There was nothing quite like the glam metal movement of the 1980s (and 1990s, honestly). Loud music, loud hair, loud outfits, and loud audiences were the main elements of the notably visual genre, and few genres have matched its energy since before the turn of the century. Big names like Skid Row and Mötley Crüe were popular glam metal bands at the time, but there were also a few lesser-known and very underrated glam metal bands from that era that deserve some credit. Let’s look at four examples!
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1. Tora Tora
This Memphis-based glam metal band was quite underrated in the 1980s. They kicked off their career after winning a Battle of the Bands competition in Tennessee and responsibly used the award money to produce their EP To Rock To Roll. Their music was even featured in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
2. Hurricane
Kelly Hansen may be known for his work with Foreigner, but he also was once part of a glam metal band called Hurricane. “I’m On To You” and “Take Me In Your Arms” are some of their biggest hits. Though, we’d say the entirety of the 1988 album Over The Edge is essential listening for any glam metal fan or Foreigner fan who wants to brush up on their Hansen history.
3. Hardline
This underrated glam metal band didn’t form until 1991, but they would have thrived if they debuted a decade earlier. Hardline featured the iconic Neal Schon and Deen Castronovo (of Journey and Bad English, respectively), plus Todd Jensen on the bass and Johnny Gioeli. Their 1992 album Double Eclipse was quite successful. The band is technically still together, though with a very different lineup.
4. Dangerous Toys
This 1987-formed glam metal outfit was discovered in Austin before they were signed to Columbia Records. They delivered a few hit singles early on in their career, including “Scared” and “Teas’n Pleas’n”. They’re still rockin’ today with most of their original lineup still involved.
Photo by Mark Weiss, courtesy of Tora Tora’s official Facebook page
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