BLUES-ROCK LEGENDS Best of the ’70s

Join Phil Capone on a journey back to the 1970s to discover some of the UK and Ireland’s greatest blues-rock guitar heroes of the era.

We examine the styles of some British and Irish bands that brought a catchy pop sensibility to the sound of ‘70s blues-rock, featuring Thin Lizzy, Bad Company, Whitesnake and more.

The early ’70s was blues-rock’s heyday; an antidote to the bubblegum pop and prog rock sounds that pervaded the scene at the time. In this feature we’ll be focusing on eight of the best of these bands; some household names and others less well known but equally important, musically.

Thin Lizzy. After the early days with Eric Bell on guitar, the band moved to a twin-lead line-up featuring Scott Gorham and either Brian Robertson or Gary Moore. Using harmony lead (usually in 3rds) and ‘crunchy’ minor 7 chords (think Boys Are Back In Town), Thin Lizzy created their trademark sound.

Free. The original minimalist bluesrockers, Free featured the talents of Paul Kossoff on guitar. Aficionados still debate how the riff in Alright Now should be played, and his minimalist soloing style and shimmering vibrato are still a joy to behold, a reminder of what can be achieved with Les Paul, Marshall, and a handful of beautifully phrased notes.

Bad Company. Formed from the ashes of Free, Bad Company featured the bluesy playing style of ex-Mott The Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs. With a more ‘pop’ approach to songwriting, they were one of the most successful blues-rock groups of the ’70s. Songs such as Feel Like Makin’ Love, Can’t Get Enough, and Shooting Star remain staple favourites on classic rock radio stations and in pub-rock bands to this day.

Whitesnake. The only band in our feature to enjoy greater success in the decade that followed, Whitesnake’s self-titled debut album was bluesier and less overblown than their ‘big hair ‘hits of the ’80s. Original guitarist Bernie Marsden’s eloquent riffs, lyrical bluesy soloing, and songs such as Here I Go Again kept the early days of Whitesnake firmly rooted in the blues-rock genre.

Taste. Irish power trio Taste were a vehicle for the young Rory Gallagher’s precocious talent. His distinctive, bluesy style managed to be simultaneously ‘rootsy’ and yet highly individual. His guitar work certainly stands the test of time, sounding as cool today as when it was first recorded over 45 years ago; essential listening for all fans of the genre.

Chicken Shack. Guitarist and vocalist Stan Webb formed Chicken Shack in 1965 and remained the only original member throughout the band’s many incarnations. With a huge list of former members (including Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac), Chicken Shack were certainly a melting pot of talent, a blues institution not dissimilar to John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers.

Groundhogs. Like Stan Webb in Chicken Shack, guitarist and vocalist Tony McPhee remained the only constant member or the Groundhogs. During the early ’70s this powerhouse trio dominated the UK scene with their distinctive brand of heavy bluesrock. McPhee’s angular riffs, fat SG-driven tone and bluesy solos still resonate. The ‘hogs also backed US blues artists like John Lee Hooker when they visited these shores.

Ten Years After. Throughout the late ’60s and early ’70s Ten Years After were one of the most influential blues-rock acts of all, enjoying success both at home and in the USA (fuelled by their incendiary performance at Woodstock). Alvin Lee’s fiery, frenetic solos were an integral part of the group’s appeal, and he remains to this day one of the great, unsung heroes of the UK blues scene.

So fasten your safety belt and get ready to start blues-rocking, 1970s style!

the early ’70s was blues-rock’s heyday, an antidote to the bubb legum pop and prog rock that pervaded the scene