The year 1975 marked a significant turning point in the world of classic rock, witnessing the rise of numerous iconic artists who reached superstar status and embarked on highly successful tours that captivated audiences everywhere. This era not only celebrated the triumphs of established legends but also highlighted the struggles of emerging bands. Acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Rush endured grueling and creatively taxing tours, often referred to as “the torture tour” and “the down the tubes tour,” respectively. These experiences shaped their artistry and resilience, laying the groundwork for their future successes.

In the paragraphs that follow, we delve into the captivating tales behind the 18 most influential rock tours of 1975, providing details on how fans can relive these remarkable moments through live albums, concert films, and fan-recorded bootlegs, ensuring that the legacy of these tours continues to resonate with music lovers.

Discover the Challenges of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Torture Tour’

The relentless cycle of touring and recording made 1975 an incredibly challenging year for Lynyrd Skynyrd. After the departure of founding drummer Bob Burns, the band was under pressure to finish their album Nuthin’ Fancy in less than three weeks due to already confirmed tour dates. This demanding schedule led to over 120 shows on what they dubbed “the torture tour.” The stress took its toll, contributing to guitarist Ed King’s departure after a heated exchange with Ronnie Van Zant following a disappointing performance in Pittsburgh. Despite the exhaustion and battles with substance abuse, the remaining members persevered, wrapping up the tour by mid-November before quickly returning to the studio to promote their next album, Gimme Back My Bullets, just a month later.

Explore Rush’s Evolution with the ‘Fly By Night’ and ‘Caress of Steel’ Tours

With the addition of drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, Rush kicked off 1975 with the release of their second album, Fly By Night. This album signified a shift in their sound as they ventured into progressive rock, featuring the nine-minute track “By-Tor and the Snow Dog.” Following a rigorous schedule of 106 shows to support the album, the band further embraced prog-rock with the release of Caress of Steel in September, which included two expansive song suites. However, the lukewarm reception to the album negatively impacted ticket sales, leading the band to humorously label their tour the “down the tubes” tour. Nevertheless, their determination paid off, and they rebounded with the groundbreaking release of 2112 in 1976.

Experience AC/DC’s Journey During the ‘High Voltage’ and ‘T.N.T.’ Tours

In 1975, AC/DC embarked on an impressive journey, performing 174 shows solely in their home country of Australia to promote High Voltage and T.N.T.. The band’s lineup saw significant changes prior to the tour; Malcolm Young transitioned to full-time rhythm guitar duties, and Bon Scott stepped in as lead vocalist. This tour laid the groundwork for their future international success, including a triumphant conquest of the United Kingdom in 1976 and their first American tour in 1977. The momentum gained during this period was pivotal for the band’s evolution into one of rock’s most enduring and electrifying acts.

Uncover the Journey of Led Zeppelin’s 1975 North American Tour

After an unprecedented hiatus of 18 months, Led Zeppelin made their highly anticipated return to North America in 1975, albeit under challenging circumstances. Guitarist Jimmy Page had suffered a broken finger, which forced him to adapt his playing style significantly throughout the tour. Just days before the tour’s opening night on January 18 in Bloomington, Minnesota, lead vocalist Robert Plant fell ill with a severe flu, which affected his performance during the early dates. Despite these setbacks, the band displayed remarkable resilience and ultimately delivered electrifying performances that revitalized their presence in the rock scene.

Witness the Eagles’ Transformation During the ‘One of These Nights Tour’

In 1975, the Eagles shifted their musical direction away from their country roots towards a more mainstream rock sound with the release of One of These Nights. This transformation propelled them to chart-topping success, culminating in an impressive 84-date tour that showcased their new sound in arenas and stadiums across the country. This tour also marked a significant turning point for the band, as guitarist Bernie Leadon left at the end of the year due to dissatisfaction with the band’s evolving sound and his diminishing role in songwriting. Fortunately, the band was able to bring in Joe Walsh, solidifying their lineup for the future.

