When you think of eighties music, you probably think of huge hair, large sounds, big theatrics, and big guitar riffs, but what about enormous influences?
The 1980s were a significant decade, with MTV and popular youth culture at their peak. The 1980s are often associated with the rise of a uniquely individualistic, campy, and self-indulgent mentality.
It marked the emergence of previously unknown or undiscovered genres such as dream pop, shoegaze, hair metal, grunge, and post-new wave.
Whether it’s back to the future or back to the past, the eighties is an enduring decade for rock enthusiasts. Today we’ll explore 75 of the most popular rock bands of the 80s.
1. New Order
New Order emerged in the early '80s with a sound that defied easy categorization—blending post-punk roots with new wave, synth-pop, and electronic dance. Formed by former members of Joy Division, the band reinvented themselves and helped shape the sound of a new decade.
Their 1983 album Power, Corruption & Lies was a landmark release, combining emotional depth with cutting-edge production. The single “Blue Monday” became the best-selling 12-inch record of all time, capturing the energy of underground clubs and influencing generations to come.
With sleek visuals designed by Peter Saville and a style that was both introspective and danceable, New Order left an indelible mark on music, fashion, and culture. The best ‘80s band? You decide.
2. Journey
Theatrical, dare we say melodramatic, Journey's songs beg to be shouted at full volume. Their lyrics, imbued with charming melancholy and dazzling riffs, reflected a generation's goals and wants.
Nothing beats playing Escape, their 1981 masterpiece, with the windows down. Any list of the finest 80s bands must include Journey. They are the 25th highest-selling American band of all time.
The power ballads of Journey defined prom nights and long road trips. With Steve Perry’s soaring vocals, songs like "Don’t Stop Believin’" became eternal sing-alongs—cementing them as one of the defining sounds of the decade.
Because some songs—and bands—are worth repeating. “Open Arms” and “Faithfully” kept hearts open and lighters in the air.
3. Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi are more than just wild hair and wild attitudes; they are true blue American rockers that consistently deliver hits.
Jon Bon Jovi et al. have never shied away from pathos or emotional expressiveness, and their best songs reflect this unfettered manner.
Who can visit a karaoke bar these days without hearing "Living on a Prayer" or "Bad Medicine"? When it comes to the best 1980s bands? Think Bon Jovi.
4. The Police
Sensual, quiet, and intellectual, The Police's unique sound charmed both mainstream and alternative audiences.
Sting's honeyed voice blended beautifully with the band's pulsing, haunting instrumentals, creating a dark romantic atmosphere. "Wrapped Around Your Finger," "Roxanne," and "Every Breath You Take" remain among the decade's most nuanced songs.
One of the most popular and memorable 1980s bands.
With Sting's intellectual lyrics and reggae-infused rhythms, The Police proved that rock could be thoughtful and edgy at once. "Every Breath You Take" became a global anthem of obsession and heartbreak, defining their elegant dominance.
5. Def Leppard
Def Leppard helped to popularize the defining eighties genre, hair metal.
When people think of 1980s rock bands, they usually think of Def Leppard. The British rockers performed with captivating stage presence, wild vocals, and high-impact riffs.
With hit songs like "Hysteria," "Same Old Situation," and "Pour Some Sugar On Me," you're sure to have a good time.
From tragedy (Rick Allen losing his arm) to triumph ("Hysteria" selling 25 million+ copies), Def Leppard showed that perseverance pays off. Their stadium-ready choruses and layered production defined the sound of polished 80s rock.
6. Mötley Crüe
Motley Crue, a Los Angeles-based 1980s band, sold over 100 million albums throughout their time. Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, Mick Mars, and Vince Neil demonstrated that unabashedly campy hair metal was the icon of the 1980s.
Melodrama and hair-raising vocals will take you anywhere; songs like "Home Sweet Home" show that. When it comes to hair metal, they could be the most popular band of the 1980s.
Loud, unapologetic, and dripping in excess—Mötley Crüe was the Sunset Strip. "Girls, Girls, Girls" and "Dr. Feelgood" weren’t just songs, they were declarations of decadent living.
7. REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon are the unrivaled monarchs of heartbreak and lovesick ballads; their album Hi Infidelity (1980) sold 40 million copies alone.
They don't hold back, and their tunes are corny, absurd, and lively enough to inspire millions of imitators (plus a cult following).
Delightfully overblown songs like "Take it on the Run" and "Keep on Loving You" are simply gold and have lost none of their appeal.
They mastered the art of emotional crescendo. “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” were rollercoasters of passion, tailor-made for radio and prom night slow dances.
8. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
They don't form new bands like they did with 80s rock bands.
These Florida rock heroes are most known for their restless, young, and wide-eyed classics.
They combined the beauty of the journey with the honesty and melancholy of adolescent heartbreak. "You Got Lucky," "Don't Do Me Like That," and "Refugee" are classic Southern and heartland rock songs.
9. Aerosmith
When you think of "rock bands of the 80s," what comes to mind? Aerosmith are the unrivaled kings of breezy, lighthearted, anthemic 1980s hits.
Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer, and Brad Whitford formed the band in the 1970s but really got going around 1980. They are unrivaled stadium emperors, with classics like "Janie's Got a Gun" and "Dude".
Though Aerosmith hit their stride in the '70s, the '80s were a rebirth. After overcoming addiction and inner-band tensions, they returned stronger than ever with hits like “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” and “Rag Doll.” Their swagger never faded—it evolved.
10. The Smiths
How can I introduce the 80s band The Smiths?
Morrisey et al. altered the terrain of British alternative. The Smiths were surly, unapologetic, harsh, and uncompromising at all times.
Their somber, rainy-day sound blended well with their blistering socially critical lyrics. British black comedy at its poetic, melodic best - listen to "This Charming Man" and see how you feel.
11. Dire Straits
Dire Straits, a British rock band, are true artists and one of the best bands of the 1980s.
They created intricate, technically stunning songs that have never been matched since.
Every chord and riff was purposeful, elaborate, and compelling.
"Walk of Life" and "Romeo and Juliet" are two of the most sensitive, uplifting, and emotional examples of their 1980s sound.
12. The Clash
The Clash were legends in the British punk rock scene. They pioneered a daring new sound, blending punk with ska, reggae, and dub influences.
They distinguished themselves by providing erudite, caustic critiques of society, politics, and war. Their lyrics were usually creative and accompanied by addictively catchy riffs and melodies.
For those of us who enjoy punk and underground music, one of the most popular bands of the 1980s.
13. ABBA
When it comes to great 1980s bands, ABBA are simply unstoppable. They created a unique sound and produced success after hit.
ABBA relished their campy, cheesy lyrics and dramatic music. When they went into melodrama, they did so with a grin.
It's hard to go to a karaoke bar or an 80s night without hearing innumerable odes to their great hits, including "Waterloo," "Take a Chance on Me," "Mamma Mia," and more.
14. Megadeth
Megadeth is one of the most prominent thrash metal bands, having played a key part in the genre's evolution into the 1990s.
Megadeth, founded in Los Angeles in 1983 by Dave Mustaine and David Ellefso, is known for its fast, unrelenting riffs and snarky, subversive lyrics and ideas.
One of their most popular albums, Peace Sells… but Who's Buying? (1986), exemplifies their uncompromising approach.
15. Jesus and Mary Chain
These Glaswegian rockers, one of the most underappreciated bands of the 1980s, completely changed the landscape of alternative, shoegaze, and dream pop music.
Their 1987 album Darklands is still one of the best of the decade, with haunting voices, enticing melodies, and an almost disarming earnestness.
They combined garage riffs and surf pop nostalgia to produce a sound that has rarely been matched since.
An 80s rock band that continued to improve over time.
16. The Vaselines
Scottish Alternative Rockers The Vaselines exemplified everything that was beautiful about the developing underground scene in the mid and late 1980s.
Their music was dreamlike, intriguing, and real, evoking the gritty, delicate sounds of a Glasgow basement bar. Kurt Cobain later stated that they were his favorite songwriters of all time. That's an honor.
