Top 10 Greatest Rock Bands of the '80s

The 1980s were a defining era for rock music, giving rise to some of the most iconic bands of all time. From arena anthems to guitar-shredding solos, the decade was packed with unforgettable songs and legendary performances. It was a time when rock ruled the charts, MTV was in its prime, and bands with big hair and even bigger sounds dominated stadiums worldwide.

This list brings together the greatest rock bands of the '80s, and now it's your turn to have a say. Maybe you're drawn to the electrifying stage presence of a certain frontman, the unmistakable sound of a guitar riff that defined your youth, or the kind of songwriting that still holds up decades later. Whatever your reasons, your votes help shape the rankings and highlight the bands that truly made an impact.

The Top Ten

Queen

Queen is an English rock band formed in London in 1970. The original lineup was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar). Before Queen, May and Taylor had played together in a band named Smile. Freddie Mercury, a fan... read more

Queen were exceptional musicians in their own right. Together, they were a kind of magic, bringing out the best in each other. Freddie Mercury's 4-octave vocal range and masterful command of huge audiences were spectacular. Queen crossed every musical boundary. Every single band member had number one hits. No other band in history has done that. They deserve the number one spot.

Queen, just amazing. They wrote classic and virtuoso hits from the early 1970s to the 1980s and early 1990s, which included different styles of music though always in the essence of rock. However, they wrote so many classic hits. Their early albums are some of the greatest of all time, including Queen, Sheer Heart Attack, and A Night at the Opera. But Queen II, to me, is one of the most musically brilliant albums of the past 40 years.
Guns N' Roses

Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band from Los Angeles formed in 1985. The classic lineup, signed to Geffen Records in 1986, consisted of vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKagan, and drummer Steven Adler. In addition to hard rock, they are also... read more

The original band was something special! They had not been seen before, and unfortunately for music, probably not again. I've never heard anyone like Axl back in his day (86-93). And Slash? Man or beast, I don't know, but he rocks, and that's all that matters!

You can't argue that Appetite for Destruction isn't one of the greatest albums/lineups of all time. Almost 30 million records sold, not one song on that album sucked. They basically revived hard rock and killed glam metal.

Guns N' Roses was like the Sex Pistols of the late '70s. They both had one masterpiece album, but other than that, they didn't have a big enough body of work to crack the top 10 in either decade.
Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi is a hard rock and pop rock band formed in 1983. The original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Jon Bon Jovi, guitarist Richie Sambora (who left in 2013), bassist Alec John Such (who left in 1994), keyboardist David Bryan, and drummer Tico Torres.... read more

The year 2000 brought two things: the album "Crush" and me. "Crush" brought with it songs like "Two Story Town," "I've Got the Girl," and one of Bon Jovi's greatest hits: "It's My Life." So, yes, I wasn't around for "Slippery When Wet," "New Jersey," "Keep the Faith," "These Days," or "Crossroads." In fact, the first album that I got really into was "This House Is Not for Sale."
But once I went to the concert in Dallas, I haven't stopped listening since. I actually ordered "Keep the Faith" about three days ago (I love that song, "Bed of Roses"). My point is, the man and the band alike are timeless legends, whereas AC/DC is only known for "Highway to Hell."

No doubt this band is the best of the '80s. Livin' on a Prayer is one of the biggest hits of the decade! By the way, Livin' on a Prayer topped more charts than Sweet Child O' Mine. Guns N' Roses only has one number one. Bon Jovi has four!
How is Bon Jovi not number one? I went on vacation to a different country and still heard You Give Love a Bad Name, Bad Medicine, Always (from the '90s), and Blaze of Glory (also from the '90s).
Shot through the heart, and you're to blame. You give love a bad name!
AC/DC

AC/DC is an Australian hard rock band founded in November 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Bon Scott was the lead singer until his death in 1980 from alcohol poisoning. He was succeeded by Brian Johnson.
The band is known for its blues-influenced rock sound and enduring hits such as Highway... read more

Are you kidding me? AC/DC should be the first on this list. They're the best band ever. Queen is number 1 right now. They should be moved to number 10. AC/DC forever!

This is simply the best band ever! Check the sales. Three or more generations of rock fans. They still sell out every venue around the world. I miss Bon!

