Dave's Side One

What was the greatest guitar solo of the 1970s? This is the kind of question that can start a three-hour conversation in any record store, and I've spent plenty of Sundays pondering it myself

Kansas was never a guitar-hero band in the flashy 70s sense. They were a collective—six musicians making ambitious, classically influenced progressive rock with American heart. But without Kerry Livgren and Rich Williams, that sound wouldn't have existed

Davey wasn't just a sideman—he was a co-arranger and co-writer. His parts were always melodic, tasteful, and perfectly supportive—never stealing the spotlight from Elton or the songs

Alex Lifeson of Rush—one of the most versatile, inventive, and criminally underrated guitarists of the 1970s and beyond

Buck is one of the most melodic, tasteful, and technically gifted players of the 70s who somehow never got the massive solo-star treatment he deserved

Tommy Bolin was one of the most versatile players of the 70s

Ronnie never got huge like Eddie Van Halen or Jimmy Page. He was about tone, feel, and serving the song

"Dream Weaver" was the ultimate Sunday unwind. After a week of school, basement hangs with loud Styx or Kiss records, I'd put this on, close my eyes, and let it wash over me

Kiss in the 70s was mostly style with substance. The image was the substance—they created an experience, a larger-than-life rock fantasy that made kids feel like they were part of a secret club

Kiss in 1976 was peak spectacle—style, theatrics, and just enough rock to back it up. That night proved the Terrace could handle a big show without losing its gritty, up-close feel