Backstage from the 1970s

Rare backstage footage of famous musicians from the 1970s. Browse 25 clips below.

All BackstageAll 1970s

About Backstage Footage

Backstage footage captures the world that exists just out of the audience’s sight — the nervous energy before going on, the adrenaline after coming off, the camaraderie, the tension, and the mundane reality of life on the road. These clips humanise artists in a way that stage performances and interviews rarely do.

The 1970s in Music

The 1970s was the golden age of the album and the arena tour. Prog rock, punk, disco, funk, reggae, and singer-songwriters all flourished simultaneously. Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, and The Ramones were pushing music in radically different directions. The decade also saw the rise of music television and concert filming — meaning more behind-the-scenes footage survives from the 70s than any previous decade. Studio sessions, rehearsal tapes, and tour documentaries from this era are some of the most sought-after footage in music history.

Artists

Anthony KiedisConcertThe La'sSiouxsie and the BansheesR.E.M.SineWeenY&TNMEThe RunawaysJoan JettSandy WestPublic Image Ltd.The SoundTravisThe Staple SingersNazareth (band)The Ohio PlayersThe JaggerzRobert PlantMalcolm YoungSex PistolsLed ZeppelinSid ViciousSongwriterStingChad SmithRed Hot Chili PeppersJohn LydonDuane AllmanFleaBob WeirFleetwood MacDavid BowieQueen