Talk about showmanship, talent, and determination. These guys are one of the main ingredients that make rock and roll taste so good!
Van Halen

Van Halen was an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. From 1974 until 1985, the band's lineup consisted of guitarist Eddie Van Halen, vocalist David Lee Roth, drummer Alex Van Halen, and bassist Michael Anthony.... read more

Eddie is the guitar god. Diamond Dave is confidently eccentric, and Alex is freakishly good. Queen (or more appropriately, Bohemian Rhapsody lovers, which wasn't even written in the '80s) lovers go away and don't come back. Nobody likes you anyway. Guns N' Roses? More like severely overrated. AC/DC is okay if you like listening to the same song over and over again.
No need to shoo away Bon Jovi lovers. They left their sanity in the '70s. Def Leppard is actually my second favorite band. Nothing bad to say other than Van Halen is better. Motley Crue has like three good songs, so probably just people who have no idea what they are talking about.
All of this, and I still haven't gotten to why Van Halen is the best. Just take my word for it and vote Van Halen.
Def Leppard

Def Leppard are an English hard rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield as part of the new wave of British heavy metal movement.
The band rose to international fame with albums like Pyromania (1983) and Hysteria (1987), the latter of which sold over 20 million copies worldwide. They were inducted... read more

Def Leppard is the best band ever! They have been making great music since 1977 and have continued throughout every decade. They are one of only a few bands to have two major selling albums, Pyromania and Hysteria. They make great music that will live on forever. They continue to tour the world to sold-out arenas. Their new album is selling like hotcakes, Def Leppard style!

By far the best '80s rock band. I've listened to them since I was 7, and I was born in 2000. Their Hysteria album could be the greatest album of all time with six hits on it. My favorite band ever, and they need to be at least top 3. The newer generation doesn't know what music is.
Motley Crue

Mötley Crüe is an American metal band formed in Los Angeles, California on January 17, 1981. The group was founded by bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, along with lead vocalist Vince Neil and lead guitarist Mick Mars. They are known for their hedonistic lifestyle and iconic albums such as Dr... read more

They should have been number 1. They are the best '80s band ever. Sad to see them go, but I enjoyed it while they were still together. Thank God for YouTube so we can hear these songs forever.

I agree they should have been number one! Guns N' Roses didn't gain popularity until the late '80s. Come on, people! Motley and Van Halen were kings of the '80s. Period.

Favorite band of all time. Number 1. I don't know when they'll get into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They should already be in.
Journey

Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973. The founding members included former members of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch.

Journey was the best. Steve Perry had the best vocals. He did it effortlessly. Queen was not near the top in my book. Queen was rated number 1 because of its Satanic affiliation.

Most of their works are overshadowed by Don't Stop Believin', Faithfully, Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), Wheel in the Sky, Who's Crying Now, and Open Arms, but Journey is seriously underrated.

Freddie Mercury couldn't hold a candle to Steve Perry's voice or his range. Journey should absolutely be number 1 on this list. Steve Perry MADE Journey!
Metallica

Metallica is an American heavy and thrash metal band formed in 1981. The original lineup included James Hetfield (vocals and rhythm guitar), Dave Mustaine (lead guitar), Lars Ulrich (drums), and Ron McGovney (bass). They first gained mainstream fame with their 1991 self-titled album (The Black Album... read more

Every album they make goes #1. They proved in the '80s that they can play fast and technically difficult songs at the same time. They proved in the '90s that they don't even have to try hard to put out quality music. They proved in the '00s that they can withstand the drama and B.S. that destroys other bands. And finally, with "Hardwired... to Self-Destruct," they proved that they can still be in their 50s and shred your face off.

They went multi-platinum when barely played, if at all, on the radio! They didn't just fill football stadiums. They played on airport runways and tarmacs to crowds of hundreds of thousands of fans!
Scorpions

Scorpions are a German rock band formed in 1965 in Hanover by guitarist Rudolf Schenker. Early members included vocalist Klaus Meine and guitarist Michael Schenker, later replaced by Matthias Jabs. The band first gained international attention in the late 1970s, and has since explored styles ranging... read more

The Scorpions released a string of fantastic albums from the 1970s, but from 1979 to 1984, they released four masterpiece albums: Lovedrive, Animal Magnetism, Blackout, and the commercial masterpiece Love at First Sting. Over their career, they released masterpieces such as In Trance, We'll Burn the Sky, Another Piece of Meat, Rock You Like a Hurricane, The Zoo, Blackout, Dynamite, Wind of Change, Send Me an Angel, Catch Your Train, Always Somewhere, and the beautiful ballad Still Loving You.

Are you kidding me? The Scorpions should be top 5, not way down here. What in the world is X Japan? Why are they ahead of anybody on this list?

The Newcomers

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Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They gained international acclaim with their innovative, conceptual music blending progressive rock and psychedelia. The classic lineup included Syd Barrett (vocals and guitar), David Gilmour (vocals and guitar), Nick... read more

Pink Floyd rules the universe. That is all.

