Greatest Bands from the '80s

I felt his feelings to the bone, and loved them best as a band. Freddie was the love of my life too, as he was for millions. He sang and rocked us through all the confusion, with original, fun, honest songs. Full of tenderness and joy of life, and well...he will never be missed, as he lives in his songs, I still look forward to repeating the Queen experience.

aplro

There will never be the stage presence, lead vocalist or charisma that will top Queen... Ever! Their songs are timeless and we hear them constantly on the radio, in every sporting event and as a major influence of musicians that followed. I have an absolute favorite, that's Bohemian Rhapsody, but there are so many fantastic songs it makes it very difficult to find just one favorite. Also, what rock band has had a lead singer also become a #1 opera singer? He made a duet album that was tops in the world of opera... After being a rock singer, usually this process would be done in reverse, if at all. Freddie was on top of the world, and is a legend in the world of music. I've never met a person who doesn't love Queen. The true test of talent, songs that live on and on and out-live their creators. Queen wasn't just a band, they were true performers and true perfection... You can hear that perfection in every song. Love this band!

I am so happy that my favorite band is now rightfully recognized as the greatest of all time. The reason :Freddie Mercury was a genius, he wrote the most popular song of all time "We are the champions" and other masterpieces like "don't stop me now" and "millionaire Waltz" but he had the most powerful, touching, profound sweet voice of all time. Brian May is estremely talented as a guitarist and songwriter "Scandal" and "doing all right"show must go on, John Deacon and Roger Taylor were also very talented musicians and songwriters, I want to break free for john and these are the days of our lives and breakthru for roger.

Very much the 80's brought a change to the type of mainstream music and with that Queen went with that flow. Songs like bohemian Rhapsody and We are the Champions were some of this band's finest from the 70's but in the 80's produced their 2 and only US no. 1's, which were Another one Bites the Dust and Crazy Little Thing Called Love. They also had some of the greatest live performances of all time in this decade. They are by far the greatest band of all time as they produced some of the greatest ballads of all time and survived throughout the whole 70's and 80's. They are truly SENSATIONAL!

My personal fave as they carried many of us through bumpy, painful adolescence. Embodied the spirit of the MTV generation, with love of life, nature, fashion, stunning scenarios, beautiful lyrics, inclusive and exclusive at the same time. Love these Wild boys forever and ever. They will always evoke memories that are never careless!

aplro

They were original from the beginning: music, lyrics, looks. Thirty years later, through all life's bumps and highs, they are STILL rocking, writing, creating and TOURING! They've created an internet universe for their fans to celebrate together. They are widely known for their kindness and generosity for their fans. They've collaborated with everyone from Robert Palmer to Justin Timberlake, SUCCESSFULLY! And they are right back in the studio after just finishing a grueling world concert tour for All You Need is Now. They epitomise the 80's music scene at it's best, and have proven over 30 years that they are true artists!

Duran Duran was one of the best of all time. There were other individuals, especially in the 1980's, such as Bowie Michael Jackson, and Madonna, for starters, but they were 1 man shows, with bands for touring or whatever. Duran Duran was a whole band and they are still around- with Simon Le Bon actually sounding better than ever, on the vocals.

They wrote all their own music, took inspiration from funk, disco, punk, pop, and basically solidified the entire sound of the 80's. John, Nick, and Simon were exceptionally talented. Some would even say that John Taylor may be the greatest bassist of all time. Some play a bit better, some write great bass riffs or melodies, but none could do the whole package as John Taylor. Simon's voice is incredible. Nick Rhodes is one of the best melody makers, lyricists, and synth players..

Easily number one band of the 80s! They crafted amazing songs, playing their own instruments and writing their own songs. They made the most memorable music videos (like Rio and Hungry Like The Wolf, wow! ). They had charm and confidence as well amazing looks and fashion! Lets name a few things. "Is There Something I Should Know" went straight to number 1 in 1983 (only the 4th music act to do that at the time, a rarity). Duran Duran, Rio, Seven and the Ragged Tiger all platinum albums. "The Reflex" number one in UK and the US. "View To A Kill" first James Bond song to reach number one. And they are still going now with the amazing "Paper Gods" album. This is why Duran Duran are the best of the 80s! Thank you Simon, John, Nick and Roger! Also to Andy and Warren! You guys rock!

