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What musicians were popular in the 1980s? The 1980s bands were known for their distinctive sounds and cultural influence. 80s music artists such as Prince and Whitney Houston became household names. Bands from the 80s like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses revolutionised the rock genre.
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What musicians were popular in the 1970s? The 1970s music...
- Top Albums of The 80S
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- Top 100 Artists of The 70S
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- U2
- Talking Heads
- Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
- R.E.M
- Poison
- Twisted Sister
- Ratt
- The Smiths
- AC/DC
- Guns N’ Roses
Even today, these four lads from Ireland are creating beautiful music. But it’s thanks to such career-defining albums as Boy, War, and The Joshua Tree that U2 became one of the most successful ’80s bands. The Joshua Treealbum was especially significant in the achievement of their rock sound, also providing songs for the ages with tracks like “With ...
Talking Heads were unique in the way that they were able to reach mainstream audiences but hold onto their authenticity, something which music critics liked. Their trademark new wave sounds incorporated elements of punk rock, funk, and even world music. Despite their blend of genres, they still managed to appeal to a wide range of listeners and ear...
Although Jersey-born Bruce Springsteen emerged during the ’70s, his work in the ’80s was huge commercially. Known for his marathon shows and hard work ethic, the ’80s saw his album Born in the U.S.A smash the charts and produce seven top ten singles on the BillboardHot 100. Also, his artistically praised albums The River and Nebraskaproved that The...
Formed in 1980, this band from Georgia is often considered one of the ancestors of the alternative rock genre. Their debut album, Murmur, instantly received acclaim and made a name for themselves. Because of Michael Stipe’s hard-to-decipher singing and Peter Buck’s distinctive guitar style, critics praised them from the beginning. College radio sup...
Bret Michaels was among the countless rockstars that MTV helped to produce. After leaving Pennsylvania for Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, Poison built a cult following after the release of their debut album Look What the Cat Dragged In. With the help of controversial interviews and late-night brawls, the group earned a wild reputation. However, their un...
Before even signing their first record, Long Island’s Twisted Sister went through countless lineup changes in the span of a decade. Currently, Dee Snider is the face of Twisted Sister, however founding member Jay Jay French founded the band in 1972 with Mell Star, the brother of Bob Marley guitarist Al Anderson. By the mid-’80s, Twisted Sister caug...
Another classic ’80s band that emerged from Los Angeles. After performing as Firedom, Crystal Pystal, and Mickey, the band finally settled on the name Ratt. They took Sunset Strip by storm in the early ‘80s. Lead guitarist Warren Demartini, who was only 18 years old at the time, helped the group’s debut album receive airplay on MTV. The group’s suc...
When discussing the British indie scene and alternative rock, its likely that The Smiths will be mentioned. In a decade of heavy synth usage played on the radio, The Smiths emerged from the underground with their guitar-driven sound, providing some different to synth-pop. With Morrissey and Johnny Marr at the heart of the band’s songwriting, The Sm...
Although AC/DC’s days with Bon Scott produced some of their greatest work, it’s their body of work with Brian Johnson that put them on the list. Featuring signature tracks like “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Back in Black,” their album of the same name became one of history’s best-selling albums. The Aussies further proved they were one of the ...
This California band stormed the music scene with their melodic hard rock, as gathered from their smash-hit record Appetite for Destruction, which went on to become America’s biggest-selling debut album of all time. With a reputation that earned them the title of “the world’s most dangerous band,” Guns N’ Roses were a must-see act in the ’80s if yo...
Apr 30, 2023 · Whether you enjoyed mainstream success or underground recognition, these 100+ best rock bands of The ’80s had one thing in common – they all provided something unique to a generation of devoted fans seeking escape through passionate lyrics and unforgettable melodies.
- Queen. 480 votes. With a charismatic frontman and unparalleled vocal range, this group soared above the rest with their unique blend of opera and rock, creating an entirely new genre.
- AC/DC. 461 votes. This Australian powerhouse is known for its electrifying guitar riffs, distinct vocal style, and high-energy stage presence that defined a generation's sound.
- Guns N' Roses. 434 votes. With a raw edge and unapologetic attitude, this group burst onto the scene and quickly became synonymous with the rebellious spirit of rock 'n' roll.
- Van Halen. 455 votes. Innovative guitar techniques and explosive stage presence are hallmarks of this groundbreaking group that revolutionized hard rock music.
- Guns N' Roses. After spotting every other American band on this list a six-year head start, Guns N' Roses rocketed to the front of the pack largely on the strength of just one studio album.
- Van Halen. Van Halen enjoyed the most consistent commercial dominance of any '80s rock band, releasing no less than six different multi-platinum albums between 1980 and 1988.
- R.E.M. The '80s were barely four months old when the unnamed quartet that would become R.E.M. played their first show at a friend's birthday party. The decade saw the Athens, Ga.-
- Aerosmith. Aerosmith limped into the '80s at 60 percent strength, with guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford both having departed prior to the completion of the band's first album of the decade, 1982's 'Rock in a Hard Place.'
May 1, 2024 · The singular styles of these musicians etched everlasting melodies in the hearts of millions and made them household names among the bands of the ’80s. Several artists exemplified the vibrancy and versatility of '80s music, reinventing the industry without losing their unmistakable signature.
Dec 13, 2023 · Popular 80’s rock bands like Foreigner defined the decade. Who could forget the New York based band’s anthemic, riveting power ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is”? They mastered a stadium-rock style that capitalized on catchy melodies and a raw, carnal theatricality.