Pink Floyd deserves much better than #22.
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Tears for Fears

Tears for Fears are an English pop and rock band formed in 1981 by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. They were founded after the breakup of their earlier band, the mod-influenced Graduate. Initially associated with new wave and synthesizer-driven music, they later shifted toward mainstream rock and pop.... read more

Tears for Fears is absolutely one of the greatest bands of the '80s, with songs like Shout, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, and Mad World, along with many other amazing classics.
I believe this band should be ranked higher, so I'm voting for them.

The Contenders

Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Their most critically acclaimed period is widely considered to be from 1983 to 1989, during which they released landmark albums like Piece of Mind, Powerslave, Somewhere... read more

Maiden has stayed true to their winning formula for 30+ years and has maintained their star power and popularity throughout. They outlasted Priest and Scorpions, blew away Def Leppard during the NWOBHM years, and never sold out to the record companies like Metallica. Their rabid fan base, without the benefit of consistent radio play, is a testament to the quality of their product.

Deserves Top 10 and should be number 1. Their music tells many stories. They spark imagination and inspire the listener to learn about history and what has happened in this world. Greatest band of the '80s, hands down!
Aerosmith

Aerosmith is an American rock band formed in Boston in 1970. The group consists of Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass), Joey Kramer (drums), and Brad Whitford (guitar).
Their style, rooted in blues-based hard rock, also incorporates elements of pop rock, heavy metal... read more

AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, and Aerosmith should be the top three in any order. Aerosmith was the greatest turnaround band of all time. No one will ever match the transformation they accomplished, being that they released their first record in 1974. They still rock like no other. Best live concert band of all time. Thirty-two tractor trailers just to set their show up. Tyler still can sing unlike any other band on this list. Aerosmith can be either number 1, 2, or 3. Their record Rocks influenced Guns N' Roses, according to Slash.

I understand that their greatest success was in the '70s, but they were the cornerstone and one of the very first hard rock bands. Their music was so ahead of its time, and Steven Tyler's range is one of the most amazing things in rock history. No matter what, those boys stuck through, creating great music. If it weren't for these guys, Guns N' Roses would not be the band they are.
Also, AC/DC is completely overrated. Their songs sound the same, and to be honest, there is no originality. Every album of Aerosmith's was new and exciting, yet still had that something (probably amazing solos from Perry and Tom) that made them have their sound. Come on, people!
Foreigner

Foreigner is a British-American arena rock band, originally formed in New York City in 1976 by veteran English musician Mick Jones and fellow Briton and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald, along with American vocalist Lou Gramm. The band became known for hits like I Want to Know What Love Is and Cold... read more

A great band even today. I Want to Know What Love Is. His voice, the words, and the music make this one of my all-time favorites.

Without Lou Gramm's vocals, Foreigner would have been just another rock band screaming over loud guitar riffs.

Lou Gramm could sing the phone book and make it work. Phrasing, vocal riffs, amazing. Potential opera tenor.
Whitesnake

Whitesnake is an English rock band formed in London in 1978 by singer David Coverdale after his departure from Deep Purple. Originally assembled as Coverdale's backing group, the band quickly developed its own identity, though Coverdale remained the sole consistent member throughout its history.... read more

Whitesnake is the band that got me into the awesome world of hard rock and glam metal. They are definitely supposed to be in the top 3.

The late '70s and early '80s Whitesnake was awesome.
Dire Straits

Dire Straits were a British rock band formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler, his younger brother David Knopfler, John Illsley, and Pick Withers. The band is known for its clean sound, literate lyrics, and hit songs like Sultans of Swing and Money for Nothing. Dire Straits disbanded in 1995 but remain influential... read more

One of the few on this list who don't sing about sex, drugs, and partying.

Another great underrated band. Mark Knopfler was a great guitarist.

Best solo guitar of the '80s. Virtuoso!
Survivor

Survivor is an American rock band formed in Chicago in 1978 by Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan. The band found major success in the 1980s, especially with their 1982 hit Eye of the Tiger. This song, used in Rocky III, spent six weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

First of all, these guys never looked like girls like Bon Jovi or Europe. Okay, a couple of times Frankie Sullivan had rather long hair, but the majority of the members had fairly normal hairdos for their time.
Second, unlike Queen, when Survivor became popular, it was the '80s. If you search for '70s rock bands, Queen is one of the results. Also, if you search "Another One Bites The Dust" on YouTube, in the spot where they've got all the related songs, "Eye of the Tiger" is there.
Finally, the lead vocalist for Queen is (or was) a homosexual. Neither Jimi Jamison nor Dave Bickler is that way, thus making Survivor a more appropriate band. Not to mention that they didn't paint their faces like Kiss did or stick out their tongues like Kiss did. I think Kiss had an influence on Miley Cyrus.
Genesis