Duran Duran? Really? Guns N' Roses Rocked the world. Up until Axl had his mental breakdown (s). However, they were a ten times greater band in their prime than Duran Duran. Guns N' Roses was SO talented not only did they make THEIR songs great, they made OTHER bands song even GREATER; Sympathy for the devil, Knockin' on heavens door, Altitude, Black leather, the list goes on and on. I mean if a band can make the Stones, Bob Dylan, the Misfits, and the Sex pistols sound better than they originally were, that's extreme talent. Just listen to the album "The spaghetti incident? " and you'll see. So in summary: Guns n' Roses has more talent in any one member (Axl, Slash, Tracy, Steven) than Duran Duran could ever imagine to have.

Hard rock trashy drunken good. Patience, Sweet Child o Mine, November Rain, stunning music, excellent videos, thinking of the videos makes me feel like listening all over again (that dolphins video...wow) LOVED THEM to bits from day one.

APLRO

Gave up the chance many times to buy their Greatest Hits at Goodwill because I didn't realize the scratched look on the disc was supposed to be there. Could've gotten it for $.99 but the $12 Amazon price was still worth it.

This is only for the guy talking about "the spaghetti incident?" Guns N' Roses is better than Duran Duran, but spaghetti incident is awful.

I think one late 1980s/early 1990s group that is often overlooked is probably Bruce Hornsby & The Range, as they are basically late 80s soft rock/country rock/Americana at their finest. The instrumentation on many of their songs is incredibly elegant and graceful, mainly thanks to Bruce Hornsby's piano playing, John Molo's drumming and Joe Puerta (better known as a member of Ambrosia)'s guitar playing. I would mainly consider "The Way It Is" (1986), "Scenes From The Southside"(1988) and "Night On The Town" (1990) to be like a trilogy of albums, as all three are like a visual commentary on the world today. This group, plus Mike & The Mechanics, are 80s/90s soft rock at its finest. Just pure harmony and melody flowing throughout.

They are just a perfect combination of musicians. Tico on drums gives this amazing energy that you can't resist but move your head to it, Dave on keyboards is one od the most underrated members of any band ever. His keyboard fills and backvocals create the positive energy and full sound that you can't get enough of. Then there's Richie on guitar and vocals, that is the power engine of the band. He gives the songs the power they are known for and continues to create those riffs you can't get out of your head.
And to top it off, Jon's clear but energetic vocal makes almost any song they produce unforgettable.
Now, besides the musical quality, there's this true, positive and rebellious note to their lyrics, that evoke every cell in you to raise your head and live life to the fullest.
Now, I gotta go get my dose of Bon Jovi for the day.

Face it: Bon Jovi is way better than Duran Duran. If you were to come up to somebody, and ask "What comes to mind when I say 'Duran Duran', you'd get a bunch of teens my age saying "Kevin Durant? ", a little older (say 25) and you'll get people saying "'Rio' and 'Hungry Like the Wolf'," and anyone who's 40 and up might give you as mentioned as well as the Wild Boys and Girls on Film. Bon Jovi on the other hand, kids my age would give you "Livin' On a Prayer" almost guaranteed. They'll Give you "You Give Love a Bad Name" and/or "Wanted Dead or Alive" and with luck they'll be able to name a couple of songs from This House Is Not For Sale. At 25, they would be able to give you all previously mentioned, plus songs from Burning Bridges, Have a Nice Day, Crush, These Days, Keep the Faith and New Jersey. As of 40 and up... I honestly think that there's only a matter of time before they only remember Livin' On a Prayer, You Give Love a Bad Name, Wanted Dead or Alive, I'll Be There For You and ...more

