Remembering 5 Overlooked Rock Bands Of The 1980’s

The 1980s was a vibrant decade for rock music, showcasing a diverse range of bands and sounds. While some groups soared to legendary status, many talented artists faded into obscurity. Despite their potential, these bands often struggled to gain the recognition they deserved.

Factors like shifting musical trends and changing audiences played a significant role in their decline. Some bands dealt with constant lineup changes, while others simply didn’t fit the mold of what was popular at the time. As a result, their unique contributions were overlooked and forgotten.

In this article, we’ll shine a light on five rock bands from the 1980s that deserve a second look. Their creativity and talent may have been lost in the shuffle, but their music still resonates today.

The Cure

The Cure, formed in 1976 in Crawley, West Sussex, is an iconic English rock band. Despite their long history, the group has experienced numerous lineup changes over the years.

Robert Smith remains the driving force behind the band as the vocalist, guitarist, and main songwriter. His enduring presence has shaped The Cure’s distinctive sound, allowing them to navigate the evolving music scene.

The Police

Formed in London in 1977, The Police quickly became a prominent English rock band. The core trio of Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland created a unique sound that captivated audiences.

Their most famous tracks, including “Message In A Bottle” and “Roxanne,” showcase their innovative blend of rock, reggae, and punk. The Police’s influence on music is undeniable, and their hits continue to resonate today.

Riot

Founded in 1975 in New York, Riot is a remarkable band that spans the spectrum from hard rock to thrash metal. They boast an impressive discography, with “ThunderSteel” often cited as a fan favorite and a key album that propelled them to fame.

Other notable releases include “Fire Down Under,” their debut “Rock City,” and “Narita.” Each album showcases the band’s evolution and solidifies their place in rock history.

Joy Division

Joy Division emerged as a groundbreaking English rock band in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Initially known as Warsaw, they rebranded and solidified their identity with a lineup that included singer Ian Curtis, guitarist and keyboardist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook, and drummer Stephen Morris.

The band’s innovative sound and poignant lyrics left an indelible mark on the post-punk movement. Despite their brief career, Joy Division’s influence continues to resonate, shaping countless artists and genres that followed.

Anvil

Anvil recently made a comeback to the spotlight, largely due to their 2009 documentary, The Story of Anvil. Despite their long career, they never quite achieved the fame they deserved, much like fellow Canadian band Annihilator, which may have influenced their recognition.

Their latest album, Juggernaut of Justice, released in May of this year, showcases the high quality fans have come to expect. Many consider it their best work since the iconic Metal on Metal, reaffirming their place in the metal scene.