The 1970s: A Decade of Rock's Rise and Mysterious Disappearances
The 1970s was a pivotal era for alternative rock, giving birth to numerous groundbreaking artists. But amidst the genre's burgeoning popularity, several influential bands vanished, leaving behind a trail of captivating music and unanswered questions. Here's a deep dive into three such artists who left an indelible mark on the scene and then seemingly vanished into thin air.
Joy Division: A Tragic End to a Revolutionary Band
The story of Joy Division is a heart-wrenching tale of a band that revolutionized post-punk music with their 1979 masterpiece, 'Unknown Pleasures'. This album, a unique blend of gothic and post-punk sounds, catapulted them to fame, reaching the top 5 in the UK charts. But their success was short-lived due to a devastating turn of events. In 1980, the band's frontman, Ian Curtis, passed away, leading to the band's dissolution. The remaining members, unwilling to continue without Curtis, laid Joy Division to rest with the release of their final album, 'Closer'.
But here's where it gets intriguing: the band's legacy didn't end there. The remaining members went on to form New Order, a group that would continue to shape the alternative rock scene. This transition raises an interesting question: when a band undergoes such a significant change, does it become an entirely new entity, or does it carry the spirit of its former self?
Brainticket: The Underrated Swiss Psych-Rockers
Brainticket, a Swiss band formed in 1965, was a psychedelic, exotic, and jazzy addition to the alternative rock scene. Their first two albums, 'Cottonwoodhill' (1971) and 'Psychonaut' (1972), are considered cult classics, yet the band remains largely overlooked. Despite releasing music well into the 2010s, they never quite recaptured the magic of their early years. After several breakups and reformations, the band's journey ended with the passing of core member Joel Vandroogenbroeck in 2019.
And this is the part most people miss: Brainticket's influence can still be heard in modern psych-rock. Their experimental sound, though not widely recognized, has left an indelible mark on the genre. Could their lack of mainstream success be attributed to being ahead of their time, or is it a result of the fickle nature of the music industry?
The Modern Lovers: Proto-Punk Legends
The Modern Lovers, formed in 1970, were pioneers of proto-punk and garage rock. Their songs, like 'Roadrunner (Once)' and 'Egyptian Reggae', were hits in the UK and Europe, but they struggled to gain traction in their home country. By 1978, their chart success had faded, and the band disbanded and reformed several times before finally calling it quits in 1988. Frontman Jonathan Richman continued to use the band's name for various projects, ensuring their legacy lived on.
This story begs the question: why do some bands struggle to find success in their home countries while achieving fame abroad? Is it a matter of cultural differences, industry dynamics, or simply a matter of timing and luck?
These three bands, each with their unique story, remind us of the fleeting nature of fame and the enduring power of music. Their disappearance from the mainstream doesn't diminish their impact, but it does leave us with a sense of curiosity and a desire to delve deeper into their stories. What do you think? Are these artists truly forgotten, or do they continue to influence modern music in subtle ways?
