In the annals of music history, the year 1973 stands out as a time when rock and metal music were reaching new heights. Let’s delve into the stories of the bands that emerged during this iconic year and trace their journeys through the decades.
Aerosmith
What transpired in the year 1973:
In 1973, Boston-based rockers Aerosmith released their self-titled debut album. While it didn’t immediately catapult them to superstardom, it laid the foundation for their future success. The power ballad “Dream On” made a modest impact, peaking at No. 59 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite the slow start, Aerosmith persevered.
What transpired after:
Heavy touring eventually paid off, with their second album, “Get Your Wings,” gaining momentum. However, it was “Toys in the Attic” that solidified their status as one of the great emerging rock bands of the ’70s. “Sweet Emotion” became their first Top 40 hit in 1975, and a reissue of “Dream On” that same year reached No. 6 on the Hot 100.
The ’70s closed with a bang for Aerosmith, delivering hits like “Walk This Way,” “Last Child,” and “Back in the Saddle.” But internal conflicts, drug use, and declining sales threatened to derail the band. By 1984, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford negotiated their return, marking a second act for Aerosmith.
Their collaboration with rap stars Run-D.M.C. on a remake of “Walk This Way” in 1986 bridged the gap between rap and rock, rejuvenating the band’s career. A new generation of fans embraced hits like “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” “Angel,” and “Rag Doll.” The ’90s brought more chart-toppers, including “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.”
Aerosmith’s legacy is etched in stone, with over 150 million albums sold worldwide, four Grammy Awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
Brownsville Station
What transpired in the year 1973:
Brownsville Station, a rock band hailing from Michigan, had been active since the late ’60s. It wasn’t until their third album, “Yeah!” in 1973, that they made a significant impact. The single “Let Your Yeah Be Yeah” reached No. 57 on the charts, but it was “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” that solidified their position, climbing to No. 3 on the U.S. Hot 100.
What transpired after:
Following the success of “Smokin’ in the Boys Room,” their 1974 album “School Punks” generated modest hits with “I’m the Leader of the Gang” and “Kings of the Party.” However, Brownsville Station couldn’t replicate the triumph of their breakout hit. Three more studio albums followed before the band disbanded in 1979.
In 2012, guitarist Mike Lutz and drummer Henry Weck resurrected Brownsville Station, releasing the album “Still Smokin’.” While their heyday was in the ’70s, their music continues to echo through time.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
What transpired in the year 1973:
The roots of Lynyrd Skynyrd trace back to 1964, and by 1973, they released their debut album “(Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd),” featuring Southern rock anthems like “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird,” and “Simple Man.” These songs helped establish them as major influences on ’70s Southern rock.
What transpired after:
Lynyrd Skynyrd continued their hot streak with albums like “Second Helping,” “Nuthin’ Fancy,” and “Gimme Back My Bullets,” producing hits such as “Call Me the Breeze” and “Double Trouble.” Tragedy struck in 1977 when a plane crash claimed the lives of Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines, among others.
The Marshall Tucker Band
What transpired in the year 1973:
While Lynyrd Skynyrd spearheaded the Southern Rock movement in the early ’70s, they weren’t alone. South Carolina rockers The Marshall Tucker Band also rose to prominence, starting with their 1973 self-titled debut album. Songs like “Can’t You See” and “Take the Highway” showcased their Southern rock prowess.
What transpired after:
The band continued their success with eight albums throughout the ’70s, with “Searchin’ for a Rainbow” being a standout. Hits like “Fire on the Mountain,” “Heard It in a Love Song,” and “Dream Lover” kept them on the airwaves.
Despite facing challenges, including the loss of bassist Tommy Caldwell in the early ’80s, The Marshall Tucker Band carried on. They’ve released 22 studio albums, with Doug Gray as the sole original member remaining in the band.