Metal music has a reputation for being hard and aggressive, a celebration of the darker side of life. Something happened with the '80s styles, however, with a baffling infusion of glam that spawned a big-haired, face-painted look. This bizarre mix of makeup and macho macabre left an unforgettable mark on metal bands, with some attempts to nail the look coming up hilariously short.
We here at Bored Panda have decided to celebrate this strange period of 80s fashion in music history, with a selection of the funniest and most awkward photos from heavy metal band photoshoots. Scroll down below to check the album covers out for yourself and let us know what you think in the comments!
(h/t: Design You Trust)
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Manowar
Motley Crue
Motörhead
Tunnel of love
Im picking up on some notes of willy wonka with a hint of drugs and alcohol.
Judas Priest
Pretty Boy Floyd
X Japan
RIP Hide (guitar player. To this very day a legend in Japan. Died far too early and still noone knows what exactly happened). X Japan were one of the things that changed the Japanese youth so much back in the 80s. If you like metal and are interested, look for a band named Seikimatsu/Seikima-II/聖飢魔Ⅱ. They were founded in the same year as X Japan, they're still active and are one of the bands that still look this wild.
Crimson Glory
Baby: "I was told I could take a picture with the teletubbies. They lied."
Michael Angelo Batio
no, he isn't Michael Angelo Batio, he is Randy Piper from W.A.S.P. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Piper
The despairing guy in the middle has just realised that no one remembered to bring a basketball.
Back when men could have long hair and make-up, and that didn't make them "feminine". Can we bring this concept back?
But how would the tumblr generation feel special if they were aware that people were gender non conforming long before they were born?
My personal favorite - Brian Cox - Professor of Particle Physics and Astronomy - far right. these pics probably embarass him to hell -- D-ream "Things can only get better" (early 90's) brian-cox-...994f4a.jpg
That's not true. Don't you remember "Dude, looks like a lady"? Written bc Tyler thought Vince Neil was a chick from behind lol
Some of them look like attractive women - amazing what hair and make up can do
I agree but would support a hard ban on lycra chaps combined with studded cod pieces.
This comment has been deleted.
This comment has been deleted.
Please, let's not.
You really want to bring any of this back? Ok.
Our youth are already too confused as it is
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
It was 'feminine' when they did it back then too, Moron. Or at the very least, gay as hell.
Not really - the macho men all were doing it too - you just couldnt tell by looking. That's why it was "Glam Rock", hair, make-up and weird gear.
I just scrolled through a bunch of dudes having the absolute time of their lives. Rock on mates!
It would've been better if there was a Spinal Tap photo on there.
I guess they were left out cuz they were literally a goof. This was left for 'serious' bands that dressed and acted like that out of a genuine attempt at cool.
Yes, you're correct. My comment was meant to be satirical. Kinda like Spinal Tap.
And many of them also succeeded in doing so.
And failed miserably
Back when men could have long hair and make-up, and that didn't make them "feminine". Can we bring this concept back?
But how would the tumblr generation feel special if they were aware that people were gender non conforming long before they were born?
My personal favorite - Brian Cox - Professor of Particle Physics and Astronomy - far right. these pics probably embarass him to hell -- D-ream "Things can only get better" (early 90's) brian-cox-...994f4a.jpg
That's not true. Don't you remember "Dude, looks like a lady"? Written bc Tyler thought Vince Neil was a chick from behind lol
Some of them look like attractive women - amazing what hair and make up can do
I agree but would support a hard ban on lycra chaps combined with studded cod pieces.
This comment has been deleted.
This comment has been deleted.
Please, let's not.
You really want to bring any of this back? Ok.
Our youth are already too confused as it is
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
It was 'feminine' when they did it back then too, Moron. Or at the very least, gay as hell.
Not really - the macho men all were doing it too - you just couldnt tell by looking. That's why it was "Glam Rock", hair, make-up and weird gear.
I just scrolled through a bunch of dudes having the absolute time of their lives. Rock on mates!
It would've been better if there was a Spinal Tap photo on there.
I guess they were left out cuz they were literally a goof. This was left for 'serious' bands that dressed and acted like that out of a genuine attempt at cool.
Yes, you're correct. My comment was meant to be satirical. Kinda like Spinal Tap.
And many of them also succeeded in doing so.
And failed miserably