The Glam Metal Genesis: Van Halen, KISS, and the Bands That Paved the Way
Introduction to Glam Metal
Well, hair bands drew off of Eddie Van Halen's guitar style, and it was actually Slade and their high energy music that sparked everything. But of all the bands that laid the groundwork for this era, which group did the most to start hair metal? The likes of Van Halen, KISS, the Sweet, Alice Cooper, David Bowie, the New York Dolls, and T-Rex were all influential, but it's Van Halen who is often credited with significantly shaping the sound and style that defined the genre in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Van Halen: The Pioneers of Glam Metal
Van Halen’s self-titled debut album in 1978 introduced a blend of hard rock with glam influences characterized by high-energy performances, flashy guitar work by Eddie Van Halen, and a charismatic stage presence from David Lee Roth. This laid the groundwork for many hair metal bands that followed. Critics hated these bands and considered them mostly fake, but they were fun to watch on MTV. I wish I could go back to the 80s; it was fun.
The Influence of Other Bands
Other bands like KISS and the New York Dolls played pivotal roles in the glam rock scene, influencing the aesthetic and theatrical elements of hair metal. KISS brought a sense of spectacle with their elaborate costumes and makeup, while the New York Dolls helped establish the glam rock style that inspired many. Slade's high energy music set the stage for the high-octane performances that characterized the hair metal era.
The Quintessential Hair Metal Band
When it comes to the band most loved by hair bears of hard rock, M?tley Crüe is often considered the quintessential hair metal band. Their look, sound, and lifestyle epitomized the excess and flamboyance of the genre, making them icons among fans who embraced the hair metal aesthetic. Other popular contenders include Poison, and Def Leppard, but M?tley Crüe typically stands out in the hearts of hair metal enthusiasts.
Johnny Thunders and the Early '70s Influence
It’s impossible to discount Johnny Thunders in the early ‘70s as the blueprint for a certain L.A. snake-hipped, teased-hair, drug-addled picture of a Rock Star in the ‘80s.
KISS, Alice Cooper, and Beyond
Speaking of glam metal, KISS is obviously loved and respected by the fans. Alice Cooper could be next, but his style leans more towards shock rock, with antics like fake guillotines that resonate within a different fanbase. Van Halen, while taking glam influences, was mostly a hard rock band, but perhaps the most technical hard rock band of its era. Aerosmith is an old-school, bluesy hard rock and roll band, and I don’t know much about the others mentioned, but they were all influential in promoting glam rock music.