Top 10 80S Hair Bands
- Posted on 21 January, 2015
- Bangs
- By Anonymous
They'Re all about epic guitar, solos and hairspray forever welcome to watchmojo.com, and today we're counting down our picks for the top ten 80s hair bands. For this list. We are only considering big hair all right to be a little more specific, while the line between glam metal and hair metal sometimes blurs we're focusing on the axe that became synonymous with 1980s hair metal. This means we're excluding artists like Alice Cooper. Yes, who had their own personas and costumes as well as those that were too theatrical and were more associated with 1970s era, glam metal number ten euro. Our countdown begins with a group of Swedish rockers who slayed the stage with the final countdown Europe initially formed during the late 70s as force and gained popularity throughout Sweden when lead singer. Joey Tempest and guitarist John Norum. Both won national performance contests. After releasing two successful records, Europe caught the attention of Epic Records and recorded their breakthrough, album with journey producer, Kevin Elson, and so the world was introduced to a magnificent combo of stone, washed jeans, black leather jackets and perfectly groomed hair Swedish stud number nine Twisted Sister. While many rock stars often embrace style over substance, this Long Island hair group survived numerous lineup changes over the course of a decade before signing their first record deal by the mid 80s MTV was transforming unknown bands into instant celebrities and Twisted Sisters, iconic music videos, which Featured their distinct look, helped launch them to international stardom number, eight rat by the time, Jim Morrison, of the doors left Hollywood for Paris in 1971, the formation of another classic la band was already underway. After playing his fired him crystal pistol, Buster cherry and Mickey Ratt, the band finally settled on the group name rat and took over the Sunset Strip in the early eighties lead guitarist warren Demartini helped the group's debut album received airplay on MTV the band's success throughout the 80S established them as early innovators of the LA hair bands, see number seven. Dakin Hollywood boasted a plethora of hopeful rockers in the late 70s. However, this hairband found success in Europe first, because Dakin was such a success overseas. Their first album was released there in 1981, but was not released in the US until two years later. After finally, gaining a devoted American following Dokken landed, opening gigs for musical powerhouses such as Aerosmith and ac/dc, but ultimately split up in 1989. Were they reformed in the mid-90s? Their name remains synonymous with heavy riffs, big hair and classic 80s wet number six warrant. Majesty an iconic hairband inspires fans to rock out on air guitar with no regard for human life. Warrants arrived on, the Hollywood scene in 1989 and melted faces the following year, with a classic single cherry, pies youthful looks of lead singer. Jani Lane appealed to the masses, while his bad-boy antics ensured popularity along the Sunset Strip, newly left in 2004 warrant, released nine studio. Albums until lanes untimely, 2011 passing and it's the fans, cohesiveness that serves as a model for younger rockers number five Whitesnake Englishman David Coverdale, was stunned by the 1976 disbandment of his classic rock band deep purple. But he quickly went back to work and released a 1977 solo, album titled Whitesnake. Within a year the foundation for a new group was established and whitesnake subsequent debut album trouble dropped in 1978. Although the bandmates slowly transformed their sound from blues to commercial, a loyal following resulted in a career spanning four decades on and off with arms crossed and hips out, whitesnake took the rock power stance to a new level of awesome number. Four: Bon Jovi: after playing in several New Jersey bands from 1978 to 1983 Jon, Bon Jovi organized a band of outsiders together who would ultimately become one of the best-selling rock groups of all time. In 1986, Bon Jovi became a hair band powerhouse with the release of slippery when wet Jon. Bon Jovi's, dynamic, vocal range helped the band earn commercial success, but his charitable work truly allowed the band to reach the hearts of millions worldwide. Despite briefly parting ways. Over the years, Bon Jovi always regroups to rock out, like nobody else, number three Def Leppard after a 1977 audition by eighteen-year-old guitarist Joe Elliot the members of atomic mass discovered they had a new lead singer Sheffield England rockers adopted the name, Def Leppard and kicked off What is now known as the new wave of British heavy metal, music, legendary producer Mutt Lange helped establish a unique sound