Experience the Wildness of ’70s Concerts like Coachella

The initial years of rock music weren’t in any way ordinary as incidents of rebellion often caused a stir in the audience, from Elvis’ hip movements to the Beatles’ shaggy hair. As the 1970s rolled around, these rebellious acts became common, forcing artists to push boundaries even further to grab the audience’s attention. Some of them relied on extravagant stagecraft to mesmerize concert-goers, while others unintentionally created furor due to unforeseen circumstances. Then there were those who embraced the bizarre, creating a decade filled with remarkable concert moments that either shocked viewers or disheartened fans, or possibly both.

Ozzy Osbourne, who was a feared figure in the 1980s, had one of his most notable moments during a concert in Des Moines. A concert attendee launched a dead bat onstage, which Osbourne bit into, thinking it was a fake. To his surprise, the bat was real, and he had to seek immediate medical attention for rabies.

The Stooges, a pre-punk band led by Iggy Pop, were known for their daring performances. In a 1970 Cincinnati show, Iggy Pop astonished the audience by standing on their heads, covering his exposed torso in peanut butter. This bizarre act became a concert moment etched in history.

Alice Cooper, the stage name of Vincent Furnier, understood the importance of showmanship and spectacle. In 1973, Cooper introduced a prop that added a new level of shock to his act – a fake guillotine. Every night on tour, Cooper, now 75, continues to “behead” himself, delighting audiences with this macabre display.

The punk rock band, The Plasmatics, led by Wendy O. Williams, was known for over-the-top stage shows that defied all safety regulations. Performing at Pier 62 in New York City, Williams drove an explosive-laden Cadillac at the stage, leaping out before the impact, creating a stunning explosion that bewildered onlookers.

GWAR, a heavy metal band formed in 1984, is notorious for their grotesque stage shows. Their performances, which include combat between fake monsters and fake blood soaking the audience, have left concert-goers astonished. While being coated in gore might be unpleasant, it’s an experience that ensures a crowd-free subway ride home.

The Dwarves, similar to GWAR, have been synonymous with mayhem since their inception. Their early concerts in 1985 featured band members mutilating themselves and engaging in salacious acts, often leading to shortened sets. Any performance by The Dwarves was bound to be shocking and disturbing.

GG Allin, a punk rock singer, gained notoriety for his outrageous behavior more than his music. Allin surpassed his predecessors, such as Iggy Pop and Alice Cooper, in shock value when he defecated during a concert in Peoria, Illinois in 1985. This extreme act solidified his place in the pantheon of shock rock performers.