A Nostalgic Walk Through 1970's UK Pop Culture (2024)

Hey there, LinkedIn! We’re continuing our series of 50 years of PCS, with a “groovy” trip down memory lane and into the vibrant and eclectic UK culture of the 1970's (because who said this series must be solely based around tech).

When PCS as a company was in its infancy, the world around us was full of unique style, revolutionary music, and an era that left an indelible mark on British society. So, grab your flares and put on your favourite vinyl record as we embark on this retro ride!

Music and Fashion:

The 1970s was an era of musical brilliance, with iconic bands and artists taking centre stage. From the electric energy of punk rock to the sound of disco, this decade had it all. Who can forget the rise of legendary bands like The Rolling Stones, The Buzzco*cks, The Ramones, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin. And let's not overlook the glam rock revolution led by David Bowie and Queen, who dazzled us with their flamboyant personas and timeless melodies.

The 70’s gave us more than just rock and roll... it also gave us musical legends like Abba, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and The Commodores, who brought catchy and soulful melodies that are still appreciated today. Music became a defining aspect of British culture, transcending borders, and uniting people from all walks of life.

Fashion was as bold and daring as the music, defining an era that pushed boundaries and embraced individuality. Bell-bottoms and platform shoes were all the rage, making every step a fashion statement! And let's not forget the psychedelic prints and paisley patterns that adorned everything from clothing to wallpaper. The fashion of the '70s celebrated self-expression, embodying the spirit of rebellion and liberation.

Cars of the 1970’s:

On the automotive front, the Ford Cortina MK III reigned as the most popular car in the UK during this time, holding its top spot for nine years. However, this era saw a big problem with inflation, and it had a noticeable impact on car prices too. Back then, a basic Ford Cortina 1300 would set you back £914. But as the decade rolled on, things changed, and by the end of the '70s, the cheapest model in the Cortina range, the 1300L, had seen a substantial price hike. It now cost a whopping £1,979, more than double the price of the car from the beginning of the era.

Let's not forget about the cool hatchback cars that started making waves in the 1970s! They were a perfect mix of compact size and practicality, hitting that sweet spot for many drivers. The Volkswagen Golf, Mini cooper and Renault 5 were some of the trailblazers in this body style, paving the way for the hatchback revolution. And guess what? They became a huge hit back then and are still rocking the roads today. I mean the Renault 5's are probably track cars and restoration projects, but talk about leaving a lasting impression!

Sports and TV:

Sports also played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape. The '70s saw some memorable moments in football, with the legendary World Cup victory for England in 1966 still echoing through the decade. Even if they did fail to reach the world cup finals in 74 and 78. Additionally, cricket and rugby maintained their popularity, becoming integral parts of the British sporting identity. Formula One saw the infamous fight for the world championship between Niki Lauda and James Hunt, so great they later created a film based around the spectacular rivalry (which is a brilliant watch if you haven't seen it already.)

Television also played a pivotal role in shaping UK culture during this period. Iconic shows like "Monty Python's Flying Circus" tickled our funny bones with their absurd humour, while "Doctor Who" took us on thrilling adventures through time and space. Family favourites like "Fawlty Towers" and "Dad's Army" brought laughter to living rooms across the nation, creating timeless classics that are still adored today.

Cinematic Experiences:

Oh, the 1970s were an epic time for cinema! It was a decade filled with incredible films that left a lasting impact on pop culture. Picture yourself sitting in those dimly lit theatres, feeling the excitement and anticipation as moviegoers experienced the heart-pounding terror of "Alien" and "Jaws." Those films redefined the sci fi and suspense genres, giving us iconic moments that still give us goosebumps today. And how could we forget about the gripping intensity of "The Amityville Horror"? It sent shockwaves through audiences with its terrifying, 'alleged' real-life haunting storyline.

But the '70s weren't all about horror; it was also a decade of uplifting and inspiring stories. "Rocky" warmed our hearts and inspired us to chase our dreams, proving that underdogs could rise to the occasion and become champions. And then, of course, there's "Star Wars," the ultimate space saga that revolutionised filmmaking and created a worldwide obsession with its unforgettable characters, dazzling special effects, and captivating storyline. Such a golden era that gifted us with an incredible array of movies that continue to shape the way we view and appreciate cinema today.

The Start of a Rebellion:

Of course, we can't talk about the '70s without mentioning the infamous UK punk movement. Rebellion was in the air, and bands like the Sex Pistols and The Clash became the voice of a disenchanted generation. Punk was more than just music; it was a cultural revolution that challenged the establishment and gave voice to societal frustrations. The punk ethos of DIY and anti-establishment sentiments left an enduring impact on British culture.

This era was also a time of change and progress. The women's liberation movement gained momentum, with influential figures like Germaine Greer and Betty Friedan inspiring change and fighting for equality. Society was evolving, and the notion of gender roles was being redefined.

Prices in 1970’s:

It wasn’t just a decade filled with iconic music and bold fashion. It's truly fascinating to see how everyday items were remarkably inexpensive compared to today. A loaf of bread would only cost you 9-15 pence, and a pint of milk was around 6-10 pence.

If you wanted a dozen eggs, you'd be looking at 25-40 pence instead of todays’ price of roughly £3 or £4. And watching a movie at the cinema? Well, that would set you back about 30-70 pence in this era, depending on where you went and what flick you watched. In comparison to 2023, it’s truly mind-blowing… should you want to take part in #Barbenheimer, you’re looking at almost £30 for two people to watch both films! Oh, how times have changed.

Housing cost back in the early 70s were mind-blowing, the average house price was about £3,980 in May 1970, but by the end of the decade, it shot up to £18,542! It was during those years that the gap between what people earned and what homes cost just kept getting wider, making it harder for folks to afford their dream houses. We're still struggling with similar inflation to this day, with many millennials and Gen Z’s unable to step onto the property ladder.

The '70s wasn't without its challenges, but it was undoubtedly a decade of cultural richness and creative energy. The music, fashion, television, sports, cinema, and societal changes all contributed to making it an unforgettable era.

As we celebrate the legacy of 1970's UK culture and the rise of PCS, let's also remember the lessons this decade taught us: to embrace our individuality, stand up for what we believe in, and let our creativity shine.

So, here's to the swinging '70s, a decade that will forever remain etched in the hearts and minds who lived through it! 🥂 What was your favourite part of this era? 🕺💃 Comment below!