The Top Psychedelic Rock Bands of 1970

Looking for a trip back in time? Then check out our list of the top psychedelic rock bands of 1970! From The Grateful Dead to Jefferson Airplane, these groups defined an era with their mind-bending sounds and unforgettable live performances.

The Doors

The Doors are an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. They were among the most controversial and influential rock acts of the 1960s and early 1970s, mostly because of Morrison’s lyrics and his erratic, unpredictable behavior while performing. After Morrison’s death in 1971 at the age of 27, the remaining members continued as a trio until disbanding in 1973.

Despite having only four members, The Doors’ sound was full and layered thanks to the dual keyboard attacks of Manzarek and Densmore’s jazz-influenced drumming. Morrison’s lyrics were filled with vivid imagery of sex, drugs, and death, which were designed to shock and provoke. The band developed a massive following both in America and abroad, particularly in Europe and South America. They were one of the first American bands to find success in Europe when they toured there extensively in 1967 and 1968.

Jimi Hendrix

In 1970, Jimi Hendrix was at the top of his game, andPsychedelic Rock was exploding onto the music scene. His band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, was one of the hottest bands around, and their live shows were nothing short of spectacular. Hendrix was a master at creating a unique sound that was both heavy and melodic, and his guitar playing was second to none. The band’s third album, “Electric Ladyland,” is considered by many to be one of the greatest Psychedelic Rock albums ever made.

Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin was an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The group consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. The band’s heavy, guitar-driven sound has led them to be cited as one of the progenitors of heavy metal. Their style drew from a wide variety of influences, including blues, psychedelia, and folk music.

Led Zeppelin’s four members each came from highly respected backgrounds in the British music scene. Page had been a member of the Yardbirds, while Plant had sung for the Band of Joy and Jones had been a session musician for numerous artists including the Rolling Stones. Bonham was recommended to Page by fellow musician Jeff Beck.

The band forged a distinctive style that blended elements of various music genres they were exposed to, including blues rock, hard rock, folk rock, mysticism-tinged instrumentation, and Eastern-influenced sounds.

The Who

The Who is an English rock band formed in London in 1964. Their classic line-up consisted of lead singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist and singer Pete Townshend, bass guitarist John Entwistleand drummer Keith Moon. They are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, selling over 100 million records worldwide.

The Who rose to prominence in the UK with their first single, “I Can’t Explain”, followed by a string of successful singles including “My Generation”, “Substitute” and “Happy Jack”. In 1967, they released the proto-metal album Smashes and Trashes, which included the classic rock anthem “I Can See for Miles”. They gained international recognition with their 1967 album The Who Sell Out, which featured the hits “I can See for Miles” and “Pictures of Lily”.

Their 1969 album Tommy was a critical and commercial success; it included the hit singles “Pinball Wizard” and “See Me Feel Me/Listening to You”. Tommy established The Who as one of the most important rock bands of their generation.

Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd is one of the most well-known and respected psychedelic rock bands of all time. Formed in 1965, the band achieved success with their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, which featured Syd Barrett on lead vocals and guitar. Barrett’s mental health deteriorated throughout Pink Floyd’s early career, and he was eventually replaced by David Gilmour.

The band went on to release a number of successful albums, including The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here. Pink Floyd also produced a number of iconic singles, such as “Another Brick in the Wall” and “Wish You Were Here.”