25 top 80s rock bands that are still legendary today
The 80s was a remarkable decade for rock music as many bands emerged with different versions of the music. While some bands were formed and later disintegrated, others remained intact and still play music today. Their rock music is still recognised and loved by many rock music enthusiasts. Which 80s rock bands are still a force to be reckoned with today?
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
We strive to provide our readers with valuable insights and information through our various rankings and lists. Information from this compilation has been obtained from various sources, including Music Grotto, XS Rock, Band Pioneer, and Spinditty. This is not a conclusive list of the top 80s rock bands, but subjective as it may vary from other sources.
80s rock bands
The 80s was not only a period when many rock bands were formed but also when other bands that had been formed earlier peaked in the industry. Here is a list of 80s rock bands.
| Rock band | Year of formation |
| Bon Jovi | 1983 |
| Mötley Crüe | 1981 |
| Red Hot Chili Peppers | 1982 |
| Sonic Youth | 1981 |
| The Bangles | 1981 |
| Skid Row | 1986 |
| Poison | 1983 |
| ‘Til Tuesday | 1982 |
| Queensrÿche | 1982 |
| Guns N' Roses | 1985 |
| Iron Maiden | 1975 |
| Pantera | 1981 |
| Megadeth | 1983 |
| King Diamond | 1985 |
| Celtic Frost | 1984 |
| Mercyful Fate | 1981 |
| Warrant | 1984 |
| Crimson Glory | 1983 |
| Agent Orange | 1979 |
| Cry Wolf | 1985 |
| Danger Danger | 1986 |
| Black N’ Blue | 1981 |
| Cats in Boots | 1988 |
| Circus Of Power | 1987 |
| Cold Sweat | 1988 |
Pop 80s rock bands
Numerous rock bands were established in the 1980s, and they earned global prominence with their music. Below are some top bands that made waves in the 80s and are still a big name today.
1. Bon Jovi
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- Origin: Sayreville, New Jersey, US
- Year of formation: 1983
- Members: Jon Bon Jovi, Tico Torres, Hugh McDonald, David Bryan, Phil X
- Genres: R&B, soul, rock
This American rock band came into existence in 1983 in Sayreville, New Jersey. Its members are lead singer Jon Bon Jovi, drummer Tico Torres, bassist Hugh McDonald, keyboardist David Bryan, and guitarist Phil X. It has released about 15 studio, and some of its top songs are Livin’ on a Prayer, It’s My Life, Bed of Roses, and Never Say Goodbye.
2. Mötley Crüe
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- Origin: Hollywood, California, US
- Year of formation: 1981
- Members: Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, Mick Mars, Vince Neil
- Genres: Heavy metal, glam metal, hard rock
It is recognised as the world’s most notorious rock band. It was founded in 1981 in Hollywood, California, by bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee. Later, guitarist Mick Mars and lead vocalist Vince Neil became part of the band. The band Mötley Crüe has nine studio albums, with notable songs such as Looks That Kill, Live Wire, Don’t Go Away Mad, and Kickstarting My Heart.
3. Red Hot Chili Peppers
Source: Getty Images
- Origin: Los Angeles, California, US
- Year of formation: 1982
- Members: Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith, John Frusciante
- Genres: Alternative rock, funk rock, rap rock, hard rock, funk metal
Red Hot Chili Peppers is a US-based rock band formed in 1982 in Los Angeles, California. It includes vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist John Frusciante. It became famous in the 1980s with albums such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Freaky Styley, and Mother's Milk.
4. Sonic Youth
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- Origin: New York City, New York, US
- Year of formation: 1981
- Members: Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, Lee Ranaldo, Steve Shelley, Mark Ibold
- Genres: Noise rock, alternative rock, experimental rock, indie rock, post-punk
Formed in 1981 in New York City, US, Sonic Youth comprises guitarists Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, Lee Ranaldo, Steve Shelley, and Mark Ibold. Some of the band’s top hits include Kool Thing, Bull in the Heather, Sugar Kane, and Teen Age Riot.
5. The Bangles
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- Origin: Los Angeles, California, US
- Year of formation: 1981
- Members: Susanna Hoffs, Debbi Peterson, Annette Zilinskas, Vicki Peterson
- Genres: Rock, pop, power pop, new wave music, jangle pop
Rock band The Bangles is an all-female group established in Los Angeles, California, US in 1981. It includes lead singer and rhythm guitarist Susanna Hoffs, drummer Debbi Peterson, bassist Annette Zilinskas, and lead guitarist Vicki Peterson. Their well-known songs are Manic Monday, Eternal Flame, In Your Room, and Walk Like an Egyptian.
