3 Hair Bands that should be in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (and 3 that shouldn't)

As a die-hard ’80s gamer, I can’t help but feel frustrated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite their reasons, it seems like the ’80s are sorely overlooked. Year after year, fantastic bands from this era have been snubbed, while musicians who barely touch rock and roll have found their way in. It just doesn’t add up to leave out true rock and roll legends from the hall.

It’s preposterous to claim that ’80s bands had no impact on upcoming musicians. Although some Heavy Metal bands during the Hair Band era were more focused on their image and style rather than musical depth, the ’80s produced a significant amount of excellent music.

Based on IMDB’s information, approximately 20% of the MTV Countdown’s Top 100 music videos from the 80s, which was aired towards the end of 1989, can now be categorically labeled as Hair Band videos. Notably, around half of these (or about 10 videos) were included in the top 50.

Two iconic ’80s bands, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard, have been recognized in the hall of fame. However, it’s worth considering that at least three more bands from that era deserve this recognition as well. A recent article by Bryan Rolli from Ultimate Classic Rock proposed eight such bands that should be inducted into the Hall of Fame. While eight might seem like a lot, Rolli presents compelling arguments, and he is definitely on the right path.

Three acts from the Hair Band era in the 80s that should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

No. 3 – Scorpions

This German band came together in 1965 and put out their debut album in 1972. The heartfelt song “Holiday” appeared on their 1979 record called “Lovedrive“. In the year 1980, their album “Animal Magnetism” brought us the timeless hit “The Zoo.”

1982 marked a significant expansion of the band’s international fanbase, as their album “Blackout” gained traction. This release included hits such as “No One Like You,” which reached number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and “Can’t Live Without You.

1984 saw the Scorpions reach their peak with the release of the album “Love at First Sting”. The potent ballad “Still Loving You” climbed to position 64, whereas “Rock You Like a Hurricane” made it all the way up to number 25.

As a devoted fan, I’ve always admired how consistently they’ve produced quality tunes throughout the decade and beyond. One of their most remarkable achievements was “Winds of Change,” soaring to the number four spot on the charts. What’s more, they’ve had quite a run on the Billboard 200 album chart, with an impressive 20 albums that made it, three of which were top 10 hits. Remarkably, all these successful albums were released in the ’80s.

The Scorpions boast a long lifespan in the music industry, one that only a handful of bands can claim. They’ve tasted commercial triumph and consistently showcased an exceptional vocal and instrumental style that distinguishes them from others. Their inclusion in the hall of fame is generally accepted as deserved.

No. 2 – Poison

As a devoted gamer, I’ve always been fascinated by music, and Poison is one band that intrigues me. Initially, they were often criticized as imitators of Motley Crue, but overlooking their growth and true talent feels unfair. In the beginning, their songs were indeed representative of the glam metal sub-genre, with tunes like “Look What the Cat Dragged In,” “Talk Dirty to Me,” and “Unskinny Bop” being iconic examples. However, as time passed, they evolved into something more unique and captivating, proving that they were not just a knock-off but a force to be reckoned with in their own right.

Just like Motley Crue, their music evolved alongside them. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” remains a fantastic rock ballad, just as relevant today as it was when first written decades ago. “Something to Believe In” boasts profound lyrics and is widely considered one of their best songs overall. Similarly, “Theatre of the Soul” mirrors the maturity in their songwriting.

In simpler terms, Poison was followed by numerous imitators who diluted the genre significantly. Bands like Warrant, Slaughter, White Lion, Vixen, and others produced subpar work that mimicked the original rather than creating something new or unique. However, it’s important to note that these bands had their share of good songs and moments. It just felt as though they were replicating a replica, not innovating within the genre.

Among all others, they towered high. Their repertoire of fantastic tunes might be equal to or even surpass that of Motley Crue, and they served as inspiration for numerous heavy metal groups, much like Crue did. They rightfully claim a spot in the Hall of Fame.

