Concert photos from the ’70s and ’80s have a completely different feel to them. There were no phones held above every head, no instant uploads, and certainly no checking the pictures before leaving the venue. What survived are grainy crowd shots, dramatic stage lights, incredible outfits, and photographs taken by people who happened to bring a camera along for the night. Some capture artists who were already superstars, while others caught future legends right in the middle of becoming them. From packed arenas to much smaller stages, these vintage concert photos offer a glimpse of what it actually looked like to see some of music’s biggest names live.
Queen – 1978
A teenage fan reportedly snuck her camera into a Queen concert in 1978 and managed to photograph Freddie Mercury performing onstage.
Led Zeppelin – 1970s
Led Zeppelin performing during the decade when the band became one of the biggest live acts in rock.
David Bowie – 1970s
David Bowie onstage during an era that saw him repeatedly change his music, appearance, and stage persona.
