The 80s were an epic time for rock music. MTV launched in 1981, bringing 24-hours of music right into your living rooms. Adolescents were suddenly introduced to a wider range of bands across all sub-genres of rock and roll. Everything from powerhouse hard rockers like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, to new wave dance icons Duran Duran and The Cars were on heavy rotation. This is our list of the best 80s bands.
1. Journey
Arena rock was certainly alive and well in the 80s. And Journey was one of the best 80s bands doing it. They sprung into the decade with full force when they released their seventh album, Escape (1981). That record spawned a number of hits – “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Who’s Crying Now,” and “Open Arms” to name a few.
“Don’t Stop Believin” became the group’s signature song. and has continued to endure over the years. In fact, it is one of the best-selling digital tracks from the twentieth century. It’s also heavily streamed, sitting at well over 1 billion plays on Spotify. In 2022, the single was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Recording Registry as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
2. Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi is an American rock band formed in 1983 from New Jersey. The original lineup consisted of John Bon Jovi (lead vocals), David Bryan (keyboard), Ticco Torres (drums), Alec John Such (bass) and Richie Sambora (guitar).
The band’s 1984 debut album, Bon Jovi, featured their first big single “Runaway” achieving Top 40 success. However, they took the world by storm when they released their third album, Slippery When Wet. That album sold over 20 million copies and included three Top 10 singles: “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name.” and “Wanted Dead or Alive”.
3. Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses formed in 1985 in Los Angeles. When they signed to Geffen Records in 1986, the band included singer Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKagan, and drummer Steven Adler. Despite popping up midway through the decade, they effectively shifted the tides of 80s rock n’ roll when they came around. Their style, rebelliousness, and hedonism even drew comparisons to the early Rolling Stones. They were often nicknamed “the most dangerous band in the world”.
Their debut album, Appetite for Destruction (1987), reached number one on the Billboard 200 on the strength of songs including “Welcome to the Jungle”, “Paradise City”, and “Sweet Child o’ Mine”.
4. R.E.M
R.E.M enjoyed heavy rotation at college radio stations throughout the early 80s. They would finally take the world by storm in 1987. That is when they released their album, Document, which contained the single “The One I Love”, charting the Top 20 in the US, UK and Canada. Even the December 1987 cover of Rolling Stone declared R.E.M. “America’s Best Rock & Roll Band”.
Not only are they one the best 80s bands, their alternative approach to rock became deeply influential in the ’90s as well.
5. Def Leppard
Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in 1976, and established themselves as part of the new wave of British heavy metal movement of the early 1980s.
Their first two albums, 1980’s On Through the Night and 1981’s High n’ Dry were popular, with their sophomore album’s rock anthem “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” receiving heavy rotation on MTV. However, it was their third album, Pyromania, that reached the top of the charts. It contained hits like “Photograph” and “Rock of the Ages”.
Tragically, drummer Rick Allen severed his arm in a car accident in 1984. Despite the severity of the accident, Allen was committed to continuing his role as Def Leppard’s drummer. He realized that he could use his legs to do some of the drumming work previously done with his arms, and worked to customize an electronic set. This allowed him to continue as an integral part of the band. With Allen, the band sold over 100 million album copies and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
6. Eurythmics
Eurythmics were a British pop-rock duo consisting of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. Their first album, In the Garden, turned many heads when it was released in 1981. However, the band gained worldwide success when they released their single “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” in 1983. The group ended in the 80s (breaking up in 1990) with both artists continuing to have successful careers outside the group.
The duo have won an MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist in 1984 and the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance in 1987. They were even inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
7. Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981. The group was founded by bassist Nikki Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee, lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil.
They came along at a time when the world was beginning to put as much emphasis on a band’s image as their sound. Love ’em or hate ’em, no one can deny they are endlessly entertaining. Their heavy metal theatrics also gave them a firm standing on the charts, making them one of the most successful bands of the decade.
The band has had nine Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart with hit singles including “Girls, Girls, Girls” and “Dr. Feelgood”.
8. The Cars
The Cars were a new wave band that formed in 1976 out of Boston. They entered the 80s with two successful albums under their belt. But it was their third album, Heartbreak City, in 1984 that was their most successful album.
All together, The Cars had four Top 10 hits: “Shake It Up” (1981), “You Might Think” (1984), “Drive” (1984), and “Tonight She Comes” (1985). “Drive” gained particular notability when it was introduced by David Bowie at the 1985 Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium in London. They’re influence on the entire decades secures them a spot on the list as one of the best 80s bands ever.
9. The Smiths
Signed to the independent label Rough Trade Records in 1983, The Smiths are often regarded as one of the most important acts to emerge from the British Indie scene in the 80s. They emerged from the underground with their guitar-driven sound, providing something different to synth-pop sound that was so commonplace at the time. And it wasn’t just their music that was different. The band, consisting of Morrissey (lead vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums) were also provocateurs. Their songs, often political, provoked conversations and sometimes controversy.