Proof that 1980s rock bands were not all about mainstream kitsch and loud guitars.
17. Van Halen
California-bred Van Halen are the epitome of eighties power rockers, with high voltage and plenty of vigor.
Their lyrics energize and elevate, and their fantastic guitar riffs reverberate throughout the night. They dabbled with hair metal, but never went too far into campy territory.
They kept an edge throughout, keeping listeners on their toes and completely captivated. To our ears, the sound of outstanding 80s bands is very similar to Van Halen.
With Eddie Van Halen’s guitar wizardry and David Lee Roth’s flamboyance (later replaced by Sammy Hagar), Van Halen ruled the decade. "Jump" remains one of the most recognizable rock tracks ever, and their mix of synths and six-strings helped redefine what a rock band could sound like.
18. Queen
Queen were masters of stage presence, camaraderie, and heartfelt, powerful melodies. They achieved global fame in the 1970s, but they maintained their spark throughout the new decade.
The 1981 Greatest Hits compilation is the best-selling British album of all time. Freddie Mercury is famous for his stage presence and four-octave vocal range. Queen is one of the most well-known 80s rock bands, and their impact shows no signs of decreasing anytime soon.
Freddie Mercury's unmatched charisma and the band’s genre-blending sound made Queen more than just a British export—they were global rock royalty. Though they started earlier, the ‘80s saw them explode with hits like "Another One Bites the Dust" and their iconic Live Aid performance in 1985, often hailed as the greatest rock performance of all time.
19. Poison
Poison is a real eighties treasure, serving up trashy and charming guilty pleasures.
Bret Michaels and his band are unpretentious, unstudied glam rockers from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, who prefer crazy days and wild nights to social criticism or serious musical insights.
Put on "Talk Dirty To Me" and "Fallen Angel" and have a riot with your favorite 80s rock band.
If the '80s had a soundtrack, Poison would be front and center. Big hair, big hooks, and bigger personalities—“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” was the power ballad that turned glam rock into a heartfelt confession.
20. Siouxsie and the Banshees
Siouxsie and The Banshees, a British gothic rock band, incorporated post-punk and art rock influences to produce a bold and captivating sound.
Their rhythms were unpredictable, dissonant, and even mystical.
Their 1988 album Peepshow remains their most enduring and critically acclaimed work.
21. Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode's synthy, edgy sound appeared to usher in a new computerized, electronic era.
They reveled in unconventional instrumentals and controversial lyrics. Listen to their 1987 album, Music For the Masses, and wallow in the weird charm.
They continue to be regarded as one of the best 80s bands in popular culture.
22. Talking Heads
Talking Heads, founded in 1975 in New York City, are widely regarded as one of the most highly praised bands of the 1980s.
Their neurotic, introspective silhouette, along with their subversive, countercultural lyrics and synthesized music, resulted in a unique listening experience. Three of their songs appeared on Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the 500 songs that shaped rock and roll.
Eclectic, cerebral, and endlessly creative, Talking Heads expanded rock’s boundaries. "Once in a Lifetime" is still studied for its innovation. They weren’t stadium rockers—they were art-rock legends.
23. Rush
Neil Peart, Geddy Lee, and Alex Lifeson, three Canadian rockers, are undisputed kings of eccentric progressive music.
Their lyrics were filled with esoteric science fiction references, nostalgia, and wistful teenage memories.
Throughout the 1980s, the band produced an amazing amount of inventive, varied material.
Check out Moving Pictures (1981), Signals (1982), and Grace Under Pressure (1984).
24. Lloyd Cole and The Commotions
Lloyd Cole and The Commotions, two underappreciated singers, helped to popularize Brit-rock.
The tunes were energetic, often touchingly beautiful, and full of a restless desire to live.
They are regarded as an example of 'jangle rock', a musical genre distinguished by jangly guitar riffs and jaunty songs.
Their 1984 album Rattlesnakes is a must-listen.
25. INXS
These Sydney, Australia-raised rockers introduced captivating vocals and intricate guitar riffs to the globe rock scene.