for the band's second album buy and dry, but it was the 1983 single photograph that inspired worldwide tours and a more commercial friendly style with two Albums selling over ten million copies Def Leppard became jukebox heroes across the globe number two poison. We understand the data, the name the MTV generation helped launch the careers of endless rock stars, but perhaps none more than Bret Michaels was it something I said something up. Deep did my boy snuff, coma upon leaving Pennsylvania for Hollywood's Sunset Strip poison, found a cult following after the release of their band's debut album. Look what the cat dragged in a series of controversial interviews and late-night brawls. Enhanced poisons turbulent reputation, but their talent and business decisions resulted in worldwide acclaim once just another. Hair metal group of Hollywood poisons unique style and larger-than-life stage presence set them apart from all the rest, it's dawn as it down before we unveil our top pick. Here are a few honorable mentions number one: Motley Crue sex drugs and rock and roll the members of LA's motley crue branded themselves as the world's most notorious rock band, and they certainly lived up to the hype originally formed. In 1981, the controversial musicians became MTV darlings, with their second album shout at the devil. His fame came. Women and drummer Tommy Lee embraced his popularity by marrying actress, Heather, Locklear and later Pamela Anderson. Although the band plans to retire by 2015, they will not be forgotten, as there has never been another hair band that embraced their fame like Motley Crue. Do you agree with our list? What'S your favorite 80s hair Bend or mind, blowing top 10s published every day? Be sure to subscribe to watchmojo.com you
Comments
Mandalorian_1: Did anyone else fast forward just to make sure Mötley Crüe was number 1 before they watched who was 2-10
Alfred CLS: I don't care who's in the list, just bring back the 80's hairbands - they are the best!
Gioxs100: Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and Motley Crüe are in another level than the rest of bands
Mitchell Sellers: A friend of mine once asked me who Mötley Crüe is. I told him, they’re the epitome of sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
Matthew Taylor: While Dokken is my favorite, I can’t disagree with Motley Crue being number 1. They deserve all the credit they can get
Timothy Little: Cinderella is so underrated!
in5d: 2020 and beyond needs to bring these bands back!!!
Talen1976: The thing people overlook is that these guys were all tremendous musicians. If you look beyond their appearance and really listen to the music, you'll discover that most of it is really had to play.
Laura Hunt: I was literally going to cry if Mötley wasn't number one bc they deserve the hype
Russell Crawley: Twisted Sister, Ratt, Poison, Whitesnake, and Motley Crue made the 80's the epic badass decade it was.
chikkenbonz: I am forever hopelessly stuck in the '80s. A time when music was actually GOOD; and the musicians were actually TALENTED. A good point of reference: If the song contains a GUITAR SOLO, then its probably worth listening to...
ShinobiVIPER The Joker: Man I wish I grew up in the 80’s
Steve Gallo: Great list and a great trip down memory lane. Seeing my favorite band, Dokken, on the list was a pleasant surprise. When people make lists of the all time guitar greats, George Lynch isn't on the list and should be on it. His guitar playing on "Mr. Scary" off the album Back for the Attack is the 80's version of Van Halen's Eruption. Having said all that, how is Guns N Roses NOT on this list?
SilentKnife 290: Mötley Crüe was the reason I got into the hair metal genre of music so seeing them get the top spot made me very happy. Nikki Sixx is the reason I’m a bass player and on top of that my first bass being a epiphone thunderbird in classic Alpine white like Sixx
Christina Weinman Geriatric Specialist, ALM, MT: RIP Jani. What an amazing song writer and my favorite 80s band. So glad I got to meet warrant. I will always love you Jani
This and That: Def Leppard’s my favorite! Always has been!
David Mccoy: Stryper should have been on this list. They were highly active from 1983 through 1990. They had several hits on MTV that had them at #1 on Dial MTV for longer than 2 years straight.
Chuck Novy: It's just my opinion, but there was nothing like living in the 80s...the fantastic memories will stay forever in my heart and soul.
King Johnny: I wish i was born in the 80s because it was one hell of a year. Great bands and musicians like Micheal jackson, acdc, guns and roses, queen, bon jovi and so much more
Kohaku River: Bon Jovi is like the more friendly hair metal. But anyways, Their music is cool and amazing!
