1. Bob Dylan
The buzz around Bob Dylan is stronger than ever thanks to the biopic A Complete Unknown (2025), starring Timothée Chalamet. The film is set to reintroduce Dylan’s most iconic protest songs and folk ballads to a new audience, and his music is already climbing the streaming charts again. Dylan’s influence has never faded, but with this new wave of attention, songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Like a Rolling Stone” are becoming discoveries for younger generations who may have only heard his name before. On TikTok and Spotify alike, fans are connecting Dylan’s timeless lyrics about justice and identity with today’s conversations, proving that his voice still resonates more than 60 years after he first broke through.
2. Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s music has proven to be as enduring as it is adaptable. Their 1977 hit “Dreams” had a viral revival in 2020 after a TikTok user posted a skateboarding video set to the track, sparking a worldwide streaming surge and memes that reintroduced the band to millions. Beyond viral moments, songs like “The Chain” gained new life through blockbuster movies such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, showing how perfectly their layered harmonies and timeless songwriting fit into today’s pop culture. Younger fans now dig deep into Rumours and the band’s other classic albums, finding relatable themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience. The fact that a band born in the 1970s can still dominate digital platforms highlights just how universal Fleetwood Mac’s sound remains.
3. Elton John
Elton John continues to reinvent how his music reaches audiences, blending his legacy with fresh collaborations. His global hit “Cold Heart,” a remix featuring Dua Lipa, introduced his catalog to Gen Z and became a streaming phenomenon by fusing past and present. Elton’s farewell tours have filled stadiums, but he hasn’t slowed down creatively, his 2025 collaborative album with Brandi Carlile is already building anticipation among fans old and new. From fashion to film, Elton remains a cultural touchstone, and his music often resurfaces in viral trends, commercials, and streaming playlists. Songs like “Tiny Dancer” and “Rocket Man” have never truly left the spotlight, but Elton’s ability to keep them relevant alongside brand-new material proves he’s still shaping pop culture as much as he did in the ’70s.
4. ABBA
ABBA has taken nostalgia and turned it into something futuristic with their ABBA Voyage project, a “virtual concert” featuring lifelike digital avatars of the band. Launched in London and expanding globally, it has drawn massive crowds and minted fans who weren’t even born when the group first topped charts. Beyond this technological leap, their hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” remain unavoidable at weddings, parties, and on TikTok, where clips using their songs continue to gain traction. The success of both the Mamma Mia! films and the stage musical keeps their legacy alive, but ABBA Voyage proves that the group is not just surviving on memories, they’re redefining how classic acts can thrive in a digital age. For many, ABBA is both retro and cutting-edge at the same time.
5. Queen
Queen’s music has never been out of style, but the 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody gave their catalog an enormous boost, sending songs like “Don’t Stop Me Now” and, of course, “Bohemian Rhapsody” back up global charts. Today, their stadium anthems “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions” remain go-to tracks for sports victories and viral moments online. Younger generations have embraced Queen not only for Freddie Mercury’s legendary voice but also for their unique blend of rock, opera, and pop that still feels larger than life. Concert footage and remixes continue to circulate on TikTok and streaming services, showing that Queen’s music still inspires singalongs, celebrations, and an enduring sense of community that crosses decades.
6. Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin’s thunderous sound is finding new life with modern audiences through pop culture moments that reframe their music for today. The most notable example came in Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok (2017), when “Immigrant Song” powered an epic battle sequence, sparking a massive resurgence in streams for both the track and the band’s entire catalog. Songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Kashmir” continue to influence rock musicians and feature in everything from documentaries to playlists. Despite not touring as a full group in decades, Led Zeppelin remains one of the most streamed classic rock bands, with younger fans often discovering them through gaming, film, or social media. Their ability to blend heavy riffs with mystical storytelling ensures their place as a gateway to rock history for every new generation.