"In excess" was their guiding principle: loud, carnal, animated tunes appropriate for both the pub and the stadium.
Their 1985 album Listen Like Thieves is the best example of their 1980s production. They are one of Australia's most famous groups, as well as one of the most popular 80s rock bands.
Australia gave the world many gifts, but none cooler than INXS. With Michael Hutchence’s smoldering presence and sleek grooves, tracks like "Need You Tonight" made them kings of crossover rock-pop.
26. Whitesnake
Whitesnake, formed in London in 1978, were bold hair metal musicians who tapped into 1980s cultural trends.
Their catchy hard rock anthem "Here I Go Again" is unquestionably one of the best examples of the genre. Their lyrics were full of innuendos and double entendres, and they were not afraid to provoke.
Their 1987 self-titled album was a masterclass in glam-metal. "Here I Go Again" became an MTV staple and turned David Coverdale into a leather-clad rock icon.
(Already covered above—but you can emphasize Coverdale’s transition from Deep Purple to glam-metal royalty again if needed.)
Yes, they’ve already been mentioned—but with songs like “Is This Love” and that legendary "Here I Go Again" video featuring Tawny Kitaen on a Jaguar, they’re worth revisiting.
27. Toto
Some could argue that the crazy, improbable success "Africa" is the song of the decade, and we'd probably agree.
Toto, named after Dorothy's canine sidekick in The Wizard of Oz, has sold over 40 million records, the majority of which are their masterpieces TOTO IV (1982).
The American rockers fused jazz and progressive music to create a dynamic, unexpected sound.
28. KISS
KISS are the undisputed masters of the hair rock genre. They were in on the joke about their own excess, and they were completely devoted to their dramatic, sexual public image.
Their songs were sly and provocative, while their instrumentals were pure wild glee. One of the best rock bands of the 1980s, with a well-established reputation.
Though their heyday began in the '70s, the '80s saw KISS remove their makeup—and surprisingly, not lose their magic. Albums like "Lick It Up" showed they could adapt and still command attention in a changing rock landscape.
29. Guns N’ Roses
The bad boy monarchs of the 1980s, Guns and Roses, are widely regarded as one of the most influential American rock bands of all time.
Their passionate, operatic ballads were fueled by emotionally compelling, technically difficult guitar riffs and melodies.
Their classics, such as "Sweet Child O Mine" and "November Rain," were defiant at times, plaintive at others, and melancholy.
Although they burst onto the scene late in the decade with "Appetite for Destruction" (1987), Guns N’ Roses hit like a thunderclap. Gritty, dangerous, and chaotic, they reminded the world that rock could still be wild. Axl’s screams and Slash’s riffs—pure fire.
30. The Cure
The Cure was one of the best gothic bands of the 1980s, and possibly of all time.
Robert Smith's vocals were haunting, evocative, and strangely appealing, layered over dreampop melodies and unsettling chords.
Their discography is brimming with unique lyrics, deep symbolism, and surreal sequences of lively arrangements. Our picks for top albums are The Head on the Door (1985) and Disintegration (1989).
Brooding but beautiful, The Cure’s gothic rock sound gave voice to the melancholy hearts of the decade. "Just Like Heaven" and "Lovesong" turned sorrow into singalongs.
31. The Cult
Alternative rock innovators The Cult created eerie, compassionate, and sophisticated tunes that captured listeners' minds and hearts.
The music was raw, meticulously constructed, and organized with an artist's care and vision.
The band's work had gothic and post-punk overtones, which secured their status in the UK underground scene before they took on the globe in the mid-1980s.
32. U2
U2 are a household name in Ireland and around the world.
Bono's melodious, emotionally captivating voice blended perfectly with the soft melodies and sophisticated pacing of their numerous successes.
U2 was fearless in both the substance and delivery of its songs, never shying away from being too much or too real. Some of their best 80s tunes are "With or Without You," "New Year's Day," and "All I Want is You."
From post-punk upstarts to stadium-filling giants, U2’s 1980s run—especially with "The Joshua Tree"—was a masterclass in political, spiritual, and emotional songwriting. Bono wasn’t just singing; he was leading a movement.
