Big hair, big personalities, big styles, big colors — the 1980s were gargantuan just about any way you sliced them. And these big 80s band kept the trend rolling, establishing themselves as legends and their music as anthems for a generation that will never forget rocking out their tunes on the boombox in the good old days.
Van Halen
Formed in 1974, Van Halen rocked through the 80s with hit albums like 1984, 5150 and OUATITW. The band members were Eddie Van Halen on guitar; Alex Van Halen on drums; Michael Anthony as bassist from 1978 to 2007; David Lee Roth singing lead vocals until 1985 when Sammy Hagar took over the part for 12 years before being replaced by Gary Cherone in 1996.
Aerosmith
Aerosmith was formed in 1970 and is still around, with big hits like “Dream On,” “Walk This Way” and more. The big names in the band are Steven Tyler on vocals, Joe Perry on guitar, Brad Whitford on guitar; Tom Hamilton as bassist since 1970 and Joey Kramer on drums.
New Kids On The Block
Formed in 1984, the group performs sporadically these days. The big names are Jordan Knight on vocals; Danny Wood from 1985 to 1990 and Donnie Wahlberg for a short time in 1988. Their big hit was “Hangin’ Tough.”
Def Leppard
Formed in 1977 by guitarist Pete Willis who was replaced by Steve Clark, Def Leppard released big albums like “Pyromania” and “Hysteria.” Famous members are Joe Elliot on vocals; Rick Savage as bassist from 1977-1992 when he was replaced by Phil Collen; Vivian Campbell for guitar on the Hysteria tour after Pete Willis left with no explanation.
Bon Jovi
Formed in 1983, Bon Jovi is still big and popular with big hits like “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Livin’ on a Prayer” and more. Joe Elliott has been the lead singer since 1988 when Alec John Such was replaced; David Bryan plays keyboards from 1978-1992 then rejoined after Richie Sambora left in 2013.
Steve Perry, who sang lead vocals from 1974-1983 and was replaced by Joe Elliott (who used to be the guitarist), is still alive but doesn’t tour with Bon Jovi anymore. He has his own band now called “The Steve Perry Project.”
Motley Crue
Formed in 1981, Motley Crue is still big and popular with big hits like “Shout at the Devil,” “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away),” and more. Vince Neil was not in the band from 1984-1996, but has rejoined it since then; Nikki Sixx plays bass guitar for Motley Crue beginning in 1981.
Journey
Formed in 1973, Journey stayed on the charts all through the 1980s with big hits like “Separate Ways,” “Stone in Love,” and more. Steve Perry was lead singer from 1977-1987, replaced by Jeff Scott Soto; Neal Schon is still the guitarist for Journey who joined in 1974.
The Police
Formed in 1977, The Police made plenty of noise over the decades with hits like “Every Breath You Take,” “Roxanne,” and more. Sting was lead singer from 1977-1986, replaced by Stewart Copeland; Andy Summers still plays guitar for The Police who joined in 1976.
Devo
Formed in 1973 as a New Wave band, Devo had big hits like “Whip It,” “Uncontrollable Urge,” and more before the 1980s rolled around. Jerry Casale was the lead singer from 1973-1979, replaced by Mark Mothersbaugh; Bob Casale is still a guitarist for Devo who joined in 1974.
Duran Duran
Formed in 1978, Duran Duran became big with hits like “Hungry Like The Wolf,” “Save A Prayer,” and more. John Taylor was the lead singer who joined in 1978; Simon LeBon is still the frontman for Duran Duran since 1981.
Kool & the Gang
Formed in 1964, Kool & the Gang was big with hits like “Jungle Boogie,” “Ladies Night” and more. Ronald Bell joined in 1967 for lead vocals; Jizelle Rhone is still a singer who replaced Johnnie Taylor after 1980.
Eurythmics
In 1979, Annie Lennox joined Dave Stewart to form Eurythmics. They had big hits like “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” “Would I Lie To You,” and more before Lennox left in 1990.
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