Hair metal, also known as glam metal, became one of the most iconic genres in rock history. It combined heavy guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and flashy stage presence with themes of love, rebellion, and partying. Although hair metal is mostly associated with the 1980s, its roots go back to the 1970s. During this decade, several bands helped shape the sound and image of hair metal. These artists influenced the explosion of glam metal in the following decade and left a lasting mark on rock music.
The 1970s saw the rise of musicians who embraced theatrical performances, high-energy guitar solos, and anthemic choruses. Their music was loud, their outfits were extravagant, and their hairstyles were big. These bands blended hard rock with glam influences, paving the way for the 80s metal scene. Many of these artists remain legendary today, as their songs continue to inspire new generations of rock fans.
This article will explore some of the best 70s hair metal artists and their recommended songs. Each track highlights the band’s impact on the genre and showcases the energy, attitude, and style that defined hair metal.
7 Prominent 70s Hair Metal Artists Recommended
1. Kiss – “Rock and Roll All Nite” (1975)
Kiss is one of the most influential bands in rock history. They combined hard rock with glam metal aesthetics, featuring wild costumes, face paint, and explosive stage shows. “Rock and Roll All Nite” became their signature song and an anthem for rock fans worldwide. The track features a catchy chorus, powerful guitar riffs, and an energetic beat. The lyrics celebrate the party lifestyle, making it a staple of the hair metal era. Kiss’s influence on glam metal is undeniable, and this song is a perfect example of their impact.
2. Aerosmith – “Dream On” (1973)
Aerosmith helped shape the sound of 70s hard rock and glam metal. “Dream On” is one of their most iconic songs, featuring Steven Tyler’s soaring vocals and emotional lyrics. The song starts with a soft piano melody before building into a powerful rock ballad. The combination of heartfelt storytelling and explosive guitar solos made it a blueprint for many hair metal power ballads in the 80s. Aerosmith’s influence on bands like Bon Jovi and Poison is clear, and “Dream On” remains a classic.
3. Van Halen – “Runnin’ with the Devil” (1978)
Van Halen exploded onto the rock scene in the late 70s, bringing a new level of energy and showmanship. “Runnin’ with the Devil” introduced the world to their unique sound, with Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar techniques and David Lee Roth’s charismatic vocals. The song’s heavy riffs and rebellious lyrics became a blueprint for the hair metal sound. Van Halen’s flashy performances and larger-than-life stage presence inspired countless glam metal bands that followed.
4. Sweet – “Ballroom Blitz” (1973)
Sweet was one of the pioneers of glam rock, which heavily influenced the hair metal movement. “Ballroom Blitz” is a fast-paced, high-energy track with dramatic vocals and hard-hitting drums. The song’s theatrical style and catchy melodies made it a favorite among rock fans. Sweet’s flashy image and energetic performances set the stage for 80s glam metal bands like Mötley Crüe and Twisted Sister. Their impact on the genre is undeniable, and “Ballroom Blitz” remains a must-listen for fans of hair metal.
5. Alice Cooper – “School’s Out” (1972)
Alice Cooper brought shock rock to the mainstream with his theatrical performances and rebellious attitude. “School’s Out” became an anthem for teenagers everywhere, capturing the excitement of summer and freedom. The song features heavy guitar riffs, bold lyrics, and a singalong chorus. Alice Cooper’s wild stage shows and dramatic persona influenced many hair metal bands, from Poison to W.A.S.P. His ability to combine rock music with theatrical storytelling made him a key figure in the evolution of glam metal.
6. New York Dolls – “Personality Crisis” (1973)
The New York Dolls were one of the earliest bands to mix glam rock with punk and hard rock elements. “Personality Crisis” is a loud, rebellious track with raw energy and attitude. The song’s aggressive guitars and gritty vocals made it a standout in the early 70s rock scene. The band’s androgynous fashion and wild performances influenced many glam metal artists, including Guns N’ Roses and Mötley Crüe. While they never reached mainstream success, their impact on hair metal is undeniable.
7. Queen – “Tie Your Mother Down” (1976)
Queen may not be a traditional hair metal band, but their influence on the genre is immense. “Tie Your Mother Down” is a hard-hitting rock track featuring Brian May’s powerful guitar riffs and Freddie Mercury’s dynamic vocals. The song’s high-energy performance and rebellious lyrics fit perfectly within the hair metal style. Queen’s theatrical stage presence, elaborate outfits, and over-the-top performances inspired many glam metal acts of the 80s. This track is a great example of their harder rock side.
See Also: What Are the Mental Effects of Heavy Metal?
Conclusion
The 1970s laid the foundation for the hair metal explosion of the 1980s. Many of the artists on this list influenced the next generation of glam metal bands with their flashy style, powerful music, and theatrical performances. These pioneers blended hard rock with glam aesthetics, creating a sound that would define an entire era of rock music.
Bands like Kiss, Aerosmith, and Van Halen brought energy and showmanship, while artists like Alice Cooper and David Bowie introduced theatricality and bold fashion. Groups like Sweet, Cheap Trick, and Mott the Hoople added catchy melodies and a fun-loving attitude. Together, these artists created the blueprint for hair metal, inspiring bands like Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Poison, and Guns N’ Roses.
Even though hair metal peaked in the 80s, the influence of 70s glam and hard rock remains strong. These artists paved the way for some of the biggest rock anthems in history. Their music continues to be celebrated by rock fans around the world. Whether you are a longtime fan or just discovering the roots of hair metal, these 70s legends are essential listening.
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