No. 1 – Motley Crue

As a devoted fan, I’d say that Motley Crue’s early albums were as groundbreaking for their time as they come. “Too Fast for Love” and “Shout at the Devil” packed a raw power and sound that was far from mainstream. Yet, it was just what their audience craved, catapulting them into commercial success. Eventually, “Shout at the Devil” went on to be certified platinum four times.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, their next album, “Theatre of Pain,” truly leveled up the game! Tracks like “Smokin’ in the Boys’ Room” and “Home Sweet Home” had everyone hooked. In 1987, the chart-topping “Girls, Girls, Girls” climbed to no. 2, solidifying them as a powerhouse of the era. Fast forward two years, and “Dr Feelgood” stormed into first place with hits like the title track and “Kickstart My Heart.” It was a game changer!

The band achieved two Top 10 singles, thirteen songs in the Billboard Hot 100, and one album that peaked at number one, with nine additional albums reaching the Top 10.

In a nutshell, Motley Crue was a powerhouse of influence during the 1980s, setting trends that many other bands emulated. Their distinctive glam style was widely imitated, earning the decade its nickname as the “Hair Band” era. When they abandoned spandex and makeup in 1987, others soon followed their lead. Their impact on the remainder of the decade is indisputable, and their skills as songwriters and musicians progressively improved. There’s no question that they deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Three acts from the Hair Band era that probably shouldn’t be considered for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

No. 3 – Whitesnake

Absolutely, during the late 1980s, Whitesnake experienced significant commercial success. Their self-titled album from 1987 climbed to the second position on the music charts and spawned a chart-topping hit “Here I Go Again” as well as another song that reached number two, “Is This Love.” Fueled by captivating music videos and catchy tunes, these tracks catapulted the band into prominence.

1984 saw the unveiling of a high-energy album titled “Slide It In“. This album featured robust rock tracks such as the title song and “Slow and Easy”. Despite not bringing significant commercial acclaim to the band, the music undeniably lived up to the rock and roll moniker.

The Whitesnake album featured a more mellow sound that attracted a larger audience, however, the songs themselves lacked depth. Looking back, it appears this music leaned towards bubblegum rock rather than what most bands were creating at the time. It’s evident that the band was strongly influenced by Led Zeppelin, but it’s unclear if they had a significant impact on future musicians.

There just isn’t much of a case for Whitesnake to be voted into the Hall.

No. 2 – Ratt

Ratt can be considered a challenging case, boasting an impressive collection of rock tunes, but not quite matching the commercial success of some contemporaries. The key factor supporting their potential induction into the Hall of Fame lies in their 1984 hit “Round and Round,” which was among the genre’s initial triumphs. That year, it reached number 12 on the charts during the summer.

The “Out of the Cellar” album and its subsequent release, “Invasion of Your Privacy,” peaked at number seven on the Billboard 200 chart a year apart. However, the tunes from these albums didn’t achieve significant popularity as singles.

In the same vein as many groups of that time, their lyrics weren’t particularly profound, yet they were skillful performers. Apart from “Round and Round,” only another track, “Lay It Down,” managed to reach the top 40 charts.

I really enjoy this band, but it would be challenging for me to convince others they deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame.

No. 1 – Quiet Riot

If you believe Quiet Riot deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame, here are two compelling reasons:

1. They made history by being the first heavy metal album to reach number one on the charts when their album Metal Health hit the top spot in 1983.
2. Their guitarist, Randy Rhoads, is said to have popularized the term “headbangers” before he left the band. Indeed, these are two notable achievements within the genre.

Although “Cum on Feel the Noize” and “Bang Your Head (Metal Health)” are popular songs by them, they also have other originals. For instance, while many remember “Mama, Weer All Crazee Now”, it’s actually a cover. Only “Bang Your Head” is their original composition among these three hits, despite being an exceptional one.

Although these two points are undeniably true, they alone don’t seem sufficient to induct the band into the Hall of Fame. Beyond their Metal Health album, their commercial achievements were rather limited, and any impact they made was primarily due to Randy Rhoads’ early collaboration with Quiet Riot.

As a gamer, I can say that my groundbreaking game was instrumental in popularizing the genre, yet prior to and post its legendary release, it didn’t quite resonate with the masses as much.

Other bands from that period, like Dokken, Tesla, Queensryche, and even Iron Maiden – who have significantly shaped heavy metal music – could also be strong contenders for recognition. However, Iron Maiden, arguably one of the most influential heavy metal bands ever, has yet to receive any nomination for the Hall.

2025-03-07 14:00

3 Hair Bands that should be in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (and 3 that shouldn’t)