Rad History 19. Hair Metal (Part 1)
Dec 5, 2025
Dive into the vibrant world of 1980s hair metal, where power ballads reigned supreme. Discover the glam rock roots, tracing influences from legends like T-Rex and Alice Cooper. Uncover the underground scene that birthed icons like Van Halen and Motley Crue, showcasing their DIY spirit and wild antics on the Sunset Strip. Witness the genre's explosive rise with Quiet Riot's groundbreaking success and major labels scrambling to sign the hottest acts. Get ready for a nostalgic journey packed with theatrical flair and unforgettable battles for rock supremacy.
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Glam Roots Explained
- Hair metal evolved from 1970s glam rock, theatrical shock acts, and big melodic hooks.
- Those combined influences created a visual-first, singalong-driven hard rock ready for MTV-era success.
Van Halen's Local Impact
- Brian recounts Van Halen's 1977–78 Sunset Strip ascent led by David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen.
- Their flashy showmanship and Eddie's tapping technique inspired a generation of Strip musicians.
Underground Resilience
- Punk and new wave temporarily sidelined long-haired rockers, forcing metal underground.
- That pressure kept the scene scrappy and fostered a DIY ethic on the Sunset Strip.