Dave's Side One

Randy Meisner's contributions—those high harmonies, that emotional lead vocal—defined the classic Eagles sound

Without Linda Ronstadt's stage, audience, and influence, The Eagles might not have gelled as quickly. She was the catalyst—the big voice that showed them how to blend country, folk, and rock into something timeless

Let's look at the top-selling rock bands of the 1970s and how their influence still echoes today

Being a teenager in the 1970s wasn’t always easy. School pressures, figuring out who you were, first heartbreaks, feeling like you didn’t quite fit in. When things got heavy, I’d close my bedroom door, turn off the lights, and put on a record.

Over the years, it's turned into this catch-all for popular music, where "rock" is just a loose label. And this year's list? It's exhibit A.

They weren't just a band; they were a family phenomenon that put Utah on the musical map.

Thin Lizzy deserved more love in the US—they were huge in Europe, but here they were often openers. That Salt Palace show proved why they were legends.

Terry Kath deserves more recognition—he was a complete musician who elevated rock in the 70s.

Equinox rocked so hard because it had everything: riffs, melodies, theatrics, and heart. It was the sound of a band on the cusp, and listening to it felt like being part of something exciting.

The arena was sold out and packed, the air thick with anticipation (and smoky odors that weren’t cigarettes), and we all thought Boston would own the night.

Nothing in the 1970s felt quite like a summer night cruise with the radio on.

Some disco was brilliant and innovative—it brought funk, soul, and dance together in a way that influenced everything from hip-hop to EDM. Most of the hate was about the hype machine killing variety.

Nancy proved women could own the guitar in rock, influencing everyone from Pat Benatar to later acts like The Bangles.

Gregg Rolie—the keyboardist and vocalist who helped define two massive bands: Santana and Journey.

Chicago wasn't just a band; they were a revolution—blending rock with horns, political lyrics, and serious musicianship in a way that changed what radio rock could be.

These albums weren't just recordings; they were time capsules that let you feel like you were there, even if you were stuck in your basement like I was.

They were a straight-up, hard-charging Midwest rock band from Champaign, Illinois, grinding it out on the road and delivering albums that were all energy, no filler.

There was something about those warm, honest voices that felt like a friend sitting in the room with you.

Roth era was wild youth; Hagar era was refined power

One of the greatest “overnight success” stories that actually took ten years: Blue Öyster Cult and their monster hit “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.

Rush in the 1970s—the ultimate Canadian underdogs who became progressive rock gods.

Celebrating the one-hit wonders of 1976—songs that were everywhere for one brief moment, then disappeared from the charts forever

The thrill of the hunt is different now. It’s less about discovery and more about condition, pressing quality, and chasing rare variants.

Watergate, Nixon’s resignation, Ford tripping down the stairs, Carter’s peanut farm, and the whole “disco vs. rock” culture war. There was no lack of material back then.

Rock was exploding, but jazz sneaked in through the fusion of complex rhythms, melodic expansiveness, and even extended jams, making everything richer.