Bon Jovi is a great band! They not only are great as a band but in life too! I respect the fact that they kept their business private. They invest in their community. Their music timeline was about my life, from my teens to raising my kids. Make me proud that my kids like them too. I would take them for Spring Break, They had to listen to my music first and loved it. Music today does not seem to offer that. My best friend and other got our tickets to a concert, she was killed 2days after we got our tickets. We celebrated her and our memories at that concert. Till this day I still cry when I here some of the songs. But at the same time it makes me smile because it reminds me of what great times we had and Bon Jovi music was a big part of it. When MTV would announce the new Video, I, m a Cowboy. We all would watch it at who ever had cable! Haha,
I

U2 helped to define the 80's. Boy, October and War were classic transitions from New Wave to the more bluesy, Rock-oriented sound that they produced later in the decade with The Joshua Tree and Rattle and Hum. In the middle was The Unforgettable Fire, the amazing album that, along with producer Brian Eno's help, grew the band into what would become one of Rocks most influential sounds.

We listened in awe to Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Years Day (first we ever heard from them) and we just knew that this was very important Rock...songs that transcended your typical subjects. This has always been a highly relevant band, with things to say and sing. Imposing images forever. Always in love with them all...APLRO

I like all of the bands on this list, of course some more than others. The first time I experienced ART through music was U2. Heartbroken and depressed from the end of a relationship with my high school sweetheart I sought help. My friends and family couldn't break the suffering but the song "With or without you" did. I felt the art of that song, somehow it eased my suffering. Each note and lyric phrase captured exactly how I felt. U2's ability to make the impersonal VERY personal is a art few bands can achieve. The best bands can do that. They can empathize and heal in ways ordinary words can't. It's truly the magic of the artist. U2 has an innate deep understanding of the human spirit and the love, joys, and triumphs along with the challenges, failures and darkness that all people experience. By their art they heighten our appreciation or disgust for those experiences. My first concert experience of U2 changed me and I would imagine many fans really seared their love of them "Live". ...more

U2 created their own sound that I've never heard anyone replicate...not that I would recommend that. War, Unforgettable Fire, and The Joshua Tree have sonic guitar sound and pumping drum/bass section like no other concerning bands during the 1980's. Bono wrote lyrics that meant something and had a passion too them. They were a decade long band...How Duran Duran or Bon Jovi is above U2 for this list drops my jaw and makes me shake my head in a bad way.

Metallica of the 80's was a great band. If not the greatest band of that era. The 4 albums during that era are elite from start to finish. They had some of the best musicians that have ever graced this earth. Burton and Mustaine prior to they're leave. Drove this band into greatness. Burton had much more influence than Dave, but his impact is not overlooked by me. Sadly when the real artist disappeared so did the great music. Chump fans never were around until Metallica went soft in the 90's with the commercially accepted music that they started spewing.

I remember walking into the Monsters of Rock concert in the late 80's when Metallica was playing their first song and being shocked at how loud and great they sounded from the parking lot. When I entered the stadium, I was blown away - the others playing that day - including Ozzy and Van Halen simply did not measure up and I realized Metallica (at that time) could be the best band of my lifetime.

Metallica Has had multiple great songs and albums such as Fade to Black, Master of Puppets, and One to name some of my favorite. When I typed greatest bands from the 80's I thought that Metallica would be in the top 3. But it's 5? And AC/DC at 7th? What the hell

Best band I've listened to. Their best years where back in the 80's when they performed live, I think all their albums are great. I have to argue that Metallica should be higher up on the list but I guess everyone has different opinions

One of the biggest reasons metal was in its' golden age during the 80's along with Metallica, Iron Maiden defied the odds by not getting much play on the radio, avoiding the temptation of going the pop route, while consistently releasing thought provoking material which was always top notch in that decade.

None of their albums during this time period are anything less than great, and they're all different and distinguishable from one another by either being natural progressions of a previous album, or taking things in a new direction. Usually having this kind of artistic ambition is costly to a band's popularity or critical acclaim, but these guys were always relevant, and they still hold up beautifully today!

