What became of the iconic rock and metal bands that emerged in 1974?

As we mark the 50th anniversary of these legendary groups, it’s fascinating to reflect on their journeys. Some bands skyrocketed to fame and cemented their legacies in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, while others enjoyed brief moments of success before fading away from the limelight. Notably, bands like KISS and Judas Priest have maintained their presence in the music world for half a century. In stark contrast, artists like Ace, featuring vocalist Paul Carrack, experienced a temporary hiatus before achieving significant success in the following decade.

The remarkable class of 1974 introduced us to a diverse array of musical talent, including progressive rock pioneers, one of the decade’s most celebrated supergroups, a fresh offshoot from a beloved ’60s band, and a group of Scottish pop rockers who impressively released eight albums in just four years.

READ MORE: The 70 Best Hard Rock + Metal Albums of the 1970s

This era produced a memorable collection of bands, each of which left an indelible mark on the music scene of 1974 and beyond. Let’s delve deeper into the legacy and evolution of rock and metal’s Class of 1974.