Walter Beaver: From the ages of 19 years thru 29 years. That was some of the best music and times. I may been not been in my teens. But, I worked with high school students who were always asking me the same questions. Hey Walter, Have you heard/bought the new album from this band? I still have the albums today. Pure Memories. Good Memories
Rodrigo González: Everytime I listen to any 80’s hard rock and hair band I can’t avoid thinking about Eddie Van Halen. RIP Eddie (1955-2020)
Pj ——: Yes. Mötley deserves 1st! They’re an amazing band and will never be forgotten!
Mrs G: SO thankful my mom showed me all the best of hair metal
Bet: This painted some of my favorite ear ringing memories from the 80s. Standing in line with 10,000 of my closest friends, waiting for the doors to open.. Listening to the Ominous Sounds Pouring from the Arena of Thundering Drums and Searing Guitar from the last minute Sound Check... Then the Doors Open and the Stage Rush Begins! To get that spot right on the Wall, Center Stage... Holding onto that Wall, making Eye Contact with your favorite Security Gaurds.. as to say.."You're gonna dump beer over my head because when I get so hot, I begin to spontainiously combust!" or "Got any BackStage Passes?" Then the crowd starts get louder and louder, heavier and heavier as you all start to crush together into a human tidal surge chanting! Then the Arena Goes Black! The Roar Becomes Deafening! Crushed into the Wall as you Raise Those METAL FISTS! KEYBOARDS FILL THE AIR WITH AN ETHEREAL MELODY LIKE COLORED WINDS RAGING THROUGH YOUR MIND... DRUMS POUND YOU LIKE AN ARMY OF MARCHING THUNDER! BASS BEGINS TO GALLOP WITH A CRUSHING DRIVE HINTING AT A MELODIC RUN THAT KEEPS HAVING ITS HEAD SMASHED DOWN! THE GUITARS COME ALIVE.. ONE.. SO HEAVY DARK AND DRIVING WITH THIS OVERDRIVEN TIGHT ELECTRICAL EXPLODING CRUNCH WHILE THE OTHER RIDES ON TOP WITH A SHREDDING BLUESY MELODIC ACCELERATING RUN OF NOTES... EACH NOTE YOU ALREADY KNOW AND EVERY NOTE TO COME IS LIKE A BULLET YOU CAN'T WAIT TO GET HIT WITH... THEN PIERCING THROUGH EVERY BIT OF YOUR SOUL COMES A RISING SCREAM THAT TESTS ALL YOUR INTENTS DREAMS ADRENALINE EMOTION AND RAGE! AS THE SINGER RUSHES THE STAGE! THE LIGHTS GO UP! The VEIL DROPS! And the FU@KING ROOM EXPLODES! HARD ROCK AND MOLTEN HEAVY METAL \m/Heat, Sweat, Long Hair, Black Leather and Levis, Skin Tight White Lace and High Heals.. Angel Blue Eyes, Ruby Red Lips, Endless Killer Tunes, High Octane, Black and Chrome Detroit Style, Orange Bow-Ties and Blue Ovals, Fire Breathing BigBlocks, Mag Rims, Fat Tires, and FourSpeeds. MACH1 MUSTANGS, Z28 CAMAROS, TRIPOWER GTOs, HEMI CHARGERS, BLOWN INJECTED DUAL QUADS FUEL INJECTION SIX PACKS DANAS 12 BOLTS 9 INCHES AND POSIs... Marshall, Fender; Gibson, ESP, PEAVY, JBL, EV, JACKSON, PAISTE, ZYLGIAN , SABIAN , YANAHA, TAMA, LUDWIG, ROLAND, 8 TRACKS, RECORDS, CASSETS, VHS, CDS? STICKY GANJI SKUNK, HASH, PEARL, PURPLE MICRO DOT AND BLUE CAPS, JACK DANIELS, MOOSEHEAD, BUD- WEIS- ER, AND JUNGLE JUICE, 9to5, FRIDAY NIGHTS , SATURDAYS, SUNDAY MORNINGS, BONFIRES, KEGGERS, LOCAL BANDS, CONCERTS AND DRAG RACES, HOT CHICKS, BEAUTIFUL WOMEN, SPANDEX, SHORT SKIRTS LONG WILD HAIR, HOT SWEET AND SEXY... BACK SEATS, FOGGED UP WINDOWS, MORNING RAIN DRIZZLING ON THE CARS ROOF, WRAPPED UP TIGHT TOGETHER ON THAT LONG NIGHT WE THOUGHT WOULD NEVER END. DAMN! I WISH I KNEW MORE ADJECTIVES!
