The 1980s saw the rise of many Canadian rock bands, and, though some were more commercially successful than others all had a significant impact on the music scene. Take a look at some of these 1980s Canadian rock bands for your next listening experience!
Rush
Found in 1968, the band is best known for their album “Moving Pictures” which was released in 1981. The first song to get airtime on radio stations across Canada and America was titled “The Spirit of Radio.”
The Tragically Hip
This 1980s Canadian rock band got together when they were teenagers and have been playing ever since. They are most famous for their song “New Orleans is Sinking.”
The Guess Who
This band was founded in 1962 and went on to release a lot of successful songs. The most well-known would be “American Woman.” Associated acts Brave Belt, founded by Randy Bachman in 1969, and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, founded by Randy Bachman in 1973.
The Calgary Underground
This 1980s Canadian rock band was founded in the late 1980’s, and has been playing ever since! They’re best known for their song “Midnight Confessions.”
Shades Of Rhythm
This band was founded by a Jamaican saxophonist named Lloyd Charmers. They were widely popular in Canada for their song “Fantasy” which they released on the album titled Fantasy 12″ Single (1987).
The Headstones
This 1980s Canadian rock band was founded in Mississauga, Ontario during the 1980s. Their best song is “Honey Brown Eyes.”
The Pursuit of Happiness
This 1980s Canadian rock band was created in 1985 and has had a lot of success in the 1990s. They are most famous for their song “I’m An Adult Now.” It spent 27 weeks on Billboard’s Top 100 chart, making it one of Canada’s longest-running number ones to
Max Webster
This 1980s Canadian rock band is a three-piece group that was founded in Toronto, Ontario.
The Kino Kids
This 1980s Canadian rock band is from Vancouver BC and has been active since 1979. They are know for their song “Hey Deanie.” The members are as follows: David Rabe, Brian MacLeod and William Hicks.
Loverboy
This 1980s Canadian rock band’s history starts in 1979. They are most known for their songs “Working For The Weekend” and “Lovin’ Every Minute Of It.”
The Droids
This three-piece group from Montreal, Quebec was active between 1982 to 1992. Their best song is called “Anorexorcist.”
Kim Mitchell
This 1980s Canadian rock band has been active since 1977. They are known for their song “Patio Lanterns.”
The Grapes Of Wrath
Active in 1978 and 1979, this three-piece group was from Toronto Ontario and is most well known for the song “Grape Expectations.” Their lead singer was John Taylor.
Kim LaBelle
This band from Montreal, Quebec was active in 1980. They are most well known for their song “Don’t Treat Me This Way.” Lead singer is Rick Ellsworth.
The Bells
Active between 1978 and 1985, this three-piece group originated from Vancouver British Columbia with a lead guitarist named James Darley. One of their songs is “Just About Time.”
Seven Deadly Sins
This 1980s Canadian rock band was active between 1979 and 1984, from Montreal Quebec with a lead singer named Steve Buckingham. Their biggest single is called “Flesh And Blood.”
The Sinceros
Active in 1981 to 1990 this six-member band is most well known for their song “Don’t Let Go.” Lead singer is Dave Ravetch.
The Northern Pikes
A six-member rock group from Winnipeg, Manitoba that became active in 1977 and disbanded after being together between 1982 to 1991. Some of their songs are “You Can Run,” “Old Enough,” and “She Ain’t Pretty.”
Honeymoon Suite
Active from 1980 to 1990, this rock band is most well known for the song “New Girl Now” in 1986. Their lead singer was Paul Dean who later joined Loverboy. They have had two other songs reach number one on Canadian charts: “What Are You Waiting for” in 1980 and “Love Somebody on the Dark Side” in 1990.
The Headpins
This rock band is most well known in Canada for their song “Don’t It Make You Feel Good.” They were also active internationally with an album charting at number one in Australia, Austria, and the Netherlands.
Corey Hart
Corey Hart was a Canadian singer and songwriter, who became well known for his hit “Sunglasses at Night.”
Platinum Blonde
This rock band was active between 1980 and 1990. They are best known for their song “Not in Love,” which reached number one on the Canadian charts, as well as being a major hit internationally with various versions of it reaching top ten positions throughout Europe.
April Wine
April Wine is a Canadian rock band that was active from 1971 to 1989. Their hit songs include “Sign of the Gypsy Queen,” and “I Like to Rock n Roll.”
Men Without Hats
Men Without Hats was a Canadian pop rock band, which formed in 1980 and gained international success for their song “The Safety Dance.”
Red Rider
Red Rider was a Canadian rock band that started in 1974. They had their most successful years during the 1980s, when they released albums such as “As Far As Siam” and “Jet”.
(Like 1980s Canadian Rock Bands? Then you might like our article on 80s Bands Kept Up with Their Own Hair, click here.)
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