# 7 Bands Formed in 1970 That Shaped Rock ‘N’ Roll as We Know It Today

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/7-bands-formed-in-1970-that-shaped-rock-n-roll-as-we-know-it-today/
- Published: 2026-11-06T17:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T17:39:51+00:00
- Original publisher: American Songwriter
- Original article: https://americansongwriter.com/7-bands-formed-in-1970-that-shaped-rock-n-roll-as-we-know-it-today/
- Topics: Americas, Entertainment, Music, World

## Key points

- Seven notable rock bands formed or took shape in 1970.
- Their music helped shape several major rock styles.
- Mudcrutch laid groundwork for Tom Petty’s later career.

## Summary

Seven influential rock bands began or took shape in 1970, reflecting the decade’s early wave of musical change. Their later work helped define styles ranging from psychedelic and arena rock to soft rock, while several became major acts with enduring songs.

The article traces the Doobie Brothers’ beginnings in California and Electric Light Orchestra’s first song, “10538 Overture”, to the formation of America in the UK and Queen’s first performance under its name in London on 18 July. It also describes Jefferson Airplane members’ transition towards Jefferson Starship, Aerosmith’s settled name and line-up before their 1973 debut, and Mudcrutch’s role in shaping Tom Petty’s later sound.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.