Hunter Washburn: if they didn’t put mötley crüe in i was going to smash all of my guitars
Cristine Salisbury: DEE SNIDER WAS AN ABSOLUTE BEAST!!!!!!! AND STILL TO THIS DAY.
Hannah Schriever: I love Bret Michaels interviews. Very well spoken and knowledgeable
Jack Tregunna: Love that poison is high on this list didn't really expect much else but Dokken, Warrant and Ratt here as well. Also, fun fact, Vince Neil was suspected for the supposed vehicular manslaughter of Hanoi Rocks drummer Razzle in 1982.
Dirty Harry: Hell yeah, Motley Crue at Number One, long live the Crue and there music.
Donnie Brookins: I seen several of these bands in concert....Crue and Cinderella were my favorites although Van Halen was pretty awesome too!
MD TV: Great to see you guys didn't forget Dokken, they were a very underrated hair band back in the 80s
Mickelräven: It makes me happy that you gave at least Hanoi Rocks an honorable mention! I think hair metal would be different without them, as they were one of the first hair bands, preceding Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses and a few more! :D
karen glenn: No 3 Def Leppard with the amazing late Steve Clark on lead guitar. Wrote so much of their music and so much was lost when he died, 8th January 1990. It will be 30 years in 6 days and we still grieve for him and all that was gone from our lives. So loved and missed by thousands. Beautiful Steve!
PJ Rose: I saw most of these bands back in their heyday. Still listening to their music today. Nothing better. Warrant should have been higher . Cinderella and Skid Row should have been in the top ten for sure. Motley Crue differently deserves to be number one.
Denise Macapagal: Richie Sambora is so underrated.
Phantom 2040: I'm glad I was a teenager during the 80s. Hair metal rocked. Still listen to them today.
Miisterious doom satanas ramirez: Motley Crue!! #1 glam metal band...cheers from Mexico
harveydeez: Quiet riot should’ve been in the top 10 as it is the first metal band that got radio airplay with their cover of Slade’s “come on feel the noize”. This was the first time a heavy metal track was being played on radio.
Jake Dinicola: Couldn't help but smile this whole video. Man the 80s was great
NoahBones 12: my father was in a metal band in the 90s and their band actually opened for dokken, apparently he was friends with the lead guitarist
Butt Licker: Not only is the Crue the best but they completely changed everything, setting the standards for ever one else while being unique at the same time. Not just a hair band, a rock band.
Denise Lavache: Where’s Guns and Roses? Are they not described as being a hair band? Epic best of all time❤️ Ahhhh to have the 80s back. Lol
donnie burgess: I would only argue David Coverdale as a 'Hair Band' singer. His career was well on the way without the hair. He was born in 1951, had bands in production since 1966 or so, with albums hitting the top 40 in the UK several times. He was doing just fine. By the time he/his group caught the American market, it happened to be the "hair band" era. He chose to embrace that and threw a total hotty (Tawny Kitean) on top of a pair of Jaguar cars. Add that to his very voluminous hair, and you can see why one would assume it was hair metal. I just don't think it was. Instead, it was decades of great music which happened to have 2 or 3 videos hit at the right time and in the right place to make it happen.
TrinBrin: Mötley Crüe is the essence of 80's bands
Anna Watanabe: Muito gatos os integrantes de Def Leppard, Warrant, Europe e Skid Row! E Kip Winger, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Adrian Vandenberg e Eddie Van Halen tambem eram lindos!
Slow Heat: 1:11 Europe is actually a kick ass heavy metal band. Check out their 2017 walk the earth song!
Robert Montoya: Vandenberg was the best band in concert I saw. Almost perfect to their recorded music.
