1970s Rock Legends Accused Of Sinful Crimes

The 1970s were a wild ride, full of iconic music and unforgettable stars. From the legendary rock of Led Zeppelin to the smooth tunes of Ike Turner and the flamboyant showmanship of David Bowie, the decade was packed with musical giants whose songs still echo today. But it wasn’t just about the music—the 70s were a time of major cultural upheaval, with everything from the Vietnam War to the rise of disco. It’s no surprise that some of the biggest names in music found themselves in hot water, facing serious accusations both during the decade and in the years that followed. Here’s a look at some of the most famous artists from the 70s who got into big trouble offstage.

Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne, the wild frontman of Black Sabbath, made some of his biggest career moments in the 1970s. Known for his outrageous on-stage antics (like biting the head off a bat), he also had his share of off-stage trouble. He was arrested in 1984 in Memphis for public drunkenness and was accused of domestic violence by his wife, Sharon Osbourne. However, his most infamous run-in came in 1982 in Texas. While visiting San Antonio for a concert, Ozzy was caught urinating near the Alamo and was arrested for public intoxication. Despite the setback, he made bail and performed that night in HemisFair Arena. Banned from Texas for a decade, he was eventually pardoned after donating to charity. In 2015, he returned to the Alamo, reflecting on his wild past.

Jackson Browne
Jackson Browne became a big name in the mid-1970s with his hit debut album and songs like “Doctor, My Eyes,” which made it to No. 8 on the charts. He continued to release albums throughout the decade, but never quite matched that early success. While his music soared, his personal life hit some bumps. After his breakup with actress Daryl Hannah in 1992, she accused him of domestic abuse, and those allegations stuck around for years. However, Browne fought back, eventually winning a defamation lawsuit in 2003 after a documentary repeated the claims. He strongly denied the accusations, pointing to a police investigation at the time that cleared him. “I never assaulted Daryl Hannah, and this fact was confirmed by the investigation conducted at the time by the Santa Monica Police Department,” Browne said, putting the rumors to rest.

Dickey Betts
Dickey Betts became a key member of The Allman Brothers Band, which gained huge success in the 1970s, especially after their breakout live album At The Fillmore East in 1971. The band went on to release more albums and became iconic in the rock world. Like many rockers of the time, Betts had his share of wild moments, but his brush with the law came much later, in 1997, when he was arrested at a strip club in Sarasota County, Florida. The 53-year-old was accused of “acting obscenely” and refused to leave when asked. He was arrested for trespassing and indecent acts, then released after being booked by police. This incident was a far cry from his rock star persona, but it still made headlines in the Tampa Bay Times.

Donald Fagen
Donald Fagen, known for his smooth mix of jazz, pop, and blues as one half of Steely Dan, enjoyed big hits in the 1970s with songs like “Do It Again” and “Dirty Work.” After a long hiatus in the ’80s and ’90s, he returned to music as a solo artist and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. However, Fagen’s personal life hit a rough patch in 2016 when he was accused of domestic assault by his wife, Libby Titus. Reports from the Denver Post claimed he pushed her into a window and knocked her to the ground during an argument in their Manhattan apartment. This caused serious injuries including “bruising and swelling to her right arm, as well as substantial pain.” Despite the serious allegations and the injuries Titus suffered, the couple reportedly reconciled just days later. Fagen’s legal troubles were a sharp contrast to his musical achievements.

George Clinton
George Clinton, the funk mastermind behind Parliament and Funkadelic, is known for blending psychedelic rock, funk, and everything in between. As the leader of the iconic Parliament-Funkadelic collective, Clinton earned the title of “Prime Minister of Funk” and became a trailblazer in both music and fashion. His unique style and groundbreaking sound made him a major force in the ’70s music scene. But Clinton’s career hasn’t been without its bumps. Being deeply involved in the psychedelic music culture, he also got caught up in the drug scene. In 2003, he was arrested for drug possession after police found cocaine and paraphernalia in his car. Clinton admitted to the charges, pled no contest, and was sentenced to community service and probation.

