Rock music of the 1970s was marked by a strong desire to change and numerous transformations were taking place in different spheres of people’s life. Thus, prior to the 1970s, there was no distinction among different styles of rock bands as they were all seen as rock performers. It is also necessary to note that in the 1960s the theme of peace and love prevailed. However, in the 1970s, a shift in people’s desires occurred. Thus, people were preoccupied with numerous issues in economic, social, political and other spheres. Of course, the abundance of ideas made rock bands and performers want to stand out and develop their own styles to communicate their own messages.
Thus, several types of rock music appeared at that period. Hard rock was very popular and such groups as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath attracted a lot of people’s attention as they produces brand new music. There was also soft rock and Queen (a representative of this style) was also profoundly famous worldwide. Bob Dylan and The Eagles represented country rock while the Ramones and Blondie were representatives of punk rock. Pink Floyd and Genesis represented progressive rock. Another type of rock developed in the 1970s is glam rock that was pioneered by such renowned performers as David Bowie and Marc Bolan. New wave rock also appeared at that time and it was characterized by extensive use of synthesizers. Talking Heads and Devo are regarded as representatives of this type of rock. It is noteworthy that performers were eager to try new melodies, tunes and instruments. Distortions were very popular among musicians at that period.
It is necessary to note that apart from development of different types of rock, there were other changes. For instance, after hippie style, performers developed new styles in clothing. The new style in clothing was accompanied by changes in performer’s behavior on stage. Bands and performers of the 1960s only started dancing or rather moving on stage. In the 1970s, performers were dancing, jumping, shouting, and behaving in a really violent way. At that, fans became more active or rather outrageous as well. There were several riots and victims during rock concerts in the 1970s.
Apart from the change in music or behavior, the period was marked by a significant change in terms of gender issues. Thus, female bands and performers entered the world of rock music because of transformations of the 1970s. Prior to that period, men prevailed on stage and women rarely appeared in rock bands or as solo rock performers. Of course, rock musicians tried to reveal their attitude towards the trends that existed in the society and, at the same time, they affected people who could start sharing their views. It is possible to note that the 1970s was the period when the basis of the contemporary rock music and culture was formed.
To sum up, it is possible to note that rock transformed significantly in the 1970s. More so, new styles and new culture appeared. People tried to explore new melodies, new themes and new values. This was the period when female bands and performers started entering the scene. In fact, rock music became a territory of freedom and transformation. Trends that existed in the 1970s influenced development of rock music and the rock culture also had an impact on the development of societies.