1. Foghat
Foghat’s bluesy hard rock made them a staple of ’70s radio, and songs like “Slow Ride” still pop up in movies and commercials today. They had that raw boogie feel that was both simple and irresistible, which earned them loyal fans. Despite their touring success, they never broke through into the same category as Aerosmith or Led Zeppelin. Their albums sold well, but critics often dismissed them as too repetitive.
The band leaned heavily on live energy, and their live album in 1977 cemented their reputation as a concert draw. Yet in terms of lasting influence, they just didn’t maintain the same mystique as their contemporaries. People loved them in the moment, but their music didn’t evolve much beyond that straight-ahead boogie rock. Still, for anyone who remembers the era, Foghat was the soundtrack to countless Saturday nights.
2. Blue Öyster Cult
With “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” Blue Öyster Cult had the kind of hit most bands dream of, and they seemed poised for superstardom. Their mix of cryptic lyrics, dark imagery, and sharp guitar riffs stood out in the crowded rock scene. They had a cult following and even a reputation for being a little spooky, which made them unique. But they never quite hit that Rolling Stones level of universal recognition.
They stayed just under the radar, putting out albums that critics respected but casual listeners often overlooked. Their sound sometimes leaned too heavy for mainstream radio, yet not heavy enough to anchor them among the giants of metal. The “More Cowbell” sketch decades later gave them a pop culture boost, but it also highlighted how their legacy is built more on moments than sustained influence. Still, they remain a favorite for those who liked their rock with a hint of mystery.
3. Grand Funk Railroad
Grand Funk Railroad had a huge following in the early ’70s, with fans filling stadiums to see them play. They were considered America’s answer to the British rock invasion, delivering gritty, working-class anthems. Yet despite their live appeal and steady record sales, they often struggled with critical respect. Critics painted them as simplistic, which stuck to them unfairly.
Their chart success with songs like “We’re an American Band” and “The Loco-Motion” proved they had mass appeal. But while their contemporaries developed a reputation for pushing boundaries, Grand Funk stayed closer to the formula. This left them overshadowed by more innovative acts. They still get radio play, but they never reached that timeless legendary tier that bands like The Who or Zeppelin occupy.
4. REO Speedwagon
Before their massive ’80s ballads, REO Speedwagon spent much of the ’70s chasing a breakout moment. They were a hardworking touring band that built their audience one city at a time. Their music mixed melodic rock with Midwestern grit, which gave them a loyal following. But for most of the decade, they hovered on the edge of stardom.
They released album after album, slowly gaining traction but not enough to be considered elite. It wasn’t until the early ’80s that they truly broke through with Hi Infidelity. By then, their ’70s rock credentials were almost overshadowed by their ballad-heavy hits. They had the chops to be big earlier, but timing and image kept them in the “almost” category during the ’70s.
5. Thin Lizzy
Thin Lizzy had charisma and the unforgettable twin-guitar sound, led by the incomparable Phil Lynott. Their song “The Boys Are Back in Town” was a smash, and it remains one of the defining rock anthems of the decade. Lynott’s swagger and storytelling were compelling, but the band never managed to maintain that level of mainstream dominance.
In Europe, they were adored, but breaking big in America proved more elusive. Their albums had plenty of gems, yet only a few cracked the charts. Add to that Lynott’s personal struggles, and the band’s momentum sputtered when it mattered most. Today, they’re revered as musicians’ musicians, but they never quite became household names like their peers.
6. Kansas
Kansas combined progressive rock complexity with heartland roots, which gave them a unique spot in the ’70s scene. Their songs “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” became instant classics. Those two tracks alone could have launched them into the rock pantheon, but they never fully cemented themselves as legends.
Their albums were ambitious, filled with long compositions and technical playing. Yet the very thing that made them interesting also limited their mainstream appeal. They had a devoted fan base but couldn’t sustain broader cultural dominance. Their best songs are timeless, but the band as a whole still sits in the “almost legendary” column.
7. Styx
Styx blended progressive rock with arena-ready hooks, and they were a constant presence on ’70s radio. They delivered big anthems like “Come Sail Away” that felt tailor-made for stadiums. But they often got stuck with a reputation for being too theatrical or even corny. That stigma kept them from achieving the respect of critics.
Fans, however, loved them, and their concerts were packed with energy. They sold millions of records, yet their image made them an easy target for parody. The ’80s saw them lean further into theatrics, which helped commercially but didn’t elevate their ’70s reputation. They’re remembered fondly, but not with the reverence of their legendary contemporaries.
