ICYMI: Nöthin’ But a Good Time hair metal documentary is a must-see for ’80s music fans

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As someone who vividly remembers the neon-lit, big hair-adorned, and guitar-shredding era of the 1980s, I can wholeheartedly say that Paramount+’s new documentary, “Nöthin’ But a Good Time: The Uncensored Story of ’80s Hair Metal,” is an absolute blast from the past. Growing up with bands like Mötley Crüe and Quiet Riot blasting through our transistor radios and MTV screens, it’s fascinating to revisit the wild tales and unbelievable antics of those times.

1980s kids will swear that it was an unparalleled time to be young, and they’d be right. The 1980s sparked numerous cultural trends and fostered a spirit of self-expression. This period gifted the youth with a flamboyant sense of style, iconic hairdos like perms and mullets, blockbuster films, MTV, and the rise of heavy metal bands!

Paramount+ has seized the trend of ’80s nostalgia with a fresh documentary titled “Nöthin’ But a Good Time: The Uncensored Story of ’80s Hair Metal”. This three-part series, released on September 17, is skillfully directed by Jeff Tremaine, known for his work in “Jackass” and “The Dirt”.

This series, created by MTV Entertainment Studios, Gorilla Flicks, and Spoke Studios, spotlights tales from popular musicians and celebrities of that time, such as Bret Michaels, Stephen Pearcy, Nuno Bettencourt, Dave “Snake” Sabo, Dan Dokken, Jack Russell, Rudy Sarzo, and Riki Rachtman. Additionally, musician Corey Taylor and TV personality Steve-O share their thoughts on the topic.

The book “Nothing But a Good Time” draws upon the New York Times bestseller penned by respected rock journalists Tom Beaujor and Richard Bienstock as its primary resource, offering enthusiasts an unfiltered, intimate glimpse into the world of the ’80s hair band phenomenon.

This narrative recounts the emergence of heavy metal hair bands during the 80’s, pioneered by groups such as Mötley Crüe, Quiet Riot, Ratt, Dokken, and others. The outrageous tales behind the scenes, once thought to be exaggerated, were actually true. These bands embodied the mantra of “sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll” in their lifestyle choices. By the early 90’s, the fad had dwindled with the arrival of alternative bands like Nirvana, marking a significant shift in music trends.

As a die-hard ’80s metalhead, I can’t get enough of “Living It Up: A Decade of Hard Rock,” a film that delves deep into the lives and music of the most iconic heavy metal bands. It features hits like Quiet Riot’s groundbreaking track, “Come Take a Ride” (more popularly known as “Cum On Feel The Noise”), one of the initial Top 5 metal anthems. A poignant segment recounts the tragic tale of Randy Rhoads, co-founder of Quiet Riot and the brilliant guitarist and co-songwriter for Ozzy Osbourne’s band, who we lost too soon.

Hair Metal significantly shaped music history, being a fresh idea that flourished alongside the emergence of MTV’s groundbreaking music videos. Whether you’re a fan or not, its impact on the metal community is undeniable, spawning the popularization of power ballads, among other things!

All in all, “Nothin’ But a Good Time” serves as an engaging trip down memory lane for fans reminiscing about the era, a group who continue to cherish the genre of hair bands. The band’s backstory is sure to captivate those who weren’t around during this vibrant phase of music history.

Nöthin’ But a Good Time: The Uncensored Story of ’80s Hair Metal is now streaming on Paramount+.

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2024-10-08 00:31