The ’80s hair metal movement was defined by more than just tight jeans and excessive hairspray – its iconic bands made waves with powerful music and outlandish, high-concept promo videos.
Motley Crue
Motley Crue is a master of the genre. From leather-clad New York Doll wannabes (Too Fast to Fall in Love) and Satan worshipers (Shout at the Devil), Motley Crue effortlessly transitioned between these roles with style. And who could forget Theatre of Pain’s iconic teased-back hairdos and painted faces?
Aerosmith
Aerosmith set the bar high for heavy metal for two decades with their smooth yet raunchy blues-based hard rock sound, setting an example for Led Zeppelin’s world music pretensions and Black Sabbath’s dour mysticism before transitioning into their signature lean yet dirty riff-oriented hard rock that rocked and rolled. Steven Tyler found his essential rock-star deviance, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford were engaging, and longtime producer Jack Douglas captured them at their peak confidence – all this laid the groundwork for one of their most notable eras in the ’80s. This song by an American rock band has become one of its signature tracks, featuring lyrics about falling for an inappropriate woman and its results.
KISS
KISS rose to fame during the mid-to-late 1970s thanks to their eye-catching costumes and makeup, becoming one of the most beloved live bands with performances that included spilling blood, breathing fire, shooting rockets, and levitating drum kits. Each member – Paul Stanley as Starchild, Gene Simmons as The Demon, Ace Frehley as Spaceman or Catman, and Peter Criss as Drummer – had their distinctive personae that were well known by fans. Paul Stanley became known as Starchild, Gene Simmons as The Demon, and Peter Criss as Drummer. KISS is currently touring as part of their End of the Road Farewell tour, and you can view their schedule above to find available KISS tickets near you!
Hanoi Rocks
Hanoi Rocks was an influential Finnish band formed in 1979 that is often recognized as one of the pioneers of hair metal. Influencing bands such as Guns N’ Roses, Skid Row, and Poison, along with helping bring back the 70s-style glam rock aesthetic. The band enjoyed their greatest success during the early 1980s with their albums Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, and Hanoi Rocks. Unfortunately 1985, Nicholas “Razzle” Dingley died tragically in a car accident, which led to their dissolution. Original members Michael Monroe and guitarist Andy McCoy reunited the band in 2002, recording Another Hostile Takeover before touring internationally and disbanding again in 2009.
Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot has been making music since the ’70s. This legendary Los Angeles band has long been recognized for pioneering Heavy Metal in American audiences. Metal Health was awarded six-times Platinum certification, featuring hit singles such as Bang Your Head and Cum on Feel the Noize. Furthermore, this album marked Randy Rhoads’ debut with Ozzy Osbourne later that same year. Quiet Riot may have taken some breaks since its formation. Still, its members Kevin DuBrow, Rudy Sarzo, Frankie Banali, and Paul Shortino continue to perform to large crowds at music venues nationwide. Find them soon at an upcoming Quiet Riot concert near you!
Motley Crue
Motley Crue emerged in 1981 with Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, and Mick Mars performing together in Los Angeles club venues before recruiting singer Vince Neil from Rock Candy as their fourth member. Motley Crue rose to fame during their drug-fuelled heyday by producing hit albums like Theatre of Pain and Dr. Feelgood, featuring hits such as Kickstart My Heart and Without You that dominated charts worldwide. Their glamorous image, hard-partying reputation, and ability to blend pop hooks with heavy metal theatrics quickly established them as household names by the end of the 1980s.
Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi was an iconic New Jersey band in the 1980s, crafting catchy rock anthems and captivating arena audiences with hooks still played today. Their blue-collar sensibilities stemmed from working-class New Jersey roots while remaining loyal to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Jon Bongiovi began as a janitor at his cousin’s New York recording studio, The Power Station, recording demos after hours with musicians as backup. His debut song Runaway attracted the attention of local radio stations and thus launched Bon Jovi. Since Richie Sambora left Bon Jovi in 2013, drummer Tico Torres, bassist Alec John Such, touring guitarist Phil X, and Alec John Such have remained as members. All four appeared tight together at the Xcel Energy Center on Sunday night.