6. Skid Row
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- Origin: Toms River, New Jersey, US
- Year of formation: 1986
- Members: Rachel Bolan, Rob Hammersmith, Erik Grönwall, Dave Sabo, Scotti Hill
- Genres: Hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal
This is one of the best 80s rock bands formed in 1986 in Toms River, New Jersey. Its membership comprises bassist Rachel Bolan, drummer Rob Hammersmith, vocalist Erik Grönwall, and guitarists Dave Sabo and Scotti Hill. It plays hard rock, heavy metal, and glam metal, and some of its best tracks are 18 And Life, Youth Gone Wild, I Remember You, and Wasted Time.
7. Poison
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- Origin: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, US
- Year of formation: 1983
- Members: Bret Michaels, Rikki Rockett, C.C. DeVille, Bobby Dall
- Genres: Glam metal, hard rock, heavy metal
Poison is a Pennsylvanian glam band formed in 1983. Its current lineup includes lead singer and rhythm guitarist Bret Michaels, drummer Rikki Rockett, lead guitarist and backing vocalist C.C. DeVille, and bassist Bobby Dall. Its popular songs are Talk Dirty to Me, I Won’t Forget You, and Fallen Angel.
8. ‘Til Tuesday
Source: Getty Images
- Origin: Boston, Massachusetts, US
- Year of formation: 1982
- Members: Aimee Mann, Robert Holmes, Joey Pesce, Michael Hausman, Michael Montes
- Genres: New wave, pop, pop rock, alternative rock
This Boston, Massachusetts, rock band was formed in 1982. The five-member group consisted of lead vocalist Aimee Mann, guitarist Robert Holmes, pianist Joey Pesce, drummer Michael Hausman, and keyboardist Michael Montes. Its best tracks are Voices Carry, Coming Up Close, and On Sunday.
Heavy metal 80s rock bands
One of the most favourite rock genres is heavy metal. It developed in the 1960s but was widely embraced in the 1970s and 1980s. Below are some rock groups that popularised the genre in the 1980s.
1. Queensrÿche
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- Origin: Bellevue, Washington, United States
- Year of formation: 1982
- Members: Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Mike Stone, Todd La Torre, Casey Grillo
- Genres: Progressive metal, metal rock
This heavy metal rock band formed out of the band Mob in 1982. It is based in Bellevue, Washington, and its current members are Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Mike Stone, Todd La Torre, and Casey Grillo. The group has about 16 albums, with three albums released in the 80s. It is known for Silent Lucidity, Walk In The Shadows, and I Don’t Believe in Love.
2. Guns N' Roses
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- Origin: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Year of formation: 1985
- Members: Axl Rose, Duff McKagan, Slash, Dizzy Reed, Richard Fortus, Frank Ferrer, Melissa Reese
- Genres: Hard rock, heavy metal
This rock band was formed in March 1985 after the merger between the bands Hollywood Rose and L.A. Guns. It is a seven-member group consisting of Axl Rose, Duff McKagan, Slash, Dizzy Reed, Richard Fortus, Frank Ferrer, and Melissa Reese, with Axl Rose as the leader. Some of its popular songs are November Rain, Paradise City, and Don’t Cry.
3. Iron Maiden
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- Origin: Leyton, East London, England
- Year of formation: 1975
- Members: Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Janick Gers, Adrian Smith, Bruce Dickinson, Nicko McBrain
- Genres: Heavy metal, progressive metal
Iron Maiden is an English rock group formed in 1975 in Leyton, East London. It was started by songwriter and singer Steve Harris, and its other members are three guitarists: Dave Murray, Janick Gers, and Adrian Smith, vocalist Bruce Dickinson, and drummer Nicko McBrain. The band’s popular hits are The Trooper, Run to the Hills, Wasted Years, and Ace High.
4. Pantera
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- Origin: Arlington, Texas, US
- Year of formation: 1981
- Members: Rex Brown, Philip Anselmo, Zakk Wylde, Charlie Benante
- Genres: Thrash metal, groove metal, glam metal
This heavy metal rock band is from Arlington, Texas. It was formed in 1981 by the Abbott brothers. Its current lineup includes Rex Brown, Philip Anselmo, Zakk Wylde, and Charlie Benante. Pantera has about ten albums with several popular songs, such as Walk, Cemetery Gates, Clash with Reality, and Domination.
