35 ’70s Music Icons Who Are Still Performing Today
Music of the nineteen seventies introduced voices and bands that left a permanent mark on popular culture.
Remarkably, many of those legendary performers still take the stage today, showing that passion and talent can outlast changing trends.
Live shows continue to bring generations together, powered by songs that feel just as electric now as they did decades ago.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general entertainment and music appreciation purposes.
Artist activity, touring status, and performance formats may change over time due to scheduling, health, or personal decisions.
Readers are encouraged to verify current tour dates, appearances, and availability directly through official artist or venue sources.
1. The Rolling Stones
With a career spanning over six decades, this legendary rock band refuses to slow down.
Mick Jagger’s signature moves and Keith Richards’ iconic guitar riffs still electrify audiences worldwide.
Their tours consistently sell out stadiums, proving that rock and roll truly never dies.
Fans of all generations gather to hear classics that defined an era and continue to inspire new musicians every single day.
2. Bob Dylan
Rarely does a songwriter capture the spirit of multiple generations quite like this folk rock pioneer.
His poetic lyrics and distinctive voice have earned him a Nobel Prize and countless devoted fans.
Even in his eighties, he maintains a relentless touring schedule known as the Never Ending Tour.
Every performance offers a fresh interpretation of his vast catalog, making each concert a unique experience.
3. Paul McCartney
Few musicians anywhere can truly claim world-changing influence in the way this former Beatle has achieved Paul McCartney.
Onstage presence radiates unstoppable energy, carrying powerful vocals through songs spanning an extraordinary career.
Crowds eagerly join in on everything from Beatles-era favorites to Wings anthems and celebrated solo work.
Most remarkable of all, a genuine bond forms with listeners who arrived generations after those chart-topping moments first reshaped music.
4. Bruce Springsteen
Traditionally, three-hour concerts might seem exhausting, but The Boss makes it look effortless.
His working-class anthems resonate just as powerfully today as they did decades ago.
Springsteen’s dedication to his craft shows in every single performance, never cutting corners or phoning it in.
Fans leave his shows feeling energized and inspired, having witnessed a true master at work.
5. Billy Joel
Few pianists anywhere command keys with the authority and confidence of this Long Island icon Billy Joel.
Monthly appearances at Madison Square Garden have evolved into essential events that draw music fans from far beyond New York.
Every show unfolds like a guided tour through American pop history, moving smoothly between tender ballads and driving rock anthems.
Remarkably, a voice shaped by decades of performance retains warmth and character, preserving the qualities that first made this artist a household name.
6. Willie Nelson
Gently strumming his famous guitar Trigger, this country icon continues touring well into his nineties.
His laid-back style and timeless songs bring comfort to fans facing the chaos of modern life.
Nelson’s commitment to performing is truly remarkable, scheduling shows year-round across the country.
Maybe it’s his positive spirit or his love of music, but age seems to have little effect on his passion.
7. Robert Plant
Long after Led Zeppelin closed its chapter, a golden-voiced frontman continued creating music with restless curiosity Robert Plant.
Collaboration with Alison Krauss opened doors to entirely new listeners, showcasing vocal depth in a fresh and unexpected setting.
Willing exploration across genres keeps live performances feeling alive, surprising, and never locked into one sound.
Fans respond to a refusal to relive past glories, appreciating an artist who honors legacy while choosing to move forward creatively.
8. Earth, Wind & Fire
Absolutely no band brings the party quite like this legendary funk and soul ensemble.
Their infectious grooves and tight horn arrangements get audiences dancing every single time.
Despite lineup changes over the years, the group maintains the joyful energy that defined their biggest hits.
Hearing September or Shining Star live remains a transcendent experience that connects generations through pure musical joy.
9. Carlos Santana
Instant recognition comes through a guitar tone that merges Latin rhythms with rock-driven expression Carlos Santana.
Spiritual philosophy woven into musical approach turns live shows into experiences that feel meditative while still bursting with energy.
Las Vegas residency dates give audiences a rare chance to witness virtuosity within a more intimate, focused setting.
Curiously, sound and emotion move beyond language or culture, connecting straight to listeners on a deeply human level.
10. Rod Stewart
With that unmistakable raspy voice, this British rock icon continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
His Vegas residency showcases both his rock anthems and his Great American Songbook interpretations.
Stewart’s showmanship remains top-notch, engaging crowds with his charisma and genuine love of performing.
Somehow, he makes every song sound fresh, whether it’s a hit from the seventies or a classic standard.
11. Diana Ross
Elegance and grace define every performance by this Motown legend and former Supreme.
Her voice retains the sweetness that made songs like Ain’t No Mountain High Enough timeless classics.
Ross’s stage presence is unmatched, commanding attention with every gesture and vocal flourish.
