Classic rock is a term used loosely to describe albums released in the early to late 70's by artists that have become legendary and therefore "classics." Most of these artists were highly original and became influential on many bands in subsequent generations to come. No matter what era you were born in, almost any band you listen to has been influenced by artists and bands from the 1970s. Moreover, even if you are only in your teens and you think your favorite band is "totally original," chances are they were influenced by a musician or group from that era, even if they don't consciously know it.
Lesser known bands such as Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, Grand Funk Railroad, Scorpions (who became quite huge in the 80's), and Thin Lizzy are worthy of mentions but would not necessarily be known as legends, where as other acts such as Queen became absolutely huge and remain so to this day.
Rockers such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix, Free, Allman Brothers, Queen, Black Sabbath, Cream, David Bowie, Status Quo are all examples of acts who made their start in the 60's but found their sound and style in the 70's, and therefore gave rise to many other bands who then added their own flavor to these styles.
WISHBONE ASH: Guitarists: Andy Powell & Ted Turner. Choice albums: Argus and There's The Rub. Excellent melody and twin harmony lead breaks, copied by many acts since! Very complex arrangements.
UFO: Guitarist: Michael Schenker. Choice Albums: Phenomenon and Force It. Songs: Rock Bottom One of the most exciting and dynamic solos ever recorded, he was about 18 at the time!
This decade produced excellent music and it is not just the big name bands. Learn more about all the bands and expand your music tastes. You'll thank me when you did and you will be rocking out all night.