Rock and Roll 80s Style: Big Hair, Bigger Guitars, and the Soundtrack of a Decade

31 Jul 2024

Remember when MTV actually played music videos? And when those videos were a glorious explosion of neon, leather, and enough hairspray to single-handedly deplete the ozone layer? That, my friends, was the era of rock and roll 80s style, a time when more was always more, and subtlety went to die in a ditch.

This wasn't just music; it was a cultural movement. It was a rebellion against the disco balls of the 70s and a precursor to the grunge angst of the 90s. It was a time when rock stars weren't just musicians; they were larger-than-life figures with even bigger personalities. Think spandex-clad gods like David Lee Roth, hair metal heroes like Poison, and the unstoppable force that was Joan Jett.

The music itself was a potent cocktail of catchy hooks, power ballads, and shredding guitar solos that could melt your face off. Bands like Van Halen, Def Leppard, and Bon Jovi ruled the airwaves, their anthems becoming the soundtrack to a generation's rebellion, angst, and unadulterated fun.

But rock and roll 80s style was more than just the music. It was a visual and cultural phenomenon that seeped into every aspect of life. From the ripped jeans and leather jackets to the neon makeup and crimped hair, it was a look that screamed for attention and embraced excess in all its glory.

This wasn't just about looking good (although, let's be honest, looking good was definitely a priority). It was about attitude. It was about being loud, proud, and unapologetically yourself, even if that self happened to be rocking a neon pink tank top and enough hairspray to suffocate a small army.

So, how did we get here? The roots of rock and roll 80s style are a tangled web of glam rock, punk rock, and good old-fashioned rebellion. Glam rock provided the theatrical flair, punk rock injected the raw energy, and the 80s themselves, with their emphasis on individualism and consumerism, provided the perfect breeding ground for this over-the-top spectacle.

The rise of MTV played a crucial role in solidifying the movement. Suddenly, the music wasn't just about what you heard; it was about what you saw. Bands and artists quickly realized the power of image, and the race for the most outrageous music videos was on.

But the impact of rock and roll 80s style went beyond just music and fashion. It influenced movies, TV shows, and even the way we talked. This was the era of "Valley Girl" speak, where "like" was used in every sentence, and "gag me with a spoon" was the ultimate insult.

Sure, some might argue that rock and roll 80s style was all about superficiality. But beneath the big hair and even bigger personalities, there was a sense of community, of shared rebellion, and of pure, unadulterated fun. It was a time when people weren't afraid to be themselves, no matter how outrageous that self might be.

And you know what? In a world that often feels increasingly uncertain and chaotic, maybe a little dose of that rock and roll 80s spirit is exactly what we need. So crank up the Bon Jovi, tease your hair to the heavens, and let your freak flag fly. Because in the words of the great philosopher, Dee Snider, "You can't stop rock and roll."