Rockbands From The 1970s That Should’ve Been More Famous and Successful

The 1970s may have given us rock legends like Led Zeppelin and Queen, but not every talented band got their due. Some groups in this era created some unforgettable music. However, they didn’t quite reach the same international fame as their peers. Here’s a list of five underrated ’70s bands that should’ve been household names.

April Wine
While they’re celebrated in Canada, April Wine never hit the same global highs as bands like Deep Purple or Black Sabbath. The Henman brothers founded the band which was later led by Myles Goodwyn. These rockers had moments of success in the U.S. with their albums On Record (1972) and First Glance (1978). Their 1981 hit “Just Between You and Me” remains a fan favorite. Though they had a solid career, they didn’t quite break through internationally as they deserved.

Dead Boys
Pioneers of American punk rock, the Dead Boys were loud, raw, and unapologetic. Their albums Young, Loud and Snotty (1977) and We Have Come for Your Children (1978) are now considered punk classics. Their track “Sonic Reducer” is a punk anthem, yet they never gained the mainstream love that bands like The Ramones did. It’s a shame—they were truly ahead of their time.

The Guess Who
You’ve probably heard their smash hit “American Woman” from 1970, but The Guess Who deserves more than just a footnote in rock history. This Canadian group produced plenty of underrated material that’s too often overlooked. Despite their influence, they haven’t been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—an injustice that leaves fans scratching their heads.

Nazareth
Nazareth is best known for rock staples like “Love Hurts” and “Hair of the Dog,” but they’re far more than a couple of hits. The Scottish hard rockers have released over 20 albums and have stayed active for nearly 60 years. Their durability and deep catalog deserve far more celebration than they’ve received.

The Sweet
The Sweet might be remembered for their glam rock style—or their iconic hairstyles—but their music left a lasting mark. Hits like “The Ballroom Blitz” and “Fox on the Run” made them chart-toppers, but their influence on bands like Guns N’ Roses and Duran Duran proves their legacy runs deeper. Shifting from glam to hard rock didn’t dampen their quality, yet they remain criminally underrated.

These bands may not have reached the fame of their contemporaries, but their contributions to rock are undeniable. If you haven’t given them a listen, now’s the time to appreciate their overlooked greatness!