80's Rock Music

Artists

Top 100 rock Bands of the 80’s

The 1980s was a decade of excess, rebellion, and unforgettable music. Rock bands during this era redefined the genre, blending electrifying guitar solos, powerhouse vocals, and stadium-shaking anthems. From the pioneers of glam metal to the legends of hard rock, these bands didn’t just play music—they created a movement that still resonates today. In this article, we dive into the 100 greatest rock bands of the 80s, celebrating their groundbreaking hits, iconic performances, and lasting influence on the music world. Join us as we count down the legends who made the 80s a defining chapter in rock history.

Top 100 Rock Bands of the ‘80s

  1. Guns N’ Roses (Hard Rock/Glam Metal)
  2. Queen (Rock)
  3. Metallica (Heavy Metal/Thrash Metal)
  4. AC/DC (Hard Rock)
  5. Bon Jovi (Rock/Hard Rock/Glam Metal)
  6. Foreigner Rock/Hard Rock)
  7. Journey (Rock/Hard Rock)
  8. Motörhead (Heavy Metal/Speed Metal)
  9. R.E.M. (Rock/Alternative Rock)
  10. U2 (Rock)
  11. Judas Priest (Heavy Metal)
  12. Van Halen (Hard Rock/Rock)
  13. Whitesnake (Hard Rock)
  14. Def Leppard (Rock/Hard Rock)
  15. REO Speedwagon (Rock/Hard Rock)
  16. Megadeth (Heavy Metal/Thrash Metal/Speed Metal)
  17. Iron Maiden (Heavy Metal)
  18. The Police (Rock)
  19. ZZ Top (Rock/Blues Rock)
  20. Aerosmith (Rock/Hard Rock)
  21. Mötley Crüe (Glam Metal/Hard Rock)
  22. Dio (Heavy Metal)
  23. Poison (Glam Metal/Hard Rock)
  24. Dire Straits (Rock)
  25. Scorpions (Rock/Hard Rock)
  26. Heart (Rock/Hard Rock)
  27. Tears for Fears (Pop Rock/New Wave)
  28. Quiet Riot (Heavy Metal/Hard Rock/Glam Metal)
  29. Survivor (Rock/Hard Rock)
  30. Europe (Rock/Hard Rock)
  31. Kiss (Rock/Hard Rock)
  32. Bauhaus (Gothic Rock)
  33. New Order (Rock)
  34. Venom (Extreme Metal/Thrash Metal/Speed Metal)
  35. The Cure (Rock/Gothic Rock/Post-Punk)
  36. Slayer (Thrash Metal)
  37. Black Sabbath (Heavy Metal)
  38. Bad Brains (Hardcore/Punk Rock/Reggae)
  39. Cinderella (Glam Metal/Hard Rock)
  40. The Psychedelic Furs (Rock/Post-Punk/New Wave)
  41. Anthrax (Heavy Metal/Thrash Metal/Speed Metal)
  42. Siouxsie and the Banshees (Rock/Post-Punk/Alternative Rock)
  43. Twisted Sister (Heavy Metal)
  44. Saxon (Heavy Metal)
  45. Dokken (Heavy Metal/Glam Metal)
  46. The Smiths (Alternative Rock/Indie Rock)
  47. Revolution Rebels (Glam Rock)
  48. Hüsker Dü (Hardcore/Punk Rock/Alternative Rock)
  49. Chicago (Rock/Soft Rock)
  50. Duran Duran (New Wave/Dance Rock)
  51. Rush (Progressive Rock)
  52. The Replacements (Punk Rock/Rock ‘n’ Roll)
  53. Sepultura (Heavy Metal/Groove Metal)
  54. Loverboy (Rock/Hard Rock)
  55. A Flock of Seagulls (New Wave/Electronic Rock)
  56. a-ha (Pop Rock/New Wave/Alternative Rock)
  57. Love and Rockets (Alternative Rock/Gothic Rock)
  58. Manowar (Heavy Metal)
  59. Napalm Death (Grindcore)
  60. Black Flag (Punk Rock/Hardcore)
  61. Diamond Head (Heavy Metal)
  62. The Mekons (Punk Rock/Post-Punk)
  63. Primal Scream (Alternative Rock/Neo-Psychedelia)
  64. The Pogues (Celtic Punk/Folk Punk)
  65. Dead Kennedys (Punk Rock/Hardcore)
  66. Echo & the Bunnymen (Rock/New Wave)
  67. Cheap Trick (Rock)
  68. Red Hot Chili Peppers (Funk Rock)
  69. Testament (Thrash Metal)
  70. The Bangles (Pop Rock)
  71. D.O.A. (Hardcore/Punk Rock)
  72. Sonic Youth (Alternative Rock/Noise Rock)
  73. Death Angel (Thrash Metal)
  74. Cocteau Twins (Rock/Gothic Rock)
  75. Accept (Heavy Metal)
  76. Kreator (Thrash Metal)
  77. The Ramones (Punk Rock)
  78. America (Rock/Pop Rock/Soft Rock)
  79. Pantera (Groove Metal)
  80. Suicidal Tendencies (Crossover Thrash/Hardcore)
  81. My Bloody Valentine (Rock/Shoegazing)
  82. Devo (Rock/New Wave)
  83. Killing Joke (Post-Punk/Industrial Rock)
  84. Yes (Progressive Rock)
  85. Savatage (Heavy Metal)
  86. Krokus (Hard Rock/Heavy Metal)
  87. Violent Femmes (Folk Punk/Alternative Rock)
  88. Triumph (Hard Rock)
  89. Anvil (Heavy Metal/Speed Metal)
  90. Dinosaur Jr. (Alternative Rock/Rock)
  91. The Rolling Stones (Rock)
  92. The Cars (Rock/New Wave)
  93. Pink Floyd (Psychedelic Rock/Rock)
  94. Marillion (Progressive Rock)
  95. Simple Minds (Rock/Post-Punk/New Wave)
  96. The Clash (Punk Rock)
  97. Fleetwood Mac (Rock/Pop Rock)
  98. Y&T (Rock/Hard Rock/Heavy Metal)
  99. Asia (Rock/Progressive Rock)
  100. Blue Oyster Cult (Rock/Hard Rock)

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