Posted on March 24th, 2023

At MetalBox Rock Band, we're passionate about 80's hair metal. It's what we do best, and it's what we love to play. But where did this genre of music come from? In this blog post, we're going to take a look at the history of 80's hair metal, from its roots in the late 70's to its peak in the mid-80's and eventual decline in the early 90's.

The roots of 80's hair metal can be traced back to the late 70's, when bands like Kiss, Alice Cooper, and the New York Dolls were bringing theatricality and showmanship to rock music. These bands were known for their outrageous costumes, heavy makeup, and over-the-top stage shows. They paved the way for the more polished and glamorous bands that would come to define 80's hair metal.

One of the first bands to embrace the hair metal sound was Van Halen. Their 1978 self-titled debut album was a massive success, thanks in part to Eddie Van Halen's virtuosic guitar playing and David Lee Roth's flamboyant stage presence. The band's blend of hard rock and pop hooks would prove to be hugely influential on the bands that followed.

Throughout the early 80's, a number of bands emerged that would come to define the hair metal sound. Motley Crue, Poison, and Bon Jovi were among the most successful, thanks to their catchy hooks, melodic guitar solos, and, of course, their big hair. These bands were known for their over-the-top stage shows, complete with pyrotechnics, flashy costumes, and lots of hairspray.

In the mid-80's, hair metal reached its peak of popularity. Bands like Guns N' Roses, Def Leppard, and Whitesnake were selling out arenas and dominating the charts. MTV played a huge role in the success of these bands, as their music videos brought their music and image to a massive audience.

But with success came excess, and by the late 80's, hair metal was beginning to feel stale. The music had become formulaic, and the image had become a parody of itself. As grunge and alternative rock emerged in the early 90's, hair metal began to decline. Many of the bands that had dominated the charts just a few years earlier found themselves struggling to stay relevant.

Today, the legacy of 80's hair metal lives on. While many of the bands that defined the genre have either disbanded or faded into obscurity, their music remains popular with fans around the world. And at MetalBox Rock Band, we're proud to keep the spirit of 80's hair metal alive with our live shows and faithful renditions of the classic songs that defined the genre.

If you're looking for a high-energy live performance that pays tribute to the greatest era of rock music, look no further than MetalBox Rock Band. Our Lexington-based band specializes in playing 80's hair metal songs and putting on unforgettable rock shows. Contact us today at (803) 3198100 to book your next event or learn more about what we have to offer.