70’s OZ Rock Legends:

Timeless Attitude, Unforgettable Sound: How 70s Australian Bands Still Resonate Today.

There were many incredible Australian bands from the 70s. Our unsung music heroes who battled the tyranny of distance to influence aspiring musos around the globe. Their legacy has contributed to so much to today’s music, yet many people have either forgotten about them or never new they existed!

The 70s was a different time when musicians were wild and free spirited, able to pursue their passion without having to be part of the corporate machine. It was a time of high creativity and you can often hear this influence on today’s music. Whether it is a guitar riff, a groove or some retro synths, the 70s made a massive impression on generations of future Australian musicians.

During 1970s Australian bands punched above their weight; creative and original, sporting world class musicianship they could also write hit songs. Some made an international impact whilst others were local one-hit-wonders that faded into obscurity. What can’t be denied is their talent , original style and unique Aussie attitude.

Music in Australia during this time had many overseas influences. Everything from disco, punk, new wave, West Coast soft-rock, English metal… you name it. Some Aussie artists started by mimicking those styles in order to cater to local audiences who grew up listening to imported hits on the radio. But our best bands inevitably developed a unique style, sound and storytelling that was totally Australian.

To celebrate their enduring legacy here are some of the standout artists and their hits, from the stadium mega-acts to the ones who barely made it past your local pub…

10. “Highway To Hell” AC/DC - 1979

Title track from the 1979 album considered to be the best of AC/DC's early work. Referencing the band's devil-may-care lifestyle which, not long after the song’s release, foretold the death of lead singer Bon Scott. Just try putting this on without turning up the volume, bangin’ ya head and annoying your neighbours. I dare ya!

9.“Down Among The Dead Men” Flash & The Pan

You may love, or you may hate, their work on the mega-smash "Love Is In The Air" (sung by John Paul Young). But did you know this same writer/producer team, Vanda and Young (aka Flash and the Pan), punched this new-wave-esque gem out for a laugh in between writing hits for their stable of pop stars? Delivered with deadpan earnestness, whilst totally tongue in cheek, it topped the charts and proved that Vanda and Young were more than a flash in the pan.

8. “Deep Water” Richard Clapton - 1977

Good ‘ol Richard Clapton, or Dick Clap to his friends, remains one of the greats of Australian music. Still touring non-stop even now, the man has created one of the great catalogues of Aussie rock classic songs. Think of him as Australia’s Springsteen, probably without the hundreds of millions of dollars, and you’ll get the idea. Released in 1977, Deep Water was title track from his final album before the wild life on the road forced him into a fourteen year recording break. This song is an anthem for Aussie surfers and still screams Australian summer to this day.

7. “This Time” Dragon - 1976

They’re technically from NZ (hey, we Australian’s never mind claiming successful Kiwi’s as our own) but Dragon relocated to Australia and starting having success with the hit This Time in 1976. It was immediately obvious that the band had the goods plus a superstar lead singer in Mark Hunter. Fortunately for them they were able to keep coming up with the hits for another couple of decades but this, one in particular, summarise both their great vibe plus what a good time was to be had in 70’s Australia.

6.“Living In The Seventies” Skyhooks - 1974

Skyhooks. Were they glam, rock, pre-punk, pop, university review? Who cares… they were fantastic! One of the most successful and influential bands of the Australian 1970s who not only had huge singles and albums success, they did so with an irreverence and f*ck you attitude that fans love. Capturing the moment with lyrics that perfectly described the current culture, with music that still sounds as relevant today.

5.“Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again” The Angels - 1976

Pub rock icons and one of the longest lasting touring acts in Australian history, The Angles had hits and sold lots of records back home but never quite cracked the international market. Crazy considering they’ve been listed as an influence for bands like Guns N Roses to Pearl Jam and Nirvana! This song hails from the start of their career and it captures both their rock energy and pop song-writing sensibilities. And fans of their live shows will well now the audience response to this song that has developed into a pseudo national anthem (try youtube if you’d like to check it out)!

4. “I Go To Rio” Peter Allen - 1976

He may have shot-through to Los Angeles by this time but true blue Aussie, and Tenterfield boy, Peter Allen penned a smash with I Go To Rio. A hit around the world it also spent five weeks at No 1 in Australia. And even though nobody at the time had actually ben to Rio, everyone couldn’t wait to board the next QANTAS there after hearing this delightfully infectious hit. Just try listening without the urge to take out your maracas and give them a good ol’ fashioned shake… impossible!

3. “Computer Games” Mi-Sex - 1979

Said in robot voice… “We are living in the computer age”. Of course, they weren’t really back in 1979 but Mi-Sex made you feel like you were with this new-wave synth-pop classic. A hit in the discos and with the rock crowds at the pub venues, it was a true crossover hit that had something for everyone. Inspired by new wave computer stars like Gary Numan from the UK but with a distinctly down under punchiness, “Computer Games” still stands up today, even if the Atari 64 doesn’t.

2. “Stayin’ Alive” Bee Gees - 1976

Yes, like Peter Allen, they were probably living in LA by this time. And yes, technically, they were born in the UK. But, damnit, they went to school here so we’re claiming them for Australia! Particularly this mega-smash form the mega-album from the mega-movie that pretty much changed the direction of music for the next decade. Whether you love or hate disco you can’t deny the effect the Bee Gees had on it, none more so with Stayin’ Alive. A masterwork showcasing the writing, recording and producing genius of the Brothers Gibb (and particularly Barry). Put the vinyl on your turntable, turn it up and start dancin’, dancin’, dancin’!

1. “Evie (Part I, II & III)”- Stevie Wright - 1974

No list of Australian artist’s of the 70s is complete without Stevie Wright and his 11 minute plus masterpiece “Evie”. This song has it all; blazing rock power riffing to mournful love ballad to funky disco singalong at the end. It’s like a rock musical rolled up into one single. Brought you you by none-other than the previously mentioned Vanda and Young (who else!) the thing that brings all this craziness together and makes it absolutely incredible is the phenomenal voice of the late, great Stevie Wright. From his early days with the Easybeats he blazed the trail for Bon Scott and countless other rock’n’roll frontmen. RIP Stevie, you were the best!