speaking of theatrics, Glam Rock was all about the flamboyant, over the top, and “the show must go on” attitude. Artists were known for their androgyny, sexuality and artistic experimentation. 

David Bowie is my favorite glam rock icon of the time. He was as genre-blending as he was gender bending. He started out as a trained mime and theater major before picking up piano, ukulele, and guitar. His powerful voice was rounded and resonant with a distinct vibrato while also having a sophisticated edge. His musical stylings paired elements of multiple genres fusing a unique style of Bowie’s own creation. He incorporated interdisciplinary art forms to craft a supercharged version of his creative self, "Ziggy Stardust" the rock star, and managed to continuously innovate. Bowie used everything as a medium in order to present his vision, musically, visually, and conceptually. I consider him a true artist and a creative genius.

David Bowie, “Starman” - a very rock & roll version of a song all about rock & roll! He’s seen here playing a 12 string guitar, singing with his distinctive vibrato and wearing an awesome colorful two piece ensemble

Elton John was another notable Glam Rock icon to emerge in the 70s. He found incredible artistic and commercial success with his passionately soulful singing voice and dynamic, pop rock piano playing. These Glam Rock legends picked up where Little Richard left off, cultivating a taste for glamorous costumes, distinctive vocalizations, and lively performances.

As new genres and subgenres emerged, singer songwriters continued to write about the times, providing stories and perspectives of the human condition. Joni Mitchell is an excellent example of this with her song “Woodstock”. She didn’t perform at Woodstock but perfectly captured the exact mood and moment in time of those who attended. Soft rock singer songwriters show us all how we are connected. After her hit writing days in the Brill Building, Carol King stepped humbly into her own spotlight with her albums “Writer” and “Tapestry”, which perfectly encapsulates the soothing, feel-good, heart felt relatability many fans craved. These “easy listening” songs provided listeners with a certain familiarity  and widely appreciated popularity. 

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, “Carry On” - my favorite song from ‘Deja Vu’ and a great example of their abilities to be agile in the soft rock genre, drawing influence from folk while experimenting with tuned down hard rock riffs using an acoustic guitar 

I think these post-psychedelic rock styles went in such different directions during the 70s because of how big the music industry was becoming. Business was booming. Record sales continued to climb while arena concerts and national touring increased in popularity. There was a certain sense of limitlessness that allowed artists creative freedom and exploration. Record labels provided artists with financial comfort and ease, trusting in the artist’s creative process, instead of pre-packaging “tried and true” methods like we saw in the 50’s or manufacturing teen idols like we saw in the early 60’s.

These extremes allowed more subcultures to emerge, gaining confidence and recognition within larger musical communities. Some folks reached for colorful glitter and platform boots, while others reached for black eyeliner and cross necklaces. Everyone else reached for their favorite pair of blue jeans and finally got a haircut.