Which significant rock and metal albums are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2026?

We have some genuine classics that are reaching the big 5-O this year. It was the mid-1970s, and while disco was enjoying its time in the spotlight, rock and metal were not quite ready to relinquish their dominance. Rod Stewart had the No. 1 song, the Eagles released one of the best-selling albums of all time, and a band from Boston, which was far from an overnight success, was emerging as the hottest new rock band in the world.

Both KISS and AC/DC released two albums in a single calendar year, although one of AC/DC’s albums didn’t arrive in the U.S. until five years later. Aerosmith launched one of the most revered albums of the ’70s, and Blue Oyster Cult got us hooked on more cowbell with their standout LP from 1976.

READ MORE: The Most Anticipated Rock + Metal Albums of 2026

It was a year that introduced us to the debut of Family Feud, a hero to root for in Rocky, a family to stay home for on Happy Days, and a mop-topped group of punks named the Ramones who kicked off a punk revolution.

Wow! 50 years is a long time, but many of these albums remain timeless. Check out the list below and share your favorite rock and metal albums from 1976.

Now take a look at the rock and metal classics turning 40 in 2026!