Pete Townshend
Pete Townshend, co-founder of The Who found himself in a life-changing situation in 2003 when he was arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography. The charges stemmed from his use of a website linked to such content, which he accessed for research on child abuse for his autobiography. Townshend quickly denied any wrongdoing, explaining he was researching how banks facilitated child exploitation. After a thorough investigation, he was cleared of all charges, though he was added to a national sex offender registry. Surprisingly, Townshend views the ordeal as life-saving. During the investigation, he took time for a colonoscopy, which revealed cancerous polyps. His doctor later said, “This would have killed you in six months.” Despite the positive health outcome, Townshend still struggles with the experience.

Sid Vicious
Sid Vicious, bassist of the iconic Sex Pistols, became infamous in the 1970s for his involvement in the tragic death of his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen. Their relationship was fueled by drugs and chaotic behavior, especially after the band split in 1978. Vicious tried to go solo, with Spungen acting as his manager. But neither of their careers would last long.

In October of 1978, Spungen was found dead in her room at the Chelsea Hotel, bleeding to death from a stab wound. Vicious, found wandering the halls afterward, was arrested and charged with her murder. He initially confessed but later retracted his statement. Some speculated it was a botched murder-suicide attempt. Sadly, Vicious died of a drug overdose before the case went to trial, leaving the truth behind Nancy’s death a mystery.

Gene Simmons
Gene Simmons, the larger-than-life frontman of KISS, became a rock icon with his wild persona as “The Demon,” complete with crazy costumes and his infamous long tongue. But in 2017, the rock star found himself in serious trouble when a local radio DJ accused him of sexual misconduct.

The DJ filed a lawsuit, claiming that during an interview at his Rock & Brews restaurant, Simmons made unwanted sexual advances. She said he placed her hand on his knee, turned regular questions into sexual comments, and even flicked her in the throat. Though the case was settled out of court, it opened the door to more accusations, including one from Simmons’ former bandmate Ace Frehley, who claimed Simmons groped his wife. The allegations cast a shadow on Simmons’ rock ‘n’ roll image.

Don Henley
Don Henley, the talented guitarist, singer, and drummer of The Eagles, helped shape a band that blended pop, rock, and country. With 18 Grammy nominations and six wins, he also found success as a solo artist. However, an incident in 1980 involving a 9-1-1 call from his home remains a dark moment in his career.

When Los Angeles Firefighters responded to the call and found a naked 16-year-old sex worker suffering from a cocaine overdose. Authorities found his story questionable as Henley insisted he didn’t know the girl was a minor and had no sexual contact with her. Henley claimed his band’s roadies were responsible for the girl’s drug use, but he still pled no contest to contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He received a sentence of two years’ probation. However, some critics felt the punishment was too lenient and believed he should have faced greater accountability, according to The Week.

David Crosby
David Crosby, the voice behind Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, wasn’t just known for his folk-rock hits like “Our House”—he was also infamous for his personal struggles. While the band’s music lit up the airwaves, Crosby battled a serious cocaine addiction, as reported by the New York Post. Things escalated in 1982 when he was arrested in Dallas on drug and weapons charges, caught with cocaine and a handgun. After failing rehab, he was sentenced to five years in prison but was released on parole after just five months.

Crosby’s troubles didn’t end there. In 2004, after a concert in New Jersey, police arrested him at his Times Square hotel when he left behind a bag containing marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded .45-caliber handgun. He pled guilty and was fined, marking yet another chapter in his tumultuous life.

Gary Glitter
Gary Glitter, born Paul Gadd rose to fame during the 1970s glam rock era. However, his career was marred by scandal, including a decade-long license suspension, according to The Guardian. Unfortunately, his troubles escalated to far more serious offenses, overshadowing his musical legacy with a history of disturbing crimes.

In 1997, Glitter was arrested in a computer shop after a stockpile of child pornography materials was found on his computer’s hard drive, based on the Irish Times report. He was sentenced to just four months in prison in 1999, and later took on a new name when he got out. He relocated and stayed in Spain for some time before being discovered. Then, he fled to Cambodia and eventually to Vietnam all while assaulting underage girls during his stay. Glitter was finally caught, extradited, and sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2015 as reported by The Daily Mail.

Ronald Isley
Ronald Isley, a founding member of the iconic Isley Brothers, has been the voice behind their soulful hits for decades. Starting with Motown-inspired classics in the 1950s, the group soared to new heights in the ’70s by blending rock and funk into their sound. Ronald, the only brother to stay with the band throughout its entire journey, helped craft legendary albums like 1959’s Shout! and 2017’s The Power of Peace.