Join Alice Cooper on His Spectacular ‘Welcome to My Nightmare Tour’

Following the disbandment of the original Alice Cooper group, Vincent Furnier adopted the persona of Alice Cooper as a solo artist, launching the ambitious Welcome to My Nightmare in 1975. The tour, which began on March 21, was a spectacular theatrical experience filled with elaborate staging, featuring elements like spiders, demons, and a giant cyclops that captivated audiences. This innovative approach to rock concerts set a high bar for theatricality in live performances. The tour was later immortalized in a concert film released in 1976, showcasing the unforgettable spectacle that defined Cooper’s solo career.

Experience Pink Floyd’s Groundbreaking ‘Wish You Were Here Tour’

In 1975, Pink Floyd broke free from conventional album release and touring schedules with their 29-date Wish You Were Here tour, which commenced on April 8 and concluded on July 5, two months prior to the album’s official release. The band had already begun performing early versions of songs from this forthcoming album, as well as tracks from the 1977 release Animals, during their 1974 tour. This 1975 tour not only showcased their musical evolution but also featured a full performance of their iconic album The Dark Side of the Moon, enhancing their reputation as one of the most innovative bands of the era.

Explore Fleetwood Mac’s Rise with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham

After eight years and the release of ten albums, Fleetwood Mac reached a pivotal moment in their career in 1975 with the addition of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham to the lineup. Their self-titled album marked a new beginning for the band, and they embarked on a rigorous tour, playing 120 shows in support of the record over the next year and a half. The setlist featured a blend of hits from the new album, including “Rihannon,” “Say You Love Me,” and “Landslide,” alongside selections from their earlier work and a few tracks from the 1973 Buckingham Nicks album. In 2017, the band celebrated this era with an expanded reissue of the Fleetwood Mac album, including a disc filled with live recordings captured during this groundbreaking tour.

Relive Led Zeppelin’s Iconic Earl’s Court Performances

Just two months after their challenging North American tour, Led Zeppelin reached what many consider the pinnacle of their live performances during a remarkable five-night stand at Earl’s Court in London. The band spared no expense, deploying state-of-the-art audio and visual technology to create an unforgettable experience for fans. Their performances were dynamic and powerful, featuring an astonishing mid-show acoustic set and extending each concert beyond three hours. Footage from these legendary shows was later included in the 2003 Led Zeppelin live video compilation, preserving their extraordinary legacy.

Experience Genesis’ Ambitious ‘The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway Tour’

Peter Gabriel’s final tour with Genesis was marked by an ambitious undertaking as the band performed their groundbreaking concept album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway in its entirety. This tour showcased elaborate visual staging and multiple costume changes by Gabriel, creating a captivating experience for audiences. The L.A. stop of the tour was recorded in its entirety, and a complete audio recording was later included in the 2024 expanded reissue of the album, ensuring that this extraordinary performance remains accessible to fans.

Join the Rolling Stones on Their Spectacular ‘Tour of the Americas ’75’

In 1975, Ron Wood made his debut with the Rolling Stones during the Tour of the Americas ’75, a journey that kicked off in a unique fashion on the back of a flatbed truck, where the band performed “Brown Sugar” live in New York City on May 1 to announce their upcoming North American dates. After a couple of warm-up shows at Louisiana State University, the tour officially commenced in San Antonio on June 3. This tour featured an upgraded stage show, including the now-infamous inflatable penis that Mick Jagger rode around onstage, creating a memorable visual spectacle. Some performances from this tour were featured on the 1977 live album Love You Live, while the July 12, 1975 concert at the L.A. Forum was released as a live album and home video in 2014, capturing the energy and excitement of the tour.