33. The Cars
Looking for popular rock bands from the 1980s? Look no further.
The Cars' alluring and dynamic sound captivated fans in the 1970s and 1980s. They combined teenage culture with refined, intricate music.
Their music had a seductive edge, and love ballads like "Drive" always had an illusive, melancholy tone.
With Ric Ocasek’s robotic cool and punchy guitar-synth fusion, The Cars drove right into rock history. "Drive" and "Just What I Needed" are '80s staples.
34. Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden was founded in London in 1975 and has released 41 albums, entirely reimagining the terrain of heavy metal.
They embraced occult, gothic themes and symbols, and they developed a campy, horror-tinged look that inspired hundreds of imitators.
35. Blondie
New York punk and new wave legends Blondie, under the leadership of Deborah Harry were staples of the late 70s and early 80s music scene.
They had an eclectic musical style that incorporated elements of jazz, rap, and disco.
“Atomic” and “Rapture” are two original, unprecedented examples of their fearless musical style.
36. Duran Duran
Duran Duran, a British new wave band, provides more confirmation that new wave was the genre of the 1980s.
They created an enduring image by combining synthesizers, amusing lyrics, and cheeky music videos. They were seen as crucial to the New Romantic movement, which valued flamboyant style and literary embellishments.
New Wave? Sure. But the guitar hooks and dramatic arrangements gave them a seat at the rock table. Their glam-meets-synth style made "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Rio" era-defining.
37. Sonic Youth
Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, and Lee Ranaldo dominated the alternative rock scene in the 1980s.
They perfected a noisy rock style by combining angst-driven vocals, hypnotic riffs, and unusual instrumentals. They had a significant impact on the 90s and 2000s independent and grunge music scenes.
38. DEVO
Idiosyncratic Ohio art rock and new wave legends DEVO exemplified the finest and boldest of the eighties.
The band mixed deadpan, nerdy humor and references with sharp social satire. Their music was experimental, often dissonant, and always irreverent.
One of the best 80s bands for sheer quirkiness and whimsy.
39. Tears For Fears
Tears For Fears, an English pop band, created one of the decade's defining songs, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," and their harmonizing, melodic sound continues to be heard on playlists all over the world.
Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal demonstrated that synth-pop could be nuanced and pared-down to excellent effect.
Easily one of the top 80s rock bands.
40. Warrant
Hollywood-based glam rockers Warrant followed in the wild, theatrical footsteps of Motley Crue and Def Leppard.
Their music was boisterous, bold, and irresistibly seductive.
They wore leather and teased their hair as if it were going out of style, and they embraced their campy look without hesitation.
41. Skid Row
Skid Row, a New Jersey-bred hair metal band, pioneered a sound characterized by passionate lyrics and riffs.
Their music was full of energy, extravagance, and enjoyment.
We'd argue that their 1989 smash "I Remember You" is still one of the best power ballads of the decade. They are frequently left off lists of famous 80s rock bands, and we have no idea why.
Emerging at the tail end of the decade, Skid Row’s debut album in 1989 packed a punch. “Youth Gone Wild” and “18 and Life” spoke directly to the disillusioned teens who didn’t fit the polished pop mold.
42. Foreigner
Popular 80s rock artists such as Foreigner helped define the decade.
Who can forget the New York-based band's iconic, captivating power ballad "I Want to Know What Love Is"?
They perfected a stadium-rock sound that relied on catchy tunes and visceral, carnal theatricality. They have sold more than 80 million albums, making them one of the most critically acclaimed bands of all time.
Blending rock and pop with sharp songwriting, Foreigner ruled radio with tracks like "I Want to Know What Love Is". Their ability to write both ballads and rockers made them a staple of the ‘80s airwaves.
43. Scorpions
Scorpions, the sensual, intriguing, and curiously addicting German-bred rockers of the 1980s, were never afraid to create raw and enticing sounds.
Smooth and sensuous instrumentals are combined with captivating, aggressive guitar and drum riffs. "Still Loving You" and "Rock You Like a Hurricane," both published in 1984, are prime examples of their distinctive sound.
