Ah, the ‘70s. A time of bell bottoms, disco balls, and a rock ‘n’ roll scene that was as wild as it was legendary. If you’ve ever wondered what really went on behind the scenes of those iconic tours, you’re not alone. Many of your favorite bands from that era were riding a totally different wave—one that often involved a little green herb. So grab your favorite mug of joe or a funky tea blend, and let’s chat about three rock bands that were, let’s say, enjoying some extracurricular activities throughout their tours.
1. The Rolling Stones: Masters of the High Life
The Rolling Stones are rock royalty, and their tours are the stuff of legend. But behind the glam and the glitter, there was a constant haze of smoke. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were notorious for their love of, well, let’s call it “enhancing substances.”
Reports from various tours, especially the infamous “Stones on the Road” tours, suggest that the band often indulged in a little something to help them get through the long nights and wild crowds. Picture this: you’re in a swanky hotel room in 1972, and instead of a quiet night in, it’s a full-blown jam session with the smell of incense (and other things) wafting through the air. It’s no wonder they managed to crank out some of their best work during this time—all while staying completely blissed out.
And let’s not forget about that time in 1976 when they played a show in New York. Reports say that Jagger was so high he forgot a few lyrics. But hey, who’s judging? It’s hard to focus on the words when you’re busy being the rock star of a generation.
2. Grateful Dead: The Kings of Chill Vibes
If there’s one band synonymous with the ‘70s counterculture, it’s the Grateful Dead. Known for their extended jams and epic live shows, these guys didn’t just play music—they created experiences. And let’s be real, those experiences were often enhanced by some seriously good vibes, courtesy of a little something green.
It’s almost part of their brand at this point. The Deadheads, their devoted fan base, practically wore their love for all things psychedelic on their sleeves. The band even embraced it, famously saying, “If you remember the ‘60s, you weren’t there.” And hey, they kept that philosophy going strong into the ‘70s. Their tours were like a traveling festival of peace, love, and a haze of smoke that would make any concert-goer feel right at home.
There are countless stories of backstage adventures where members would unwind after a show with some good old-fashioned weed. Jerry Garcia once quipped that he felt “more comfortable playing after a little something.” And can you blame him? The more relaxed you are, the better you can channel that cosmic energy into your music!
3. Led Zeppelin: The Rock Giants with a Side of High
Ah, Led Zeppelin. The band that practically defined hard rock and, let’s be honest, the rock star lifestyle. Known for their epic riffs and outrageous behavior, they were also infamous for their indulgences. Rumor has it that during their tours, the band was rarely without a stash of whatever they could get their hands on, including some of the finest marijuana around.
In fact, it’s said that they often had a “tour manager” whose sole job was to make sure the band was well-stocked with their preferred substances. Imagine that job description: “Must love music, be a night owl, and have a keen sense for procuring the finest greenery.”
One of the more amusing anecdotes comes from their 1973 tour in the U.S., where they played a massive show in New York. Legend has it that Robert Plant got so high during the performance that he forgot the lyrics to “Whole Lotta Love.” But the crowd? They were loving every minute of it, completely caught up in the surreal atmosphere. Sometimes, it’s not about perfection; it’s about the experience, right?
The Legacy of High Rock
So, what’s the takeaway from all this? The ‘70s rock scene was not just about the music; it was about the culture, the freedom, and yes, the high times that went along with it. These bands pushed boundaries both musically and personally, creating a legacy that still influences artists today.
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