7 Classic Rock Bands That Tried to Go Glam in the 80s and Failed

In the 1980s, the glam rock movement, characterized by flashy outfits and catchy tunes, gained popularity. Some classic rock bands from the 1970s attempted to adapt to this trend, but not all succeeded. Here are seven such bands that tried to embrace the glam style in the 80s but faced challenges.

1. The Rolling Stones

In the early 1980s, The Rolling Stones experimented with a glam-inspired image, notably with their 1983 album Undercover. The record featured a blend of disco, pop, and glam rock influences, a departure from their classic rock roots. The album received mixed reviews and alienated some long-time fans. Although it included the hit single “Undercover of the Night,” the overall reception led the band to return to their rock origins in subsequent releases.

2. Aerosmith

Aerosmith attempted to infuse glam rock elements into their music during the early 1980s, particularly with their 1985 album Done with Mirrors. The band adopted a more polished image and sound, aiming to align with the glam metal trend. Despite these efforts, the album failed to resonate with audiences, receiving lukewarm reviews and poor sales. This phase underscored the difficulties Aerosmith faced in reinventing themselves within the glam scene.

3. Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper, known for his shock rock persona in the 1970s, embraced glam rock influences in the early 1980s. His 1981 album Special Forces showcased a more glam-oriented sound and image. However, the album received mixed reviews, and its commercial performance was underwhelming. This period marked a challenging phase in Cooper’s career as he navigated the evolving music landscape.

4. Deep Purple

Deep Purple experimented with a more glam-influenced sound during the mid-1980s, particularly with their 1987 album The House of Blue Light. The band incorporated synthesizers and adopted a more polished production style. Despite these changes, the album received mixed reviews, and some fans felt it lacked the energy of their earlier work. This phase highlighted the difficulties Deep Purple faced in adapting to the glam rock trend.

5. Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath ventured into glam rock territory with their 1986 album Seventh Star. Originally intended as a solo project for guitarist Tony Iommi, the album featured a more melodic and polished sound, deviating from their heavy metal roots. The record received mixed reviews, and its commercial performance was modest. This period underscored the challenges Black Sabbath faced in aligning with the glam rock movement.

6. The Runaways

The Runaways, known for their hard rock sound in the 1970s, attempted to incorporate glam elements into their music during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their 1977 album Waitin’ for the Night showcased a shift towards a more polished, glam-inspired sound. However, the album received mixed reviews and failed to achieve significant commercial success. This period highlighted the band’s struggle to adapt to the changing musical landscape.

7. Mott the Hoople

Mott the Hoople, originally a hard rock band in the early 1970s, embraced the glam rock style in the mid-1970s with guidance from David Bowie. Their 1972 hit “All the Young Dudes” marked this transition. However, by the late 1970s and early 1980s, lineup changes and attempts to modernize their sound led to a decline in popularity. Their 1974 album The Hoople received mixed reviews, and subsequent releases failed to recapture their earlier success. This period underscored the challenges the band faced in sustaining their glam rock identity amidst changing musical trends.