I mostly lived in rural areas during the late 70's, early 80's...never even heard punk until it was already over. If you were listening to mainstream American rock radio during that time you primarily heard bands like Foreigner, Styx, Journey, Heart, Boston, Queen, E.L.O., Ted Nugent, Aerosmith, Kiss, Van Halen, etc.
The UK stuff from the same era that made an impact on me were the NWOBHM bands. Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Motorhead, Venom, Witchfinder General, Tygers Of Pan Tang. Basically all the stuff that inspired the underground thrash movement that exploded in the U.S. in 1983.
The post-punk college radio stuff from the 80's left me fairly cold at the time, as did the new wave thing. It seemed to have very little relevant connection to the people I hung around with.