The ’70s were a golden era for live music, with legendary artists taking the stage and redefining what a concert could be. From massive festivals to intimate performances, the energy, passion, and raw talent of these shows made them unforgettable. Whether you were lucky enough to attend or just heard stories from friends, these concerts became the stuff of legend. Let’s dive into 12 iconic ’70s concerts that would’ve been a dream to experience in person.
1. Simon & Garfunkel’s Concert in Central Park (1981)
Though technically in the early ’80s, Simon & Garfunkel’s free concert in Central Park felt like the perfect closing chapter to the folk magic they created in the ’60s and ’70s. Over 500,000 fans gathered to hear timeless hits like “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” as the duo’s harmonies echoed through the New York skyline. Despite past tensions, their chemistry on stage was undeniable, creating an unforgettable evening. It was a nostalgic, heartfelt event that felt like reconnecting with old friends.
2. The Rolling Stones at Altamont Speedway (1969)
Though technically in late ’69, the Altamont Free Concert defined the darker side of the ’70s concert scene. Meant to be a “Woodstock West,” it spiraled into chaos, with the Hells Angels providing security and violence breaking out during The Rolling Stones’ set. Despite the tragedy, it remains one of the most infamous concerts in rock history. Attending would have been intense, unforgettable, and a front-row seat to a pivotal cultural moment.
3. Grateful Dead at Cornell University (1977)
The Grateful Dead’s May 8, 1977, concert at Cornell’s Barton Hall is often hailed as one of the band’s best performances ever. With extended jams of “Scarlet Begonias” into “Fire on the Mountain,” the Dead showcased their improvisational genius and tight musicality. The vibe was electric, with the crowd fully immersed in the band’s psychedelic journey. For Deadheads, missing this show felt like missing a piece of musical heaven.
4. David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust Farewell at Hammersmith Odeon (1973)
In 1973, David Bowie shocked fans by announcing the retirement of his Ziggy Stardust persona during a performance at London’s Hammersmith Odeon. The concert, filled with glam rock energy and theatrical flair, was a bittersweet farewell to one of his most beloved characters. Fans in the crowd had no idea they were witnessing a pivotal moment in music history. The mix of surprise and spectacle made it a night to remember.
5. Elton John at Dodger Stadium (1975)
Elton John’s 1975 concert at Dodger Stadium was a dazzling spectacle, with Elton rocking his iconic sequined Dodgers uniform in front of 55,000 fans. It was the first time a solo artist had played the stadium since The Beatles, and Elton made sure to leave his mark. The energy was electric, with hits like “Rocket Man” and “Bennie and the Jets” echoing through the massive venue. It was pure ’70s showmanship at its finest.
6. The Band’s The Last Waltz at Winterland Ballroom (1976)
On Thanksgiving Day 1976, The Band performed their farewell concert, The Last Waltz, at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom. They were joined by a star-studded lineup including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Eric Clapton, making it a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of musical legends. Martin Scorsese’s film captured the magic, but being there in person would have been unforgettable. It was the perfect send-off for one of rock’s most beloved groups.
7. The Who at Charlton Athletic Football Ground (1976)
In 1976, The Who performed at Charlton Athletic’s football ground in London, delivering a performance that cemented their reputation as one of the greatest live bands of all time. The concert was so loud it reportedly set a Guinness World Record for the loudest performance ever. With Pete Townshend’s windmill guitar moves and Roger Daltrey’s powerhouse vocals, it was pure rock and roll chaos. Fans in the crowd were part of a deafening, exhilarating experience.
8. Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours Tour (1977)
Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours tour in 1977 was a rollercoaster of emotions, both on and off the stage. With internal band tensions running high, their live performances were charged with raw emotion, making songs like “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams” hit even harder. The chemistry and drama were palpable, creating unforgettable concerts night after night. Seeing them during this turbulent era would’ve been a front-row seat to musical history.
9. Jimi Hendrix at the Isle of Wight Festival (1970)
Jimi Hendrix’s performance at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 was one of his last major concerts before his untimely death. Despite technical issues and a restless crowd, Hendrix delivered a powerful set, showcasing his unparalleled guitar skills and raw talent. The atmosphere was electric, with over 600,000 people in attendance. It was a bittersweet, historic moment that captured the spirit of the era.
10. Bob Marley and The Wailers at the Lyceum Theatre (1975)
Bob Marley and The Wailers’ 1975 concert at London’s Lyceum Theatre was a defining moment in bringing reggae to the global stage. The live album Live! captured the energy, but being there in person, feeling the rhythm and Marley’s passionate performance, would’ve been transcendent. Songs like “No Woman, No Cry” became anthems of peace and resistance. It was more than just a concert—it was a spiritual experience.
11. Bruce Springsteen at the Roxy Theatre (1978)
Bruce Springsteen’s 1978 show at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles is still considered one of his best performances. The intimate venue allowed fans to connect with The Boss on a personal level, as he delivered an electrifying, three-hour set. His storytelling, energy, and passion made every song feel like it was written just for you. It was the kind of concert that left you hoarse from singing and forever changed by the experience.
12. Queen at Hammersmith Odeon (1975)
Queen’s Christmas Eve concert at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1975 showcased the band right as they were skyrocketing to global fame. Fresh off the release of A Night at the Opera, they performed hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Killer Queen” with Freddie Mercury commanding the stage in all his flamboyant glory. The energy was off the charts, blending rock, opera, and theatrical flair in a way no one had ever seen before. For fans in the crowd, it felt like witnessing the birth of a band that would go on to conquer the world.
These iconic ’70s concerts weren’t just about the music—they were cultural moments that captured the heart and soul of a generation. Whether it was the raw emotion of Fleetwood Mac, the glam rock spectacle of David Bowie, or the electrifying power of Queen, these shows left lasting memories for those lucky enough to attend. Even if you weren’t there, the stories, recordings, and legends live on, making us all wish we could’ve been part of the magic. Because in the end, the ’70s weren’t just about hearing music—they were about feeling it, together.
