Well musically for me there was a very different scene going on.
The best rock bands played L.A. between 77 -81. No one had to listen to Dave Mason. Led Zeppelin played the Forum , EVH was about to release their debut.
Judas Priest in fact Judas Priest opened for Led Zeppelin in San Fransico.
It was all metal all the time.
Sabbath was about to unload Ozzy.