The Interesting Classic Rock Events That Happened In 1970

The history of rock is long and filled with iconic moments. To truly appreciate its evolution, we must dive into the stories behind it. Below are some of the most interesting events that took place in 1970, a pivotal year for classic rock.

Eva von Zeppelin Versus Led Zeppelin
In a strange twist, Led Zeppelin faced a legal threat from Eva von Zeppelin, the granddaughter of Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the founder of the famous Zeppelin airships. She didn’t appreciate the band using her family name and even threatened legal action if they performed under “Led Zeppelin” in Denmark. This forced the band to temporarily change their name to “The Nobs” for one show in Copenhagen.

Woodstock Film Soundtrack
The iconic 1969 Woodstock festival saw its soundtrack released in 1970, capturing the energy of the event. While fans were excited, many who attended the festival felt that the recordings didn’t fully capture the magic they experienced live. Still, the album has become a timeless piece of music history.

The Beatles’ Let It Be Debut
The Beatles’ documentary Let It Be hit theaters in 1970, marking the band’s final movie release. Interestingly, the documentary about the Fab Four defined the group’s breakup more than Abbey Road, considering it was recorded first. This film gives fans a raw look into the band’s last days together.

The Death of Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix, one of rock’s greatest guitarists, passed away on September 18, 1970, at the age of 27. His sudden death in a London hotel remains shrouded in mystery. The autopsy revealed that Hendrix choked on his own vomit and passed away from asphyxiation while under the influence of barbiturates.

Janis Joplin Dies Weeks After Hendrix’s Death
Just weeks after Hendrix, Janis Joplin died on October 4, 1970, in a Hollywood hotel room from an apparent heroin overdose. However, some of her close friends have questioned the official story, fueling rumors that something more sinister may have been involved.