Princeton hosted some unforgettable musicians in the ’50s and ’60s, but for Daily Princetonian photographers, the ’70s were the golden age of rock images. The slide show below captures several memorable acts who passed through town in the '70s, as seen by Prince photographers, and a couple later visitors as well. All photos are courtesy of The Daily Princetonian Larry DuPraz Digital Archives.
Grateful Dead, 1971: Legend has it that Jerry Garcia (pictured with Papa John Creach in 1970) vowed never to return to Princeton after being hassled for having a joint on stage. (Photo: Chris Ross '74)
Courtesy of The Daily Princetonian Larry DuPraz Digital Archives
Cat Stevens, 1974: The "Peace Train" star played Jadwin Gym's first concert. (Photo: Bill Casp '76)
Courtesy of The Daily Princetonian Larry DuPraz Digital Archives
The Beach Boys, 1974: As students stomped in rhythm, the floor vibrated at Jadwin, prompting a review of whether the building should be allowed to host concerts. (Photo: Andrew C. Lay '78)
Courtesy of The Daily Princetonian Larry DuPraz Digital Archives
Jackson Browne, 1975: Browne earned a positive review in The Daily Princetonian for his Dillon Gym show. (Photo: Bill Allen '79)
Courtesy of The Daily Princetonian Larry DuPraz Digital Archives
Average White Band, 1977: The Scottish funk and R-and-B act played for a "jubilant mass of dancing bodies," according to one Prince reviewer. (Photo: Hugh S. Miller '79)
Courtesy of The Daily Princetonian Larry DuPraz Digital Archives
Talking Heads, 1978: The Talking Heads "may have the stage moves of dead rats," wrote reviewer Robert Goldberg '79, "but their music is very much alive." (Photo: Robert M. Saunders '81)
Courtesy of The Daily Princetonian Larry DuPraz Digital Archives
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, 1978: Fans of New Jersey's best-known rocker enjoyed a legendary three-hour set at Jadwin -- and damaged the basketball court and indoor track. (Photo: Lee C. Ackerley '83)
Courtesy of The Daily Princetonian Larry DuPraz Digital Archives
The Ramones, 1979: Surrounded by brownstone and stained glass at Alexander Hall, the punk band performed a set that Prince reviewers found to be underwhelming at best. (Photo: Andres Viglucci-Munoz '81)
Courtesy of The Daily Princetonian Larry DuPraz Digital Archives
Chaka Khan, 1985: Khan wore leopard spots to perform for an audience of Tigers. By the mid-'80s, campus concerts were dwindling as top acts began to prefer larger arenas. (Photo: Larry Wolfen '87)
Courtesy of The Daily Princetonian Larry DuPraz Digital Archives
The Kinks, 1990: The veteran English rockers headlined the P-Party, an annual celebration that featured live music in the '80s and early '90s. (Photo: Brett Borowski '92)
Courtesy of The Daily Princetonian Larry DuPraz Digital Archives