Top 18 Rock Tours of 1975
The year 1975 was a momentous period in the realm of classic rock, marked by some of the genre’s most iconic artists achieving superstardom and commemorating their success with highly successful tours. However, not every journey was smooth sailing, with emerging acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Rush enduring demanding and draining expeditions that they facetiously dubbed “the torture tour” or the “down the tubes tour.”
In the case of Lynyrd Skynyrd, 1975 proved to be a challenging year due to constant touring and session work. The departure of founding drummer Bob Burns necessitated the rushed completion of the album Nuthin’ Fancy in less than three weeks to meet scheduled tour commitments. Despite grueling schedules and creative fatigue, the band endured over 120 shows on their grueling “torture tour.” Guitarist Ed King walked away, but the band persisted and concluded the tour in the middle of November. Without delay, they regrouped, swiftly heading to the studio and returning to the road to promote Gimme Back My Bullets within a month.
Meanwhile, Rush embarked on the “Fly By Night” and “Caress of Steel” Tours, marking a pivotal moment with the recruitment of Neil Peart as drummer and lyricist. These tours led the band to delve into progressive rock territory, notably evident in the sprawling composition “By-Tor and the Snow Dog.” Despite mixed reactions to their progressive leanings on Caress of Steel, Rush persevered through dubbed the “down the tubes tour,” bouncing back triumphantly with their acclaimed 1976 release, 2112.
AC/DC’s milestone came in 1975 with the High Voltage and T.N.T. Tours, where the Australian rockers dazzled audiences with a staggering 174 shows, establishing a solid foundation before conquering international territories in the years to follow. Led Zeppelin resurfaced in North America after a prolonged hiatus, tackling a rigorous schedule despite guitarist Jimmy Page’s finger injury and frontman Robert Plant’s battle with the flu.
Eagles’ transformation towards mainstream rock on One of These Nights propelled them to the pinnacle of success, culminating in a tour boasting 84 electrifying performances. Alice Cooper redefined his persona as a solo artist with Welcome to My Nightmare, a captivating theatrical production featuring a host of visually stunning elements.
Pink Floyd’s unconventional approach saw them embarking on the Wish You Were Here Tour ahead of the album’s release, showcasing tracks from the record alongside spectacular live renditions of classics like The Dark Side of the Moon. Fleetwood Mac’s pivotal moment arrived in 1975 with the addition of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, who revitalized the band and steered them towards a new era of greatness.
Led Zeppelin’s legendary performance at Earl’s Court marked a high point in their career, characterized by elaborate visual and sonic presentations during a historic five-night residency. Genesis stunned audiences with a mesmerizing full-album performance of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, featuring theatrical staging and intricate costume changes by the enigmatic Peter Gabriel.
Lastly, the Rolling Stones embarked on the Tour of the Americas ’75 with new recruit Ron Wood, unveiling an upgraded stage spectacle that included iconic moments like Mick Jagger’s infamous inflatable prop. This whirlwind of tours in 1975 reflects a pivotal time for classic rock, showcasing the resilience, creativity, and enduring legacy of some of the genre’s most celebrated acts.