However, his success came with some legal troubles. In 2006, Ronald faced trial for tax evasion, owing $3.1 million in unpaid taxes according to Today. Despite his attorney citing health issues, including a stroke, Ronald was sentenced to over three years in prison. After his release in 2010, he wasted no time getting back to music, releasing the album Mr. I that same year.

Ike Turner
Ike Turner was a gifted musician and a key figure in ’70s music, but his talent was overshadowed by his troubles. Alongside his wife Tina, Ike was part of the iconic Ike and Tina Turner Revue, delivering electrifying performances that thrilled audiences. However, behind the scenes, his life was marred by drug addiction and violent behavior.

By 1976, their act fell apart when Tina fled their abusive relationship while they were in Dallas. Over the years, Tina revealed harrowing details of the physical and emotional abuse she endured, including broken bones and violent altercations that left her battered.

Ike’s issues didn’t end there. In 1985, he faced drug charges and struggled with addiction for years. Tragically, his life ended in 2007 due to a cocaine overdose, leaving behind a complicated legacy.

David Bowie
In the early 1970s, Los Angeles’s rock ’n’ roll scene had Thrillist, a controversial subculture of underage female fans, often called groupies. Among them was Lori Mattix, who began attending Sunset Strip club shows at just 14. During this time, she crossed paths with David Bowie, then touring for his The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars album. Mattix described how Bowie invited her to his hotel room but chose to decline the offer, saying “I was still a virgin and terrified.”

When Bowie returned to LA after five months, he got his bodyguard to take Mattix to dinner on his behalf. After the drinks and marijuana, Bowie took the whole party to his Beverly Hilton room, including Mattix. He later asked her to bathe him and have sex. But Sable Starr, Mattix’s fellow groupie became angry because Bowie chose her. This led to a second encounter with both teenagers.

Ted Nugent
Detroit rocker Ted Nugent, known as “The Motor City Madman,” built a wild reputation for his high-energy, shirtless performances and controversial lyrics. With hits like “Stranglehold,” “Cat Scratch Fever,” and “Jailbait”—a track disturbingly centered on pursuing a 13-year-old girl—Nugent embraced themes of rebellion and debauchery.

Offstage, his behavior raised even more eyebrows. On VH1’s Behind the Music, Nugent openly admitted to relationships with underage girls during the ’70s. Most notably, he became the legal guardian of 17-year-old Pele Massa, reportedly his girlfriend at the time, in a move that some suggest helped him avoid legal trouble. Nugent claimed he had the approval of her parents, saying they preferred him over “some drug-addicted punk.” However, during a 2018 appearance on The Joe Rogan Podcast, Nugent denied the arrangement, dismissing allegations that he had adopted a teenage girlfriend. Controversy has followed him ever since.

Steven Tyler
Steven Tyler, Aerosmith’s legendary frontman, has been rocking arenas and topping charts since the 1970s with classics like “Dream On,” “Love in an Elevator,” and “Cryin’.” But despite his musical success, Tyler’s name has recently been tied to serious allegations.

In 2019, California opened a window for sexual assault victims to file civil lawsuits regardless of expired statutes of limitations. In December 2022, Julia Misley filed a case against Tyler in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing him of sexual assault and battery. Misley claims she met Tyler in 1973 at age 16, while he was 25, and that he brought her to his hotel room after a Portland concert. According to the suit, Tyler later became her legal guardian, enabling him to fly her to shows while allegedly supplying drugs, and alcohol, and continuing the abuse. Misley also alleges Tyler pressured her to terminate an unplanned pregnancy.

Ace Frehley
Ace Frehley, known as The Spaceman of KISS, was one of the key members behind the band’s signature sound and wild persona in the 1970s, with hits like “Detroit Rock City” and “Rock ‘N’ Roll All Nite.” However, Frehley’s time with the band ended in the early ’80s due to his struggles with substance abuse, which led to issues with reliability.

In 1983, Frehley found himself in a wild legal mess when he was involved in a car accident in White Plains, New York. After an argument with the other driver, he fled the scene, sparking a high-speed chase where he reached speeds of 90 mph, hitting other cars and dodging roadblocks. He was arrested on charges of reckless driving and released on bail.