Genesis was an English rock band formed at Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey, in 1967. The band's most commercially successful and longest-running lineup consisted of keyboardist Tony Banks, bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford, and drummer/singer Phil Collins. In the 1970s, the group also included... read more
U2

U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk and gradually evolved to incorporate elements of alternative rock, electronic, and pop music. Known for their anthemic sound and use... read more

Seriously? Not even in the Top 10? Shame on you people. U2 isn't my favorite band ever, but they are undeniably one of the best bands of the '80s. Just take a listen to "War" or "The Joshua Tree." Long live U2.

I can't believe they aren't number one considering Rolling Stone magazine called them the band of the '80s.

Really, Journey above U2? U2 should be top 5, no doubt. The Joshua Tree was the best album of the '80s.
Duran Duran

Duran Duran are an English new wave and synthpop band formed in Birmingham in 1978. They achieved major success in the 1980s and were a leading band in the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" of the United States. The group is known for hits like "Hungry Like the Wolf," "Rio," and "Ordinary World."

I don't listen to a lot of Duran Duran songs, but the ones I do listen to (Rio, Hungry Like the Wolf, The Wild Boys, and Girls on Film) are pretty good.

They have been my favorite band since 1981!
The Police

The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. The lineup included Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland for most of the band's existence. They're best known for songs like "Roxanne," "Message in a Bottle," "Don't Stand So Close to Me," "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," and... read more

The Police is a great band with classic melodies, intelligent lyrics filled with feeling, and a unique sound. Brilliant singer/songwriter Sting, one of the best drummers of all time, Stewart Copeland, and great guitar riffs by Andy Summers. The best '80s band, really. They should be much higher on the list.

The Police are one of the greatest rock bands of all time. They should at least be in the top 15.

Along with The Cars, The Police are arguably the best 1980s band.
Loverboy

Loverboy is a Canadian rock group formed in 1979 in Calgary, Alberta. The band gained major popularity in the 1980s with hit singles like "Turn Me Loose" and "Working for the Weekend," which have become arena rock staples. Loverboy has continued to tour and release music, maintaining a loyal fan base... read more

Still love Loverboy. They put on a great show in St. Augustine, Florida. Hope they come back soon.

Great band, and Mike Reno can still sing. He sounds fantastic.

One of the best live bands I saw in the '80s.
The Cure

The Cure are an English post-punk and gothic rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex, in 1978. The band has undergone numerous lineup changes, with vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter Robert Smith remaining the only consistent member. They are known for hits such as Just Like Heaven and Lovesong... read more
Kiss

Kiss, often stylized as KISS, was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1973. The original members were Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals). Known for their face paint and elaborate stage... read more

Kiss began in the '70s and conquered the '80s. They should be in the top ten. Their hits were and still are huge: Detroit Rock City, I Was Made for Lovin' You, and Rock and Roll All Nite. They are legendary, awesome, and had the best '80s drummer. My respect to the deceased Eric Carr. Kiss is an inspiration to the '80s. Rock loud and proud.

I think KISS is one of the best bands in the world and should be number 1! Kiss is amazing, and they've worked really hard and are still popular and still going, even though they're in their 70s! That's true passion for music and for their fans.
Europe

Europe is a Swedish rock band formed in Upplands Väsby, Stockholm in 1979 under the name Force. The founding members included vocalist Joey Tempest, guitarist John Norum, bassist Peter Olsson, and drummer Tony Reno. They gained international fame in the 1980s with hits like The Final Countdown.

Europe had some of the best rock music of the '80s! They had so many good and catchy songs, from Superstitious to Cherokee to The Final Countdown, and so much in between!
They are right behind Bon Jovi for me, and I mean RIGHT BEHIND!

Still going strong. A really talented group. Ironically, their most famous hit is not one of my favorites, but these guys should not be underestimated!

Europe has heaps of good songs. I think they're better than at least half of the bands on this list.
X Japan

X Japan is a Japanese heavy metal band formed in Chiba in 1982 by drummer and pianist Yoshiki Hayashi (known as Yoshiki) and lead vocalist Toshimitsu "Toshi" Deyama. Originally called X, they pioneered the visual kei movement, combining elaborate visuals with heavy metal and ballads.... read more

X Japan had some of the best music I never heard.