The 1980s and early 90s saw hard rock and heavy metal go mainstream and reach a large audience worldwide. The genre was split into sub-genres like Hard Rock, Glam Metal, Thrash Metal, Speed Metal, NWOBHM, Traditional Metal, and more....
80s Heavy Metal
W.A.S.P. was originally known for outrageous antics such as throwing raw meat into the audience and appearing to torture people on a horror-themed stage. Lead singer Blackie Lawless wore a codpiece made like a buzzsaw blade that shot sparks...
Winger released their debut album “Winger in 1988 and it scored the band its first platinum-selling album. Winger released its second album In the Heart of the Young in 1990 and it also went platinum. Since then the band...
Britny Fox was formed in 1985 with “Dizzy” Dean Davidson on vocals, former Cinderella drummer Tony Destra, former Cinderella guitarist Michael Kelly Smith and Billy Childs on bass. However, Destra would be killed in an auto accident in 1987...
After guitarist Jake E. Lee was fired from Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band, Badlands was formed when Lee recruited bassist Greg Chaisson, former Black Sabbath vocalist Ray Gillen and drummer Eric Singer (KISS) to round out the band. They released...
Def Leppard is one of those rare bands that has stuck together, for the most part through thick and thin to remain successful. From drummer Rick Allen losing his arm in a car accident right after the band hit...
Hurricane started out in 1983-84 with the original lineup of lead vocalist Kelly Hansen (vocals/rhythm guitar), Robert Sarzo (guitar), Tony Cavazo (bass), and Jay Schellen (drums). Robert Sarzo is the brother of Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake)...
Black ‘N Blue was formed in 1981 and released four successful and critically acclaimed albums through Geffen Records including their self-titled debut (1984), “Without Love” (1985), “Nasty Nasty” (1986), and “In Heat” (1987), with the latter two albums...
White Lion was formed in New York City in 1983 by Danish vocalist/guitarist Mike Tramp and American guitarist Vito Bratta. The band had two top 10 hits with the songs “Wait” and When The Children Cry” both from the...
Dokken broke out with their debut album “Breaking The Chains” in 1981. The band consisted of what would be considered the classic lineup of Don Dokken on vocals, George Lynch on guitar, “Wild” Mick Brown on drums, and with...