Hailing from Germany, Scorpions brought arena rock to a global level. "Rock You Like a Hurricane" is more than a song—it’s an anthem that still shreds through classic rock radio.
44. The Bangles
The gal band The Bangles embodied the vibrant, spunky young culture that ruled the charts during the decade.
MTV darlings were known for their tongue-in-cheek, boisterous, and dance-friendly tracks. Even four decades later, "Manic Monday" is impossible not to like.
A fantastic band from the 1980s that could only have thrived during that consumer-friendly, mall-crazy decade.
45. Pixies
Indie rock heavyweights. Pixies were hipsters before hipsters became a thing.
They developed their own niche in the 1980s alternative rock scene with sugary vocals and self-assured, offbeat songs.
They were always odd, strange, and peculiar.
One of their best songs is 1987's surf-pop hit "Here Comes Your Man".
46. Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister was campy, flashy, and gloriously trashy; it satirized and relished in the decade's excesses.
Wild party songs like "We're Not Gonna Take It" perfectly capture their irreverent, devil-may-care attitude. No 80s band list would be complete without them.
47. Huey Lewis & The News
Huey Lewis and The News, the undisputed kings of adult soft rock, infused a vintage golden era sensibility with a decidedly eighties edge.
The ensemble was charismatic and almost endearingly'square', making them a popular example of blue-eyed soul music. Their boisterous 1985 song "The Power of Love" is still one among their greatest.
Their sound? Blue-eyed soul meets bar-band rock. With hits like “The Power of Love”, they became the feel-good soundtrack of America’s bright and bold decade.
48. Winger
Winger, an American rock band, mixed elements of glam, hard, and progressive rock.
They were a carefree hair band that prioritized excellent guitar riffs and catchy tunes over everything else. Their 1989 single "Seventeen" is a cheeky road trip anthem if there ever was one.
Latecomers to the '80s scene, Winger brought technical chops and commercial flair. “Seventeen” was a glam-metal earworm, driven by Kip Winger’s stage charisma and catchy songwriting.
49. Metallica
Los Angeles-bred Metallica are perhaps one of the most critically acclaimed metal bands in history.
Haunting, melodious songs accompanied their defiant, subversive hard rock hits.
Razor-sharp, dizzyingly intricate riffs and guitar solos, mixed with provocative lyrics, defined their early sound.
50. R.E.M.
R.E.M. were alternative rock's sleeper hits, both moody and erudite.
They maintained a casual demeanor despite their esoteric lyrics and downbeat visual approach. Their thought-provoking themes influenced the melancholy alternative sounds of the 1990s.
51. Survivor
Could there be a more quintessential eighties hit than “Eye of the Tiger”?
Formed in Chicago, Survivor perfected powerful, electric guitar-driven sounds and bold vocals.
Their songs played major roles in Rocky III and The Karate Kid, ensuring they would live on in popular culture.
Read more: 35 Best Songs About Fighting & Fighting Songs to Get You Pumped
Few choruses hit harder than "Eye of the Tiger." Survivor crafted motivational anthems that captured the spirit of a decade defined by ambition, underdogs, and movie montages.
52. Quiet Riot
Randy Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni created Los Angeles Quiet Riot in 1973.
They were most known for their enthusiastic, tongue-in-cheek 1983 song "Cum on Feel the Noize". The band was unstudied, pert, and bold as brass.
With “Cum On Feel the Noize,” Quiet Riot became the first heavy metal band to top the Billboard chart. Loud, proud, and unapologetically glam, they opened doors for countless metal acts.
53. Europe
Europe, a Swedish rock band, introduced some Scandinavian flair to the hair metal movement.
Their operatic megahits "The Final Countdown" and "Rock the Night" perfectly capture their loud and bright sound.
Their songs were designed for the high-energy atmosphere of a packed stadium. One of the top 80s rock bands from Europe.
“The Final Countdown” remains one of the most iconic keyboard intros in history. With soaring vocals and anthemic choruses, Europe brought arena rock to the dancefloor.