7. Earth, Wind & Fire
Few songs are as dependable for a viral moment as Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.” Every September 21, TikTok and social media platforms light up with tributes, dances, and memes built around the track, ensuring that the song experiences an annual streaming spike. Beyond that, Earth, Wind & Fire’s joyful blend of funk, soul, and R&B continues to soundtrack commercials, weddings, and TV shows, making them as relevant today as in their 1970s heyday. Hits like “Let’s Groove” and “Shining Star” remain playlist staples, drawing younger listeners to explore the group’s deep catalog. Their legacy is not only about nostalgia but also about pure positivity, music that brings people together in celebrations, big or small, year after year.
8. Billy Joel
Billy Joel has managed to keep his music front and center through a mix of timeless songwriting and modern platforms. His decade-long sold-out residency at Madison Square Garden (2014–2024) proved his lasting appeal, and now fresh Las Vegas shows are continuing that streak. Online, TikTok users have made “Vienna” into a generational anthem, with countless videos using the track as a backdrop for life reflections. Classics like “Cold Spring Harbor”, “Piano Man” and “Uptown Girl” continue to thrive on streaming services, ensuring that Joel’s music isn’t just for longtime fans but for anyone looking for songs that balance storytelling with unforgettable melodies. His ability to resonate with audiences across eras keeps him firmly in the cultural conversation.
9. David Bowie
David Bowie’s gone, but his influence remains unmatched, with his music and persona continuing to inspire new fans daily. His catalog frequently resurfaces in hit TV shows, films, and fashion campaigns, ensuring that songs like “Heroes” and “Space Oddity” never drift far from public attention. Streaming spikes occur whenever his music is featured in prestige projects, while his constantly referenced style and alter egos make him a touchstone in online culture. Bowie is often discovered by younger generations through playlists, social media tributes, or even video games, where his songs add emotional weight to key scenes. What sets him apart is not just the music but the sense of artistic freedom he embodied, something that continues to resonate with today’s audiences seeking authenticity and creativity.
10. Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s music remains woven into everyday culture, resurfacing in celebrations, commercials, and streaming playlists. His song “Happy Birthday,” originally written to campaign for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, has become an unofficial anthem for birthday tributes online. Meanwhile, classics like “Superstition” and “Sir Duke” regularly appear in films, ads, and social media clips, keeping their funky joy and timeless grooves alive. Younger listeners often discover his catalog through syncs in popular shows or viral videos, only to dive deeper into albums like Songs in the Key of Life. Stevie’s blend of soul, optimism, and genius musicianship ensures that his music continues to feel fresh, inspiring new generations while remaining a staple for older fans.
11. The Eagles
The Eagles continue to draw massive crowds with their farewell stadium tours, reminding audiences of their unmatched harmonies and easygoing rock sound. Songs like “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy” remain ever-present on classic rock radio, in television soundtracks, and even in advertising campaigns. Their catalog has become a bridge between generations, with streaming platforms keeping their laid-back California vibe in steady rotation. Younger fans often encounter The Eagles through cultural touchpoints, while longtime listeners continue to fill arenas to hear them live. The band’s ability to turn personal storytelling into universally relatable songs has kept their legacy strong, making their music a lasting part of both road trips and pop culture moments.
12. Bee Gees
The Bee Gees have long been synonymous with disco, but their legacy has expanded far beyond that era thanks to fresh reappraisals. A recent HBO documentary reframed their story, highlighting their songwriting brilliance across genres, from ballads to dance-floor anthems. On social media, songs like “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever” resurface regularly in TikTok challenges, often tied to dance trends or humorous skits. Their falsetto-driven hits also remain staples in clubs and playlists worldwide, bridging generations of listeners. The Bee Gees are no longer viewed only through the lens of ’70s disco kitsch, they are celebrated as masterful artists who knew how to capture emotion and energy in ways that still move audiences today.
13. Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd’s music continues to be rediscovered as a soundtrack for both introspection and cinematic moments. TV shows like Euphoria and various documentaries often turn to their classics such as “Wish You Were Here” or “Time” for emotional impact, sparking new waves of interest on streaming services. Their sprawling, concept-driven albums like The Dark Side of the Moon remain touchstones for anyone curious about ambitious, thought-provoking rock. Younger generations often encounter Floyd through film, gaming, or curated playlists that highlight their atmospheric soundscapes. The band’s ability to balance grand themes with haunting melodies ensures they remain a cultural reference point, proving that their music is not just a relic of the ’70s but a timeless exploration of the human experience.
14. Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” has achieved permanent cultural status, appearing in movies, commercials, sports arenas, and TikTok memes. It’s a song that instantly evokes a sense of Americana and serves as an entry point for many into classic rock. Beyond that, their Southern rock anthems like “Free Bird” continue to inspire guitarists and feature in gaming soundtracks and live performance clips. Despite lineup changes over the years, the band’s identity has endured, keeping their music alive through tours and streaming platforms. Skynyrd’s blend of rock, blues, and country still resonates with listeners, and their most iconic songs have moved beyond just music, they’ve become cultural shorthand, instantly recognizable and endlessly quoted across generations.
15. The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers have ridden the wave of the yacht-rock revival, which has swept through streaming playlists, SiriusXM stations, and even cover-band circuits. Songs like “What a Fool Believes” and “Listen to the Music” have become smooth staples for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who often discover them through curated Spotify lists or retro-inspired parties. Their sound, mixing rock with a soulful groove, perfectly fits today’s love of laid-back, nostalgic vibes. The band’s ongoing tours also keep their music in front of live audiences, reminding fans that they are more than just a radio memory. With social media giving new life to mellow ’70s tracks, the Doobie Brothers’ catalog has found a fresh audience that values both their craftsmanship and their easygoing style.
16. Boston
Boston’s soaring sound continues to inspire energy in everything from sports montages to commercials and video games. Their anthem “More Than a Feeling” is a prime example, resurfacing repeatedly across pop culture platforms and even as a staple in Guitar Hero, which introduced the band to younger gamers. Other tracks like “Peace of Mind” and “Don’t Look Back” remain classic rock standards that thrive on radio and streaming services. The band’s polished blend of rock power and melodic hooks has made their music both instantly recognizable and timeless. Boston may not tour at the level of some peers, but their recordings remain essential listening, and their signature sound ensures they keep turning up wherever an uplifting chorus is needed.
17. Donna Summer
Donna Summer, the “Queen of Disco,” continues to shape modern music decades after her breakthrough. Her pioneering track “I Feel Love” has become a cornerstone for electronic and dance music, resurfacing in Stranger Things, DJ sets, and EDM history lessons. Other hits like “Hot Stuff” and “Last Dance” regularly reappear in films, commercials, and playlists, showing how her voice and style defined an era while also influencing future generations of artists. TikTok and dance culture have embraced her catalog as well, with remixes and mashups keeping her sound alive on social platforms. Summer’s combination of glamour, innovation, and powerhouse vocals ensures her music isn’t just a relic of disco but a continuing source of inspiration in today’s pop and electronic scenes. While she is gone, her music continues to live on.
18. Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen continues to embody the spirit of classic rock while staying firmly in the present. His relentless arena tours keep selling out worldwide, giving fans old and new a chance to experience his legendary energy on stage. Beyond that, the upcoming film Deliver Me From Nowhere, which explores the making of his stark 1982 album Nebraska, has placed him back in cultural focus. Songs like “Born to Run” and “Dancing in the Dark” remain universal touchstones, while his more stripped-down catalog is gaining fresh appreciation. On streaming platforms and social media, clips of Springsteen’s concerts and lyrics trend regularly, reminding everyone that “The Boss” is not just a figure of the past but an artist who continues to shape how rock connects with everyday stories.
19. Boney M.
Boney M. may have started as a European disco-pop group in the ’70s, but their music has found surprising second lives in the digital age. The song “Rasputin” became a massive TikTok dance sensation, leading to a new streaming surge decades after its original release. Other hits like “Daddy Cool” and “Ma Baker” remain staples at parties, weddings, and retro playlists, ensuring the group’s infectious energy is never far away. Their vibrant rhythms and colorful style resonate well with younger audiences who discover their catalog through memes, challenges, and international dance trends. Boney M. proves that even songs with quirky origins can find timeless appeal when paired with global pop culture moments.
