1970 was absolutely incredible for rock music. While Black Sabbath dropped “Paranoid,” Led Zeppelin released “III”, and Deep Purple unleashed “In Rock,” something equally special was brewing right here in South Africa. Six classic albums hit the scene, laying the groundwork for what would become our own rock legacy.
The World Goes Rock Mad
On the international front, the year was overflowing with landmark releases. Black Sabbath actually released TWO classic albums that year – their groundbreaking self-titled debut in February (on Friday the 13th!), then followed it up with “Paranoid” in September! Remember those days when bands would release two classic albums in one year?
“Paranoid” landed with that killer title track hitting No. 4 in the UK, plus “War Pigs” and “Iron Man.” “Led Zeppelin III” brought us “Immigrant Song” in October, while Deep Purple’s “In Rock” delivered “Speed King” and “Child In Time” in June – though their massive hit single “Black Night” came out around the same time and showed just how on fire they were. Interestingly, South African band Omega Limited covered “Black Night” on the B-side of their single “Grieg 1” in November 1970, proving local artists were right there with the international trends.
Then you had The Beatles‘ final hurrah with “Let It Be,” The Who’s explosive “Live At Leeds,” and Free’s breakthrough “Fire And Water” with “All Right Now.” Not to mention Derek & The Dominos’ “Layla” and Emerson, Lake & Palmer‘s debut album – seriously, what a year! And right in the middle of all this international chaos, South African rock was writing its own story.
Our Six Classics
Suck – “Time to Suck“ kicked things off with their no-nonsense approach. The name says it all really – these guys weren’t messing around. Raw, uncompromising rock that helped establish what SA rock could sound like.
Standout track: The Whip (the only original composition on this album of covers)
Freedoms Children – “Astra“ took everyone on a proper psychedelic trip. This wasn’t just following the international psych trend – it was uniquely ours, blending those cosmic sounds with something distinctly South African.
Standout track: Medals of Bravery
Otis Waygood Blues Band – “Otis Waygood Blues Band” proved the blues could work brilliantly in our context. Their self-titled debut, released in May, was pure emotion and authenticity, showing that this American genre had found a genuine home here.
Standout track: Fever (cover of the Little Willie John song, made famous by Peggy Lee)
McCully Workshop – “McCully Workshop Inc.” This debut album brought the technical chops with its August release. These guys were serious musicians crafting sophisticated rock that could stand up to anything happening overseas.
Standout track: Why Can’t It Rain
Abstract Truth – “Silver Trees“ offered something more contemplative. Even the title feels South African – you can almost picture those silver trees against our landscape.
Standout track: Blue Wednesday Speaks
The Third Eye – “Brother“. The third album from The Third Eye was released in October, wrapping things up with that communal, conscious vibe that defined so much early 70s rock. It was about connection, about shared experience.
Standout track: Fire (cover of the Arthur Brown hit)
Why It Matters
What’s wild is how all six albums dropped in the same year. It wasn’t just coincidence – there was real creative energy flowing through South African rock circles in 1970. While the world was establishing heavy metal, prog rock, and blues rock, we were quietly developing our own voice in the conversation.
These albums might not get the same recognition as “Paranoid” or “Led Zeppelin III,” but they deserve to. They captured a moment when South African rock stepped up and said “we belong here too”. Each one brought something different – Suck’s power, Freedoms Children’s exploration, Otis Waygood’s blues authenticity, McCully Workshop’s sophistication.
Fifty-five years on, these albums are fondly remembered by the fans who were there when it all kicked off. They’re reminders that great rock was happening everywhere in 1970, including right here at home. Not bad for a year’s work, hey?
And yes, Rodriguez’s “Cold Fact” was also released in 1970 – but that’s another story entirely, and deserves its own post.