Rhonda Wileman: Saw Def Leppard in Hershey PA in 07 with Styx and Foreigner and loved every second of it! Amazing live show! ✌❤
Kenneth Newell: I agree with the number one pick, as far as the 80s go. Motley Crue epitomized the essence of excess. The heart of this band has always been Nikki Sixx. He's the one with the most to say. He's articulate and a human being. Motley Crue's albums have been a journey. The last show I was at was here, in St. Louis. I can't remember the year, I think it was right after they released Saints of Los Angeles. Anyway, it was at the Amphitheater. It was hot, humid and horrible. My beer was warm after the first act. They came out and performed. Suddenly, the temperature didn't matter. It was Motley Crue. They were the first band I ever saw live. They were the last band that I ever saw, live.
Thrash Mars: Hell yea! Mötley crüe is always #1!
Screaming Squirrel: I personally have Def Leppard as my number 1 but I'm not going to argue with the top 2.
Mrs G: RATT pretty underrated if you ask me.
RolandJovi 24: Bon Jovi should no doubt be number one. They optimized 80s hair rock and are the only band on this list that is still relevant today.
Willie Gatza: I saw most of this bands in the 80 s , so when they come around i do not miss the chance to see them again.
Aidan Meehan: George Lynch is one of the best guitarists of all time!!!
Steph anie: I’m so grateful for my parents brining me up on these bands, just a shame I never got to see them in their prime :(
CommandoPlayer: Ok good that you honored Warrant but how could Van Halen not be in the top 10 List? Eddie inspired the whole Scene.
Tammy Rogne: The "Crue" deserves that #1 spot! They partied hard and rocked hard!
John Dayton: Bon Jovi living on a prayer is such a great song.
Key2theUniverse: Europe's debut album is incredibly heavy for the time Severn doors hotel is a masterpiece On through the night is also a fantastic debut album and although I love Pyromania and Hysteria but are not as heavy as on through the night That said and love it or hate it, there is some fantastic bands on this list however, none better than Skid Row.... I love Poison, Crüe, Def Leppard, Whitesnake and Bon Jovi, but it is incredible how skilled Sebastian Bach is Skid Row is by far the best hair/glam metal band
Stephen Rally: Bon Jovi and Def Leppard should be number’s one and two if you go by album sales (musically they were both more classic rock anyway), but Motley Crue and Poison were definitely the most “hair” of the bunch. Miss those days....
BrickSpace: I wish we still had hair metal today. Why did grunge have to end hair metal? Grunge is rock. Hair metal is metal. A new type of rock should not have to interfere with metal.
James Tarr: I'll always love Ratt. Great White, The Scorpions, Slaughter, White Lion, Bullet Boys, Tesla, Dio, and briefly Queensryche and Ozzy Osbourne.
Ripunjoy Medhi: Although I knew who would be No.1 , a shiver still ran through my spine when No.1 was announced
Randy Sheetz: Love them all, but since Poison is from my hometown they are number 1 in my heart.
jjfromthebigland: The 80s... unless you were there you'll never understand...
musicmedicne: def leppard is my fav band, i was not expecting them on this list !! (no complaints tho, number 3 is a pretty good spot lol)
rozzie101: Dokken is such an under-rated band...
Logan Folk: We need the 80’s back I want to experince it
George Jetson: While I was in my teens in the 80s I really wasn’t a hair band guy. Really didn’t start appreciating them till the 2000s thanks to Napster and limewire. Real enjoy the ballads
Stonehaven228: Bon Jovi has sold twice as many albums as any of these other bands and they are the only band on this list that still sell out stadiums around the world without another band supporting them on the tour...
Luis Rodragon: There was no mention of #2. It must be Van Halen. JUMP!!! GO AHEAD AND JUMP!!!. The 80s gave us the best long hair bands of all time. It was just great loud organized music accompanied with great songs. The lead singers were out of this world. The backup vocals were stupendous. The lead guitar, drummer and bass were and still are bad ass. The Eighty's was a great decade and I am glad that I was part of it. All of sudden I feel so depressed .
rockinchimp: Glad you have featured Dokken, easily the most underrated from that era though I maintain that Cinderella should be in the Top 10 more than a couple of others that were put in. If you want a great Dokken track, try The Hunter. Such a catchy song that has a cracking guitar solo.