20. Carole King
Carole King’s influence as both a performer and songwriter continues to ripple across generations. Her landmark album Tapestry remains one of the most streamed ’70s records, with classics like “It’s Too Late” and “You’ve Got a Friend” appearing in films, TV shows, and commercials. The Broadway hit Beautiful: The Carole King Musical reintroduced her life story and music to new audiences, creating another wave of appreciation. King’s songs, whether performed by her or other artists, are often rediscovered on streaming services and playlists that celebrate timeless songwriting. Her blend of heartfelt lyrics and unforgettable melodies continues to make her catalog resonate, turning her work into a touchstone for anyone seeking music that feels both intimate and universal.
21. Kansas
Kansas achieved multigenerational fame thanks to “Carry On Wayward Son,” which became the unofficial anthem of the long-running TV series Supernatural. The show’s massive fanbase helped introduce the track to younger audiences, driving streaming spikes year after year. Beyond that, songs like “Dust in the Wind” remain iconic for their blend of philosophical lyrics and soaring melodies. Kansas continues to tour, keeping their music alive on stage while digital platforms spread their hits far beyond their original rock audience. The band’s ability to balance progressive rock with mainstream appeal ensures their place in cultural memory, making their tracks staples for everything from dramatic TV moments to classic rock playlists.
22. Dead & Company / Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead’s sprawling legacy thrives through both nostalgia tours and the jam-band community, where Dead & Company (featuring original members and John Mayer) draw huge stadium crowds. Their concerts are more than shows, they’re cultural events where younger fans discover the music alongside longtime Deadheads. The band’s endless archive of live recordings also fuels streaming platforms, podcasts, and social media communities. Songs like “Truckin’” and “Ripple” still resonate as symbols of free-spirited exploration, while tie-dye imagery and counterculture references keep the group visually present in fashion and memes. The Dead’s combination of improvisation, community, and mythology continues to inspire new audiences well beyond the ’70s.
23. Talking Heads
Talking Heads have experienced a resurgence thanks to the 2023 4K re-release of their legendary concert film Stop Making Sense. The restoration sparked a new wave of interest in their late-’70s and early-’80s catalog, with songs like “Psycho Killer” and “Once in a Lifetime” finding new fans through streaming and social media clips. Their quirky, art-rock style feels tailor-made for today’s culture, where individuality and eccentricity are celebrated. Talking Heads’ influence also extends across modern music, as artists cite their creativity and willingness to experiment as inspiration. The re-release reminded audiences not just of their hits but of the energy and inventiveness that made them one of the most forward-thinking bands of their era.
24. The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones continue to prove their stamina as one of the most enduring rock acts of all time. Their 2023 album Hackney Diamonds debuted to strong reviews, and their 2024–2025 stadium tour has been packing arenas worldwide. Classics like “Paint It Black,” “Start Me Up,” and “Gimme Shelter” remain cultural staples, regularly showing up in films, commercials, and viral clips. On TikTok, their riffs and Mick Jagger’s iconic moves are rediscovered by new generations, proving the Stones can still compete with today’s biggest stars. Their ability to keep creating new music while celebrating their ’70s catalog makes them a rare band that spans decades of relevance without losing momentum.
25. Protest Standards
The protest songs of artists like Joan Baez, Judy Collins, and other ’60s and ’70s voices resurface whenever social movements rise to the forefront. Tracks like “We Shall Overcome” and “Both Sides Now” continue to appear in documentaries, rallies, and viral social media clips that connect past struggles to present ones. Their music provides both historical grounding and emotional resonance, reminding listeners of the power of art in activism. Each new wave of demonstrations, from climate marches to civil rights protests, brings these songs back into public playlists, giving them new life with younger generations. The enduring relevance of these standards shows how music can remain a rallying force across time.
This story 25 ’70s Legends Still Owning TikTok, Tours, TV, Movies, and Even Virtual Stages was first published on Daily FETCH