I see no good reason why Iron Maiden is not in the top ten. I could see how some would view this group as "too heavy" for their liking, but (unlike most metal bands then and now) you can actually understand Bruce Dickinson. He is a very high quality vocalist. The guitarists (Adrian Smith and Dave Murray) are also high quality and properly complement Dickinson's vocals to make a heavy, yet pure and complete sound. Just listen to "Run to the Hills" "The Trooper" or "Number of the Beast" and you will find my words do not do it justice.

Come on they are legendary with their expansive discography and songwriting. Number one. Give me just one band from the 80's so true to their fans with sooo much to offer. amazing musicality, fantastic band members. every one is a virtuoso, especially Bruce who is one of the best vocalists In loud rock and classic rock in general. They are catchy as hell and progressive when they want. Steve Harris? amazing band leader, song writer, and a hell of a bass man. Amazing rhythm section in general (Harris, Nico). Amazing guitar duo (Smith, Murray) they are fast, tight but melodic and rich, and with the best choruses (Run To The Hills, Wasted Years) and they can be long and complex (Rime of The Ancient Mariner) with a lot of scale changes and modes. They have like 10 classics which is one of the best discographies (along with Judas Priest in their genres).

Four words: Run to the Hills. That song is the absolute best to chant along to. On top of that, there are no really bad Maiden songs, while every other band has at least five. Maiden is my personal favorite band of all time, and even if I am the only one who does think so, then so be it. Thankfully, I know that there is a legion of Maiden fans before me, so I can sleep easy.

Oh yeah, I forgot to say this: Iron Maiden > Metallica, in the humble opinion of a fan of both bands.

Only a musically illiterate teen would thing a band like Duran Duran is the #1 80s band, of course Van Halen is #1! Not really for Diamond Dave, or Michael Anthony, But Eddie Van Halen. One of the greatest guitarist in the world, with one of, if not THE greatest solos ever made/played. (Eruption) Not to mention writing all the tunes! Duran Duran is the 1D of the 80s, sorry but they kinda suck, I mean "Hungry Like the Wolf"? Really? I sit and talk with my friends just bashing Duran Duran, Yes they're that bad...

Van Halen is a top 3 band without question. Chart topping albums, sold out concerts, best guitarist ever, two great eras with two great front men and not to mention Michael Anthony's backing vocals. I like the 80's one hit wonders but there is absolutely no way they should be ahead of the great Van Halen. One Hit wonder bands shouldn't be on the list because they don't have the long standing history of bands like Van Halen.

How in god's name is Van Halen not in the top 3? There is no way that any of A-Ha's songs, no matter how inspiring, can top the raw force and sound of songs of Van Halen like Panama, Jump, Hot For Teacher, and so, so, so, many other greats! The combination of Eddie Van Halen's guitar, Alex Van Halen's and Michael Anthony's low and thudding drum beats and bass chords topped of with David Lee Roth's loud, energetic, excited, and forceful singing style absolutely kills every single song! Van Halen are a force and sensation of nature that is not to be reckoned with!

Van Halen was all over MTV all of the time! They owned the 80's!
Eddie's guitar style was so unique, the music industry had to make a new way to write music for guitar because NOBODY had ever done what he did on guitar!
Eddie Van Halen revolutionized the guitar world!

In my humble opinion, Journey is the best band of all time, and Steve Perry's voice is the best voice I have ever heard. They have written so many classics, beautiful love songs such as Patiently and Sweet And Simple, and rock songs such as Mother Father, Line Of Fire and Edge Of The Blade. The vocals are always incredible impressive, and unlike most rock singers, Perry can sing in a rock style while still making the music beautiful. This is something I enjoy immensely, since the point of music is beauty.

Greatest rock vocals of all-time, a virtuoso on the guitar, a machine gun on the drums, and bass and keyboard players at the top of their game, Journey is the one. They are the quintessential music BAND, and not just an 80s band. They have made timeless music. It stretches across all generations. Journey will still be a favorite a hundred years from now.

Journey is no doubt the best band in the world and the universe! Steve perry is the voice of Journey! They were HUGE in the 80's! Till this day they play Journey ( Steve Perry ) music on counless radio stations all over the world! This new Journey does not compare to the 77-86-97 Journey! It's kareoke wana be what they were when Steve perry was lead vocalist! Steve Perry put Journey on the music map!

