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)
This post may include affiliate links.
Manowar
Motley Crue
Motörhead
Tunnel of love
Im picking up on some notes of w***y wonka with a hint of drugs and alcohol.
Judas Priest
Pretty Boy Floyd
Shotgun Messiah
The guitarist played on a few Tom Waits albums if I'm not mistaken. Pretty daft band, but they had some actually really good musicians.
They don't look convinced of their look. Had they done that, it would have been perfectly fine.
looks like the guy on the right with the chain hanging from his girdle peed in his mauve leotard. lovely.
I'm not even all the way through....and I'm dying... OMG...
Hey, let's rub our butts together, in case everyone missed the point the first time. XD
Boys will be boys! Can you imagine someone rocking this outfit in today's time?
That doesn't look the main reason of what it appear to be a look failure nowadays, have probably kept busy many people to get a sure winning look. At the time. Whatever time it was.
Load More Replies...
These are the same jackasses that are now staunch republicans against every LGTBQ civil American right to freedom. Oh the irony.
The same types of jackasses, is what I meant to say. I don't know if these dudes are even American or not. Lmao. But some of you will understand where I'm coming from, while others will still be lost. ~shrug~
Load More Replies...
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?
Load More Replies...
I just scrolled through a bunch of dudes having the absolute time of their lives. Rock on mates!
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
Load More Replies...
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?
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
Load More Replies...
90 % of the bands on the list that are actual 80s heavy metal bands look cool.
These guys are probably all Grandpas now...telling their grandkids about the good ol' days.
I have one Polaroid picture, and I'm not posting it. -Dr. M, former guitarist
I wonder what they feel now as they're looking at their photos... but yeah,..,, X Japan was a legend!
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
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
Of course, the majority of these bands are completely unknown. But are still probably better than today's hit "music".
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?
Load More Replies... I just scrolled through a bunch of dudes having the absolute time of their lives. Rock on mates!
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
Load More Replies... 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?
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
Load More Replies... 90 % of the bands on the list that are actual 80s heavy metal bands look cool.
These guys are probably all Grandpas now...telling their grandkids about the good ol' days.
I have one Polaroid picture, and I'm not posting it. -Dr. M, former guitarist
I wonder what they feel now as they're looking at their photos... but yeah,..,, X Japan was a legend!
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
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
Of course, the majority of these bands are completely unknown. But are still probably better than today's hit "music".