8. The Guess Who
The Guess Who actually started in the ’60s but had their peak moments in the early ’70s with hits like “American Woman.” Their mix of blues rock and catchy hooks gave them mainstream success. However, internal tensions and lineup changes weakened their momentum. Losing Burton Cummings’ full-time involvement was especially tough.
They had the sound and the hits, but they didn’t have the stability to keep pushing forward. Compared to other Canadian exports like Rush, they lacked the long-term identity. Their place in history is secure thanks to their radio staples, but they missed the chance to expand their legacy. They were close to legendary but fell short of sustaining it.
9. Sweet
Sweet brought glam rock into the mainstream with songs like “Fox on the Run” and “Ballroom Blitz.” They had the flashy looks, the big choruses, and plenty of energy. For a while, it looked like they might rival bands like Queen in terms of spectacle. But their image often overshadowed their musicianship.
They struggled to escape being labeled a “bubblegum glam” act. Behind the theatrics, they had real talent, but critics didn’t always give them credit. Their later work leaned heavier, but by then the momentum had shifted. Sweet remains beloved in glam circles, yet they never broke into that upper echelon of legendary rock acts.
10. Uriah Heep
Uriah Heep was part of the early wave of heavy rock bands that flirted with prog complexity. They had the soaring vocals, crunchy riffs, and mystical lyrics that appealed to rock fans. For a while, they were mentioned alongside Deep Purple and Black Sabbath as one of the pillars of hard rock. But they never quite reached the same level.
Their albums were ambitious, but their sound didn’t always translate to mainstream radio. Some critics dismissed them as derivative, which hurt their reputation over time. They toured extensively and maintained a loyal following, but their name never carried the same cultural weight. They came close, but history placed them just outside the circle of legends.
11. Bachman-Turner Overdrive
BTO cranked out straightforward, no-frills rock anthems like “Takin’ Care of Business” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.” Their songs were everywhere in the mid-’70s, blasting from car radios and jukeboxes. For a while, they seemed unstoppable, with a formula that worked perfectly for the era. Yet that same simplicity also limited how they were remembered.
Unlike bands that reinvented themselves, BTO stuck to their groove. Audiences eventually moved on to more adventurous sounds, leaving the band behind. They still have enduring songs, but their identity was too tied to a specific moment. They were beloved in their prime but didn’t have the staying power to climb into true rock legend status.
12. Nazareth
Nazareth had one of the great rock voices in Dan McCafferty, whose rasp gave their songs a gritty edge. “Love Hurts” and “Hair of the Dog” were their big hits, and both still hold up today. They had a mix of hard rock swagger and heartfelt ballads, which kept them versatile. But they never managed to sustain a consistent run of massive hits.
Their records sold well, and they toured constantly, but they always felt like they were on the edge of something bigger. The lack of a broader identity hurt their legacy, as did constant comparisons to bigger acts. Fans still love them, but they’re a classic case of a band that almost broke through to the top.
13. Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick carved out a niche with their blend of power pop and hard rock. They were quirky, fun, and full of energy, with live shows that won over new fans every night. Their breakthrough with At Budokan in 1978 made them look like the next big thing. But in terms of sustained success, they were always hovering just under legendary status.
They had the hits, but they also had periods of inconsistency. Some of their songs were too poppy for hard rock fans, while others were too edgy for the mainstream. They built a loyal cult following, but their place in rock history sits just below the giants. Still, for many fans, their mix of hooks and humor makes them unforgettable.
14. Molly Hatchet
Southern rock was dominated by Lynyrd Skynyrd, but Molly Hatchet looked like they might rise to that level. Their album covers, with fantasy artwork, stood out as much as their tough, guitar-driven songs. They delivered classics like “Flirtin’ with Disaster,” which became a radio staple. Yet they never escaped Skynyrd’s shadow.
Their timing worked against them, as tragedy and changing tastes left Southern rock struggling by the early ’80s. Hatchet had the chops but didn’t expand beyond their core sound. They stayed loved by die-hard fans, but broader recognition never came. They remain a respected name but not the first one you think of when you mention legendary ’70s rock.
15. Bad Company
Bad Company had the pedigree for greatness, with members from Free, Mott the Hoople, and King Crimson. Their debut album was massive, with songs like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” For a moment, they seemed destined to dominate rock in the same way as Zeppelin. But after their early success, the momentum slowed.
They had the songs and talent, but their output became less consistent. While they stayed popular, they didn’t evolve in the way that kept bands like The Rolling Stones or Fleetwood Mac relevant across decades. Their music is still celebrated, but their legacy sits just short of legendary. They were so close, yet history didn’t quite crown them as one of the immortals.