Nobody can do it like Steve Perry. His voice is just lost for words. I've seen Journey so many times when Steve Perry joined the band and just out of this world. I still watch the Journey videos till this day with Steve Perry. Lots of memories back then with Journey. The new Journey is HORRIBLE.

Motley is the best representation of that "Glam Metal" Era in which many bands like Poison formed part of it, but Motley In my opinion takes the prize, mainly because it has the best drummer (Tommy Lee), a great guitar player that plays with powerful harmonics (Mick Mars), the best bass player (Nikki Six) and an awesome lead voice (Vince Neil).

Motley Crue is absolutely the best back in the 80's. From the punk early 80's with Too Fast for Love (which they originally produced themselves)thru Shout at the Devil. On to more commercial Theatre of Pain and sinfully Girls, Girls Girls till Dr. Feelgood. They kicked ASS and maintained their debauchery with booze, drugs, women and have the tattoos to prove it!

When I think of 80's Music, the first band genre I think of is hair metal/ glam rock and I think of the first hair metal/glam rock, Motley Crue is the first band I think of.

Not much of a Crue fan, but their music is great. I usually put on some of their music when I'm hanging out with friends. They should be higher on the list.

Fabulous combination of voice and sounds, absolutely original lyrics, poignant verses while being great onstage. Loved them from the getgo. Intellectual, banal, provoking, adorable... the lyrics evoke a myriad of images and emotions...APLRO

The Police have a unique blend of Punk, Reggae and bit of Jazz.None of their songs are bad, either one of them is extremely good,good or okay. Lyrics of their popular songs are mostly based on subtle dark themes mixed up with the tunes. Sting before his solo career, shows his stellar vocals and incredible creativity with the songwriting. Andy Summers can arguably be in the list of top 5 underrated guitarists, his riffs are an integral part of The Police's work. Stewart Copeland,he is on the list top 4 drummers of all time no doubt. He is even responsible for some of their early songs' songwriting.
In their working time, they released 5 albums which collectively have sold over 75 million records. Had they stayed together and calmed down themselves to remove the creative tension they had with each other.They would have probably surpassed all of the rock bands on this list. Even without a lot of years, they are still top 5 for me.

The whole band were special as musicians, but Sting was truly gifted as a songwriter and arranger! He had to emerge from the Police as a solo artist because of this incredible talent... All of their albums were great, but Ghosts and Synchronicity were two of finest records EVER released!

Andy Summers-great guitar player
Stewart Copeland-great drummer
Sting-great songwriter
But together, what they come with was from another planet.
Combining Reggae with Pink Rock with these melodic hooks, and it was like nothing else out there.

You are insane. Tears for Fears in the US had 1 #1 album and 2 #1 singles, off that same album. They were never popular enough to be in the top 50. They are a fine band, but not creatively innovative or influential. Ever hear of Prince and the Revolution? Racist much? You include these holdover 70s bands that never charted, but not Heart? Sexist much? Iron Maiden? You cannot be serious. Someone who didn't live in the 80's made this list.

Tears for Fears is an amazing band that wrote and still write so many very meaningful songs! They are beautiful inside and out, they deserve to be the best not just because they want to rule the world but because they have written the songs out of painful truths and they touch so many! Don't let me forget to mention they were kind of cute in the 80s. I have not had the chance of seeing them live but when I do I will be crying because of the beauty of their music not because I am a giddy school girl who loves their looks. <3 TFF always

When I think of the sounds of the 80s TFF comes first to my mind. They were the more complex, intelligent and accomplished British import who don't really fit neatly into categories like New Wave, Synth etc. All of their albums show reinvention but with an identifiable TFF influence. What can hurt their ranking is their slow, methodical and protracted time between albums. A new one is due to drop soon.

They are an amazing band, their music is so meaningful. I truly love them as musicians and as people. They are brilliant, the music that comes out of their imagination is unbelievable. As far as we know they never did drugs. Roland has said that he has never smoked. You couldn't be that good of a musician and do drugs! They are really sweet people.

