1978: The Year in Rock Music

1978 was a diverse year in rock music, with a wide range of styles and genres represented. This was the year that punk rock really broke into the mainstream, with bands like the Sex Pistols and the Clash releasing their debut albums. But 1978 was also a big year for more mainstream rock bands like Journey, who released their breakthrough album Infinity. And it was a huge year for disco, with hits like “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees and “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor. Here’s a look at some of the biggest rock music events of 1978.

The Biggest Rock Songs of 1978

In 1978, rock music was as varied and exciting as it had ever been. This was the year that punk really broke into the mainstream, with bands like the Sex Pistols and the Clash releasing their debut albums. But it was also a great year for more established acts like Led Zeppelin, who released their last album together, In Through the Out Door. And then there were all the great one-hit wonders, like Polyester People’s “I Wanna Be Sedated” and Blondie’s “Heart of Glass.”

Here are some of the biggest rock songs of 1978:

-The Clash, “London Calling”
-Led Zeppelin, “All My Love”
-Sex Pistols, “Anarchy in the UK”
-The Police, “Roxanne”
-Elvis Costello, “Pump It Up”
– Blondie, “Heart of Glass”
-The Ramones, “I Wanna Be Sedated”

The Biggest Rock Albums of 1978

1978 was a big year in rock music, with a number of classic albums being released. Here are some of the biggest rock albums of 1978:

-AC/DC – Powerage
-Aerosmith – Draw the Line
-Judas Priest – Stained Class
-Kiss – Ace Frehley
-Rush – Hemispheres
-Van Halen – Van Halen II

The Most Important Rock Events of 1978

1978 was a highly influential year in rock music. Some of the most important rock events took place, including the release of the first album by the band Van Halen, the launch of Cheap Trick’s career with the release of their debut album, and Aerosmith’s groundbreaking performance at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Other significant events included Led Zeppelin’s reunion tour, Pink Floyd’s release of The Wall, and Bob Dylan’s return to live performing after a five-year hiatus. These and other events helped to shape the sound and direction of rock music for years to come.

The Most Influential Rock Artists of 1978

While 1978 may not have been the best year for rock music, it was certainly one of the most influential. Several artists released albums that would go on to shape the sound and direction of rock music for years to come. Here are some of the most influential rock artists of 1978.

The Eagles – “Hotel California”: The Eagles’ 1976 album “Hotel California” was one of the bestselling albums of all time, and it cemented the band’s status as one of the most popular rock groups around. The album’s title track, “Hotel California,” became one of the most iconic songs in rock history, and it helped to usher in a new era of West Coast sound.

Fleetwood Mac – “Rumours”: Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album “Rumours” was one of the best-selling albums ever released, and it won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. The album featured some of the band’s most popular songs, including “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” and “The Chain.” The success of “Rumours” helped to make Fleetwood Mac one of the biggest bands in the world.

Pink Floyd – “The Wall”: Pink Floyd’s 1979 album “The Wall” is considered one of the greatest albums ever made. The album tells the story of Pink, an unsuccessful musician who breaks down and becomes a recluse. The album features some of Pink Floyd’s most famous songs, including “Another Brick in the Wall,” ” Comfortably Numb,” and “Run Like Hell.”

The Greatest Rock Comebacks of 1978

In 1978, many rock bands made comebacks after breaking up or taking long hiatuses. Some, like the Grateful Dead and Aerosmith, released new albums to critical acclaim. Others, like Kiss and the Rolling Stones, went on successful tours. And still others, like Led Zeppelin and the Who, performed one-off reunion gigs. Here are some of the greatest rock comebacks of 1978.

The Grateful Dead release their first album in five years, “Shakedown Street.”

Aerosmith releases their first album in four years, “Draw the Line.” The album is a commercial success, but is met with mixed reviews from critics.

Kiss goes on a successful reunion tour, which grosses over $5 million. The tour features the original lineup of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss.

The Rolling Stones go on a successful tour of North America and Europe. The tour is later chronicled in the film “Some Girls.”

Led Zeppelin performs a one-off reunion gig at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The concert is later released as the live album “Listen to This Eddie.”

The Who perform a one-off reunion gig at New York’s Shea Stadium. The concert is later released as the live album “Who Are You.”

The Most Memorable Rock Moments of 1978

From the breakout successes of Van Halen and Cheap Trick to the last hurrahs of Led Zeppelin and the Grateful Dead, 1978 was a banner year for rock music. Here are some of the most memorable moments from that legendary 12-month span.

Jan. 26: Cheap Trick releases _At Budokan_, which goes on to become one of the best-selling live albums of all time.

March 18: Led Zeppelin plays what would turn out to be its final North American concert, in Seattle.

July 7: The Grateful Dead play what would turn out to be their final North American concert, at Giants Stadium in New Jersey.

Sept. 28: Rolling Stone publishes an interview with Bob Dylan in which he says, “People are having less fun now…rock ‘n’ roll is dying.”

The Craziest Rock Stories of 1978

1978 was a strange and eventful year in rock music. Here are some of the craziest stories from that year:

-In January, Led Zeppelin played a secret gig at the Cork Opera House in Ireland, disguising themselves as members of the band Swan Song.

-In February, Pink Floyd’s album “Animals” was banned by the BBC because of its cover art, which featured an inflatable pig floating over Battersea Power Station in London.

-In March, The Who played a live concert in New York City for the first time since the death of drummer Keith Moon. The concert was broadcast live on television and radio, and later released as a live album.

-In May, Kiss released their fourth studio album, “Love Gun.” The album’s cover art featured the band members’ faces superimposed over photos of nude women.

-In June, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards was arrested for urinating on a police car in London. He was later fined £100.

-In July, Elvis Presley died at his home in Graceland at the age of 42. His death sent shockwaves through the music world and beyond.

The Most Controversial Rock Stories of 1978

1978 was a year of huge controversy in the rock world. Here are some of the most talked-about stories of the year.

-In February, Kiss released their controversial album “Love Gun.” The album’s artwork featured the band members’ naked breasts, and caused quite a stir.
-In May, Led Zeppelin played their first concert in three years, at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The event was marred by violence, as fans stormed the stage and fought with security guards.
-In September, the Rolling Stones held a free concert in New York’s Central Park. The event was marred by violence, as fans stormed the stage and fought with police officers.
-In November, the Sex Pistols released their first and only album, “Never Mind the Bollocks.” The album’s artwork featured a drawing of Queen Elizabeth II with a safety pin through her nose, and caused quite a stir.

The Most Influential Rock Albums of 1978

In 1978, the most influential rock albums were “The Clash” by The Clash, ” never mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols” by the Sex Pistols, and “Some Girls” by the Rolling Stones. These three albums defined punk rock music and are still highly influential today.

1978: The Year in Rock Music