Glam metal, also referred to as hair metal or pop metal, is a subgenre of heavy metal music that incorporates pop-influenced hooks, guitar riffs, upbeat rock anthems, and slow power ballads. It draws significant visual and stylistic influence from 1970s glam rock, incorporating fashion elements such as flashy clothing, makeup, and an androgynous aesthetic. The style is noted for replacing the traditional heavy metal attire of denim and leather with spandex, lace, and bright colors.
The genre emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United States, particularly on the Sunset Strip music scene in Los Angeles. It developed as a fusion of the theatricality and visual style of glam rock acts such as David Bowie, T. Rex, and New York Dolls with the heavier musical elements of artists like Alice Cooper and Kiss. Early glam metal bands included Mötley Crüe, Hanoi Rocks, Ratt, Quiet Riot, Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, and Dokken.
Glam metal achieved widespread commercial success between approximately 1982 and 1991, with bands such as Poison, Skid Row, Cinderella, and Warrant reaching mainstream prominence. However, the genre experienced a significant decline in popularity in the early to mid-1990s as grunge and alternative rock emerged, favoring a more stripped-down sound and image that contrasted with glam metal’s elaborate visual presentation. Many prominent acts of the 1980s disbanded or saw reduced popularity during this period.
Since the late 1990s, glam metal has experienced a resurgence, with successful reunion tours by bands from its 1980s peak and the emergence of new groups influenced by the genre. These include European bands such as the Darkness, Crashdïet, and Reckless Love, as well as American acts like Steel Panther and Black Veil Brides.
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