The Cure don't sound like they belong in any decade. Their music is unique and timeless and constantly altetnative from what is happening in the music scene and for this reason its hard to describe them as an 80's band, they just happened to be the best band that existed in the 80's. Robert Smith has more genius in his crows nest bonnet than any of his so-called contemporaries.

U2, The Cure, Depeche Mode, A-Ha is great band (understand only if you really listen to them ie. Rolling Thunder and their record in Rock In Rio, their live shows in 90s etc).The Smiths suck all the way... Disintegration is on same level as Joshua Tree...The Cure were opposite to U2...U2, Depche Mode, The Cure, A-Ha are best and most influential bands from 80s

Duranduran, Cure, Modern English, New Order, OMD, Echo and the bunnymen, Smiths, Church, Men at work, Genesis (Phil Collins, Police, Tears for Fears, Ultravox, dead or Alive, Human League. ABC... All English all good number 1 bands... most American bands nonsense, meaningless talks about raunch sex and drugs. Blah blah blah. No class at all

They have my vote. I lived it and the cure ruled. Sure their where your duran durans and Talking heads, the boss, Van Halen (cool), Clash and U2 but listen to Grinding Halt from BDC and the river and it all comes back. Here in Australia INXS and The Angels ruled but Overall the Cure says 1980's to me

Surprise surprise...Hutchence was adorable, and by the time we saw his face his voice had captured our imagination and seduced our hearts. Lovely music, lyrics, sounds, and rhythm. May his beautiful soul meet the almighty mercy of God.

aplro

It is absolutely ridiculous that this band is listed at 28 on this list. Was the person who made this list alive and a teenager in the 80s? If not, that explains it. If so, I'm not sure what rock they were living under. It didn't get much bigger than INXS during their "Kick" phase. And Michael Hutchence... Go back and watch his performances. One of the best front men of all time then and always. Any list that doesn't have them AT LEAST in the top ten is a joke...

Looking back now and seeing such similarities that Michael Hutchence had in common with Jim Morrison and how also the keyboard player also wrote most the melody. Musically both really far apart from each other. You have to recognize that they made a impact and for the time when the 80's Alternative wave of music from overseas to the United States. I have to put them at number 3 behind U2 and Duran Duran!

I'm absolutely stunned that INXS didn't even crack the top 5. They were a phenomenon is there own way. Creating a 'new wave' sound that worked to impress people is an incredible feat. Michael being the superstar that he was teaming up with Andrew to create incredible songs. One of the greatest and most underestimated bands the world has ever seen. My top band.

Poison has made amazing songs, has millions of fans all over the world. A great inspiring guitar player for those who play. Good drummer. Cool bass player. Great lead singer. They are all an inspiration for those who want to be in a band or create a band. They treat each other almost as if they are family which can help inspire other bands that are falling apart. I AM ONE OF THEIR # 1 FANS AND THEY INSPIRE ME!

Poison has many great songs. They were number one band played on mtv right along with Motley Crue and and Bon Jovi. Every rose has its thorn was one of their best songs and it really macks me feel good to here that song. They may not be as much up there as like Motley Crue but I think with all of there great songs and how quite a bit made it on the charts they should have a higher rating then this and I am not saying it because they are my favorite band I mean it.

Poison are the icons of 80s,Their albums "Look what cat dragged in" (3x Platinum in US), Open Up & Say Ahhh (5x Platinum in US),Flesh & Blood (3x platinum in US ).These all 3 albums are released in 80s.They were so popular.One of the best rock bands of all time

They are so much successful in 80s."Every rose has its thorn" is a US #1 hit for 3 weeks.And they have 6 singles reached US Top 10 Chart.And many singles reached US Top 50.And every single they released between 1986-1994 has reached charts of US & UK

Who can overlook Depeche? We danced alone for the first time ever to Just can't get enough, the grabbing hands, grab all they can, everything counts in large amounts. And then some silence to enjoy, a personal Jesus to look out for, and such a distinct, original, amazing sound. Love them to bits!

aplro

No one had even dared to have a concert at the Rose Bowl. The promoters warned the band that they wouldn't fill the stadium and it would be a negative mark against them. They went forward with the decision to have a concert there. The concert sold out in hours and they were the first group since the Beatles to sell out the stadium! This group deserves to be in the top 5 of the 80's along with U2 and The Pet Shop Boys. They weren't just a group with a successful album; they had album after album that were huge! They were the kings of "alternative" or "new wave" music during the 80's and into the 90's.

