Documentary from the 1970s

Rare documentary footage of famous musicians from the 1970s. Browse 50 clips below.

All DocumentaryAll 1970s

About Documentary Footage

Documentary footage provides context that no single clip can — it places the music, the artist, and the moment in a broader narrative. The best music documentaries combine interviews, performance footage, and behind-the-scenes access to tell stories that reveal truths about the creative process, the music industry, and the people who make the music we love.

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

The SoundR.E.M.NMEY&TJudee SillJohnny MoynihanConcertWeenBruce SpringsteenSomebody to LoveThe Last WaltzTommy ChongParamoreThomas HauserBo DiddleyMike BloomfieldT.S.O.L.Manilla RoadThe Rolling StonesLed ZeppelinRolling StonesNazareth (band)The Sweet InspirationsThe StylisticsSex PistolsThe WhoLittle Brother MontgomeryRoger McGuinnJoy DivisionJohn IllsleyThe D.O.C.The Velvet UndergroundDuane AllmanFleetwood MacEdward Van HalenBarry BaileyPink FloydQueenJimi HendrixElvis PresleyJim Morrison