5. Megadeth
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- Origin: Los Angeles, California, US
- Year of formation: 1983
- Members: Dave Mustaine, James LoMenzo, Dirk Verbeuren, Teemu Mäntysaari
- Genres: Thrash metal, heavy metal, hard rock
Megadeth is a Los Angeles-based rock band formed in 1983 by vocalist and guitarist Dave Mustaine. Other group members are bassist James LoMenzo, drummer Dirk Verbeuren, and guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari. The band’s top hits are Peace Sells, Sweating Bullets, In My Darkest Hour, and Angry Again.
6. King Diamond
Source: Getty Images
- Origin: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Year of formation: 1985
- Members: King Diamond, Andy LaRocque, Michael Denner, Timi Hansen, Mikkey Dee
- Genres: Heavy metal, shock rock
This Danish heavy metal band came into existence in 1985. It was created by five pioneer members: vocalist King Diamond, guitarists Andy LaRocque and Michael Denner, bassist Timi Hansen and drummer Mikkey Dee. Its well-known songs include Sleepless Nights, Welcome Home, and A Mansion in Darkness.
7. Celtic Frost
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- Origin: Zurich, Switzerland
- Year of formation: 1984
- Members: Thomas Gabriel Fischer, Martin Eric Ain
- Genres: Thrash metal, avant-garde metal, black metal, doom metal
Celtic Frost originated in Zurich, Switzerland, and it was formed in 1984 by guitarist and vocalist Thomas Gabriel Fischer and bassist Martin Eric Ain. The band is recognised for its influence on contemporary rock and the formation of modern rock groups. Its best hits are Dethroned Emperor, Circle of the Tyrants, and Visions of Mortality.
8. Mercyful Fate
Source: Getty Images
- Origin: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Year of formation: 1981
- Members: Hank Shermann, Bjarne T. Holm, Mike Wead, Becky Baldwin
- Genres: Heavy metal, black metal
This Danish heavy metal band was formed by vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann in 1981. Besides the two founders, other band members are drummer Bjarne T. Holm, guitarist Mike Wead, and bassist Becky Baldwin.
9. Warrant
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- Origin: Los Angeles, California, US
- Year of formation: 1984
- Members: Erik Turner, Jerry Dixon, Steven Sweet, Joey Allen, Robert Mason
- Genres: Heavy metal, glam metal, hard rock
The Warrant band hails from Los Angeles, California, and was established in 1984. Its five members are rhythm guitarist Erik Turner, bassist Jerry Dixon, drummer Steven Sweet, lead guitarist Joey Allen, and lead vocalist Robert Mason. It gained fame due to hits like Down Boys, The Bitter Pill, I Saw Red, and Sometimes She Cries.
Forgotten 80s rock bands
Some rock bands enjoyed massive fame in the 1980s but have been slowly forgotten even though they still exist. Which are the forgotten rock bands of the 80s?
1. Crimson Glory
- Origin: Florida, United States
- Year of formation: 1983
- Members: Jeff Lords, Ben Jackson, Dana Burnell, Travis Wills, Mark Borgmeyer
- Genres: Progressive metal, hard rock
This progressive metal rock band comes from Florida, United States. Initially, it was named Pierced Arrow, but after changing names multiple times, it settled for Crimson Glory in 1983. Its members are Jeff Lords, Ben Jackson, Dana Burnell, Travis Wills, and Mark Borgmeyer. It has four albums with songs such as Azrael, Lost Reflection, and In Dark Places.
2. Agent Orange
- Origin: Placentia, California, US
- Year of formation: 1979
- Members: Mike Palm, bassist Perry Giordano, Sandy Hansen
- Genres: Punk rock, surf punk, skate punk
Agent Orange came into existence in 1979 when Mike Palm formed it. It has had several members over the years, but its current members are guitarist Mike Palm, bassist Perry Giordano, and drummer Sandy Hansen. The band’s recognised tracks include Bloodstains, Bored of You, Pipeline, and No Such Thing.
3. Cry Wolf
- Origin: San Francisco Bay Area, California, US
- Year of formation: 1985
- Members: Tim Hall, Steve McKnight, Phil Deckard, John Freixas, JC Crampton
- Genres: Glam metal, hard rock
Cry Wolf was formed in the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid-1980s. It was previously named Heroes, and its founding members are Tim Hall, Steve McKnight, Phil Deckard, John Freixas and JC Crampton. It is known for 80s songs such as Back To You, Long Hard Road, and Rad Shoes.
