We came across this animation on Facebook which shows what artists sold the most records from 1969 to the present day. Because we're suckers for an intuitive data visualisation, we wanted to share it with you all. What's more, is we noticed a lot of these artists are still some of the biggest touring acts of the day, even the one's from the 70s.
So we decided to figure out, which of these artists from the visualisation are still on tour and share it here. Of course if you want to see all the artists from the 1970s who are still touring, you can visit the 70s page on our new product, Bucketgigs, to explore what's coming up near you – with a corduroy flair.
Think of it as a 'where are they now' if you will, of 1970s rockstars.
The artists listed in the 1970s portion of the animation are ABBA, Aerosmith, Barbra Streisand, Bee Gees, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Carpenters, Cher, Eagles, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Fleetwood Mac, Frank Sinatra, Led Zeppelin, Neil Diamond, Pink Floyd, Queen, Santana, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles and The Doors.
For a decade that concluded 40 years ago, 10 are still on tour and more are still active. Sadly some have passed away, but the longevity of this era of music is remarkable. To get in the mood, why not listen to the Best of 1970s playlist.
Not on Tour
- ABBA, after a 30+ year-long hiatus, has new music is announced for 2020 (and we'd guess a tour will be announced).
- Barbra Streisand, active but not currently not on tour. Her last tour concluded in 2017.
- The Beatles' broke up in 1970, but Paul McCartney still tours.
- The Bee Gees are not active anymore.
- The Carpenters' duo ended when Karen died in 1983.
- The Doors have not been active since the 1970s.
- Elvis Presley past away in 1977 (or so we've been told).
- Frank Sinatra past away in 1995.
- Led Zeppelin have famously not been active since 1980 following John Bonham's death, although they have occasionally had one-off reunions.
- Neil Diamond retired from touring in 2016 although he still makes music.
- Pink Floyd, las tour was in 2014, Roger Waters still tours.
Tribute bands for ABBA, Bee Gees, The Beatles, The Doors, Frank Sinatra, Led Zeppelin and Neil Diamond, all exist and are popular among 70s fans.
Each of these artists has achieved something really special, and that is maintaining a huge audience over the arc of their entire lifetime. If you or your parents or your partner or your peers are a fan of these, now is the time to get tickets for these living legends. Maybe put it in a Christmas stocking for them?
Alternatively, keep track of your favourites in your very own Bucketgig list. Learn more here.
