The 1970s and 1980s gave us some of the most iconic bands and songs, many of which have stood the test of time. While names like Queen, Led Zeppelin, and Michael Jackson dominate discussions about this era, there are several other equally influential bands whose music you’ve likely heard but may not know much about. Here are five retro bands whose legacies deserve more attention:
1. Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac might sound familiar, but do you really know their history? Formed in 1967, this British-American rock band achieved worldwide fame after their lineup solidified in the mid-1970s with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Their unique blend of rock, folk, and pop created timeless music, but their dramatic interpersonal relationships became just as legendary.
Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” (1977) remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, winning the *Grammy Award for Album of the Year. The band’s intricate harmonies and emotional lyrics on songs like *”Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” and “The Chain” have made them one of the most beloved bands of the era.
Awards: Grammy Award for Album of the Year (1978), induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1998).
2. Chicago
One of the longest-running and most successful bands of all time, Chicago is often overlooked despite their string of hits across several decades. Formed in 1967, the band’s early work stood out due to its fusion of rock with jazz, integrating horns into rock music in a way few others dared.
Chicago’s biggest hits include “If You Leave Me Now,” which won the band their first Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus in 1977, “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” and “25 or 6 to 4.” Their albums consistently sold well throughout the 1970s and 80s, earning them a lasting place in music history. The band has sold over 100 million records and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
Awards: Grammy Award (1977), multiple American Music Awards.
3. Air Supply
This Australian soft rock duo, consisting of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock, dominated the early 1980s with their signature ballads. Despite being a constant presence on the charts, they tend to fly under the radar when people talk about the great bands of the era.
Air Supply is best known for their romantic anthems like “All Out of Love,” “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” and “Lost in Love.” Their smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics won them legions of fans worldwide, and though they never garnered major awards, their music remains a staple of 1980s soft rock.
Awards: Inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame (2013), received a Special Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).
4. FireHouse
FireHouse burst onto the scene in the early 1990s as one of the last successful hair metal bands before grunge took over. While they’re often overshadowed by bands like Bon Jovi or Def Leppard, FireHouse produced some of the most memorable ballads of the era.
Their debut album, “FireHouse” (1990), went double platinum and included major hits like “Love of a Lifetime,” “Don’t Treat Me Bad,” and “All She Wrote.” Though they had a relatively short mainstream career, FireHouse won the American Music Award for Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock New Artist in 1991, beating out Nirvana and Alice in Chains, which was a notable achievement at the time.
Awards: American Music Award (1991), numerous gold and platinum records worldwide.
5. The Police
Although The Police are more widely known than some others on this list, they still don’t always get the full recognition they deserve. The band, fronted by Sting and formed in 1977, was one of the pioneers of the New Wave movement, blending punk, reggae, and rock in a way that redefined mainstream music.
The Police’s hit songs include “Every Breath You Take,” “Roxanne,” and “Message in a Bottle.” The band achieved massive success with their 1983 album “Synchronicity,” which included their Grammy-winning single “Every Breath You Take.” The song won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1984, cementing their legacy as one of the most influential bands of the 1980s.
Awards: Grammy Awards (six), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (2003).
Each of these bands has left an indelible mark on the music industry, though they often don’t receive the widespread recognition they deserve. Their music, however, continues to inspire and resonate with both older fans and new generations discovering their timeless tracks. If you haven’t dived deep into their discographies yet, it’s never too late to explore these retro gems.