6 Classic Rock Acts That Were Forgotten For The Right Reason

The 1960s, 70s, and 80s introduced many rock bands, some of which have faded into obscurity due to various reasons. Here are six classic rock acts that time has largely forgotten, perhaps for good reason.

1. Blood, Sweat & Tears

Blood, Sweat & Tears blended rock, jazz, and soul to create a unique sound in the late 60s and early 70s. But their attempts to reestablish themselves in the 80s felt disconnected from their original identity.

With constant lineup changes and an inability to produce memorable new material, the band struggled to attract attention. Fans’ interest waned as the band’s relevance faded, cementing their legacy as a group tied to their original era.

2. Bad Company

In the early 70s, every single great act had some element of the blues in their sound. From the blend of R&B with Jimi Hendrix to the bombastic sounds of Led Zeppelin, each band used their songs to tap into the pain inside their soul. After being signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song, it seemed as though Bad Company had all the makings of a great rock band, but some of their tunes left rockers underwhelmed.

While they had chart success with songs like “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” critics often pointed out the band’s formulaic approach and lack of innovation. Over time, audiences began to lose interest, leading to the band’s decline in popularity.

3. The Reels

Hailing from Australia, The Reels were an 80s synth-pop band that managed to make a name for themselves despite their generic sound. Their cover of “Quasimodo’s Dream” is a prime example of the uninspired nature of their music.

Their music lacked the distinctiveness that could set them apart from other bands of the era. As a result, they failed to maintain a lasting impact on the music scene, leading to their eventual fade into obscurity.

4. The Buggles

The Buggles are best known for their 1979 hit “Video Killed the Radio Star,” which became the first music video aired on MTV in 1981. Despite this initial success, the band struggled to produce follow-up hits that resonated with audiences.

Their synthesizer-heavy sound quickly became dated as musical trends evolved, leading to a decline in popularity. The Buggles’ inability to adapt to changing tastes resulted in their fading from the spotlight, leaving them as a one-hit wonder in the annals of rock history.

5. Morris Albert

Morris Albert’s 1975 song “Feelings” is often criticized for its vague lyrics and lack of depth.

The song’s melodramatic delivery and repetitive nature have led many to view it as one of the weaker offerings of the 70s. This single’s notoriety has overshadowed Albert’s career, leading to his fading from the music scene.

6. New York Dolls

The New York Dolls were trailblazers of gender-bending fashion and rebellious ethos. Despite their influential presence, their two albums failed to chart significantly, leading to their disbandment in 1976.

Their provocative style and attitude influenced the emergence of punk bands like the Ramones and the Sex Pistols. However, their lack of commercial success contributed to their obscurity in mainstream music history.