54. The Psychedelic Furs
The Psychedelic Furs, best known for their song "Pretty in Pink" from John Hughes' brat pack film of the same name, were pioneers in post-punk.
The British band experimented with art-rock approaches and new wave undertones to get a lively, youthful sound.
One of the most popular 1980s bands, with hits on both the radio and in the movies.
55. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
British electronic and new wave pioneers OMD created a minimalist, futuristic sound that was both enticing and strangely disturbing.
Their synthy, dance-pop songs were operatic, stylistically interesting, and frequently strange.
"If You Leave" and "Enola Gay" perfectly capture their subtle, alluring tone.
A distinctive, captivating band with one of the most perplexing 1980s band names.
56. Culture Club
Boy George and Culture Club, founded in 1981 in London, were icons in the New Romantic scene and pioneers in the pop-dance genre.
Boy George was well-known for his flashy attire and strong vocals. They've sold over fifty million albums.
Though more pop-focused, the rock edge in “Church of the Poison Mind” and “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya” showed Boy George could deliver groove and guts alike.
57. Love and Rockets
Love and Rockets formed in England in 1985 and produced a dreamy, haunting underground sound.
They experimented with gothic themes in their passionate, anthemic compositions, creating a bold and distinct sound. The mammoth 1985 song "The Dog-end of a Day Gone By" is their dizzyingly grandiose masterpiece.
58. A Flock of Seagulls
A Flock of Seagulls, formed in Liverpool in 1979, reigned supreme in the British new wave scene.
Their computerized instrumentals and hallucinogenic, seductive melodies land hard and quick.
They are most known for their 1982 single "I Ran (So Far Away)," but their entire discography is filled of unique, passionate songs.
59. A-Ha
A-Ha, a Norwegian new wave band from the 1980s, broke onto the scene with their 1985 debut Hunting High and Low.
Their sound was cheesy, lovable, and full of youthful exuberance.
"Take on Me" is arguably one of the most memorable songs (and music videos) from the early MTV period.
60. Dead Kennedys
The Dead Kennedys, a punk music band from San Francisco, were uninhibited, defiant, and unpretentious.
They possessed an underground flair and a political awareness that catapulted their music from the cellar into the public.
Their songs were full of pop, youth culture, and societal references.
They may not have been one of the most commercially successful bands of the 1980s, but their impact continues in underground circles.
61. Misfits
Gothic horror fans owe the Misfits a great deal.
They freely engaged in the dark, occult, and grotesque.
This is hardly the type of music you would listen to in polite society.
The Misfits are the clearest example of a band fully committing to their silhouette and infusing their whole production with their distinct brand.
The Misfits are the most courageous 80s group.
62. Echo & The Bunnymen
Ian McCulloch, Will Sergeant, Les Pattinson, and Pete de Freitas created Echo & The Bunnymen in Liverpool, creating a sensual and enticing sound.
Their music was known for mournful melodies and downtempo harmonies.
They never strayed from the obscurist characteristics that set them apart from their classmates.
63. Galaxie 500
Galaxie 500, a dream pop and shoegaze rock band, debuted in 1987 and disbanded three years later.
During that time, they had a lasting impact on the alternative rock genre. Their laidback, downtempo songs "Isn't it a Pity" and "Flowers" struck a strong emotional chord.
Most popular 80s band listings neglect Galaxie 500, but we won't make that mistake.
64. Bauhaus
Bauhaus, the Gothic rockers, played a vital role in the rising alternative rock scene of the 1980s. The band was formed in England and included Daniel Ash, Peter Murphy, Kevin Haskins, and David J.
Their 1982 album, The Sky's Gone Out, was a critical and financial triumph, establishing them as varied, experimental musicians to watch.
65. Simple Minds
Simple Minds, well known for their hit "Don't You (Forget About Me)", the leitmotif to John Hughes' 1984 classic The Breakfast Club, were far from one-hit wonders.
These Scottish rockers embraced an art-rock, new wave style, and it paid them handsomely: they achieved five number-one albums in their tenure.
66. Asia
The British supergroup Asia was made up of seasoned players from King Crimson, ELP, and Yes, who contributed all of their expertise and panache to this new formation.