In terms of album success, all four of their albums reached top five on the UK album charts. However, by the time their fourth album was released in 1987, internal tensions had gotten so bad that the band broke up. For a band that only lasted a few years, their imprint on future music is undeniable.
10. Tears For Fears
Tears for Fears embraced a pop-rock sound that really took off commercially in the 80s, topping both the UK and US charts. They proved that synth-pop albums could be deep and have substance.
As part of the MTV-driven Second British Invasion in the US, their second album, Songs from the Big Chair (1985), reached number one on the US Billboard 200, achieving multi-platinum status in both the UK and the US. The album contained two Billboard Hot 100 number one hits: “Shout” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” They are definitely one of the best 80s bands ever!
11. Depeche Mode
After their 1981 debut album Speak & Spell, founding member Vince Clarke left the band. With that departure, the band reinvented itself to have a much darker sound that enthralled angsty teens around the world. They experimented with noise samples from everyday objects, creating an eclectic, industrial-influenced sound. This foreboding electronic sound helped the band enter the mainstream, where they have since sold over 100 million albums worldwide and won multiple Grammy Awards. Top 80s hits include “People Are People,” “Somebody,” and “Stranglove.”
12. Duran Duran
What makes them one of the best 80s bands? Innovators of the music video, Duran Duran were catapulted into the mainstream with the introduction of the 24-hour music channel MTV. The band’s first major hit was “Girls on Film” (1981), from their self-titled debut studio album. The popularity of the song was enhanced by a controversial music video. The band’s sophomore album was Rio (1982), which peaked at number six in the US, number two in the United Kingdom. It featured hit songs “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Rio”.
Duran Duran has won several awards including two Grammys. They have also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
13. The Bangles
The Bangles are a Los Angeles-based pop-rock band established in 1981. “Manic Monday,” “Walk Like an Egyptian,” “Hazy Shade of Winter,” “In Your Room,” and “Eternal Flame” were among the band’s top tracks.
Friction arose among band members after music industry media began putting a spotlight on Susanna Hoffs as the lead singer of the group. In reality singing duties were divided among the band members equally, each of whom wrote or co-wrote songs. The band closed out the 80s by breaking up in 1989. However, they still represent one of the 80s’ greatest rock bands, and for good reason.
14. Echo & The Bunnymen
Echo & the Bunnymen were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1978. The original line-up consisted of vocalist Ian McCulloch, guitarist Will Sergeant, drummer Pete de Freitas and bassist Les Pattinson.
The band formed a cult-following upon the release of their debut album Crocodiles. After releasing their third album Porcupine (1981), the band gained more mainstream success with their single “The Cutter”. In 1987, McCulloch left the band and after much struggle, was replaced by singer Noel Burke. Sadly, misfortune continued to follow the band, when de Freitas was killed in a motorcycle accident. The band officially disbanded in 1993.
The band’s songs captured the intensity of post-punk and spawned hits like “The Killing Moon”, “Lips Like Sugar” and “Bring on the Dancing Horses”.
15. ZZ Top
After a brief hiatus in the 70s, ZZ Top returned in 1979 with a new musical direction and image. With their blues-inspired guitar skills and trademark facial hair, they stood apart from other 80s bands. They began to experiment with synthesizers and drum machines for their album El Loco (1981). Then they established a more mainstream sound and gained international success with Eliminator (1983), which integrated influences from new waves and dance-rock.
They became unlikely cover boys for MTV, when they released the videos for singles including “Gimme All Your Lovin‘“and “Legs”. They were fun, edgy and unique. The group has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and received numerous accolades.
16. Van Halen
Van Halen had six different albums go multi-platinum in the ’80s – talk about a great run. The 1984 album alone had four hit singles, including the number one single “Jump.”
Van Halen also did something in the 80s, which is virtually impossible. They defied the odds of switching out lead singers and maintaining their success. Following the 1984 Tour, singer David Lee Roth decided to quit and form a new band. In 1985, Sammy Hagar joined the band as their new lead singer and rhythm guitar player. The 1986 Van Halen album 5150 was a huge hit, becoming the band’s first No. 1 album on the Billboard charts, driven by the keyboard-dominated singles “Why Can’t This Be Love” and “Love Walks In”.
Their sound during that time was distinctly ’80s, with a penchant for synthy keyboards and Eddie Van Halen’s piercing guitar lines.
17. Blondie
Blondie’s ‘80s success was largely isolated to a couple of years, with the band disbanding after the release, The Hunter, in 1982. But what an impactful time those years were! Three of the band’s four No. 1 singles released between 1980-81. Those songs included the supremely funky “Rapture” and cover song “The Tide Is High.” While both of those tracks were featured on the 1980 album, Autoamerican, arguably the band’s most impressive moment came on the soundtrack to American Gigolo. Blondie performed and co-wrote the film’s theme song, “Call Me.”
18. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers entered the 1980s as a rising star. Petty realized the importance of music videos, as both artistic and marketing drivers early on in the 80s. His unique videos for songs like “You Got Lucky” and “Don’t Come Around Here No More” helped the singles reach the Top 20. In 1989, Petty also secured success with the quintuple-platinum Full Moon Fever. Although it was billed as a solo album, it included significant contributions from the Heartbreakers, including guitarist Mike Campbell. The album included numerous hits including “I Won’t Back Down”, “Runnin’ Down a Dream”, “Free Fallin‘“, “A Face in the Crowd” and “Yer So Bad”.
Sadly, Tom Petty passed away in 2017, but the group’s rock contributions, especially in the 80s, will be celebrated for generations to come.
19. Pixies
Without the Pixies, who knows what grunge music would have looked like. Their 80s sound influenced 90s bands including Nivana, Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer. Kurt Cobain, often said he was striving to imitate the Boston band’s musical style with his band Nirvana. It was their dynamic range and variation in quiet and loud that soon became one of alternative rock’s most noticeable features.
Formed in 1986, the Pixies had a string of influential songs including “Monkey Gone to Heaven”, which reached top 10 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks.
20. U2
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin, formed in 1976. The group consists of Bono (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), the Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion). Even today, these four lads are creating beautiful music. But it’s thanks to such career-defining albums as Boy, War, and The Joshua Tree that U2 became one of the most successful ’80s bands. The Joshua Tree album was especially significant in the achievement of their rock sound, also providing songs for the ages with tracks like “With or Without You” and “Where the Streets Have No Name.”
They have sold an estimated 170 million records worldwide, won 22 Grammy Awards, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
21. The Police
The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. Sting (lead vocals), Stewart Copeland (drums), and Andy Summers (guitar) fused a trifecta of talent into the band, giving the 80s numerous hits. Those hits included “Roxanne,” “So Lonely,” “Message in a Bottle,” “Walking on the Moon,” and “Every Breath You Take”. Their style was unique, incorporating elements of punk, reggae and jazz.
The Police disbanded in 1986, but reunited in early 2007 for a one-off world tour that ended in August 2008. They have sold over 75 million records, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time.
22. New Order
New Order was created out of tragedy. After Joy Division’s lead singer Ian Curtis passed away, the band was left with a void. From there, New Order emerged in 1980. The band offered a synth-pop sound with some post-punk influences.
Throughout the decade they released several successful albums such as Power, Corruption & Lies (1983), Technique (1989), and a singles compilation called Substance (1987). The band disbanded in 1993 for a short time, but not before providing the 80s with epic hits still remembered today.
23. Metallica
Metallica formed out of Los Angeles in 1981, and their heavy metal songs completely dominated the decade. Having outdone themselves artistically and financially with each of the first three albums, the band was devastated by the demise of bassist Cliff Burton in 1986. After Burton’s death the band contemplated quitting; however, with the blessing of his family they replaced him with Jason Newstead.
Metallica’s first studio album since Burton’s death, …And Justice for All (1988), was the band’s first album to enter the Top 10. It was also their first album to receive a Grammy nomination. The band finished the decade as the undisputed kings of metal, and continue their success even today. The are not only one of the best 80s bands, they are one of best bands period.
Love Metallica? Check out our list of the top Metallica songs here.
24. KISS
Creatures of the Night (1982) revitalized the glam rockers’ career and sent it soaring to new heights. Their follow-up effort, Lick It Up (1983) was also successful, despite the band shedding their iconic makeup . Though the ’70s were undoubtedly their prime, KISS proved they could roll with the punches that the MTV generation dealt.
Kiss were once again arena headliners, and hits such as “Heaven’s On Fire,” “Tears Are Falling” and “Forever” kept them in heavy radio rotation.
25. The Cure
The Cure are an English rock band formed in 1978 in Crawley, West Sussex. Their style was a mixture of goth and post-punk. After the release of the band’s fourth album, Pornography (1982), lead singer Robert Smith, introduced a greater pop sensibility into the band’s music, subsequently gaining worldwide mainstream success.
Hit songs from the group during that decade include “In Between Days”, “Close to Me”, “Boys Don’t Cry” and “Just like Heaven” and “Lovesong”.
26. Simple Minds
Simple Minds are the most successful Scottish band of the 80s. Founded in 1977, they have a long string of 80s hits. Those hits include “Glittering Prize” (1982), “Someone Somewhere in Summertime” (1982), “Waterfront” (1983) and “Alive and Kicking” (1985). They are perhaps most famously known for their song “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”, which was featured in the 1985 John Hughes film The Breakfast Club. They have sold more than 60 million albums and won many awards.
27. Talking Heads
Talking Heads were an American new wave band formed in 1975 in New York City and active until 1991. They hit their commercial peak in 1983 with the U.S. Top 10 hit “Burning Down the House”. This was from the album Speaking in Tongues.
That song along with hits “Psycho Killer”, “Life During Wartime”, and “Once in a Lifetime”, would earn the band an induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Their style was truly unique. Event AllMusic stated that Talking Heads, one of the most celebrated bands of the 1970s and 1980s, by the time of their breakup “had recorded everything from art-funk to polyrhythmic worldbeat explorations and simple, melodic guitar pop”. They definitely hold the title as one of the best 80s bands around.
