70s vs 80s Hair Metal: A Comparative Analysis
The phenomenon of 'hair metal' is often associated with the iconic bands of the 1980s such as Van Halen, Kiss, Aerosmith, the NY Dolls, Sweet, T Rex, and Alice Cooper. However, the origins of this sound can be traced back to an earlier decade, with Quiet Riot eliciting a breakthrough with their performance of a Slade cover in the early 1980s. This sparked a wave of similar bands who saw the potential in this unique style, leading to the massive explosion of hair metal during the 1980s.
The Emergence of Hair Metal: The 70s
Before the 1980s, the term 'hair metal' did not yet exist. Bands from the 1970s were experimenting with their own distinct sounds and didn't conform to a specific classification like 'hair metal.' However, it would be inaccurate to dismiss the 1970s as a period devoid of hair metal. Bands such as Van Halen, Kiss, Aerosmith, the NY Dolls, Sweet, T Rex, and Alice Cooper were doing their own thing and establishing unique identities.
Quiet Riot: The Catalyst for Hair Metal
It was Quiet Riot that brought hair metal to the mainstream. Their 1980 performance of 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door' was a game-changer. This set the stage for the emergence of bands like Motley Crue, M?tley Crüe (known as M?tley Crüe), and others who further popularized the genre. The success of both Quiet Riot and Bon Jovi's album Slippery When Wet in 1986 marked the beginning of the 'big explosion of bands' in the 1980s. Fans were introduced to bands like Ratt, Poison, M?tley Crüe, and others, all of whom became overnight sensations.
A Comparison: 70s and 80s Hair Metal
While it's true that the 1970s were not purely defined by hair metal, they did pave the way for the 1980s by establishing a foundation for this sound. Bands like Van Halen were more than just a hair metal band; they were innovators and pioneers in hard rock and heavy metal. Similarly, Kiss, Aerosmith, and Alice Cooper were each unique and did not conform to a specific classification. Comparing Kiss to Van Halen or any of these 70s bands to each other is essentially comparing apples to oranges.
However, when it comes to comparing 70s hair metal (or rather, hair metal elements present in 70s bands) to 80s hair metal, the comparison becomes more valid. The 80s saw a more standardized and commercial approach to hair metal, with bands like Bon Jovi, Duran Duran, and Def Leppard blending it with pop and new wave elements to create a sound that was ear-catching and highly marketable. Fans were drawn to the excess and glamour of 80s hair metal, and the genre achieved unparalleled popularity.
Fun and Legitimacy: 80s Hair Metal in History
It's not incorrect to say that 80s hair metal was fun to listen to and deserves a place in music history. The immediacy and catchy tunes of the 80s hair metal scene made it a significant part of popular culture. While the 70s bands were doing their own thing, they laid the groundwork for the hair metal of the 1980s. The 80s bands capitalized on the nostalgia for 70s rock and the desire for a more commercial and accessible sound.
In conclusion, while the 70s didn't call it 'hair metal,' bands from that decade were indeed influential and laid the groundwork for the explosion of hair metal in the 1980s. Although you can't compare Kiss to Van Halen or any of the 70s bands to each other, you can draw comparisons between the 70s and 80s hair metal scenes. The 80s hair metal bands capitalized on the excess and glamour of the 1980s, making the genre a crucial part of music history.
Keywords: 70s hair metal, 80s hair metal, Van Halen