'80s Bands and Musicians from Your Youth
The eighties was one of the decades that made the biggest mark when it comes to the history of music. As the years go by, there are a number of ’80s bands and artists that continue to play regularly on the radio and other music platforms here and around the world.
Today we want to take a look at a selection of bands and artists from the ’80s that left their mark. Whether you were a child, a teenager, or a young adult during the ’80s, you’re sure to remember these legends with fondness. So, turn up the volume and let’s get started!
Your favorite ’80s bands and artists
The Police
Would it shock you to find out that the lead singer of The Police is 68 years old? Time sure does fly! It seems like just yesterday this British band, which formed in 1977, was coming up with hit after hit. The truth is, those days are long gone. But you can still hear Sting’s iconic voice in movie soundtracks, on TV, on the radio, and in ’80’s playlists today.
In fact, their song Every breath you take is among the 500 greatest songs of all time. According to Rolling Stone magazine, the song is number 84 on the list.
Queen, another one of your favorite ’80s bands
Like The Police, this British rock band was born in the ’70s. However, it was in the year 1984 that they released one of their most emblematic songs. I want to break free continues to be a favorite – a short hymn, if you would – all around the world. The song’s video brought on a huge controversy – especially in the US – given the fact that the band members appeared wearing women’s clothing.
Of course, if we have to choose our favorite Queen song, it would no doubt have to be Bohemian rhapsody. In fact, in 2018, a movie with the same name made its way onto the big screen. This film biography is about deceased lead singer Freddie Mercury and the rest of the members that made up the band. The movie was a box office hit and went on to receive 5 Oscar nominations. Rami Malek won Best Actor for his portrayal of Fred Mercury.
Metallica
If we’re going to make a list of the greatest ’80s bands and artists, then we can’t fail to mention these heavy metal legends. Their 1988 anti-war song One won the Grammy for Best Metal Performance – a brand new category at the time. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Metallica is one of the most successful and well-known bands in the world.
Guns N’ Roses
Another ’80s band with a well-deserved spot on our list is the legendary rock group Guns N’ Roses. The band came together in 1985 and quickly rose to fame. Just like The Police, Guns N’ Roses made its way onto Rolling Stone‘s list of the best 100 artists in history. Also, in 2012, they were included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bon Jovi
Another enormously popular rock band from the ’80s is Bon Jovi. This band consists of singer Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, guitarist Phil X, and bassist Hugh McDonald.
Considered a global music icon, this band reached astronomical numbers when it comes to album and concert sales around the world. In fact, the band’s success is so great that, like Guns N’ Roses, they’re also included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Just take a look at the statistics below:
- 3 diamond albums.
- 202 platinum albums.
- 75 gold albums.
- 3 silver albums.
Michael Jackson, the King of Pop
Last but not least on our list is not a band, but rather a solo act – none other than Michael Jackson. Just the same, his rise to fame first occurred when he belonged to a family group that consisted of himself and his 5 brothers.
The Jackson 5 was together for 15 years before Michael become famous as a solo artist. When it comes to unforgettable music from the ’80s, Michael Jackson’s songs are some of the first to come to mind.
With Disks like Thriller – one of the best-selling albums in the history of music – and Bad, Michael’s music marked a turning point in music history. Thanks to his musical contributions, he’ll always be known as the King of Pop.