Top 10 80s Hair Bands

Top 10 80s Hair Bands

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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 10 ‘80s Hair Bands. For this list, we’re only considering big hair! Alright, to be a little more specific: while the line between glam metal and hair metal sometimes blurs, we’re focusing on the acts that became synonymous with 1980s hair metal. This means we’re excluding artists like Alice Cooper and KISS who had their own personas/costumes, as well as those that were too theatrical and were more associated with 1970s era glam metal.

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 stonewashed jeans, black leather jackets and perfectly groomed hair, Swedish-style.

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. Today, Dee Snider serves as the face of Twisted Sister, however founding member Jay Jay French established the band way back in 1972 with Mell Star, the brother of Bob Marley guitarist Al Anderson. By the mid-’80s, MTV was transforming unknown bands into instant celebrities and Twisted Sister’s iconic music videos, which featured their distinct look, helped launch them to international stardom.

By the time Jim Morrison of The Doors left Hollywood for Paris in 1971, the formation of another classic L.A. band was already underway. After playing as Firedom, Crystal Pearl, Buster Cherry and Mickey Ratt finally settled on the group name Ratt, and took over the Sunset Strip in the early ‘80s. Lead guitarist Warren Demartini, who was only 18 years old when he joined Ratt, helped the group’s debut album receive airplay on MTV. The band’s success throughout the ‘80s established them as early innovators of the LA hair band scene.

Hollywood boasted a plethora of hopeful rockers during the late ‘70s – however, this hair band found success in Europe first. Because Dokken was such a success overseas, their first album was released there in 1981, but was not released in the U.S 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. Though they reformed in the mid-’90s, their name remains synonymous with heavy riffs, big hair and classic ‘80s swag.

An iconic hair band inspires fans to rock out on air guitar with no regard for human life. Warrant arrived on the Hollywood scene in 1989 and melted faces the following year with the classic single “Cherry Pie”. The youthful looks of lead singer Jani Lane appealed to the masses, while his bad boy antics ensured popularity along the Sunset Strip. Though he left in 2004, Warrant released nine studio albums until Lane’s untimely 2011 death, and it is the band’s cohesiveness that serves as a model for young rockers.

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 White Snake. Within a year, the foundation for a new group was established and Whitesnake’s subsequent debut album Troubledropped 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.

#4: Bon Jovi

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After playing in several New Jersey bands from 1978 to 1983, Jon Bongiovi organized a band of outsiders together who would ultimately become one of the bestselling 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 no one else.

#3: Def Leppard

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After a 1977 audition by 18-year old guitarist Joe Elliot, the members of Atomic Mass discovered they had a new lead singer. The 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 High n’ Dry, but it was the 1983 single “Photograph” that inspired worldwide tours and a more commercial-friendly style. With two albums selling over 10 million copies, Def Leppard became jukebox heroes across the globe.

The MTV generation helped launch the careers of endless rock stars, but perhaps none more than Bret Michaels. 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 Poison’s turbulent reputation, but their talent and business decisions resulted in worldwide acclaim. Once just another hair metal group of Hollywood, Poison’s unique style and larger than life stage presence set them apart from all the rest. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - Hanoi Rocks - Cinderella - Skid Row - Quiet Riot - Winger

#1: Mötley Crüe

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Sex, drugs and rock n’ roll, the members of L.A.’s Mötley Crüe 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. With 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 Mötley Crüe. Do you agree with our list? What is your favorite ‘80s hair band? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.