Fans treasure the opportunity to witness living history, watching a true icon who shaped popular music forever.
12. Lionel Richie
Naturally, his smooth vocals and romantic ballads have made him a favorite for generations.
Richie’s performances feel like intimate gatherings, even when playing to thousands of fans.
His catalog spans Commodores classics and solo megahits that defined the eighties and beyond.
Perhaps it’s his warm personality or his timeless melodies, but audiences always leave feeling uplifted and nostalgic.
13. Barry Manilow
Proof that showmanship truly matters appears the moment a piano-playing legend steps onstage and works pure magic.
Theatrical performances from Barry Manilow transform concerts into full-scale entertainment spectacles built on energy and connection.
Devoted fans known as Fanilows pack venues to capacity wherever performances land.
Classics like Copacabana and Mandy still sound vibrant today, carrying the same spark that once sent them soaring up the charts.
14. Stevie Nicks
Swirling in her signature shawls, this mystical rock goddess continues enchanting audiences everywhere.
Her distinctive voice carries the same emotional power that made Fleetwood Mac legendary.
Nicks performs both as a solo artist and with her famous band, delighting fans with different experiences.
There’s something magical about hearing Landslide or Edge of Seventeen performed by the woman who wrote them.
15. Heart
Because rock and roll needed powerful female voices, these sisters broke down barriers with their talent.
Ann Wilson’s vocals remain absolutely stunning, soaring through anthems like Barracuda with incredible force.
Nancy’s guitar skills complement her sister’s voice perfectly, creating a dynamic stage presence.
Their concerts prove that women can rock just as hard as anyone, inspiring countless musicians along the way.
16. Chicago
Often overlooked within rock history, horn-driven energy thrives thanks to the enduring legacy of Chicago.
Sophisticated arrangements paired with instantly recognizable melodies shape a live experience that feels distinctive and richly layered.
Across decades of releases, an expansive catalog allows concerts to pull favorites from multiple eras in a single night.
Fans consistently admire strong musicianship alongside songs that balance romantic storytelling with moments of pure instrumental brilliance.
17. Journey
Suddenly, when those opening notes of Don’t Stop Believin’ begin, entire arenas erupt in joyful singing.
This band’s anthems have become woven into the fabric of American pop culture.
Despite lineup changes, Journey continues delivering the soaring vocals and guitar solos fans crave.
Their concerts feel like celebrations, bringing together people from all walks of life through shared musical memories.
18. Styx
Maybe it’s the theatrical elements or the prog-rock complexity, but Styx concerts offer something truly special.
Their blend of hard rock and keyboard-driven melodies created a unique sound that endures today.
Songs like Come Sail Away and Renegade remain staples of classic rock radio and live performances.
Watching them perform feels like stepping into a time machine that somehow still sounds completely relevant.
19. Toto
Precisely crafted musicianship anchors every performance delivered by Toto, a group that evolved from studio masters into a commanding touring force.
Jaw-dropping technical ability shines throughout sets, highlighting why these players became among the most sought-after session musicians in the industry.
Crowd reactions peak when Africa and Rosanna hit the air, reliably lifting audiences to their feet.
Concerts consistently prove that pop can feel welcoming while still sounding refined, drawing in devoted musicians and casual listeners at the same time.
20. Ringo Starr
While his former bandmate Paul tours solo, this legendary drummer assembled his own supergroup.
The All-Starr Band features rotating lineups of famous musicians, each getting their moment to shine.
Ringo’s joyful personality radiates throughout every performance, spreading peace and love to everyone present.
His shows celebrate collaboration and friendship, proving that music brings people together in beautiful ways.
21. Alice Cooper
Inventing shock rock set a lasting template, and decades later theatrical stagecraft still leaves crowds amazed, thanks to Alice Cooper.
Elaborate productions feature guillotines, live snakes, and other macabre visuals that reliably thrill devoted fans.
Beneath makeup and spectacle sits a genuinely skilled musician with a deep catalog of enduring hard rock staples.
Commitment shows through a demanding touring schedule that spans roughly half the year, reflecting steady dedication to entertaining loyal audiences.
22. Joan Jett
Fortunately for rock music, this leather-clad rebel refused to let anyone tell her what she couldn’t do.
Her raw energy and unapologetic attitude continue inspiring young musicians to forge their own paths.
I Love Rock ‘n Roll remains one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history.
Jett’s performances prove that authenticity and passion matter more than following trends or pleasing critics.
23. Patti Smith
Quietly revolutionary spirit defines this punk poet laureate, with Patti Smith merging rock music and literary ambition in ways that changed creative boundaries.
Performance art unfolds onstage as music, spoken word, and social commentary blend seamlessly into moments that feel larger than concerts.
Influence stretches far beyond any single recording, leaving a permanent mark on punk rock and alternative music history.
