History class gave us wars, treaties, and presidential speeches but it skipped a lot of the weird, wild, and wonderfully human stuff.
The year 1978 was packed with unforgettable moments that didn’t make the textbooks but definitely made an impression on anyone who lived through them. It was a year full of changes, disco-fueled nights, punk rock riots and video game obsessions, this was the real heartbeat of the late 70s.
These photos capture the forgotten events that helped shape the year in ways your history teacher never mentioned. So put away the textbooks and take a look at this rare ride.
1
Farrah fever
Her iconic poster was on every wall and everyone wanted to have her hair.
2
Punk revolution
L.A.'s punk scene got loud in 1978 and Slash zine was its unique voice.
3
Disco Demolition was brewing
Early backlash to disco shows up at radio stations and record stores.
4
Sci-fi history in the making
Sigourney Weaver testing the flamethrower for Alien.
5
Ozzy Osbourne with his kids
A softer side of the Prince of Darkness they don't teach at school.
6
Roller disco craze
Skaters across the U.S. hit the rinks in their iconic looks.
7
Grease premiere madness
Fans lined up in wild looks to see John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
8
Van Halen blasts off
The year their debut album hit and changed rock forever.
9
Muppet mania
The Muppet Show ruled TV and every toy aisle.
10
Fashion ads for men's rompers
Yes, one-piece leisurewear for men was cool!
11
Dawn of the Dead release
The cast takes a breather from fighting zombies in this cult horror classic.
12
Space Invaders release
Arcade machines started popping up and changing video games forever.
13
Superman BTS
Christopher Reeve and Valerie Perrine before Reeve became the man for a generation.
14
Debut of "Dallas"
Soap opera fans got their first look at this family drama.
15
The "son of sam" trial
David Berkowitz, who kept NYC scared, during an interview.
16
Apple's first computer
All tech nerds lined up.
17
Studio 54 in full swing
Celebs and regulars packed the dance floor in NYC.
18
The Rolling Stones were touring
And the fans showed up ready to party every time.
19
Jim Jones in San Francisco
Before Jonestown, he was influencing politics in California.
20
Subway graffiti in NYC
Trains became moving murals.
21
The Bee Gees dominate the charts
Barry and Robin Gibb in disco fashion.