Follow Bruce Springsteen’s Meteoric Rise During the ‘Born to Run Tour’

After teasing audiences with new material since 1974, Bruce Springsteen finally released his highly anticipated album Born to Run in August 1975. The official tour kicked off a month earlier, catapulting Springsteen into superstardom. This was a landmark year for the artist, as he graced the covers of both Time and Newsweek in the same week, solidifying his status as a cultural icon. Many of the shows from this tour were heavily bootlegged, reflecting the high demand for his performances. The 2005 reissue of Born to Run included a concert film showcasing the group’s electrifying performance at London’s Hammersmith Odeon on November 18, 1975.

Experience Paul McCartney and Wings’ ‘Wings Over the World Tour’

In 1975, Paul McCartney made his triumphant return to North American stages for the first time since the Beatles’ 1966 tour with the Wings Over the World Tour. Launched in September and extending until October 1976, this monumental tour was attended by over one million fans across 65 arena and stadium shows worldwide. The tour was captured in various formats, including the 1976 triple-live album Wings Over America, the 1979 television documentary Wings Over the World, and the 1980 concert film Rockshow, highlighting the excitement and energy of McCartney’s live performances.

Relive Kiss’s Explosive ‘Hotter than Hell, Dressed to Kill and Alive! Tour’

In 1975, Kiss was in a whirlwind of activity, playing 133 dates across multiple tours in support of their albums Hotter than Hell, Dressed to Kill, and the groundbreaking Alive!. This double-live album marked a pivotal moment in their career, propelling them to superstardom. As Paul Stanley reflected in his 2014 autobiography Face the Music, “After the release of Alive!, things felt different. It was like watching water simmer before it boils. It suddenly seemed like just a matter of time before things would explode.” Many recordings from this era are included in the Kissology Volume One: 1974-1977 home video collection, preserving their electrifying performances for future generations.

Join Elton John on His Iconic ‘Rock of the Westies Tour’

Elton John launched his 1975 tour with a nostalgic return to the Troubadour, the small venue where he first captured American audiences in 1970. Performing five shows in three nights, the tour quickly transitioned to large stadiums, culminating in John’s legendary two-night performance at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. This venue holds a special place in his heart, as he returned in 2022 for the final American stop of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, reminding fans of the incredible journey he has taken throughout his career.

Explore The Who’s Dramatic ‘The Who by Numbers Tour’

The 1975-1976 The Who by Numbers tour marked a turbulent chapter in the band’s history, particularly for drummer Keith Moon, whose struggles with addiction culminated in a series of alarming incidents. During the March 9, 1976 show at the Boston Garden, Moon collapsed just two songs into the performance. The following day, he sustained a severe injury after kicking a picture frame, leading to a hospitalization that lasted over a week after a performance in Miami later that year. Despite these challenges, the band completed the tour, although Moon’s death shortly after the release of their next studio album, 1978’s Who Are You, cast a shadow over their legacy. A concert film capturing the tour’s November 20, 1975 performance in Houston was later released in 2012 as The Who Live in Texas ’75, providing a glimpse into this tumultuous yet formative period.

Discover Bob Dylan’s Innovative ‘Rolling Thunder Revue’

In a bid to forge a closer connection with his audience, Bob Dylan launched the Rolling Thunder Revue on October 30, 1975. This tour aimed to engage fans more intimately by performing in smaller venues in secondary markets, featuring a rotating cast of co-stars such as Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, and Roger McGuinn. The tour spanned an impressive 57 dates and was later chronicled in the 10-disc box set The Rolling Thunder Revue: The 1975 Live Recordings, as well as in the 2019 documentary Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story By Martin Scorsese, both of which highlighted the tour’s significance in Dylan’s career.

Experience Queen’s Groundbreaking ‘A Night at the Opera Tour’

In 1975, Queen released their landmark album A Night at the Opera, which became a commercial breakthrough for the band. They capitalized on this success with a 77-date tour that extended from November 1975 to April 1976, featuring the live debut of their iconic song “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The tour culminated in a spectacular Christmas Eve performance at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, which was later released in 2012 as the Queen: A Night at the Odeon – Hammersmith 1975 live DVD, preserving the electrifying atmosphere of this historic event.