Later, Frehley was sentenced to five years of probation and had his license suspended. Just two years later, he was arrested again for attempting to buy drugs with a fake prescription.

Steve Miller
Steve Miller, frontman of the iconic Steve Miller Band, brought us unforgettable ’70s hits like “The Joker,” “Take the Money and Run,” and “Fly Like an Eagle.” With over 15 million copies sold, their Greatest Hits 1974–1978 album is a classic.

But Miller’s rockstar life wasn’t always smooth sailing. On his 29th birthday in 1972, after drinking two bottles of wine and hitting a Dallas bar for some scotch, he found himself arrested for public intoxication and prowling. Three years later, in 1975, police were called to his house after Miller started a huge bonfire burning the possessions of someone named Benito Diorio. When officers arrived, Miller got into a scuffle and was charged with resisting arrest. Ultimately, all charges were dropped, but it’s clear Miller’s rock-and-roll lifestyle had its moments of chaos.

Joe Strummer
Joe Strummer, frontman of The Clash, was a driving force in punk rock during the late ’70s. Known for their politically charged lyrics and genre-blending sound, The Clash became the voice of disaffected youth in Britain. Their fearless approach even earned them the title “The only band that matters.”

In 1978, at a charged gig in Glasgow’s Apollo Theater, Strummer became so enraged by security’s rough handling of fans that he ended the show early. When some fans confronted him about not stopping the violence, Strummer lost his cool, smashed a bottle, and was tackled by plainclothes police.

Two years later, Strummer found himself arrested again, this time in Hamburg after a heated stage confrontation with fans accusing the band of selling out. When one fan tried to grab the mic, Strummer struck them with his guitar, leading to an assault charge. Despite the chaos, Strummer’s passion for his beliefs never wavered.

Boz Scaggs
Boz Scaggs, with his smooth, soulful voice, added a unique touch to ’70s rock by blending blues, jazz, R&B, and horns into pop-rock. After leaving the Steve Miller Band, he hit it big with songs like “Lido Shuffle” and “Lowdown,” and his multi-platinum album Silk Degrees became a classic.

In August 1985, Scaggs found himself in trouble when he was arrested in San Francisco for a series of driving offenses. After running a red light, police pulled him over, and a sobriety test revealed he was under the influence. He was booked for DUI, running a red light, and driving without a license.

Though the details were a bit sketchy, like listing his restaurant as his home address, Scaggs managed to post bail and was released. The incident briefly made headlines, but it didn’t overshadow his musical success.

Billy Preston
Billy Preston, a musical prodigy, backed gospel legend Mahalia Jackson at 10 and recorded with Little Richard as a teen. He became a rock star in the ’70s after joining the Beatles on Let It Be, later scoring solo hits like “Outa-Space” and chart-toppers “Will It Go Round in Circles” and “Nothing from Nothing.”

According to reports from the Associated Press, in August 1991, Preston drove to a known day laborer pickup spot in Santa Monica, California, where he hired a 16-year-old boy. He took the boy to his Malibu home, smoked cocaine, and showed the boy some pornographic materials before attempting to assault him. Authorities filed charges against Preston for felony cocaine possession, misdemeanor molestation, and for showing explicit material to a minor. But there was already an incident the day before when he allegedly hired another day laborer, took him to his home, and allegedly assaulted him with a deadly weapon. Preston pleaded no contest to some drug and assault charges as part of a deal, with the sexual crime charges being dropped. He was sentenced to nine months in a drug rehab center and three months of house arrest.

Jim Gordon
Jim Gordon was a talented session drummer and sideman who played on some of the most iconic albums of the 1960s and ’70s. His drumming graced records like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ debut, Harry Nilsson’s Nilsson Schmilsson, and the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds. He also co-wrote the classic “Layla” with Eric Clapton.

However, by the late ’70s, Gordon’s career and mental health took a downturn. Struggling with disturbing voices in his head, which he attributed to his late mother, Gordon sought help numerous times but couldn’t escape his torment. In 1983, he admitted to fatally stabbing his 71-year-old mother, claiming he “just snapped.” After being imprisoned, he was denied parole in 2018, with concerns over his potential danger to others. Gordon passed away in March 2023 while still behind bars.