10 Bands from the ’70s That Peaked and Then Crashed
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The 1970s brought us some of the most influential bands in music history. Many groups rose to incredible heights during this decade, dominating charts and selling out stadiums. But not all of them maintained their success. Some fell apart due to internal struggles, changing tastes, or other challenges.
1. Grand Funk Railroad
Grand Funk Railroad soared in the early ’70s with hits like “We’re an American Band” and “Closer to Home.” Their raw energy and connection with fans made them one of the biggest bands of the decade. They sold out Shea Stadium faster than The Beatles, a feat that cemented their reputation.
But by the mid-’70s, tensions between band members and changing trends in music slowed their momentum. Their attempt to adapt with a slicker sound on albums like Born to Die didn’t resonate with fans. By the end of the decade, the band’s success had faded, and their time at the top was over.
2. Bread
Bread, known for their soft rock ballads like “Make It with You” and “Everything I Own,” defined the early ’70s mellow sound. Their heartfelt lyrics and smooth melodies brought them commercial success and a loyal fan base.
However, internal disputes—particularly between David Gates and James Griffin—tore the group apart. By 1973, the band disbanded. Though they briefly reunited later in the decade, their creative spark had dimmed, and they never regained their earlier momentum.
3. Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP)
ELP was a leader in progressive rock during the early ’70s. Their albums, such as Brain Salad Surgery, showcased their technical brilliance and complex compositions. They also wowed audiences with elaborate live performances that set them apart from other bands.
By the late ’70s, the rise of punk and disco left progressive rock looking outdated. Albums like Love Beach failed to connect with audiences, and the band’s internal dynamics became strained. ELP faded from prominence, unable to adapt to the changing music landscape.
4. The Osmonds
The Osmonds dominated the early ’70s with their wholesome image and hits like “One Bad Apple” and “Crazy Horses.” They were a family band with mass appeal, especially among young fans.
As the decade went on, their popularity waned. “By the mid-’70s, the Osmonds were out of touch with rock audiences,” music critic Joel Selvin explained. Attempts to reinvent themselves with harder rock tracks or solo careers didn’t restore their earlier success.
5. The Bay City Rollers
The Bay City Rollers exploded onto the scene in the mid-’70s with catchy hits like “Saturday Night.” Their style and charm earned them comparisons to The Beatles, and they became teen idols almost overnight.
But their fame was short-lived. As the fans who adored them grew older, their popularity faded. Managerial disputes and lineup changes further weakened the group. By the late ’70s, they were seen as a passing fad, and their influence diminished.
6. The Raspberries
The Raspberries brought power pop to the forefront in the early ’70s with tracks like “Go All the Way.” Their mix of Beatles-inspired harmonies and rock energy earned them critical and commercial success.
However, “creative disagreements tore the band apart,” according to their lead singer Eric Carmen. After just a few years, the group disbanded. Carmen found success as a solo artist, but the band’s influence was limited to its brief peak.
7. Foghat
Foghat hit their peak in the mid-’70s with their blues-rock sound. Songs like “Slow Ride” became anthems, and their live albums captured their raw energy. They were road warriors, constantly performing and growing their fan base.
The band’s decline began with the over-saturation of their sound and the growing popularity of other genres like punk and disco. By the late ’70s, Foghat struggled to maintain relevance, and their record sales dwindled.
8. Slade
Slade was a powerhouse of glam rock in the early ’70s, with hits like “Cum On Feel the Noize” dominating the charts. Their flamboyant style and catchy choruses made them one of the UK’s top bands.
The mid-’70s saw their influence wane. Though they found brief success in the U.S. later in the decade, they never regained their earlier glory. “Slade was a product of a specific time and place,” remarked journalist Paul Lester.
9. KC and the Sunshine Band
KC and the Sunshine Band ruled the dance floors with their disco hits like “That’s the Way (I Like It)” and “Get Down Tonight.” Their infectious rhythms made them one of the defining acts of the ’70s disco craze.
As the disco backlash hit in the late ’70s, their popularity nosedived. Attempts to adapt to the changing music scene didn’t succeed. “Disco died, and so did our career for a while,” said lead singer Harry Wayne Casey.
10. Three Dog Night
Three Dog Night owned the charts in the early ’70s with an impressive string of hits like “Joy to the World” and “Mama Told Me (Not to Come).” Their ability to reinterpret songs from other artists made them a unique force in the music scene.
By the mid-’70s, their success began to fade. Internal conflicts and changing musical tastes took a toll on the band. “The band’s magic seemed to vanish overnight,” said producer Richard Podolor, marking the end of their dominant years.
