1970s

Years before 'American Idol' or 'America's Got Talent,' Evanescence singer Amy Lee's father won the top prize on a late '70s talent competition series.

Today, these are iconic '70s protest songs we can't imagine life without. At the time, they stirred some controversy though.

The year was 1976 and these songs kept up rocking through the bicentennial year.

It's the '80s and '90s that's left with Metallica and Pantera going head to head in the March Madness championship.

Do you recall where you were when these big rock and metal events were happening?

Vote now in the third round of Loudwire's March Madness: Decades of Destruction tournament

Now, 16 rock and metal bands remain as Round 2 of Loudwire's March Madness: Decades of Destruction tournament is here. Vote now!

Vote in the first round of Loudwire's March Madness: Decades of Destruction bracket tournament.

We picked 10 classic metal from the 1970s that absolutely need to be part of your record collection.

See Loudwire's picks for the best metal song of each year since 1970, alongside the runner-up choices!