Depeche Mode is the greatest 80s/90s band of all time with their 48 singles and brilliant minds. Most of their songs are gold, and people just don't get that. I don't think that they are underrated but they are better than a lot of other bands on the website, up there with Duran Duran, Journey, Queen, AC/DC, Metallica, Bon Jovi, and others. Definitiely better than the Beatles, who were only popular because of their unusual way of doing things.

Depeche Mode, when they were at their peak, were simply the most innovative and original band around. No one capsulated New Wave and Alternative like they did. Their 3 consecutive album run of Music for the Masses-Violator-Songs of Faith and Devotion is arguably the best 3 album run of any group in pop music history. Charting dozens of songs in the 1980-1990s they deserve a higher spot on this list

Travesty ranking Rush at 21. 80s music definitely need a real honest hardworking down to earth band no gimmicks or BS just great music from the heart

My favourite Band of All Time, no contest.
Such a shame that they are no longer touring. Neil Peart, probably the Greatest Lyricist of our time combined with the guitar Genius Alex Lifeson and vocal guru Geddy Lee are the best trio to grace the stadiums of the globe.
The Get My Vote.

I've partied with Rush. I am a former neighbour of Geddy Lee. Yes, they sure do know how to party. They are some of THEEE greatest musicians of all time! Nobody does it better. Rolling Stones? Nope. KISS? (As cool as they are) not quite. Even the Beatles? They just do not match up to the quality and talent that is Rush!

What can you say about Rush that hasn't already been said? Brilliant, along with The Police and Cream, the best rock trio ever! Brilliant albums after another and they're still great friends! That's the trick!

One of the best lyricists there's been, see the Nebraska album, one of the best showmen and performers there's been, 3 hour + energetic gigs, reached 4 hours on last tour, still can sell out some of the biggest stadiums in Europe, won highest ticket-selling band of 2016, treats fans with huge respect, will come on stage hours before the concert begins to play a few acoustic tunes for those who've turned up early; really is one of the finest performers and songwriters there's been-Thunder Road is a fine example. Undoubtedly up there with the greats who've come from America in the past 4+ decades.

What can you say about BRUCE? While Born to Run and Darkness were two of the finest records ever released, he has continued to come close through EVERY DECADE since... The River was breathtaking, as were The Wild, The Innocent and the E Street Shuffle, Nebraska and Magic! One of the finest songwriters ever, and such a great band to play with!

He embodies the American spirit. Great lyrics and an amazing performer and a great band!
He in so many levels touches you us!
A timeless artist!

Wow just wow 4 albums in the 80's including Born in the USA and perhaps one of America's best singer/songwriters ever not on this list? Unreal.

Because they were more of a 70s band than an 80s band?

Why are they not any higher?

The first time I heard Murmur, I knew I come upon a band that was destined to be around for a long time. For me, REM helped define the 80's. If you don't believe me, just sit down and listen to Murmur, Life's Rich Pageant and Document.

I don't love this list... Queen were an amazing band but had very little worthwhile from the 80s. They were a great 70s band and a great band overall, but when it comes to the 1980s, R.E.M. were easily the greatest band! They're probably the most influential band on this list, because of the fact that they were one of the very first bands to play alternative rock, but were definitely the best to play that genre during this decade. I think the Pixies were a great band too, and are in my opinion the second greatest band of the 80s, but I see them more as an indie rock band.
R.E.M. have had an addictive, revolutionary new sound in their 1980s period that no other band had done before and have as a result pioneered and began the genre we know and love; alternative rock. If you listen to this genre, then you have to listen to R.E.M.
When you've listened to Murmur and Document, you will love R.E.M. as much as I do!
If you like alternative rock, then you have to put these guys at ...more

I have heard every REM album, from chronic town to Collapse Into now, almost every song, from Wolves, Lower, to Oh My Heart. Every song is different, but they all are great (besides Lightning Hopkins. ) they are one of my favorite bands, easily in my top three. In fact, my top three from best to worst is U2, REM, and The Police. Anyway, great band, great songs.

