80s Hair Bands
Auria & Erika
What influenced the 80s hair bands?
Glam rock and heavy metal combined to form a new genre called glam metal, later nicknamed the hair bands for their voluminous hair. A desire to be different from the music of the 1970s and to express their opinion on current events influenced rockers to create their own style. KISS was a 70s precursor to glam metal, with their make-up and stage presence, which did not become common until later in the 80s.
Context
In 1980, Ronald Reagan was elected president. He implemented a policy called by many "Reaganomics" Conflicts with the middle east, like the Iran Hostage Crisis and the Iran-Contra Affair, both occurred in the 80s, as did the end of the decades-long Cold War with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Teenagers of the day sought to rebel against their parents, as every generation of teenagers does, and created a genre of music that was flashy and unlike little that had been seen before. Bands had big hair and flashy clothing. They also changed how they acted on stage and the instruments that they used.
Twisted Sister - We're Not Gonna Take It (Official Video)
The court case Dee Snider v. Tipper Gore was over placing a restriction upon the lyrics of this song. The Parents Music Resource Center believed that the lyrics of this song were explicit. Dee Snider won the case by stating that the lyrics of the song, with which PMRC had issue, were not violent but that the music video was.
This song shows iconic 80s hair and a rebellion against old ideas possessed by parents.
Quiet Riot - Come On Feel The Noize
This song shows the impact of the audience upon 80s rock, in that the band changed the title of this song from "Come on Hear the Noize" to "Come on Feel the Noize" because of the audience's response to the music. Quiet Riot's Mental Health album hit Billboard and paved the way for future glam rockers, in which this song participated heavily.
Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer
This song relates rock to the working class, showing the difficulty that many people experienced in their daily life, including issues of job security.
Guns N' Roses - Paradise City - YouTube
Paradise City was based off of the city of Los Angeles, California. The chorus of this song reflect Axl Rose's memories of the midwest. All band members contributed to this song and it shows many perspectives on the times.
Journey - Any Way You Want It
This song has become iconic of the band Journey, and thereby of the 80s. It shows the way that people optimistically viewed life in the 80s.
Change and Continuity Over Time
Motley Crue's Too Fast for Love was heavily influential on the first part of the 80s, while Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet influenced the later part. Glam metal changed from very similar to 1970s rock to the iconic crazy hair and tight clothing that most people associate with hair bands. By the end of the 80s, power ballads had given way to the deeper lyrics of grunge and associated acts. Guns 'n' Roses debut album, Appetite for Destruction, was the beginning of the end for glam metal, along with the release of Nirvana's Nevermind album in 1991, which paved the way for Seattle grunge in the US.
Honorable Mentions (aka British hair bands)
Def Leppard
Judas Priest
Whitesnake
Motorhead
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 80's hair bands were created by the influence of the glam rock and heavy metal. The combination formed a genre that affected people throughout multiple generations.