Hair metal can sometimes be referred to as glam metal or pop metal. It is characterized by pop-influenced hooks, guitar riffs and costuming that mimics the 1970s fashion. This kind of music gained popularity in the 70s and 80s with some of the most renowned acts at that time being Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Quiet Riot, The New York Dolls, Kiss and Van Halen. Hair metal fashion includes flashy clothes, long hair and elaborate makeup. Despite the fact that there are hundreds of good hair metal acts out there, here is a short list of some of the most successful hair metal bands of all time.
5. Poison
Formerly known as Paris, this band gained prominence in the mid-80s. It has over the years managed to sell 15 million records within the United States and a total of 45 million records throughout the globe. The band became popular after releasing its first album that was titled Look What The Cat Dragged In. Some of its most popular hit songs include Talk Dirty To Me, Life Goes On, Something To Believe In and I Won’t Forget You.
4. Guns N’ Roses
This band was created in 1985 in Los Angeles, California. It has released 6 studio albums, 2 live albums and 2 compilation albums. The band has sold over 1000 million records around the globe. It is ranked among the top 50 best selling music acts of all time. The band’s Not in This Lifetime tour is the 4th highest grossing concert in history. Some of its top tracks include Welcome to The Jungle, Sweet Child O’ Mine and November Rain.
3. Bon Jovi
The band was formed in 1983 and derives its name from the lead singer who is called Jon Bon Jovi. Other members include David Bryan who plays the piano and keyboard, Hugh McDonald who plays the bass guitar, Tico Torres who plays the drums and Phil X who plays the lead guitar. It is the band’s third album titled Slippery When Wet that gained it popularity throughout the world. It has already released over 12 studio albums and sold over 100 million records globally. Some of the its top hits include Its My Life, Bed of Roses, You Give Love a Bad Name and Livin’ On a Prayer.
2. Def Leppard
This is a rock band that was formed in Sheffield around 1977. Some of its members include Joe Elliot, Vivian Campbell, Rick Savage, Rick Allen and Phil Collen. It is among the only 5 bands with 2 studio albums managing to sell over 10 million copies in the United States. On a global scale it has managed to sell over 100 million records. Two of the band’s albums titled Pyromania and Hysteria have RIAA certification which is a tremendous achievement for just about any musical act. Some of its most popular songs include Pour Some Sugar on Me, Hysteria, Love Bites and Rock of Ages.
1. Motley Crue
The band was formed in the first month of 1981 in Los Angeles, California. It was created by Vince Neil, Mick Mars, Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee. Just like the other bands on this list Motley Crue has over the years sold over 100 million records across the globe. The band’s last album titled Saints of Los Angeles was introduced to the world in the year 2008 and sold about 100,000 copies in the first week of release. Some of its top hits include Shout at The Devil, Without You, Wild Side and Live Wire. Motley Crue is still regarded as one of the most influential and loved hair metal bands of all time.
