12 1970s Bands That Just “Vanished” From The Music Industry

There was definitely more to the 1970s than just music icons like Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin. Numerous fantastic bands who once dominated the radio have since slipped out of the spotlight. Let’s find 12 overlooked treasures that set trends in their era but hardly ever receive the credit they deserved.

These bands influenced the sound of a generation, from Budgie’s thunderous riffs to Big Star’s power-pop genius to The Sweet’s glam rock swagger. Take time to celebrate their immortal songs and musical tales.

Big Star
Big Star may not have topped the charts, but their influence on rock and power pop is legendary. Their debut album, Number One Record, gave us unforgettable tracks like “The Ballad of El Goodo” and “13.” Unfortunately, poor promotion and distribution issues kept them from mainstream success. While critics and future musicians admired them, Big Star remained a cult favorite, cherished by true music lovers. Their timeless sound continues to inspire, making them a hidden treasure worth rediscovering.

Budgie
Hailing from Wales, Budgie was a trailblazer in heavy metal, shaping the genre long before it hit the mainstream. With albums like Bandolier and In for the Kill, they delivered crushing riffs and soaring vocals that inspired legends like Metallica. Despite their groundbreaking sound, they never cracked the charts, making them one of the 70s’ most underrated bands. Budgie’s legacy is a quiet force in rock history, whispered among true metal fans and still echoing in today’s heavy music.

The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
True to their name, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band delivered a wild mix of glam rock, hard rock, and cabaret. Led by the magnetic Alex Harvey, they dazzled audiences with unforgettable performances and hits like “Delilah” and “Faith Healer.” Despite their unique flair and energy, they never reached the global stardom of their contemporaries. Their eccentric style made them cult favorites, but time has left them as one of the 70s’ hidden treasures in rock history.

Mott the Hoople
Mott the Hoople hit it big with All the Young Dudes, a glam rock anthem gifted by David Bowie. Their unique style and larger-than-life image won them a dedicated fanbase, but the band couldn’t keep their spark alive. Frequent lineup changes and internal struggles eventually led to their breakup. While they were major players in the early 70s glam scene, they’ve often been overshadowed by their more iconic peers. Still, their music remains a vital piece of rock history.

UFO
Despite their groundbreaking sound, UFO never achieved the same heights as some of their British rock peers. Although mainstream fame eluded them, devoted fans continue to celebrate their legacy as unsung heroes of rock history. Notable songs like “Doctor Doctor” and “Rock Bottom” helped UFO dance on the edge of superstardom in the 1970s. Their inventive fusion of hard rock and proto-metal riffs laid the groundwork for the following heavy metal wave.

Humble Pie
With the renowned Steve Marriott at the helm and early Peter Frampton, Humble Pie had all it took to be great. They enthralled audiences with their raw intensity on albums like Rockin’ the Fillmore and their explosive live performances. They were unquestionably talented, but they could never achieve their peers’ legendary heights. Their star was diminished as the 1970s progressed due to lineup changes and a more commercial direction. Even though their names are frequently remembered, their music is still a little-known gem in rock history.

The Sweet
The Sweet lit up the glam rock era with hits like “Ballroom Blitz” and “Fox on the Run.” The band lit up the glam rock era with their eye-catching costumes and catchy tunes that made them pop culture celebrities of the 1970s. But as the decade went on, internal conflicts and changes in musical tastes made them less radiant. Even though glam rock fans still adore them, The Sweet didn’t always receive the credit they deserve among other historical icons. However, their legacy endures as vividly as their performance.

The Small Faces
The Small Faces were well-known in the mod and psychedelic rock communities before some of their members joined Faces and even The Rolling Stones. They were instrumental in the British Invasion with classics like Tin Soldier and Itchycoo Park. Even if they had an early impact, their legacy is frequently eclipsed by their members’ subsequent achievements. The Small Faces’ inventive sound and approach have made an impact on rock history, despite their sometimes underappreciation.

Dr. Feelgood
Dr. Feelgood became a mainstay of the British pub music scene by introducing a raw, unadorned sound that helped to establish punk rock. They gained a devoted fan base with their edgy songs like “Roxette” and spectacular live performances. However, their impact was marginalized as new wave and punk gained popularity. Despite never being well-known, Dr. Feelgood is still a cult favorite, praised by rock aficionados for its raw intensity and classic edge.

The Strawbs
Founded as a bluegrass group, the Strawbs swiftly transformed into a distinctive progressive rock powerhouse in the 1970s. They received critical acclaim for fusing folk music with symphonic elements in albums like Hero and Heroine and Grave New World. Despite having a devoted fan base and receiving favorable reviews, they never achieved the commercial success of bands like Genesis or Yes. The Strawbs are still regarded as a jewel in the prog rock industry today, despite being frequently disregarded.

Mountain
With their legendary single “Mississippi Queen,” Mountain dominated the 1970s and influenced several bands by fusing hard rock and heavy blues. Internal disputes and lineup adjustments hindered their success despite their encouraging beginning. Even though “Mississippi Queen” is still played on classic rock stations, the band’s whole discography and enduring influence are sometimes disregarded. Sadly, despite their significant contributions to rock history, many people remember Mountain as a one-hit wonder.

Spirit
The innovative band Spirit was well ahead of its time in fusing jazz, psychedelic, and rock influences. Their hit song “I Got a Line on You” demonstrated their amazing range. However, they found it difficult to maintain their position in the public eye since they refused to follow industry trends. Spirit is a fascinating but underappreciated element of ’70s rock history because, although helping to establish experimental rock, they never enjoyed the same level of commercial success as some of its contemporaries.