XGEN MUSIC: Who thinks a 80's rock revival will bring back rock music back to mainstream?
Tyler Sanford: Dokken and Twisted Sister should have been higher. Also, White Lion will never get the respect they deserve...Criminally underrated!
Christa Dawn Wheeler: I was a die hard motley crue fan....until I saw them in concert. Perhaps they were just tired. Still a fan but no longer a diehard. Quiet riot on the other hand blew them out of the water on stage! And when they did a spontaneous meet n greet!
Kevin Chadler: Quiot Riot were the first metal band to go platinum and double platinum!!! The most important influence on hair bands slash metal? Very underrated and talented band, just making a solid point that is all!!!
Dark Aperion: I like how no one argues Mötley Crüe position
Edward Stevens: I never considered Skid Row to be a hair band. They came at the end of the hair band era, and I always considered them to be more like Guns N' Roses. Too bad they couldn't get along, because I think they would have survived the fall of the hair bands, as GNR did. Grunge and throwback hard rock (like GNR) killed the hair bands, which by then had started to sound like they came out of a can. I think Skid Row had the talent and the sound to have survived as a straight up, no frills hard rock band. I still have to wonder about Def Leppard, though. They did manage to survive with a very commercial, hair band sound. Personally, I preferred the music from "On Through the Night and " High and Dry", although there are some songs I like from later albums. To each his own...
Ryan McFall: The drum riser in the Ratt video round and round that was shown was sold to them by Mötley Crüe. The same drum riser during Too Fast for Love album. You can see it in live wire video.
Todd Wagester: Motley Crue #1 Damn Straight, Primal Scream says it all!!!!!!
Cole George: Def Leppard was NEVER a hair band. They are one of my favorite bands of all time and did enjoy a popularity increase during the 80’s, but anyone who includes them in a “hair band” list has NO idea what they are talking about.
tammy finnegan: I love all these bands and songs from the 80s its made me who in am today thank you for all the great life lessons and memories
Ranita Gadling: And yet I feel like they went through my childhood to decide who's gonna make the list because I was a huge fan of everyone on here.
BendApparatus: Skidrow's debut album was a masterpiece...not a single dud, all hit worthy songs.
Dani Foxx: I’m a teenager in a small town. The ONLY fan. I often forget there are other fans lol I love videos like this! Oh and also YOU CAN NOT JUST DO TEN!!! They’re all so incredible!! Also we need more Styper!
Galvatron 321: Love Dokken and Ratt, Still of the Night is my favourite Whitesnake song. As for Bon Jovi, only like early Bon Jovi. Skid Row should have gotten higher than just an honourable mention.
Dionne Hawkins: Def Leppard should have been Number 1. They never broke up, continue to rock and tour, survived through tragedy, Rock and Roll HOF, so many hits!
Sheldon Spaeth: How could Bon Jovi not be #1? 130 + million albums sold and still putting out great music today makes them stand alone.
Dragon Queen: Should do an underrated hair/glam metal bands list with guys like Cinderella, Loudness, BulletBoys, Vinnie Vincent invasion, and Lizzy Borden... all of whom I freakin’ can’t get enough of. Who’s with me? Or am I alone in wanting that?
Ches Lee Pack: Popularity wise I'd have to agree that Motley were #1. Musically though, I think Dokken wrote the best stuff. A lot of talent in that band. W.A.S.P. should have been on the list as well. Especially if the likes of Twisted Sister were there.
kittentude: Not in agreement with the positions except #1. Saw Motley Crue in January and December of the same year. Yes, Tommy's rolling drums were a something to see. Concerts were badass!
Helen Sart: Me encanta .. los 80 hasta la muerte wooo yeahh
Bambi Vogler: The 80’s was the best decade!
GhostRider2224: I'm proud of you WatchMojo, well done. I'm happy :)
Scott Menser: To omit Cinderela, Winger, and Skid Row is a rock crime.
Kieran Pratt: And now the top 3 bands are doing a 2020 tour together
Sayer BBQ: I understand why Europe got #10. But let’s be honest, naming your band after a whole continent is a pretty bold move.
Luciano Alonso: In my opinion, they're all number 1 Glam metal is my favorite type of metal alongside of me also being a huge Metallica fan