4. Danger Danger
- Origin: Queens, New York, US
- Year of formation: 1986
- Members: Bruno Ravel, Steve West, Ted Poley, Rob Marcello, Steve Brown
- Genres: Glam metal, hard rock
This glam metal band hails from Queens, New York, and it was formed in 1986. Former members of the Hotshot band Mike Pont, Bruno Ravel, and Steve West were the founding members. The remaining band members are bassist Bruno Ravel, drummer Steve West, lead vocalist Ted Poley, and guitarists Rob Marcello and Steve Brown.
5. Black N’ Blue
- Origin: Portland, Oregon, US
- Year of formation: 1981
- Members: Jaime St. James, Patrick Young, Pete Holmes, Brandon Cook, Doug Rappoport
- Genres: Glam metal, heavy metal, hard rock
This American glam metal band constitutes lead vocalist Jaime St. James, bassist Patrick Young, drummer Pete Holmes, and guitarists Brandon Cook and Doug Rappoport. It was created in 1981 in Portland, Oregon, US. Some of its best hits are Autoblast, I’m the King, Stop the Lightning, and Bombastic Plastic.
6. Cats in Boots
- Origin: Los Angeles, California, US
- Year of formation: 1988
- Members: Joel Ellis, Takashi Ohashi, Randy Meers
- Genres: Heavy metal, hard rock
It is a Japanese-American rock group formed in 1988 after vocalist Joel Ellis and drummer Randy Meers joined guitarist Takashi and bassist Yasuhiro. The band’s best hits are Shot Gun Sally, Every Sunrise, Nine Lives, and Her Monkey.
7. Circus Of Power
- Origin: New York City, New York, US
- Year of formation: 1987
- Members: Alex Mitchell, Scotty Slam, Joe Bondoc, Billy Tsounsis, John Sharkey, Joe Truck
- Genres: Hard rock, heavy metal
This hard rock band hails from New York City and was created in 1987. Eight years later, it was abolished, but the members regrouped in 2014. It is currently constituted by Alex Mitchell, Scotty Slam, Joe Bondoc, Billy Tsounsis, John Sharkey, and Joe Truck. It has four studio albums and three EPs.
8. Cold Sweat
- Origin: United States
- Year of formation: 1988
- Members: Marc Ferarri, Chris McLernon, Anthony White, Erik Gamans, Rory Cathey
- Genres: Hard rock, glam metal
The Cold Sweat band was created in 1988 by guitarist Marc Ferarri. Other band members included Chris McLernon, Anthony White, Erik Gamans, and Rory Cathey. Some of its great hits are Four On The Floor, Lovestruck, and Waiting In Vain.
Who was the biggest rock band in the 80s?
The Cult, formed in 1983 in England, was reportedly the biggest rock band in the 80s. It has two founding members, Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy, and about 25 rotating members, totalling 27 band members.
What band dominated the 80s?
Multiple rock bands realised success in the 1980s. While new ones emerged, old ones rediscovered themselves. Guns N’ Roses was among the most dominant rock bands of the decade.
What was the 80s rock trend?
In the 80s, rock music significantly impacted the fashion world. Rock artists popularised leather jackets, studded clothes, ripped tees, scarves, and long, mulleted hair.
Why is 80s music so powerful?
People enjoyed the music, perhaps because they had never heard anything like it. There was improved music production technology, including synthesisers, keyboard bass lines, drum machines, and vocals.
What is the best decade of music?
Many people consider the 80s as the greatest decade of music. Many memorable tunes were released during the decade by top artists.
What are the characteristics of 80s rock?
Rock music in the 80s was distinguished by its loudness, intensive vocals, driving rhythms, and distorted guitars.
Rock music has evolved, but the 80s has been an outstanding decade due to the emergence of many rock bands and subgenres. Some 80s rock bands have stood the test of time and are still considered rock music powerhouses today due to their timeless hits.
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Legit.ng recently published a list of the most popular songs by the rock band Imagine Dragons. The American pop-rock group was founded in 2008, and it has proven its worth in the world of contemporary rock music, having released numerous chart-topping hits.
The four-member band came into the limelight in 2012. It boasts about six studio albums with several top hits. Which are the band’s most famous tracks you should listen to?
Source: Legit.ng
