37 Awkward Metal Band Photos That Are So Bad They’re Good
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
Dude in the red is hanging onto his package pretty tight. Maybe he had a wardrobe malfunction and didn’t want that Jack in the Box to get out again!
That blond girl on the right? She has a lot of split ends. And just what does that girl, ehh, guy, in red think he's holding? His last ounce of pride?
I dont know why this is different from the others, but this terrifies me...there's a kind of vacant evil to their stares
Ugly Kid Joe made up their name on the spot when they booked the gig to open for this group. No joke!
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Morgan Freeman Narration Voice-Over: "They ended up regretting the photograph."
Oh my....I'm not sure how to feel about any of this... But, it kinda looks like dude 2nd left might be the one who WON the bet! LOL~~~
Our album isn't selling and we're going broke, so we had to split this one stage costume up between the four of us. Good thing we threw out the keyboardist or else one of us wouldn't have any pants.
What’s up with all the cod pieces? You just don’t see those in today’s entertainers
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.
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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
Half of these arent bands. They are just costumes.
Too bad a lot of these didn't give the name of the band. I get the impression that some of these may have been bands that never made it far in their careers. And some come across as wannabees or Halloween costumes.
I sure do miss the good old days :)
I miss a picture of Twisted Sister
I'm traumatized!
Well, it's better thn most of fashion shows...
Why? It's hilarious!
This is EPIC
This is both astonishing and subliminal I love the message this sends to all the young cross dressers out there today. Thanks!
You are welcome - people can dress as they wish. Wether they look cool or ridiculous is entirely their choice
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
You act like a total faggot, TJ.
more homophobia? Your parents failed you
Usually men in a band back then had long hair
I've been married for over 20 years to a man who's been drumming for over 35 years so unfortunately, I know more of these bands than I care to admit.
Well. If it wasn't for Little Richard and Marc Bolan to lead the way, where would all those guys have been?
Marc Bolan - he was great
Where's GWAR? Oh that's right, they couldn't take an awkward photo because they were absolutely perfect (and from outer space)/
First time I have ever scrolled past everything just to comment. Saw the first few and really cringed so much I am dying. Trouble is, I thought they were cool then !!! Born 1955. Forgive me please.
Some of the guys werwe pretty hot though. Despite probably smelling of leather and baby oil. I seriously couldnt have gone out with a guy whos hair was way better then mine - just couldnt
What I won't forgive is you now thinking they don't look cool ;D
90 % of the bands on the list that are actual 80s heavy metal bands look cool.
I'm speechless
No GWAR? I am disappoint :(
Metal Night at the Blue Oyster Bar
These guys are probably all Grandpas now...telling their grandkids about the good ol' days.
Most of the black and white face paints are Dimmu Borgir style, not KISS. Either fans or cover bands, or both.
I have one Polaroid picture, and I'm not posting it. -Dr. M, former guitarist
Well, I won't open the gallery where they look bad then...
I wonder what they feel now as they're looking at their photos... but yeah,..,, X Japan was a legend!
I grew up in the 80s, missed this period...gotta say, looks fun.
J-Rock band Buck-Tick in the 80's b15a3c987d...c4c01a.jpg
It would be so much cooler if all the photos showed actual bands, not some kids with makeup and parodies.
I know that fashion and expressing sexuality was different back then, but I would love to be a fly on the wall when conversations about clothes and costumes for photoshoots and shows happened. Like, they all agreed that those were the best options? bahahaha
New Romantics - etc etc
I feel like Steel Panther should be on this list. Though they are a comedy band and do it intentionally. Also The Black Satans. And most black metal actually. Black metal is always so serious that I often find it funny. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rviRs5PLqy4
This is what happens when you don't get your GED.
Time to pour bleach in my eyes.
Where did they go clothes shopping??
Never have I been embarrassed of being a metal fan. Until now.
Someone pass the eye bleach. What has been seen cannot be unseen.
Of course, the majority of these bands are completely unknown. But are still probably better than today's hit "music".
How do I unsee them?! *_*
My eyessss!! I cannot unsee this! But still rock on guys!
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These shots are producer's flaws, the bands are OK mostly.
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
Half of these arent bands. They are just costumes.
Too bad a lot of these didn't give the name of the band. I get the impression that some of these may have been bands that never made it far in their careers. And some come across as wannabees or Halloween costumes.
I sure do miss the good old days :)
I miss a picture of Twisted Sister
I'm traumatized!
Well, it's better thn most of fashion shows...
Why? It's hilarious!
This is EPIC
This is both astonishing and subliminal I love the message this sends to all the young cross dressers out there today. Thanks!
You are welcome - people can dress as they wish. Wether they look cool or ridiculous is entirely their choice
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
You act like a total faggot, TJ.
more homophobia? Your parents failed you
Usually men in a band back then had long hair
I've been married for over 20 years to a man who's been drumming for over 35 years so unfortunately, I know more of these bands than I care to admit.
Well. If it wasn't for Little Richard and Marc Bolan to lead the way, where would all those guys have been?
Marc Bolan - he was great
Where's GWAR? Oh that's right, they couldn't take an awkward photo because they were absolutely perfect (and from outer space)/
First time I have ever scrolled past everything just to comment. Saw the first few and really cringed so much I am dying. Trouble is, I thought they were cool then !!! Born 1955. Forgive me please.
Some of the guys werwe pretty hot though. Despite probably smelling of leather and baby oil. I seriously couldnt have gone out with a guy whos hair was way better then mine - just couldnt
What I won't forgive is you now thinking they don't look cool ;D
90 % of the bands on the list that are actual 80s heavy metal bands look cool.
I'm speechless
No GWAR? I am disappoint :(
Metal Night at the Blue Oyster Bar
These guys are probably all Grandpas now...telling their grandkids about the good ol' days.