Experiencing songs like Because the Night or Gloria places audiences face-to-face with the raw force of artistic expression.
24. Blondie
Ideally, every band would be as versatile as these new wave pioneers who mastered multiple genres.
Debbie Harry’s cool charisma and the band’s genre-hopping skills created timeless hits like Heart of Glass.
Their concerts blend punk energy with disco grooves and pop sensibilities in unexpected ways.
Blondie proved that you could be edgy and accessible simultaneously, paving the way for countless artists.
25. Judas Priest
Intimidating leather-and-studs imagery fades quickly once professionalism takes center stage for Judas Priest.
Rob Halford’s astonishing vocal range continues to defy expectation, reaching notes that feel almost beyond human capability Rob Halford.
Twin-guitar precision paired with thunderous rhythm work establishes a blueprint for how heavy metal is meant to sound.
Across decades, live shows function as metal masterclasses, quietly teaching younger bands how legends stay sharp and relevant.
26. KISS
Absolutely nobody puts on a spectacle quite like these makeup-wearing rock warriors.
Fire-breathing, theatrical stunts, and flying through the air are just normal parts of their shows.
KISS understands that rock concerts should be larger-than-life experiences that create lasting memories.
Their farewell tour has stretched on for years because fans simply cannot get enough of their explosive performances.
27. The Do*bie Brothers
Lighthearted reputation aside, musical skill on display remains serious, polished, and deeply impressive for this band.
Blending rock, R&B, and country influences helped shape a sound that feels unmistakably American and instantly familiar.
Crowd energy spikes when songs like Listen to the Music and Black Water kick in, prompting enthusiastic singing and movement across the venue.
Concert moments highlight impeccable harmonies and tight instrumentation, reinforcing exactly why legendary status remains firmly earned.
28. Kool & The Gang
Celebration might be their most famous song, but their entire catalog is worth celebrating enthusiastically.
This funk and soul powerhouse keeps dance floors packed wherever they perform.
Their infectious grooves and positive messages make every concert feel like a joyful party.
Somehow, their music manages to be both sophisticated and accessible, appealing to everyone from casual listeners to serious music fans.
29. Cheap Trick
Though their name suggests otherwise, there’s nothing cheap about their power pop brilliance.
Cheap Trick’s energetic performances and catchy hooks have earned them a devoted cult following.
Rick Nielsen’s guitar collection and on-stage antics add visual excitement to their sonic sound.
I Want You to Want Me live at Budokan remains one of rock’s most electrifying recordings ever captured.
30. Devo
Curiously, these art-rock weirdos in energy dome hats predicted our technology-obsessed future decades ago.
Devo’s satirical take on modern life feels even more relevant in today’s chaotic world.
Whip It remains an instantly recognizable anthem of quirky rebellion and offbeat humor.
Their performances blend music, performance art, and social commentary in ways that challenge and entertain simultaneously.
31. The B-52s
Surprisingly serious musicianship sits beneath wild beehive hairdos and deliberately campy stage personas.
Blending surf rock, new wave, and pure party spirit, The B-52s carved out a sound that felt entirely original from the start.
Instant transformation happens whenever Love Shack kicks in, turning any room into a full-tilt dance party powered by joy.
Concert memories often leave audiences reminded that music works best when fun, freedom, and a touch of silliness are allowed to lead.
32. Fleetwood Mac
Despite decades of drama and lineup changes, this legendary band’s music still resonates powerfully.
Their songs capture the complexity of relationships with honesty and beautiful melodies.
Rumours remains one of the best-selling albums ever, filled with tracks that define classic rock.
When available members reunite for tours, tickets disappear instantly because fans treasure every opportunity to see them live.
33. Genesis
Across progressive roots and polished pop success, Genesis demonstrated remarkable musical range and adaptability.
Reunion tours consistently sell out at lightning speed, confirming appeal that stretches comfortably across generations.
Epic compositions and radio-ready hits emerged with equal confidence, revealing a rare balance of ambition and accessibility.
Debate continues around favorite eras, yet live shows earn near-universal praise as unforgettable, high-impact experiences.
34. ABBA
Instead of traditional touring, these Swedish pop legends created a revolutionary hologram concert experience.
Their ABBAtars perform nightly in London, using cutting-edge technology to recreate their seventies glory.
ABBA’s infectious melodies and sparkling production have made them one of the best-selling acts ever.
Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen prove that perfectly crafted pop songs never go out of style or lose their magic.
35. Elton John
Thankfully, his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour gave fans worldwide one last chance to see this legend.
Elton’s flamboyant costumes and powerful piano playing created unforgettable theatrical experiences for decades.
His catalog includes more hits than most artists could dream of achieving in multiple lifetimes.
Though he’s stepping back from touring, his music and influence will continue inspiring generations of musicians and fans forever.