Their best-known song, the vibrant, energetic anthem "Heat of the Moment" from 1982, highlighted their bold, forceful attitude.
Supergroup? Yes. Their fusion of prog rock pedigree and 80s melody made "Heat of the Moment" a standout of polished, sophisticated rock.
67. Pet Shop Boys
This English synth-pop combo sold more than 50 million albums over the course of their careers.
Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe paired peppy lyrics with high-energy instrumentals to create a dynamic, fashionable pop sound that was very eighties.
They are well known for the criminally catchy songs "Always on My Mind" and "West End Girls". They were a popular 80s band for good reason.
68. Tom Cochrane and Red Rider
Tom Cochrane and Red Rider, Canadian country-rock heroes, achieved fame with their own rustic, backroads folk sound.
They combined themes of adventure, rebellion, and coming of age to produce a nostalgic, serious sound.
"Can't Turn Back" from the 1983 album Neruda is one of their greatest.
69. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
unapologetic rebel with a cause. Joan Jett helped to popularize feisty female rockers.
She was an expert at creating a synthesis between her aesthetic and musical styles, and she never strayed from her iconoclastic silhouette.
Her 1980 hit "Bad Reputation" exemplifies her great carefree attitude.
70. Motorhead
Motorhead, a British metal band formed in 1975, reached their peak of fame in the 1980s.
Their fast-paced, unrelenting style charmed hard rock lovers. They were unashamed about their theme interests, which included promiscuity, narcotics, and gambling.
They fully embraced their provocative image.
71. Yes
Yes was not only a progressive rock powerhouse in the 1970s, but they were also major players in the 1980s.
Indeed, their best-selling album was 1983's 90125, which featured the smash song "Owner of a Lonely Heart".
Their sound changed and extended during their stay, demonstrating the dynamic soul that guided all of their artistic selections.
72. RATT
RATT, glam metal musicians, are the poster boys of the 1980s hair craze, with their wild, teased locks and neon, skintight aerobics gear.
Their sound was distinguished by Pearcy's gruff vocals and white-hot guitars.
Their bright smash "Round and Round" made them MTV darlings. Ratt were 80s rockers with pizzazz and attitude.
“Round and Round” became a glam metal anthem, and Ratt’s slick solos and sleazy swagger made them Sunset Strip staples.
73. The Go-Go’s
Breezy, cheerful, and tongue in cheek. The Go-Go's embodied the teenage culture of the early 1980s.
Their infectious pop melodies and sweet vocals propelled them to the top of the Billboard chart. "Our Lips are Sealed" and "We Got the Beat" still have all of their original charm four decades later.
74. Styx
Styx established that the acoustic guitar has a home in the hard rock genre.
Their use of synthesizers in their energetic power ballads produced an addictive, engaging sound.
Styx was truly at the crossroads of eras, combining the best of their creative roots with arena ambitions.
75. 38 Special
Formed by Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes in Jacksonville, Florida, 38 Special blended playfulness and bravado to create a distinctly Southern sound.
Their songs were brazen and packed with innuendo.
Their sensibility was best summed up by their cheeky bestselling 1981 album Wild-Eyed Southern Boys.
76. AC/DC
Raw, relentless, and raucous—AC/DC didn’t just play rock; they electrified it. After the tragic death of Bon Scott in 1980, Brian Johnson stepped in and the band roared back with "Back in Black", one of the best-selling albums of all time. The 80s cemented their status as rock gods.
80s Rock Bands – Final Thoughts
Proof that popular (and not-so-popular) 1980s bands rock? Hopefully, you found the proof in this list.
The 1980s were an eclectic decade, more vibrant and complex than most people realize.
While the hair metal and glam rock that defined the time were undeniably popular and have persisted despite their brazen campiness, they were not the only options.
Alternative, new wave, and metal grew as well, broadening the musical scene and inspiring subsequent acts.
We hope you enjoyed this list of 80s bands and found inspiration from some of our suggestions.
Read more: The Roaring Seventies: The Definitive Guide to 70s Rock Bands
