The year 1976 was a defining one for Detroit music, and in 2026, several Motor City classics officially turn 50. These songs didn’t just chart nationally. They were forged, tested, and embraced right here in Detroit. The Detroit rock songs turning 50 in 2026 are among the most iconic songs, not just for Detroit but also nationally.
Detroit Rock Songs Turning 50
Alice Cooper – “Go to Hell”
For Alice Cooper, “Go to Hell” arrived at a time when his theatrical rock persona was already well established locally. As a Detroit native, Cooper had plenty of ties to venues like Cobo Arena and the Michigan Palace. His elaborate stage shows drew massive crowds. Detroit radio quickly embraced his darker edge, helping to cement “Go to Hell” as a staple alongside his earlier shock-rock anthems. The rhythmic, anthemic feel of “Go to Hell” sets this song apart in Alice’s catalogue.
…