The Best 80s Rock Bands

We're ranking the greatest '80s rock bands throughout one of the world's most prolific decades of music. The 1980s spawned numerous Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and Grammy Award-winning supergroups across classic rock, new wave, glam metal, grunge, arena rock, thrash metal, soft rock, shred guitar, and punk music. From powerhouse hard rockers Metallica and Guns N' Roses to trailblazing legends Queen and Blondie, these 80's bands paved an unparalleled path for future rockstars while simultaneously defining this quintessential era of music. Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, and Bon Jovi set the precedent for hair metal, and pop rock duos Tears For Fears and Hall & Oates dominated the charts with their catchy songwriting and hypnotic vocals. San Francisco supergroup Journey continues to thrive with frontman Arnel Pineda reviving all of Steve Perry's iconic hit singles, and even the Red Hot Chili Peppers remain at the forefront of the industry with major festival headlining gigs and new music. 

Which of these rock groups deserve recognition as the greatest bands of the 1980s? Whose legacy should remain at the top? Vote below for your favorite 80s rock bands, and feel free to check out these musicians' discography pages afterwards if you'd like to discover more of their greatest records.