The Best Hair Metal Bands Of All Time
Who are the best hair metal bands of all time? The hair bands and glam metal bands on this list are some of the best of the best, so you have work cut out for you in trying to decide which one is truly the greatest big hair band ever. There are so many great bands on this list that you might even have trouble picking the top ten hair metal groups; but deciding between these hard rockers is your challenge. Are you up for it? These great '70s and '80s rock bands certainly are!
Ranging from Mötley Crüe and Guns N' Roses to Van Halen and Def Leppard, these hair metal bands play an important role in music history, producing some of the best music ever across all genres. A lot of people are quick to dismiss this period of music as just "silly," but what it really did was bridge the gap from "classic rock" to "grunge." And glam rock didn't just bridge a gap, because hair metal bands from the 1970s and 1980s cranked out some of the most beloved tunes in the history of rock, whether anyone wants to admit it or not. So, what are you waiting for?! Vote for your favorite hair metal bands below based on the quality of their music and influence during this defining era.
Erupting onto the scene in the late '70s, Van Halen's distinctive sound and flamboyant stage presence cemented their place among hair metal legends. With Eddie Van Halen's groundbreaking guitar technique and David Lee Roth's charismatic frontman persona, the band was unstoppable, churning out hit after hit. Their live shows were the epitome of pure rock 'n' roll excess, complete with gravity-defying jumps and copious pyrotechnics, contributing to their continued dominance throughout the '80s.
There's no denying that Guns N' Roses took the world by storm with their raucous brand of hair metal in the late '80s. Their swaggering attitude, combined with Axl Rose's distinctive wail and Slash's blistering guitar solos, struck a chord with fans everywhere. Appetite for Destruction remains a seminal album, and the band's infamously volatile lineup changes only added to their mystique and allure, making them a key player in the annals of hair metal history.
Hailing from Sheffield, England, Def Leppard quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the world of hair metal. Their polished harmonies and arena-ready anthems garnered them legions of fans 'round the globe. The distinct dual-guitar attack of Phil Collen and Steve Clark solidified their place in rock history, while their perseverance in the face of tragedy, such as drummer Rick Allen's life-altering accident, demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the music.
As pioneers of the Sunset Strip glam metal scene, Mötley Crüe's hedonistic lifestyle and larger-than-life personas have become synonymous with hair metal. With Nikki Sixx's thundering bass lines and Tommy Lee's acrobatic drumming, the band's energetic live shows were nothing short of a spectacle. Their uncensored tales of debauchery and excess, chronicled in their bestselling autobiography The Dirt, continue to captivate audiences and ensure their lasting impact on the genre.
Fronted by the charismatic Bret Michaels, Poison quickly rose to prominence in the '80s with their infectious blend of pop hooks and hair metal attitude. Oozing glam appeal and boasting chart-topping hits like "Talk Dirty to Me" and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," Poison's influence on the genre is undeniable. Their eye-catching makeup, teased hair, and penchant for flashy stage outfits solidified their status as icons of the hair metal era.
Founded by former Deep Purple vocalist David Coverdale, Whitesnake combined blues-infused hard rock with a sultry, swaggering image. They gained widespread fame in the '80s with hits like "Here I Go Again" and "Is This Love." Utilizing steamy music videos and provocative album covers, Whitesnake left an indelible mark on the genre and remains a staple on classic rock radio.