Lists are crap, sure, but REM was certainly one of the most important bands from the eighties. This list seems to have been voted on by fans of hair metal and the most mainstream of the new-wave. Of course saying this band was better than that band or this group was more important than that group is a fool's errand, but it is fun.

I can completely understand anyone who says they don't like The Smiths; they're a hard band to like. But those who do like them will understand just how good a band they were, and how extensive their catalogue of music is, despite only being around 5 years and only releasing 4 studio albums. Plus there's their cult following that keeps on growing.
All of their songs had an indescribable, brilliant quality, their albums were structured near enough perfectly, and the music itself is fantastic. Morrissey's witty and powerful lyrics put him up there as one of the best lyricists of all time. Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke produced some of the best pop and bass riffs ever (seriously, listen to This Charming Man or How Soon Is Now? For examples), while Mike Joyce essentially laid the foundations for every alt-rock drum beat since the late 80's.
I can't think of any other band the had such a mix of styles or range of music that has ever existed. The Smiths aren't just the best band of the ...more

The smiths were never about flamboyance and exaggeration. They created songs that could not only change the mental state you are in, but they are musically extremely clever, and actually knew how to write music with meaning and emotion. Johnny Marr knew how to weave layers of sound together, making some of the most beautiful melodies and harmonies the world has ever heard (some girls are bigger than others). Then there's Morrissey. Not only one of the greatest poets of all time, but his lyrics were poignant and very thought provoking. There is no other singer like him. The way he contradicts himself sometimes invokes great sadness, and at other times humor, anger et c.. m aking you feel a whole range of different emotions. The other thing with the Smiths is they were incredible live. Johnny Marr/Morrissey duo could very well surpass the Lennon/McCartney partnership, but they worked into such a dynamic that they had their audience in tears sometimes, and at others in fits of laughter. ...more

Nothing will ever musically reach the match made in heaven that is Morrissey's lyrical prowess and Johnny Marr's legendary guitar playing. For the four short years they were active, The Smiths were able to capture the essence of humanity in their phenomenal back catalogue. The fact that truly makes The Smiths the greatest band of the 80s is that they have not grown outdated today, the same of which can unfortunately not be said for other bands ranked higher on this list...

I may not know much about the 80's era, considering that I wasn't even alive at the time, but I do know that the songs of The Smiths are of great quality simply because of their awesome melodies and addicting metaphors in their lyrics. It's a whole different world when you're listening to their songs and when you're reading their lyrics. You just never get tired of them.

Before New Order, rock and dance music were distinct and separate. New Order showed how they could be melded to create a very influential body of work. 33 years after releasing the #1 best selling 12" single of all time, they are still putting out killer records and selling out arena tours worldwide, where half the set list is recent material. Regardless of what this survey returns, New Order is the most influential band of the 1980s.

After the unfortunate death of Ian Curtis who was the lead singer of Joy Division, the remaining members decided to continue the band with the newly titled "New Order". Their music has gotten so unique and catchy over the time with Bizarre Love Triangle, Perfect Kiss, Temptation and Blue Monday. Even though they aren't as popular as of today, their music is great.

True Pioneers of the 80's no CONFUSION at all! Plus the best selling 12" of all time Blue Monday, come on!

Blue Monday, Bizarre Love Triangle, True Faith, need I say more? These guys were the Gods of 80s New Wave.

Are we not men? Why on earth is this band not at the top of the list? Nothing says the 80's like the spuds!

Best concert I've ever been to.

J.P.'s 70's music was progress but the when they hit the 80's everyone wanted a piece!

The founding fathers of Heavy Metal...

The best rock band of all time... hammer

Undoubtedly the best rock/metal ever most of the others only a shadow of the greatest band ever